“Messin’ With The Kid” is an iconic blues track by the legendary harmonica player and vocalist Junior Wells. Known for his powerful harmonica playing and energetic performances, Junior Wells is considered one of the key figures in Chicago blues. This song, released in the early 1960s, has become one of his signature tracks, showcasing his raw talent and charismatic style.
The song is a staple in the blues genre, with a lively tempo and catchy rhythm that makes it a favourite among blues musicians and fans alike. It has been covered by numerous artists, including prominent blues musicians like Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters, with whom Wells frequently collaborated.
The live performance of Messin’ With The Kid at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1974 remains one of the most memorable renditions. This version was captured on the DVD Muddy Waters – Messin' with the Blues, featuring a stellar lineup of blues legends. The Montreux performance highlights Junior Wells' dynamic stage presence, his interplay with the band, and his mastery of the harmonica, creating an electric atmosphere for the audience.
Musically, the song is driven by a classic 12-bar blues structure with a playful, swinging rhythm. The lyrics revolve around the idea of a mischievous young person causing trouble, but it’s presented in a lighthearted and humorous way. Wells' gritty voice and rhythmic phrasing give the song its unique character, and his harmonica solo is a standout feature, offering a glimpse into his prowess as one of the finest blues harmonica players of his time.
One of the interesting aspects of Messin’ With The Kid is its influence on traditional and modern blues. The song’s energy, simple yet effective chord progressions, and infectious melody have made it a favourite for live performances and jam sessions, ensuring its lasting presence in blues music history.
To learn and master this blues guitar track, you’re in the right place! Mike Dugan’s detailed guidance on Messin’ With The Kid makes learning enjoyable for all guitar lovers wanting to play Messin’ With The Kid on guitar.
To play the Messin’ With The Kid on the guitar most used chords are:
- B
- A
- E
Watch this guitar lesson and follow the instructions to learn the Messin’ With The Kid guitar chords and master the chord transition techniques for playing Messin’ With The Kid on guitar.
The lesson for the Messin’ With The Kid has the following sections:
- Intro, Riff, and Chord Progressions
- Verse and Chorus
- Advanced Rhythm
The Messin’ With The Kid guitar tutorial makes learning this song easy and simple by breaking the song into smaller parts with technical insights for playing this track.
Check out the Messin’ With The Kid Guitar Chords to play the Messin’ With The Kid song on guitar.
If you enjoyed this Messin’ With The Kid guitar lesson, you can explore the guitar lessons on songs like 1000 Eyes and 18 and Life.
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