Difficulty: Easy – Intermediate
The song is meant to be played on a 12-string, but you can still play it on your standard acoustic. Also note that there are a few times that you would technically need an electric for the lead guitar, but again you can play this song using only your acoustic. You just may have to alter a few tiny techniques to make it work. (Such as the tremolo dive, a FEW harmonics, etc.)
You’ll be repeating this 8 measure chord progression throughout the entire song.
The basic chord progression is G, B, C, Cm, but we’ll throw in a couple of suspended chords with the B and C chords that really add color. During the chorus, it’s played a bit differently, but the underlying chord progression stays the same.
This riff is in 4/4 time except for the 2nd measure in which we switch to 2/4 time (only 2 beats).
Notice that the 4th measure mirrors the 1st measure, but with the addition of bends. This is a typical Jeff Beckism. It may be tricky to get it to sound right because it relies on precise bending.
“Boom Boom” is written and performed by John Lee Hooker.
In the original recording, either the guitar is tuned up a half step or a capo is used on the 1st fret, in effect transposing the song to the key of F.
It’s in standard 4/4 time and is performed at about 157 beats per minute.
This backing track for “Boom Boom”. It’s in the key of E, so you can play along as it is tabbed out above with having to use a capo or retune.
Download the full transcription:
boom boom (PDF)
