Banjo Hangout Newest 100 Folk Songs

Chadwell's Station

GDJames — Fri, 22 May 2026 08:51:00 CST

Chadwell's Station played clawhammer, slow and with standard tuning tuned down to E. Learnt it from Cerddoriaeth Fynyddig/Mountain Music on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amGFMKUu_6g

Far and Wide - Ruth Moody

dbrooks — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:41:00 CST

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

Ripple

Garcia, Hunter — Fri, 6 Feb 2026 13:17:00 CST

Cavalry Intro - Mandolin Orange

dbrooks — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:49:00 CST

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

My Grandfather's Clock

BanjoFret12 — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:16:00 CST

I'm playing a Deering Calico banjo.

One Chance

bern21 — Fri, 8 Aug 2025 10:14:00 CST

Just another cry for peace.

Fengyang Flower Drum

Ho C Ying — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 20:38:00 CST

Chinese folk song played on my mini banjo.

Fengyang Flower Drum

Ho C Ying — Fri, 4 Apr 2025 08:17:00 CST

Folk Songs of Anhui Province, China.

Poor Wayfaring Stranger

mmuussiiccaall — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:42:00 CST

You Ain't Goin' Nowhere

mmuussiiccaall — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:12:00 CST

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

Green Gates

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:25:00 CST

I recording this song playing along with my own backing track that I made, which I've uploaded to the forum in various speeds for you. I used my Deering Calico banjo to record this tune. Enjoy!

Green Gates (key of G, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:22:00 CST

Green Gates (key of A, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 19:02:00 CST

I really like this song on the 5-string banjo, called "Green Gates." Dave Hum recorded it along with "Silver Spears" and even a burst of "The Traveller" in the middle (cool), but I just wanted a backing track for "Green Gates." It's an old popular Irish reel. Of the 115 backing tracks which Dave Hum's family has gratefully made available for purchase, Green Gates/Silver Spears is unfortunately not one of them. I am very thankful for the 115 backing tracks that I have. What a blessing! If you haven't purchased Dave's backing tracks and tabs yet, you're missing out. There's nothing available online that I would consider even close in quality. Dave's tracks aren't cluttered, like most of the other junk I've found online. I enjoyed making this backing track. Certain songs on the 5-string banjo have an addictive pattern of notes to play, and this is one of them. I can really get into this song. Other tunes (to mention but a few) that have addictive 5-string banjo patterns are "Chicken Reel," "Cumberland Gap" and "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." Dave recorded the song in the key of G, standard tuning. I like playing it in the key of A, so I have provided backing tracks for both keys. I hope you like it. Dave Hum's family has tabs for sale for "Green Gates" on their website.

Tam Lin (normal speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Tue, 8 Oct 2024 18:54:00 CST

Tam Lin (normal speed, key of G)

BanjoFret12 — Tue, 8 Oct 2024 18:51:00 CST

This is a great Irish reel to learn and play. Anurakt Scheepers has some nice tabs for this song. Dave Hum's family also sells Dave's tabs and original backing track for the song on their website. I used Dave's YouTube video as a template to make my backing track. I added a pulsating synthesizer like he uses, which is cool. I used MIDI for the bass, piano and drums. I also added a real audio drum loop to enhance the overall percussive sound. I humbly think the backing track came out nicely. Dave Hum plays the song in D minor (aDGBD). Anurakt plays it in standard tuning (gDGBD). Enjoy!

Speed The Plough (normal speed, key of G)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:54:00 CST

Speed The Plough (normal speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:50:00 CST

A Dave Hum classic. I enjoy playing this song. It's pretty easy to learn and play. If you didn't already know, you can go to "Settings" for any YouTube video and slow it down as much as you want, which is an invaluable tool to learn banjo parts.

Dunphy's Hornpipe

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:38:00 CST

I've uploaded tabs and backing tracks at various speed for this nice Irish jig.

