Level: 2
Tuning: Standard

Rev. Davis told me he heard this arrangement in 1905 from a passing musician named Porter Irving. Porter also played "Candyman". Both these tunes became very popular in the folk revival of the 1960s. "Cocaine Blues", as played by Rev. Davis, has been recorded by Bob Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, Jackson Brown and a host of other guitarists.

Rev. Davis called this way of playing "old fashion music". Only five first position chords are needed: C, C7, E7, F and G. But the trick to achieve the sound is in the fingering of the C chord. Rev. Davis fingered the C chord with his ring finger on the third fret/sixth string, middle finger on the second fret/fourth string and index finger on the first fret/second string. He never hits the C root note in the bass when playing the C phrases.

There are plenty of lyrics available for this version of "Cocaine Blues". The arrangement has a verse, chorus and instrumental break. Have fun learning this tune.