The transcriptions give extremely accurate, note for note representations in musical staff and tab format, from the original 78 recordings.

Some of the titles are hard going and difficult to get to grips with but I would recommend starting with those in open A tuning such as "Terraplane Blues" to anyone impatient to start playing from this treasure of a book.

I would totally recommend this book to anyone with an interest in The Blues whether they play guitar or not.

Does exactly what it says on the tin...
Review date: 2004-07-12 Rating: 10 out of 10

Like all the Hal Leonard "Recorded Guitar Versions" books I've seen, this is pretty much spot on- none of your simplified open-chord-only rubbish here, just accurate tabbing of the highest quality.
Therein lies the one possible reason you could have for not buying this book straight away (well, unless you don't like the blues... no, that'd be silly...), because the legend that this guy swapped his soul for his playing skills exists for a good reason- he was hot. Damn hot.
And this book isn't easy going. There's a nice little bit in the front telling you a bit about the book, its origins and importance, but after that, you're on your own. I thought I was an ok player, but I've been suitably cut down to size in just one morning and left with a bruised ego and sore fingers.
Despite this, there's a lot in this book that can benefit even novice players- inventive tunings, gorgeous obscure chords and perfect rhythms that, if nothing else, can be plucked out from the songs and used to widen your musical knowledge.
This is a great book, and deserves a place on the shelf of any guitarist worth their salt.
Just don't expect to have it nailed by midnight...

Excellent book!
Review date: 2003-12-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

If you play guitar, love the blues and have taken an interest in it's roots, then this book is a must buy. All 29 songs Robert Johnson ever recorded have been meticulously tabbed, and his (sometimes unique) tunings have been accurately "decoded". The book seems to go out of print sometimes, so if it's available, buy it now, you won't regret it!!!