When talking about influential guitarists in the history of folk and blues music, one name stands out for her unique playing style and deep musical legacy—Elizabeth Cotten. From humble beginnings to legendary status, Cotten’s journey is as fascinating as her music. Her innovative approach to guitar playing, honed from childhood, still influences generations of musicians today. In this blog, we’ll explore the life and music of Elizabeth Cotten and her significant impact on the guitar world.
Who Was Elizabeth Cotten?
Born on January 5, 1893, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Elizabeth Cotten grew up in a modest African-American 
Cotten’s early life was marked by hard work and responsibility. By the age of 11, she had already bought her first guitar with money she earned from working as a housemaid. It was during this time that she wrote her most famous song, “Freight Train,” though she would not record it until decades later.
The Unique “Cotten Picking” Style
One of the most fascinating aspects of Elizabeth Cotten’s guitar playing is her distinctive picking style. Cotten was left-handed, but instead of restringing the guitar to accommodate this, she played a right-handed guitar upside down. This led her to develop a unique method of fingerpicking, where her thumb played the melody and her fingers handled the basslines—a technique that runs contrary to most traditional guitar styles.
This approach, now known as Cotten Picking, involves alternating basslines and melody in a way that gives her songs a smooth, rolling rhythm. It is a style admired by folk and blues guitarists and is studied by musicians who want to master fingerstyle guitar.
Her Musical Legacy: From “Freight Train” to the Smithsonian
Elizabeth Cotten’s most well-known song, Freight Train,” was written when she was only 11 years old. The song captures the melancholy and nostalgia associated with train travel in the early 20th century. Its simple yet haunting melody became a classic, covered by a variety of artists from different genres, including Joan Baez and Peter, Paul, and Mary. The timeless quality of “Freight Train” reflects Cotten’s gift for crafting deeply emotional music with minimal instrumentation.
However, Cotten’s rise to fame came relatively late in life. After decades of working as a domestic worker, Cotten’s musical talent was discovered by the Seeger family, whom she worked for as a housekeeper. They encouraged her to record her music, and in 1958, she released her debut album, *Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar*. The album brought her recognition, leading to performances at folk festivals and, eventually, a Grammy Award at the age of 90.
Why Elizabeth Cotten Is Essential to Guitar History
Elizabeth Cotten’s contribution to the guitar world cannot be overstated. Her unconventional playing style has influenced guitarists for generations, and her ability to express deep emotion through simple folk songs resonates to this day. Cotten’s music is an excellent reminder that true innovation often comes from working within limitations—in her case, a flipped guitar and a self-taught method that defied convention.
For aspiring guitarists, studying Elizabeth Cotten’s techniques can open up new ways of thinking about the instrument. Her style encourages a focus on rhythm and simplicity, allowing the guitarist to tell a story through their playing. If you are interested in exploring fingerstyle guitar, diving into Cotten’s discography is a must.
How Guitar Strings Affect Fingerstyle Playing
For those interested in mastering the fingerpicking style of Elizabeth Cotten, the type of guitar strings you choose can make a significant difference in your sound. Cotten’s style benefits from light to medium gauge strings, which offer a balanced tone between the basslines and the melody.
Light Gauge Strings
Easier on the fingers, these strings allow for fluid movement and are ideal for intricate fingerpicking patterns like Cotten’s. They produce a bright tone that complements the treble notes of a fingerstyle player.
Medium Gauge Strings
These strings provide a bit more resistance but offer a fuller, more resonant tone. They’re perfect for adding warmth and depth to the alternating basslines typical of Cotten Picking.
Choosing the right strings for fingerstyle playing can enhance your sound, making it easier to capture the nuances that define Cotten’s music.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Cotten remains a towering figure in the world of guitar, with a legacy that continues to inspire musicians across genres. Her innovative style, self-taught techniques, and ability to overcome the odds make her story one of the most compelling in the history of American music.
Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting, Elizabeth Cotten’s music serves as a masterclass in fingerpicking, simplicity, and storytelling. Take a moment to explore her songs, and don’t forget to pay attention to your guitar strings—they might just help you capture a little bit of that Cotten magic.
If you’re interested in learning more about guitar strings that suit fingerstyle playing or want advice on selecting the perfect strings for your instrument, check out our full range of guitar strings here.
