|
Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/291043
schlange - Posted - 09/09/2014: 09:23:06
Key of D – aDADE
In this, Tunetorial number 16, by request, Dan "Clawdan" Levenson teaches Mississippi Sawyer. The tune is another one of the solid core of the old time fiddle and banjo repertoire. When you play in D you almost ALWAYS play this one at the jams. There are many variations on this one but it is one that is a must have in your banjo tune bag o' tricks.
In this tunetorial, Dan will play the tune at a moderate speed adding to it as he goes. He breaks down sections as we go. This one can be very basic or quite ornamental depending on how YOU want it to go. Remember though, when playing “nice” with others, there comes a point when your personal variations can make it not work with other versions. Odd chords and rhythmic textures can really throw off the jam. No matter, we even look at some of those! Dan deals with it all here in a progressive manner. Feel free to post any questions you have on it, remark on sections you would like clarified or things you might like added. Yes even the things you don’t like are fair game. It grows the tune and the community when you know what you like and don’t like as you build your own style.
This tune is tabbed out in Dan's book (tune 16 in) Old Time Favorites for Clawhammer Banjo (MB 30224). This one also appears in 3 versions (basic double thumb, drop thumb and “kitchen sink” jam versions) in Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch (MB 20190) for those of you wanting a real nuts and bolts break down of this one.
You can purchase the video lesson (for unlimited streaming and download) here on the Banjo Hangout for $6.
Dan and I would love to hear any feedback you have on these videos, so feel free to post or email us. Our goal here is provide a steady, affordable way for people to learn a new clawhammer tune weekly (or as often as they'd like).
It would be great to hear some of your versions so far so post them here for all to hear!
bornold - Posted - 09/09/2014: 09:51:22
I had a go at this tune a little while ago, I used some uppicking mixed in with clawhammer, similar to the method Pete Seeger used.
 VIDEO: Mississippi Sawyer Claw/up-picking banjo (click to view) |
Marc Nerenberg - Posted - 09/10/2014: 09:50:47
Here's a version I recorded in 1985 of Mississippi Sawyers, in Open C tuning (capoed up to D I think), in which I play a high harmony to the A part and a low harmony to the B part much of the time, and to which I have attached one stanza of lyrics that come from a children's skip rope rhyme. The fiddle, played by Michael Jerome Browne, pretty much sticks to the actual melody of Mississippi Sawyers. (The title reflects the lyrics that I added, not the melody).
 Zaida's Fancy Pants |
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
