Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/23/2006
- Download from banjobluegrass.free.fr
Genre: Bluegrass Style: 4-String (Tenor/Plectrum) Key: G Tuning: Tenor G (DGdg) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Mirek Tim Patek, updated: 2/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Rawhide Creek, updated: 7/4/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Not exactly the way Ralph Stanley played it, but an accessible and enjoyable way to get acquainted with a great, familiar tune. It's in the key of G Dorian, so there is one flat (Bb) in the key signature rather than the more conventional one sharp (F#).
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Rawhide Creek, updated: 7/11/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: A really easy way to break into "Sawmill" tuning (2d string raised to C) and have a nice tune to play. Nothing fancy here, just an accessible, good-sounding song. The key is actually G Dorian, so there is one flat (Bb) in the key signature rather than the more conventional one sharp (F#).
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by BTS, updated: 5/1/2016
Download: PDF | PDF | GUITAR-PRO 5
Notes: This is wonderful version of Clinch Mountain Backstep from the playing of John Apfelthaler. Visit John's BHO page to the video of him playing it. It starts with a down the neck arrangement, followed by melodic and up the neck arrangements, and closes out with two more down the neck arrangements. It is packed from one end to the other with interesting licks and ideas, but remains true to the original tune.
I think this tab is very close to a fret for fret transcription. But be aware of one point. The fourth bar of the B section of Clinch Mountain backstep changes time signature to 6/4. When tabbing I couldn't get that to work with John's melodic arrangement. I contacted John who was kind enough to tell me that in his enthusiasm he had played through that part in 4/4. He was also kind enough to advise me how to correct the small error. So the tab won't quite match John's playing at that point in the tune. So follow the tab - particularly if you're playing it with other musicians.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Yohansen, updated: 11/10/2018
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by egoldfinger, updated: 6/29/2019 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: This is my best cut at a note for note transcription of Ralph Stanley playing this tune. It's my first time publishing here on Banjo Hangout so great to finally give something back after all I have gotten from the site! Note that Ralph uses a hammer-on for open string which is designated here as a bracketed note.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Lefty5string, updated: 2/27/2020 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: The popular Stanley bluegrass song in a clawhammer arrangement. Slides, hammer ons, pull offs but no drop thumb. Variations in A and B parts. Note this song has an extra beat of D in the B part if you are unfamiliar with it. Capo 2 for fiddle in A.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by littleton, updated: 10/24/2021
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by littleton, updated: 10/24/2021
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: G Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by stratovarious520, updated: 2/5/2023 - 2 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: A little deviation from the norm. Raising the 2nd to C facilitates the lower register licks, and the droning C makes a nice ambient effect.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by corcoran, updated: 9/24/2025
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by heronhawk, updated: 6/25/2016
Download: JPEG | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Sawmill capo 2 (aEADE), clawhammer, Recording King RK-OT25, RIP Ralph Stanley
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by BTS, updated: 8/16/2016
Download: PDF | GUITAR-PRO 5
Notes: This is a down the neck variation for Clinch Mountain Backstep inspired by John Apfelthaler's up the neck arrangement which I posted previously.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Unknown/None Chosen Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by bandzo, updated: 5/29/2011 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: As played by Ralph Stanley -- 1971",
transcribed and TablEdited by Jim Crowley {All Tabs}
Modified and Edited by Jack R. Baker (2003).
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by seanray, updated: 1/17/2026
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: Backup Tab for "The Session Book" - seanray.com
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Studebaker Hawk, updated: 8/29/2009
Download: PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is the version McEuen played on the old Nitty Gritty Dird Band recording "Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy". Standard G tuning, capo at the second fret.
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