Charlie Patton
Charlie Patton (1887/1891 - 1934) - In his book Delta Blues, author Ted Gioia calls Charlie Patton "the founder" of the modern blues. Patton was, along with Blind Blake, among the most advanced guitarists of the country blues genre. Patton's tunes are played in a variety of styles and tunings. Many of his songs include unique rhythmic and melodic devices - such as slapping or tapping the guitar as he plays.
Patton played songs in Open G tuning as well as standard tuning. He was a masterful bottleneck guitarists as evidenced in songs like Spoonful Blues, Tom Rushen Blues, and Mississippi Bo Weevil. If you are interested in learning Patton's styles of playing I highly recommend the new video by guitarist Tom Feldman -- the Guitar of Charlie Patton.
My Favorite Charlie Patton Songs
(1) Spoonful Blues (Open D)
(2) Screamin' & Hollerin' (Open G)
(3) Green River Blues (Standard)
(4) Tom Rushen Blues (Open G)
(5) Down The Dirt Road (Standard)
(6) Mississippi Bo Weevil (Open G)
(7) Shake It and Break It (Standard)
(8) High Water Everywhere (Open G)
(9) Pea Vine Blues (Open G)
(10) Poor Me (Standard)