Expert: George Armstrong - 11/21/2008

Question
Hello, I was wondering if you knew anything about Otis Taylor's Nasty Letter, specifically if it's in an altered tuning. I am trying to learn this song by ear as I can't find any tabs beyond the intro, which is only in standard and I don't think the song is. Thanks.

Answer
Hello Michael,

Yes, it's an altered tuning. I suggest it's standard tuning, but with the low E tuned to "D". Use open tuning, no capo. Use a heavy palm mute. I asked my brother John, who is more of an acoustic artist. He suggested it was D tuning, he called it "Lute" tuning, as was used by Fleetwood Mac on World Turning. On some of the recordings, there is viola playing some of the moving voice behind the guitar. Unless you are Ry Cooder or Leo Kottke, it's tough to play those notes along with the guitar.

I missed Otis, although I was at the 2008 Blues festival. You must be talented to attempt this song. The D tuning I suggested fits well with slide, that's why I use it sometimes. Most of the picking of this song appears to be on the D,G,B, and E strings. I'll work with it a bit later to see if I can suggest anything further. My brother also suggested a large body acoustic will more accurately produce the sound needed. Thank you for such a challenging technical question! Regards, George