"Sweet Home Chicago" is one of the most beloved blues standards, with countless artists putting their spin on the song.
Robert Johnson first recorded the song in 1936 but for many bassists, the definitive version comes from The Blues Brothers performance featuring the great Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass.
His groove anchors the band, blending blues authenticity with a rhythmic foundation and a melodic grooving bass line.
In this bass tutorial, we’ll dive into Dunn’s remarkable bass work on this track, explore some of his other iconic bass lines, and break down the chord progression and form of "Sweet Home Chicago."
Don’t forget to grab the free PDF with the first chorus and some essential shapes to help you lock in the groove (scroll down).
If you're into this style of playing, check out my course:
What Makes Sweet Home Chicago the MOST EPIC Blues Song Ever [Donald "Duck" Dunn]
Form and Chord Progression of "Sweet Home Chicago"
"Sweet Home Chicago" follows a classic 12-bar blues progression, which is a staple in blues music. It's in the key of E.
This progression is repeated throughout the song, allowing for improvisation and variations in the bass line. With Duck Dunn’s version, there’s a smoothness and subtlety to his playing, as he uses different shapes and positions on the fretboard to create movement.
Who Was Donald "Duck" Dunn?
Donald "Duck" Dunn was one of the most influential bassists in American music, known for his work as part of Booker T. & the M.G.'s and his countless contributions to the Memphis soul sound. His playing was always solid, supportive, and full of groove.
Some of his most iconic bass lines include:
- "Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding: Smooth and relaxed, perfect for the song’s laid-back vibe.
- "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave: A tight, rhythmic line that defined Southern soul.
- "Respect" by Aretha Franklin: Dunn’s bass gives this track its unstoppable energy.
- "Time Is Tight" by Booker T. & the M.G.'s: An instrumental classic where the bass line drives the track forward.
- "Hold On, I'm Comin'" by Sam & Dave: Another example of Dunn’s ability to blend groove with melody, locking in with the drums perfectly.
Duck Dunn's style was rooted in simplicity, yet his playing added depth and character to every track he touched, making him a cornerstone of rhythm and blues.
Sweet Home Chicago - The Blues Brothers // Donald "Duck" Dunn
Here's the version from the film. It's awesome! Listen out for the intricacies in Duck's playing as well as the way he improvises around the 12 bar form.
I have plenty more bass line lessons on this site and you'll find some of them below.
