Disclaimer: Always support official publications. If you love the transcription, buy Hal Leonard’s "Wes Montgomery Omnibook." However, the community-driven "Version 13" is often shared for educational purposes.
Below is a playable transcription of the head (melody) in A minor. Use octaves for the main theme where indicated — Wes often plays the head in octaves.
The search for this "New" or updated PDF represents a desire for accuracy. Early internet tabs were notoriously inaccurate, often missing the subtle grace notes or the specific shell voicings Wes used. The "NEW" tag in the search query suggests a modern re-transcription, cleaned up by professional educators to finally get the nuances right.
Cmaj7 | G7 | Am7 | D7 e|---3---2---3---0---| B|---2---3---2---2---| G|---2---2---2---2---| D|---2---2---2---2---| A|---3---2---0---0---| E|---0---0---0---0---| Wes Montgomery Caravan Guitar Tab Pdf 13 -NEW
Week 2 — Technique & Tone
Fix: The PDF includes a fretboard diagram at the bottom of page 2 showing the exact hand position for the B-section. Save this as a screenshot.
Check the first page for the source recording date. The best versions match the 1965 Smokin’ at the Half Note with the Wynton Kelly Trio. Also, make sure the PDF includes at least 2–3 pages (the solo is ~3 choruses). Disclaimer: Always support official publications
To understand the tab, you must first understand the mechanic. Wes didn't use a pick. He played with the flesh of his thumb, a technique born of necessity (he wanted to practice late at night without waking his wife) that resulted in a warm, woody, and incredibly round tone.
Do not try to play it fast right away.Wes played this song at a very high speed.First, start with a metronome at a slow tempo.Second, memorize the chord changes.Third, practice the octave shapes until your hand feels relaxed. To help you get started, Rhythm Style C7 (altered) Latin Groove B Section Eb7 -> Ab7 Swing Feel Get Your Copy Today
[Insert link to PDF file]
This section focuses heavily on the C dominant seventh flat nine (
Note: For the best learning experience, look for a "13-new" or the most recent, highest-rated transcription, as earlier transcriptions may have errors in the fast bebop lines. Analysis of "Caravan" (The Tab Breakdown)