Dunphy's Hornpipe (normal speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:30:00 CST

I uploaded tabs in the tab area. I wanted to make an original song that Dave Hum hadn't done. I found the Irish tune "Dunphy's Hornpipe" and liked it. So I made this backing track, Dave Hum style. It is a great jig to learn and play.

Dunphy's Hornpipe (normal speed, key of G)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:24:00 CST

I uploaded tabs in the tab area.

Humours Of Glendart (normal speed, key of G)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:17:00 CST

Humours Of Glendart (normal speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:14:00 CST

A popular Irish jig. You can hear Dave Hum play this song on YouTube. Dave plays this song in combination with Connaughtman's Rambles, but I just wanted to play the first song by itself, so I made a backing track for it. Enjoy!

Timour The Tartar (normal speed, key of G)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:09:00 CST

Timour The Tartar (slower speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:07:00 CST

Timour The Tartar (normal speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Mon, 7 Oct 2024 21:06:00 CST

I used Dave Hum's recording on YouTube as a template to make my backing track. I love playing this tune on the 5-string banjo.

Arkansas Traveller (Deering Golden Era)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 22:04:00 CST

I recorded this song using a Deering Golden Era banjo. I'm using Dave Hum's backing track, which you can purchase on his website. Enjoy!

Golden Slippers (Deering Golden Wreath)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 22:02:00 CST

I recorded this song using a Deering Golden Wreath banjo. I'm using Dave Hum's backing track, which you can purchase on his website. Enjoy!

Mason's Apron (Deering Golden Era)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 22:00:00 CST

I recorded this song using a Deering Golden Era banjo. I'm using Dave Hum's backing track, which you can purchase on his website. This is one of my favorite songs to play.

My Grandfather's Clock (Deering Calico)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:58:00 CST

I recorded this song using a Deering Calico banjo. I love my Calico, it has more resonance than any banjo I've played so far. It might be too thin and bright for recording, for some musicians. I personally think Deering's Golden Era series is best for recording, but for just picking I love the Calico! I'm using Dave Hum's backing track, which you can purchase on his website. Enjoy!

My Grandfather's Clock (Deering Golden Era)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:52:00 CST

I recorded this using a Deering Golden Era banjo. I love this song. I'm using Dave Hum's backing track, which you can purchase on his website. Enjoy!

My Grandfather's Clock (Deering Golden Wreath)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:50:00 CST

I recorded this song using my new Deering Golden Wreath banjo. I am very happy with my purchase. It has a mahogany neck. I'm using Dave Hum's backing track, which you can purchase on his website. Enjoy!

Old Spinning Wheel (Deering Golden Era)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:47:00 CST

I recorded this using a Deering Golden Era. It has a maple neck. The banjo had a buzzing issue on string one when doing pull offs. I bought it from Fuller's Guitar in Houston. So I sent it back for a refund, but it has a beautiful song. I really like Deering's 06 tone ring. I ordered the Deering Golden Wreath instead (which has a mahogany neck), which I like better. The Golden Wreath is Deering's replica of Gibson's RB 250 banjo. I'm using Dave Hum's backing track, which you can purchase on his website. Enjoy!

Old Spinning Wheel (Deering Goodtime Special)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:43:00 CST

I recorded this using my Deering Goodtime Special banjo. For $1,099 it was one of the best deals I've ever purchased. I love that banjo! It doesn't have a truss rod and doesn't need one, because the Goodtime Special is solid maple. It does have a tone ring. It is 9.5 pounds, which is easier for me to play longer when writing tabs or working on a song. For the price, you can't beat the feel and sound. The intonation is very accurate. I really enjoy playing it. I'm using Dave Hum's backing track, which you can purchase on his website. Enjoy!

