Johnny B Goode

This has to be one of Mr. Berry’s best known songs. Hundreds of artists have covered this song and all put their own spin on it; I suspect because to try and exactly imitate the original sound and style of playing would be nigh on impossible. AC/DC, Motorhead, The Who, The Rolling Stones and even The Sex Pistols have performed their own versions.
The opening guitar riff for Johnny B. Goode is actually plagiarised (virtually note for note) from the opening solo on Louis Jordan’s Ain’t That Just like a Woman which was released in 1946, played by guitarist Carl Hogan.
That still doesn’t take away the great way Chuck Berry plays the song with his distinctive slides, hammer-ons and pull offs. The great clean simplistic sound of his original opening will always live forever, no matter how many covers are recorded. One great thing about learning this intro is that it can be played in any key you like without detracting from the melody line that is played. Yet another reason why this is such a popular classic for bands to play – always goes down well at weddings, parties, pubs and bars………so best start by learning the intro as soon as possible.
Interestingly, Chuck Berry has written 3 more songs involving the character Johnny B. Goode, Bye Bye Johnny, Go Go Go, and Johnny B. Blues. He also titled an album, and the nearly 19 min instrumental title track from it, as Concerto in B. Goode.

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Each Riff Includes Step By Step Videos, Tabs and Backing Tracks

Learn to play this Riff and Jam with our included backing tracks. And all the teaching and Jam session videos can either be viewed online, or downloaded to your PC.

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Tags: Andy Partridge, BandJammer, Chuck Berry, Guitar Riffs, Johnny B Goode, Learn Guitar