Lockdown Licks no. 399.
“The Claw” by Jerry Reed.
Intro style licks.
This instrumental was released in 1967.
Played on an SC500 into a NUX M8 amp set to clean with slight reverb.
Jerry Reed’s unique guitar playing style was influenced by Merle Travis and Earl Scruggs; this style was nicknamed the “claw”, due to the appearance of Reed’s hand as he played. Reed’s guitar playing also showed the influence of the blues. He was also influenced by comedians, saying that he admired them as much as musicians. Reed’s vocal performances on some of his singles were also described as a prototype to rap vocals.
For me songs such as Guitar Man,(with which Elvis had a big hit) Jerry’s Breakdown, Eastbound & Down & The Claw show his mastery of performance, writing & guitar playing.
His lack of ego & sense of humour were also notable for such a huge star.