How To Play Love In Vain Acoustic Style by Robert Johnson

Love In Vain Acoustic - A Typical Robert Johnson Song Lesson

Love in Vain is in the key of A and follows Johnson's approach in this key. It's been said that if you can play one song in A of johnson's, you can play them all, and there's quite some truth in this.

Of course, when we develop a particular liking for a style or certain riff, it does tend to appear again and again, whenever we use that key. Johnson, like all of us, tried to disguise it with tempo changes and minor embellishments.

Without a doubt, it was his intensely emotional vocals which had the most impact. 

Love In Vain chord structure is not too difficult, basically being A, D7 and E7,

but he does use some interesting inversions probably learned from other blues men he encountered along the way, such as Son House. He starts off with a D7 shape high up on the neck and proceeds to run down before changing to a long basic A shape, which he uses to continue the run down, ending in a standard E/E7 shape before starting to sing.

The first two lines are sung over a long A and D7 chord. After each line of verse, Johnson generally moves up the fretboard to play something a little more complex, which is more interesting for the listener instead of vamping away on the standard A bar boogie type thing.

GENERALLY, HIS GUITAR PICKING IS SIMPLER AS HE SINGS, 

but it's also true that his voice seemed to be completely independent of his guitar. this is rare and can only be done by someone who has completely mastered his instrument - tink ary Davis, Big Bill Broonzy, Willie McTell, Blind Blake.

Although this blues song follows a standard format, it does contain riffs not found in other songs of that time. The famous run down on the middle strings using the A shape is an example of this. You can either play it with a bar, or by just holding down the high E string on the 5th fret, but it the same thing.

USUALLY, JOHNSON WOULD INCLUDE A COUPLE OF INSTRUMENTAL BREAKS IN BETWEEN CERTAIN VERSES, 

to build tension, add variety for the audience and keep it interesting! He simply used high inversions for the D7 and A chords and improvised around the treble strings finger picking. Throughout it all, his thumb maintains that steady monotonic bass beat we all know and love - enjoy!

When I first encountered Robert Johnson's version, I was struck by its raw emotion and simplicity. This song has become a cornerstone in my guitar teaching repertoire. It captures the essence of heartache, with Johnson lamenting that his "love's in vain." The content of the lyrics, centered around a departing train at a station, resonates deeply with listeners.

The Rolling Stones famously covered this song on their album "Let It Bleed." Their version brought Johnson's work to a wider audience, with Mick Jagger's vocals and Keith Richards' guitar work adding a new dimension to the original. The Stones recorded it at Olympic Sound Studios, a location steeped in rock history.

Keith Richards once said about the song, "We changed the arrangement quite a lot from Robert Johnson's. We put in extra chords that aren't there on the Robert Johnson version." This adaptation showcases the Stones' ability to reinterpret blues classics.

The original recording of was released on the Vocalion label in 1939. Johnson's version is a masterclass in Delta blues, with his haunting vocals and intricate guitar work painting a picture of love lost.

Key Elements of the Song

• Lyrics focusing on themes of love and loss
• Use of train imagery as a metaphor for separation
• Simple yet effective chord progression

Comparison: Original vs. Rolling Stones Version

The Rolling Stones' interpretation has become almost as iconic as the original. Their live performances, which can be found in various concert videos, showcase how the band evolved the song over time.

It's worth noting that the copyright status of Johnson's songs was a subject of legal dispute. The data surrounding early blues recordings can be complex, with issues of advertising and ownership often unclear.

As a guitar teacher, I encourage students to study both versions of the song. Each offers valuable insights into blues technique and interpretation. Whether you prefer Johnson's raw, emotional delivery or the Stones' more polished take, "Love in Vain" remains a powerful exploration of heartbreak and loss.

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