Gimme Some Lovin’ (The Spencer Davis Group & Blues Brothers) Guitar Lesson with Backing Tracks + TAB

In this guitar lesson, we break down all sections of Gimme Some Lovin’, with TAB for both the original and the Blues Brothers cover. Play these riffs and integrate them into your band, but first, play along with the Backing Tracks!

Gimme Some Lovin’ | TAB

There’s no guitar to speak of here, so let’s work out how to play the main riffs so you can play this in your band, without keyboards.

Main riff

Here’s the primary riff. The first variation is more sparse:

For some lift, you can play an octave up:

Gimme Some Lovin' TAB, main riff idea 2.

Bridge

The bridge is simple, played on the beat through I – bIIIx – IV – bVIx. The minor-third chords add tension.

Chorus

The chorus has several approaches. Start by using the IV chord while keeping the root of I:

You can also move through intervals 5 – 6 – b7:

Finally, return back to the original position:

Use the chord chart and original recording to practice these riffs. Once confident, explore more variations along with the backing tracks.

When you feel comfortable, try the Blues Brothers version as well, more bands play it like this!

Gimme Some Lovin’ | TAB (Blues Brothers)

The main riff is simpler in the key of E, making it easier to play and sound better on guitar.

Main riff (Blues Brothers)

The organ riff is easier to adapt, and you can emphasise the b7 for more drive:

They vary the way the octave riff is played later on, hinting at the b7 more heavily. Although, I have to say, I’ve never heard a covers band actually do this!

The chorus sticks to the main riff—less variation than the original, though you could transpose previous ideas to this key.

Bridge

The bridge remains the same, but the E and G chords can now be played with more punch. Notice the muted 3rd string in the E chord, creating a power chord effect: