I Don't know

by Sonny Boy Williamson II · posted by lost_turtle

How hard is it?

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How to read this tab — notation key

+: Blow note
−: Draw note
b or ': Half-step bend
bb or '': Two half-step bend
bbb or ''': Three half-step bend
(###): Chord — relevant hole numbers in parentheses
< or *: Push the button in (chromatic harmonica)

Full reference and posting tips in the tab guide.

Tab

&#8593;= blow note               *please let me know how
&#8595;= draw note                   to make this better
&#9837;= flatted note
harp key: C
position: 3rd

Intro: slide(quickly) from 4&#8595; to 5&#8595; while adding wah-wah's & tremolo's then from 5&#8595; to 4&#8595; & again 4&#8595; to 5&#8595;. don't forget to use hand & throat tremolo's. experiment to find out where he use one or the other or even both techniques.

Lyrics: 11:45 before it began to rain
        I heard someone say Sonny Boy.
        and I know that was my name
        (who called ya)
        I don't know

        I don't know

        But I'm trying to get in touch with my baby to find out why she disappointed me so

        I met the greyhound bus
        And I met the train
        she was on neither one
        I want to know what was to blame
        I don't know
        (you mean she didn't come in)
        I don't know

        But I'm trying to get in touch with my baby to find out why she disappointed me so

((-harp break is in the tonic-))

Lyrics: I received a special delivery'em
        I received a telegram
        Then she called me long distance
        she want to know
        Just where I am
        (for what?)
        I don't know

        Man I just don't know

        But I'm still trying to get in touch with my baby to find out why she disappointed me so

        thats right thats right

Harp Break: quickly slide 4&#8595; to 5&#8595; back to 4&#8595; with hand & throat tremolo, experiment w/tremolos. back to 5&#8595; hold, add tremolo. now go to 4&#8595; and cut it off quickly & do that three more times. now play 5&#8595; 4&#8595; 4&#8595; 4&#8595; 5&#8595; 5&#8593; 4&#8595; 3&#8593; 2&#8595;&#9837; 1&#8595; as a single flow, the three sets of four draw are cut off sharply just as above, add tremolo on one draw. to end the riff do 3&#8595;&#9837; w/tremolo then to 5&#8595; 5&#8593; 3&#8595; 4&#8595;.

Lyrics: I know she should have come be highway
        or either come by rail
        But she got my
        head in my hand
        wondering what to call her to feel
        (for what?)

        I don't know
        Man I just don't know

        I'm sittin wondering why
        my baby disappoint me so.

((-harp break is in the tonic-))

simplified
       5&#8595;  4&#8595; (hand & throat tremolo)
       5&#8595; (tremolo) 4&#8595;, 4&#8595;, 4&#8595;, 4&#8595;
                  all cut off sharply
       5&#8595; 4&#8595;, 4&#8595;, 4&#8595;, 5&#8595; 5&#8593;
       4&#8595; 3&#8593; 2&#8595;&#9837; 1&#8595;(tremolo)
       3&#8595;&#9837;(tremolo) 5&#8595;  5&#8593;  3&#8595;4&#8595;
remember to experiment with techniques to get the subtleties that can't be tabbed out.