How to Play Guitar Like Mississippi John Hurt

Mississippi John Hurt's guitar playing seems to defy the laws of rhythm and melody. His unique fingerpicking style, tender vocals, and heartfelt songs have left a lasting legacy in the folk and blues world. If you want to emulate his style, prepare for a journey through soulful melodies, intricate fingerpicking, and a touch of personal expression. Let's unravel the secrets of playing like this legendary musician.

Getting Acquainted with John Hurt's Style

Mississippi John Hurt's guitar style is a blend of simplicity and complexity. At first listen, his music might sound straightforward, but delve a bit deeper, and you'll find a world of subtle intricacies. His playing is characterized by a steady bass line played with the thumb and a syncopated melody picked with the fingers. This creates a rich, textured sound that's both soothing and engaging.

His style falls under what's known as "Piedmont fingerpicking," a technique that combines a steady bass with intricate treble picking. It's a method that requires dexterity and a keen sense of timing. Hurt's melodies often have a conversational quality, as if he's telling a story through the strings. The key to capturing his essence is to maintain a steady rhythm while allowing the melody to flow naturally.

Fingerpicking Basics: Thumb Independence

One of the cornerstones of Hurt's playing is his thumb technique. To play like him, you must develop thumb independence. This means training your thumb to keep a steady beat, often mimicking the role of a bass player, while your fingers take care of the melody and harmony.

Start with a simple exercise:

• Choose a basic chord, like a C major.
• Use your thumb to pluck the fifth string (A string) steadily, keeping a consistent rhythm.
• With your other fingers, try picking the higher strings in a simple pattern.

As you become comfortable, experiment with different patterns and rhythms. The goal is to maintain that thumb-driven bass line while your fingers dance around, creating the melody. This technique is at the heart of many of Hurt's most famous songs, such as "Candy Man" and "Spike Driver Blues."

Embracing Syncopation

Syncopation is another vital aspect of Hurt's playing. It involves placing emphasis on normally unaccented beats, giving his music a lively, unpredictable feel. This technique can be challenging at first, but it's essential for capturing the essence of his style.

To practice syncopation:

• Begin by tapping a steady beat with your foot.
• Play a simple melody, but try to emphasize the off-beats (the beats in between your foot taps).
• Experiment with different rhythms, occasionally dropping or adding notes to keep things interesting.

Syncopation adds a conversational quality to your playing, making it feel spontaneous and dynamic. It's one of the reasons Hurt's music continues to captivate listeners, even decades after his passing.

The Importance of the Melody

In Mississippi John Hurt's music, the melody is king. His songs often have a singable quality, with the guitar echoing or complementing his vocal lines. To capture this, focus on bringing out the melody in your playing.

When practicing a song, start by identifying the main melodic line. Play it slowly, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Once you have the melody under your fingers, try incorporating it into the context of the full song. The aim is to weave the melody seamlessly into the fabric of the rhythm and harmony.

If you're finding it challenging to balance the melody with the rhythm, try isolating the melody and playing it without accompaniment. This will help you understand its structure and nuances, making it easier to integrate into the full arrangement.

Understanding Hurt's Chord Voicings

While some of Hurt's chord choices are relatively straightforward, he often used unique voicings to add color and depth to his music. His chord progressions frequently feature embellishments like hammer-ons and pull-offs, adding a dynamic touch to even the simplest chords.

Let's break down a chord progression from one of his songs:

• Start with a basic G chord. Try hammering on the A string while keeping the rest of the chord steady.
• Move to a C chord, and experiment with lifting your index finger off the B string to create a sus2 chord.
• For a D chord, try adding a hammer-on on the high E string.

These small embellishments can make a world of difference, giving your playing a more authentic Hurt-like sound. They add character and a touch of personal expression to each chord.

Practicing with Purpose

To play like Mississippi John Hurt, it's crucial to practice with intention. This means setting specific goals for each practice session and focusing on areas that need improvement. Whether it's mastering a tricky fingerpicking pattern or perfecting a melody, having a clear objective will keep you motivated and on track.

Consider creating a practice schedule to help structure your sessions. Break down your practice into sections, such as warm-ups, new material, and review. This will ensure you cover all the necessary elements and prevent your practice from feeling aimless.

At Riffhard, we emphasize the importance of structured practice. Our instructors provide detailed lessons and practice routines that cater to various skill levels, helping you progress efficiently and effectively.

Listening and Learning from the Master

Listening to Mississippi John Hurt's recordings is an invaluable part of learning his style. Pay attention to the nuances in his playing, such as his use of dynamics, phrasing, and timing. These subtleties are what make his music so captivating and unique.

Try to emulate these elements in your own playing. As you listen, ask yourself questions like, "How does he vary the dynamics in this passage?" or "What makes this phrase feel so conversational?" By analyzing his recordings, you'll gain insight into his musical choices and develop a deeper understanding of his style.

Additionally, watching videos of Hurt performing can provide visual cues that may not be obvious in audio recordings. Observing his hand movements and finger placements can offer valuable insight into his technique.

Connecting with the Music Emotionally

Mississippi John Hurt's music is deeply emotional, often conveying themes of love, loss, and longing. To play like him, it's important to connect with the music on an emotional level. This means going beyond the technical aspects and tapping into the feelings and stories behind the songs.

Consider the lyrics and the emotions they convey. How can you express these emotions through your playing? Perhaps it's through the dynamics, the phrasing, or the subtle nuances in your touch. The key is to let the music speak through you, allowing your own emotions to shape the performance.

At Riffhard, we believe that music is more than just notes and rhythms; it's a form of expression. Our lessons encourage students to explore the emotional aspects of their playing, helping them develop a personal connection to the music.

Patience and Persistence

Learning to play like Mississippi John Hurt is no small feat. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the learning process. Don't be discouraged if progress feels slow at times. Remember, even the most accomplished musicians started as beginners.

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. It's all part of the journey. With consistent practice and a genuine love for the music, you'll gradually develop the skills and confidence to play with Hurt's signature style.

At Riffhard, we support students every step of the way, providing resources and guidance to help them overcome challenges and reach their musical goals.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar like Mississippi John Hurt involves more than just technique; it's about capturing the soul and spirit of his music. By focusing on fingerpicking, melody, and emotional expression, you can develop a style that resonates with his timeless legacy. At Riffhard, we're here to support your musical journey with lessons from the world's best metal guitarists, helping you refine your skills and explore new musical horizons.