Seven Come Eleven

The recording

Recorded at Columbia Studios in New York City on November 22, 1939 with Benny Goodman’s sextet. Christian’s single‑note solos are captured on a Gibson ES‑150 fed through a Gibson EH‑150 amp, giving a warm, clean tone that cuts through the horn section. The rhythm section provides a swing feel at ~234 bpm, while the guitar sits forward in the mix, emphasizing the melodic line.

Tuning Standard (E A D G B E)

Reported gear

1930s Gibson ES-150

Guitar

Christian’s trademark Gibson ES‑150 archtop electric guitar was used on the 1939 recording, delivering his signature warm, single‑coil tone.

1930s Gibson EH-150

Amp

The ES‑150 was run through a Gibson EH‑150 combo amp, providing a clean, mid‑range‑rich tone that sits prominently in the swing mix.

Alternatives

Epiphone ES‑150

Still made · for the 1930s Gibson ES-150

$1,200 to $1,500

Fender Blues Junior

Modern equivalent · for the 1930s Gibson EH-150

$500 to $600

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Use a light pick and play with a clean attack to emulate Christian’s articulate single‑note lines.
2. 2.Position the pickup near the neck to capture the warm, rounded tone of the ES‑150.
3. 3.Apply subtle, rhythmic vibrato on sustained notes to add swing phrasing.
4. 4.Focus on melodic voice leading and use the lower register for smooth chord‑melody passages.