Behind The Haystack/ The Setting Sun (key of A, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:28:00 CST

Behind The Haystack/ The Setting Sun (key of A, faster speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:27:00 CST

Behind The Haystack/ The Setting Sun (key of A, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:27:00 CST

Behind The Haystack/ The Setting Sun (key of A, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:25:00 CST

This is one of my favorite song mixes by Dave Hum, "Behind The Haystack & The Setting Sun." They are both fun songs to play, especially The Setting Sun. Dave's family has tablature available for both of these songs and 39 more at their website. They also have this original backing track made and used by Dave. My tracks are inferior to Dave's. He's a constant inspiration for me to do better. I used Dave's recording as a template for my backing track. The song is done in standard tuning in the Kay of A. Use a capo on the second fret, and also on the 7th fret for the 5th string. Tablature for both songs is available on Dave Hum's website for purchase. Enjoy!

Smoke Behind The Clouds (key of G, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:15:00 CST

Smoke Behind The Clouds (key of G, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:14:00 CST

Smoke Behind The Clouds (key of G, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:14:00 CST

Smoke Behind The Clouds (key of G, faster speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:11:00 CST

Smoke Behind The Clouds (key of G, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:11:00 CST

This was a simple straightforward backing track to make. I used Dave Hum's performance of "Smoke Behind The Clouds" as a template. The song is all done with MIDI with MixCraft. It is done in standard tuning, Key of G. Enjoy!

St. Anne's Reel (key of G, faster speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:08:00 CST

St. Anne's Reel (key of G, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:07:00 CST

St. Anne's Reel (key of G, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:07:00 CST

St. Anne's Reel (key of G, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:06:00 CST

St. Anne's Reel (key of G, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:05:00 CST

I found this melodic song, ?Saint Anne's Reel,? which sounds nice on the 5-string banjo. It is done in Standard Tuning, in the Key of G. Despite its popular association with Ireland, St. Anne?s Reel is actually of French-Canadian origin. The inspiration for the 1929 tune comes from a quaint French village named Baie Sainte Anne, situated on St. Anne?s Bay, near the mouth of Miramichi Bay in New Brunswick.

The Traveller (key of A, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:02:00 CST

The Traveller (key of A, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:01:00 CST

The Traveller (key of A, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:01:00 CST

The Traveller (key of A, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:59:00 CST

The Traveller (key of G, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:59:00 CST

The Traveller (key of G, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:56:00 CST

The Traveller (key of G, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:56:00 CST

The Traveller (key of G, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:49:00 CST

Here is a traditional Irish reel that I learned from Dave Hum called, 'The Traveller.' It is also known as, 'Walker Street.' I used his recording on YouTube as a template to make this backing track. Dave plays it in standard tuning in the key of A (capo 2nd fret, and 7th fret of fifth string), but I have also made backing tracks in the keys of A and G for your preference. I posted some tabs for this song on the forum. I tabbed the entire first half of the song as Dave Hum played it. The second half pretty much just repeats everything. Enjoy!

Flying Cloud Cotillion (key of A, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:29:00 CST

Flying Cloud Cotillion (key of A, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:28:00 CST

Flying Cloud Cotillion (key of A, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:28:00 CST

Flying Cloud Cotillion (key of A, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:27:00 CST

Flying Cloud Cotillion (key of G, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:26:00 CST

Flying Cloud Cotillion (key of G, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:25:00 CST

Flying Cloud Cotillion (key of G, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:25:00 CST

Flying Cloud Cotillion (key of G, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:24:00 CST

This is a really great song that Dave Hum recorded. It is called "Flying Cloud Cotillion" or "Flying Clouds." I love all the melodic playing in this tune, and I think you will too. When I first heard the song it seemed complicated, but in fact this is an easy song to learn and play. I used Dave's song as a template to make this backing track. I made it in both the keys of A and G for your preference, but Dave plays it in G. It is standard tuning.

