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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/308012
ChuckHenry - Posted - 08/22/2015: 07:08:01
Hi,
I'm working on Summertime, and I'm learning it in A minor. Which I believe is the original key that it was written in.
I was listening to Pete Seeger on the Bowdoin college recording and trying to play along. He doesn't sound like he is playing in A minor. It sounds like it may be in E minor, but I'm not sure.
Does anyone know what key Pete Seeger is playing Summertime in on that album?
Edited by - raharris on 08/22/2015 11:08:08
raharris - Posted - 08/22/2015: 11:10:49
Interesting question! I've hooked it up to the Pete Seeger's Music group and have moved it from the Music Theory forum to Playing Advice -- both changes will improve your chances of getting a good answer. Cheers --
SteveMurtha - Posted - 08/23/2015: 10:23:30
If it's this version:youtube.com/watch?v=MBDKOXyP_DE
it's in C# minor, which is only practical on Pete's longneck, without major re-tuning.
minstrelmike - Posted - 08/23/2015: 10:31:58
I play summertime out of Am (Am Dm Em E C chords).
For C#minor, capo 4 and play Am position to play along. It just won't be the same fingerings.
ChuckHenry - Posted - 08/23/2015: 18:26:42
Thanks for the responses! I appreciate the insight. I'll stick with Am!
reese158 - Posted - 08/24/2015: 05:24:59
You don't need a longneck to play it like Pete. Use standard C tuning (Pete's go-to) gCGBD, capo up one, and play a Cm chord. With that fourth string tuned down, you can get the bass lines that Pete plays.
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