Libba
Freight Train…
After learning to play the guitar upside AND backwards (she was left-handed), Elizabeth Cotten went on to write on of Blue’s most recognizable songs, Freight Train. But Elizabeth’s journey to musical success was hard and long.
…Run so fast!
L👀K
Freight Train
Libba performs at age 92!
Artist to Know
A little more about Cotten’s Life
“Cotten Picking” Style
A playing technique named for Elizabeth Cotten
Freight Train Cover
By one of my favorite musicians!
Listen 👂
Libba and Friends
After meeting the Seeger Family, Elizabeth once again found herself in a home filled with music.
Learn ✍️
Guitar Strings
Guitars have six strings. They can be made from steel, nickel, brass, bronze or nylon. Thicker strings are used for lower sounding notes and thin strings are used for higher sounding notes. You can change the pitch of each string by pinching it down on different places along the length of the guitar. (Watch this short video for a demonstration.)
Low String on the Guitar
Learn more about the strings from GuitarLessons.com!
high String on the Guitar
upside AND Backwards…
Elizabeth Cotten first learned to play the guitar by sneaking to play the one that belonged to her older brother. Because he was right handed and Libba was left-handed, she had to turn it around to be able to strum the guitar with her dominant hand. That meant the strings were now upside down too!
💡Did you know…
The guitar was invented in ancient Egypt approximately 3,500 years ago!
In this picture, you can see the pick guard at the top of her guitar, instead of the bottom.
Links to learning
🎶-Ruth Crawford Seeger: Song of America
🎶-Chappel Hill, North Carolina-Libba’s Hometown: Britannica Kids