Level: 2/3
Tuning: Standard

Big Bill Broonzy recorded this in 1932. Although known to the world as a great blues singer, Big Bill was capable of playing anything for anybody. Bill was surely a great blues singer, with a laconic and sometimes ‘hollering’ singing style but with a skill in playing his guitar that leaves those of us that try to emulate him open mouthed at his dexterity and virtuosity.

Bill was also a great flatpicker. His 1930s picking partner Frank Brasswell, was well known as a flatpicker and probably influenced Big Bill’s playing in the style. How You Want It Done was recorded separately by both Bill and Frank. It is a driving arrangement on the key of G. Woody has transcribed the playing behind the vocal and the guitar break. Pete Seeger filmed Big Bill Broonzy playing How You Want It Done at the Circle Pines Camp in Western Michigan during the summer of 1957, just a year before Bill’s death.