The “Excello” sound, or as we call it, “Swamp Blues,” is a unique combination of sounds. It is an adaptation of Luisiana-style blues, but adds elements of Cajun music and zydeco. This rhythmic, yet chilled out genre made its rise to popularity in the ’50s and ’60s with iconic players like Lazy Lester, Slim Harpo, and Lightnin’ Slim at the forefront.
In his course, Take 5: Swamp Blues, Mike Zito gives you tone tips, historical context, and most importantly, technique tips and approaches to authentically performing this unique style.
Here are three video swamp blues
Swamp Blues Guitar Lesson – Level 5 Overview
Download the tab & notation for this swamp blues guitar lesson
The more difficult performance study I have for you today is based on a track by the great modern swamp blues artist Tab Benoit. This is reminiscent of his song “Fever for the Bayou”.
Swamp Blues Guitar Lesson – Level 5 Performance
Download the tab & notation for this swamp blues guitar lesson
Here, I’ll perform this swamp blues for you up to speed so you can get a feel for how it sounds at tempo.
Swamp Blues Guitar Lesson – Level 5 Breakdown
Download the tab & notation for this swamp blues guitar lesson
For this one, we’re in the key of E. This is based on Tab Benoit’s “Fever for the Bayou”. What I like about it is that it has a Cajun beat and utilizes accordion licks on the
Digging these free video swamp blues