Rev Gary Davis - Candyman Chords

Reverend Gary Davis (born on April 30, 1896 in South Carolina -- he died on May 5, 1972 in New Jersey) was an incredible blues guitar player who was an expert in the way of playing generally referred to as Piedmont, which is ragtime blues style. A fine example of his mastery is the way he syncopates the Candy Man chords, a very simple chord progression.

Even within the generic term ‘ragtime’ guitar, there are other categories, like piano style ragtime finger picking and of course ragtime blues guitar.

The ragtime blues technique was born because guitarists tried to emulate the joyous dancing music of that piano technique created by Scott Joplin et al. Guitar players in those times were fascinated by the alternating bass patterns and general rhythmic feel.

In South Carolina; when Davis was a young man, the acknowledged guitar master was Blind Willie Walker, who played incredibly accurate and very fast, much like Blind Blake.

Davis picked up several tunes up from Walker, including Cincinatti Flow Drag and Make Belief Stunt. This meeting was probably crucial to the development of Davis’ style, no doubt expanding his skills and repertoire.

By his own admission, Davis ‘was scared o’ no guitarist’ by the time he was 30 years old.  Even though an expert in the ragtime guitar style, he could truly play in any style and in any key with equal skill.

After he became ordained as a minister, he refused to play the old blues, and favored gospel songs relating the word of the Lord.

He also had many part songs in his song list. Musicians at that time played on the street, parties, and any where where they could get a few coins, a bed or a meal.

It was essential that they varied their playing and offer music that appealed to a wide range of audiences.

Candyman Rev Gary Davis

In the video below, Jim demonstrates some Gary Davis techniques in the key of C.