Got My Mojo Working – The Ultimate Blues Jam Guide
If you hang around blues jams long enough, someone is going to call Got My Mojo Working by Muddy Waters.
And when they do, you’d better be ready.
This song is a Chicago blues classic and one of the most played jam session tunes of all time. It’s loud, it swings, it’s repetitive in the best way, and it gives everyone space to shine.
Here’s everything you need to jam it with confidence.
Why This Song Is a Jam Standard
It’s a straight-up 12 bar blues
Easy chords
Big call-and-response vocals
Endless solo space
High energy
It works for beginners and pros. That’s why it never dies at open mics.
The Chords (Usually in E)
Most jams play it in E.
Standard 12 bar blues:
E7 | E7 | E7 | E7
A7 | A7 | E7 | E7
B7 | A7 | E7 | B7
Sometimes there’s a quick change to A7 in bar two. Just listen to the bandleader.
If you know a 12 bar blues in E, you already know this song.
The Feel (This Is Everything)
Shuffle, train beat or swing; it’s all about the feel.
Drummers: lock that beat in.
Bass players: keep it steady and driving.
Guitar players: don’t overplay. Groove first.
Guitar Tips
Rhythm:
Use dominant 7th chords.
Keep it tight and percussive.
Leave space between vocal lines.
Lead:
E minor pentatonic works all day.
Add the blues note.
Repeat phrases and build energy.
Don’t shred — tell a story.
This song rewards feel more than flash.
How to Structure It at a Jam
Simple winning formula:
Intro (2 bars)
Vocal chorus
Guitar solo
Harp or keys solo
Maybe trade 4s with drums
Big final chorus
Strong ending hit
Make eye contact. Signal the changes. Lead with confidence. Use a call-back with the audience if you can!
The Magic Ingredient: Dynamics
Here’s how you make it memorable:
Drop the band down behind a vocal line.
Bring it back louder each chorus.
Use stop-time before a solo.
Stretch the last turnaround.
The song is simple. The dynamics make it powerful.
Why It Always Works
Because it’s built on the backbone of blues: groove, repetition, attitude, and space.
If your shuffle is solid and your solos are honest, this tune will always land.
Next time someone calls it in E…
Count it off strong.
Lock into the shuffle.
And let your mojo work.
Lyrics
Got my mojo workin', but it just won't work on you
Got my mojo workin', but it just won't work on you
I wanna love you so bad, I don't know what to do
Going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
Going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm gonna have all you women, getcha under my command
Got my mojo workin'
Got my mojo workin'
Got my mojo workin'
Got my mojo workin'
Got my mojo workin', but it just won't work on you
I got a gypsy woman givin' me advice
I got a gypsy woman givin' me advice
I got a whole lot of tricks keepin' here on ice
