August 25 Challenge – Manfred M – Catfish Blues

[Manfred M]

Hey my AM friends,

when I watched Brian’s video announcing the August Challenge and he mentioned that a one chord entry will be also possible,
I immediately thought of a fingerstyle version of “Catfish Blues” that I put together some time ago based on ideas from David Hamburger, but didn’t pursue at the time.

So this was a good opportunity to pick it up again and present it to you as my contribution to this challenge.

The piece is composed of a vamp, the theme, a short improv and a shout chorus and shows in my opinion that sometimes one chord is enough for a good blues.

Btw this is the first time I only needed one first take for my video. I was probably still carried and inspired by the spirit of our AM Zoom Meetup two days before.

I hope you like my “Catfish Blues” and as always I look forward to your comments and especially to all your contributions to this challenge.

Best wishes to you all!
Manfred

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup is expected to take place in November 2025

There will be a detailed announcement here in the forum in good time.

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[cloughie]

Thanks fo rthat I enjoyed jamming along to the nice steady beat and the cool bluesy vibe.

Be kind to yourself (especially when you're trying to play this instrument!)
Brian Clough

“Got a lotta sinful ideas but they seem kinda sensible” Jim Casy the ex-preacher in The Grapes Of Wrath

[Richard G]

My very favourite acoustic blues style Manfred. You captured the very essence of this authentic guitar style so well and a good choice for this month.

Richard

[charjo]

Hypnotizing, Manfred, in the style of Muddy and Jimi. So authentic but you forgot ther blues hat!
Congrats on the first take, a milestone for sure.
John

[Bill]

Great dead thumb! Kept that beat rolling along. Between this Catfish Blues and Jenny’s Potato song, I’m hungry for more!

[Catherine Arsenault]

Totally love your playing nice Catfish Blues got my feet tapping 😊😊😊😊

[Werner]

Wow, Manfred, . Not only did you deliver an excellent song that fits the challenge perfectly, but you also performed it outstandingly. It’s great how you keep the beat with your thumb

Da hast Du einen rausgehauen!!!! Perfekt!

Viele Grüße – all the best

Werner

[James W]

Love the fingerstyle on this. Nice performance.

[Jennifer D]

Hmmm love this Manfred! Really cool!

[Michael L]

Hi Manfred, you nailed the style on this one! Great thumping bass and some tasty blues lines. Very enjoyable, and isn’t a one-take session so nice!? Rare, but certainly noteworthy. Congrats!

[AndréM]

Yeah you got the blues bro.
Very nice playing.
Nice KOA.

AndréM

AndréM

[Scott M]

Rock solid thumb anchoring your fantastic rendition of this front porch classic.
Bravo Manfred!

[James B]

Top notch performance, Manfred. Love this style of guitar blues and you played it authentic with a great tone. Well done indeed.

James

[JoeD1]

I liked your Catfish Blues very much Manfred! Congrats on doing it in 1 take!

Joe

The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
--Graeme Edge

[Alan L]

Fantastic! Great technique, steady groove, catchy melody riffs. Bravo 👏

[Tremelow]

Excellent Manfred! What else can I say. Only that I really envy your sense of rhythm. Steady as a clock. And the sound through your mic is great.

[Paul S.]

Great tone to go along with that powerful finger-picking beat. It felt like something I would expect to hear on a front porch overlooking the bayou in Louisiana. Nicely done!

(I was sort of expecting you to break out into a wailing song at any moment, then I realized that might not be the best idea.)

[sunjamr]

I am a longtime fan of one-chord blues, and this is one of the best. Well played, Manfred!

Sunjamr Steve

[JoLa]

Ahh, simply amazing, Manfred! Not only you pulled it off in one take but your playing and tone were outstanding, just perfect for this one chord thumb heavy blues! I’m a big fan of one chord vamps like that, maybe Catfish Blues should be my near future project as well? That’s a great song to keep in your repertoire, in case someone asks “play something!”, isn’t it?

🎸JoLa

[Martin W]

Hi Manfred , that’s a cool sounding one chord blues , the groove is intoxicating, it’s one I bet you could play all day and just add licks by the plenty, I love the simplicity of this style ,
You play it so well .

Martin

[John H]

Manfred,
This is played wonderfully/masterfully. You cut a smooth groove. So much packed into just one chord. You done good, so mesmerizing and captivating. Love your tone.

John

[Juxi]

Hammergeil, Manfred. To do this in one take is very, very impressive. 😊👍🏽
Grüße in die Pfalz.

Bluesige Grüße
Juxi

[Dieter]

Fine blues picking.

Dieter

[Reuben B]

Nicely done Manfred, can’t help but tapping my foot over your groovy one chord blues. Indeed, one chord is all you need as you demonstrate it masterly.

[Author]

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