BO DIDDLEY – Guitar Lesson

Ellas Bates, better known as Bo Diddley, passed away in 2008, but his hard-edged guitar riffs have lived on and will continue to influence the heart of Rock and Roll. "Bo Diddley", the song, was released in March of 1955 and became a #1 R&B hit! Here's your Bo Diddley guitar lesson!

 

E  A/E 4x

E                            A       E   E  A/E
Bo Diddley bought his babe a diamond ring,
E               A          E    E  A/E
If that diamond ring don't shine,
E                     A       E  E  A/E
He gonna take it to a private eye,
E                   A     E  E  A/E
If that private eye can't see
E                        A         E  E  A/E
He'd better not take the ring from me.

E  A/E 4x

E                   A     E   E  A/E
Bo Diddley caught a nanny goat,
   E                      A      E   E  A/E
To make his pretty baby a Sunday coat,
E                   A    E  E  A/E
Bo Diddley caught a bear cat,
   E                      A      E  E  A/E
To make his pretty baby a Sunday hat.

E  A/E 4x

E                         A         E    E  A/E
Mojo come to my house, ya black cat bone,
E             A        E   E  A/E
Take my baby away from home,
E              A        E  E  A/E
Ugly ole mojo, where ya bin,
E                  A     E   E  A/E
Up your house, and gone again.

E                      A        E    E  A/E
Bo Diddley, Bo Diddley have you heard?
E                   A          E     E  A/E
My pretty baby said she wasn't for it.

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Terry December 28, 2011 at 3:48 PM

I got it!!!!  Once I figured out to dampen both "E" strings and palm mute, I found sonic bliss out of my Sheraton and proceeded to get both the verse and chorus.  It'll take me awhile to get the transition back up to the open e major, but that'll just take some practice.  An awesome lesson that gave me a more mature sound.  Perfect for pushing my techniques up another notch!!!  Thanks!!!

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admin December 28, 2011 at 3:57 PM

Good for you Terry!

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Doug Niles May 23, 2012 at 5:18 AM

I remember learning this back in the 70's and hadn't used it for 30 years.Thanks for jogging my memory.As usual a great lesson.Thanks.
Regards
Doug

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PK Khobdeh June 2, 2012 at 5:35 AM

Man Mace,
 
That is an awesome lesson, I can wait to start working on it.  Once again, THANK YOU

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admin June 2, 2012 at 5:38 AM

You’re welcome PK!

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Mike Poteete October 11, 2012 at 6:26 PM

What a great site! You have shown me more in a half hour than I thought possible. You have a great style and an easy manner that makes it fun for me to hang in there. Thanks for doing this. You have got me excited again about playing guitar. Plus you have all my favorite songs and riffs. 

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admin October 18, 2012 at 9:17 AM

Thanks so much Mike!

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joey ysla December 2, 2012 at 11:19 PM

that's great mace! another addition to my collection of classic guitar songs.
More power!!!

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erdogan December 24, 2012 at 7:24 AM

thanks very much for the lesson have a merry Christmas and a new year ,.

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Ron Richards April 14, 2013 at 10:54 AM

Thank you very much Jackson. Love these lessons and the fact you are able to share with us all. Best Wishes Ron in the UK.

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