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Ram Jam - Black Betty - Guitar Tab

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Ram Jam - Black Betty - Guitar Tab

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Key E minor
Ram Jam - Black Betty guitar tab video
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Classic Rock

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Ram Jam album cover
Ram Jam
1977 4:00
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Ram Jam Rock 1977 E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

Black Betty

"Black Betty" by Ram Jam is a hard-driving rock track built on a raw, repetitive riff that traces its roots to African-American work song tradition, with early recordings predating Lead Belly's well-known adaptation. Ram Jam's electric guitar-led version transforms that folk material into a high-energy workout centered on a memorable main riff and aggressive rhythm playing. It remains a popular choice for guitarists looking to practice power chords, rhythmic precision, and blues-influenced rock technique.

  • The song's core riff is rhythm-focused and repetitive, making it excellent for building right-hand consistency and pick attack control.
  • "Black Betty" originates as a 20th-century African-American work song, giving Ram Jam's rock arrangement deep roots in American folk tradition.
  • The track is credited to Ram Jam but draws on material recorded by James 'Iron Head' Baker and Moses 'Clear Rock' Platt before Lead Belly.

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