Song Rig

Born in Chicago

Mike Bloomfield · The Paul Butterfield Blues Band · 1965

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

The debut Butterfield Blues Band recording and one of the first Chicago electric blues tracks recorded by white musicians — Bloomfield captures the Muddy Waters and B.B. King influence precisely, using the Les Paul's sustain for the slow, deliberate single-note lines that define Chicago blues lead playing.

Signal Chain

1Gibson Les Paul Standard (1964)
2Fender Super Reverb 4×10

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume5

Bass6

Mid8

Treble7

Reverb3

Chicago blues amp setting — mid-heavy, moderately driven. The Fender Super Reverb's 4×10 speakers provide a slightly brighter, more cutting character than a 12-inch speaker cabinet.

Technique

How to Play It

Chicago blues single-note lead style — Bloomfield plays in the tradition of B.B. King and Otis Rush: dramatic string bends to specific pitches, immediate vibrato on arrival, then release and rest. Each phrase is shaped like a vocal melody.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Les Paul → Fender Super Reverb or Blues Deluxe → medium gain → practice the Chicago blues note-targeting approach: choose a pitch destination before bending to it, arrive accurately, apply vibrato immediately, then rest before the next phrase.

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