Music Lesson: "If the Shoe Fits" in A

Our next song is called "If the Shoe Fits," and it's in the key of A. We're getting out of the key of E. Finally! I know some of you are probably thinking, "Thank goodness!" But E is the most common key. The next most common key for acoustic blues playing would be A.

Why A?

• Sound: A has a nice, low sound.
• Open Strings: It also has three open strings that we can use:
  • A (I chord)
  • D (IV chord)
  • E (V chord)

A lot of times, the D is a little wimpy, so I do different things with it. I'll show you what I mean.

Let's Play

So, let's play a bit of "If the Shoe Fits," and I'll explain some of the concepts.

1. The Slide:

   • The first thing you notice is the slide, which is part of this A ninth chord.
   • I simplify it to look like a D seventh chord moved up three frets and up one string.
   • Start here, slide it up two frets, and back down.

   Tip:

   • When I slide, I aim for the fret to stop my movement, rather than looking for the middle. This helps avoid buzzing, so I glide right against the fret.

2. Chords and Bass:

   • In my playing, I do a lot of back and forth between chords and bass. This keeps the music lively and prevents it from becoming monotonous.

3. Transitioning to the D:

   • When going to the D, I discovered accidentally that by bringing this chord up five frets, it makes sense for moving to the IV chord:
     • I noticed that the open D was getting in the way, so I found the same three notes in a better position.

4. Playing the E:

   • When I play the E chord in the key of A, I often utilize a hammer and pull technique.
   • You can opt for just one hammer, but to get a couple out, it can be quite rewarding.

   Technique:

   • Think of going right through the string into the wood, as though "swinging through" as in golf. The key is to act like the string isn't there.

5. The D7:

   • On the D7, I sometimes don't fret the first string, just like with the B7 in the key of E. Sometimes I wrap my thumb over the top.

   • The bass is the F#.

   • Remember when I mentioned that the D was a bit wimpy? I prefer this method.

Improvisation

• I'll play through it a couple of times and then improvise a bit, going up the neck.
• Hear that little bend? Then back down with the D7.
• This time, we go to A seventh for a Robert Johnson feel, and then a diminished back to the A7.

Important Note:

• This is really just the seventh of the bar focusing on the three middle strings.
• Many of you who fingerpick realize that bar chords don't work well. As a professional, I save that for electric guitar or strumming.

Chord Movements

• Here's a quick recap of chord movements:
  • D7 right there.
  • C7 up to D, then E.

This C seventh position is very useful. You can move it down to C and up to D, then E.

Final Thoughts

• F is a bit tricky for me, but I do an F seventh, and then G, working up the neck.
• The goal is to use familiar first-position chords and move them up.

In this song, I'm using it for:

• E7
• D7

Remember: Whatever's easiest works best for me! If I learn an A7, I'll take that anywhere I can: B7, C7, D7, and E7.

Hope you enjoy "If the Shoe Fits!"