Song Rig
The Sky Is Crying
Elmore James · The Sky Is Crying (single) · 1960
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
A more refined, emotionally devastating slow blues — Elmore's tone by 1960 had mellowed slightly compared to the raw 1951 recordings, with a rounder attack and more sustain. This became one of the most covered blues songs, and its tone is the template for the slow blues slide guitar ballad sound.
Signal Chain
- 1Silvertone or Airline Electric Guitar (single-coil pickup)
- 2Fender Tremolux or small Fender combo
- 3Steel slide
Amp Settings
Warmer than Dust My Broom — the slightly higher bass content and slower phrasing suit a less aggressive tone. Subtle spring reverb from the Fender amp adds emotional space between phrases.
Technique
How to Play It
Slow, deliberate vibrato on each held slide note — the emotional impact comes from how long Elmore holds and shapes each note before moving. Wide vibrato with maximum sustain.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Any electric guitar in open E tuning + steel or glass slide → Fender Blues Junior or Princeton → Boss BD-2 Blues Driver for slight breakup → short spring reverb.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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