Devils Dream (key of A, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:11:00 CST

Devils Dream (key of A, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:09:00 CST

Devils Dream (key of A, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:06:00 CST

Devils Dream (key of A, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:04:00 CST

Devils Dream (key of G, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:02:00 CST

Devils Dream (key of G, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:01:00 CST

Devils Dream (key of G, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:57:00 CST

Dave Hum recorded a beautiful hybrid of two different songs: 'Devil's Dream and Blackberry Blossom.' Although I love playing both songs together, sometimes I just enjoy playing Devil's Dream by itself. So, I have made a backing track just for Devil's Dream. I made backing tracks in the keys of both A and G for your preference.

Cold Frosty Morning (key of G, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:35:00 CST

Cold Frosty Morning (key of A, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:32:00 CST

I made this extra slow track for those like me who like to learn slow. Remember, the key to learning to play fast is to play slow, so you can learn the song note for note.

Cold Frosty Morning (key of A, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:28:00 CST

Cold Frosty Morning (key of A, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:27:00 CST

Cold Frosty Morning (key of A, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:26:00 CST

Cold Frosty Morning (key of G, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:25:00 CST

Cold Frosty Morning (key of G, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:24:00 CST

Cold Frosty Morning (key of G, normal)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:22:00 CST

This song, "Cold Frosty Morning," is a traditional Irish/American reel. The song is also known as, "Frosty Morn." My favorite banjo artist Dave Hum recorded this song using the Sawmill Tuning (gDGCD), which is a minor chord tuning. For the second fret that would be (aEADE). I have made backing tracks for you with varying tempos, in both Keys of G and A. Dave plays the song in A, using a capo on the 2nd fret, and a 5th string capo on the 7th fret. Enjoy!

Sailor's Hornpipe (key of A, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:20:00 CST

Sailor's Hornpipe (key of A, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:19:00 CST

Sailor's Hornpipe (key of A, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:18:00 CST

Sailor's Hornpipe (key of A, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:17:00 CST

Sailor's Hornpipe (key of G, woodshed speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:16:00 CST

Sailor's Hornpipe (key of G, slow speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:15:00 CST

Sailor's Hornpipe (key of G, slower speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:14:00 CST

Sailor's Hornpipe (key of G, normal speed)

BanjoFret12 — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:07:00 CST

I used Dave Hum's YouTube recording as a template to make this backing track. I used MIDI for bass, drums and piano. I played an actual Cajon box for some real percussion. I tried to replicate Dave's backing track as close as I could. I am pleased with the result. I used MixCraft Pro Studio to make all my backing tracks, which comes with 5,000 real audio loops. I recorded the Cajon box using a Shure 57 microphone into my USB Scarlett Solo Interface. Enjoy!

Off To California (slow speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 18:57:00 CST

Off To California (slower speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 18:56:00 CST

Off To California (normal speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 18:55:00 CST

I used Dave Hum's YouTube video as a template to make this backing track. I hope you enjoy it. You'll need a capo on fret 2, and also on fret 7 of the fifth string.

Tobin's Jig (slow speed, key of D)

BanjoFret12 — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 18:37:00 CST

Tobin's Jig (normal speed, key of D)

BanjoFret12 — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 18:36:00 CST

Dave Hum plays this song in the Double C Tuning. I used his YouTube video as a template to make this backing track. Dave uses a capo on fret 2, making it the key of D. Also, capo the fifth string at the 7th fret. I have also uploaded some tabs for the song, to be helpful. It's a fun song to learn and play. Enjoy!

Golden Slippers (slow speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 18:30:00 CST

Golden Slippers (normal speed, key of A)

BanjoFret12 — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 18:25:00 CST

Golden Slippers (slow speed, key of G)

BanjoFret12 — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 18:24:00 CST

Little Sadie

stanley_ — Thu, 1 Aug 2024 08:35:00 CST

Quick recording with my Zoom H2n handy recorder. I'm at home with a bad flu, so I'm a little congested. Recorded with my Gold Tone WL-250 in Sawmill tuning (gDGCD).