“Coolidge Rising”

The printed music for “Coolidge Rising” is sold as an individual transcription.

Kottke’s seminal recording, 6- and 12-String Guitar, released by Takoma Records at the end of 1969, was a fresh admixture of dazzling technique and expressive depth. Altogether, the compositions sketched out a new landscape for the future of finger-style guitar.

With a tempo bordering on the speed of light, the last cut on the LP, “Coolidge Rising,” has a visceral impact – like a jet flying close overhead. In concert today, Kottke performs new variations on “Coolidge Rising.”

This transcription corresponds to the original audio recording of “Coolidge Rising” on Leo Kottke/6- and 12-String Guitar. On this recording, Kottke is playing a Gibson B-45 12-string guitar in dropped D tuning, tuned approximately four half-steps low. The resultant pitches are Bb2Bb1 F3F2 Bb3Bb2 Eb4Eb3 G3G3 C4C4.