Ybanjo - Posted - 12/30/2020:  09:57:40

I learned Rocky Top in the key of G, like most folks, I guess. My band wants to play it in the key of D, for the guy that will be singing. I don't like the sound of capo on 7th fret, so I'm trying to figure out a different direction to take this. I don't know the song in key of C, and not sure I want to learn it there, so that isn't my first choice. I can usually figure out a song in different keys, but this one has me a little puzzled. I can't find a way to get a good intro walk-up that the song needs (in key of D). Just wondering if maybe a different tuning would open up some possibilities?? I'm open to suggestions. I know it isn't that big a problem, but it's got me stumped for now.

banjoy - Posted - 12/30/2020:  10:52:20

Here ya go. I just tabbed this out for you, an intro in the Key of D, standard G tuning.



I hope this helps.

Edited by - banjoy on 12/30/2020 10:56:58

Rocky Top Intro in D ~ G tuning

 

Ira Gitlin - Posted - 12/30/2020:  10:59:38

Since the lowest note of the melody is the root, you could also work it out an octave lower. The note on the first downbeat ("Wish...") would be A (3rd string, 2nd fret) and the lowest note would be D (open 4th string).

Ybanjo - Posted - 12/30/2020:  11:06:07

quote:

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Originally posted by banjoy

Here ya go. I just tabbed this out for you, an intro in the Key of D, standard G tuning.



I hope this helps.

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Whoa!  That looks really interesting!  I'll give it a shot tonight.  Not near a banjo right now.  Thanks.

Ybanjo - Posted - 12/30/2020:  11:08:02

quote:

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Originally posted by Ira Gitlin

Since the lowest note of the melody is the root, you could also work it out an octave lower. The note on the first downbeat ("Wish...") would be A (3rd string, 2nd fret) and the lowest note would be D (open 4th string).

---

I actually have a Gold Tone "Missing Link" banjo, tuned to open C.  I thought about capo up and play it one octave lower.  I don't think that would sound so great on banjo however.  Would probably sound good if played by myself, but with other instruments, might be a little bassy and quiet.

banjoy - Posted - 12/30/2020:  11:09:12

quote:

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Originally posted by Ybanjo

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjoy

Here ya go. I just tabbed this out for you, an intro in the Key of D, standard G tuning.



I hope this helps.

---

Whoa!  That looks really interesting!  I'll give it a shot tonight.  Not near a banjo right now.  Thanks.

---

If you have TablEdit, then respond to the email I sent you and I'll reply with the .tef file attached so you can hear how it sounds.

banjoy - Posted - 12/30/2020:  14:00:48

I whipped out that first pdf real fast and now that a few hours has passed, I re-envisioned the intro, this version is more true to the melody line and a little easier on the right hand.

Give this version a try too ... and .tef emailed to you separately.

I hope this helps. This is a fun tune to play in D using open G tuning, it's not too bad at all really.

Rocky Top intro in D, G tuning, Version 2

 

overhere - Posted - 12/31/2020:  04:08:07

just in case....chords transposed are, D G A Bm C.....melody is on lower strings 4 3 ....I use an open 3 and a quick hammer  on to start it all

Edited by - overhere on 12/31/2020 04:09:50

banjoy - Posted - 12/31/2020:  05:43:19

Well, I guess you can tell I have been bored lately, and this thread piqued my interest and gave me something to do LOL.

While overhere was posting the chord changes above, I was throwing together this quick-and-dirty video, some very VERY basic ideas on picking this tune in the Key of D, stuff just off the top of my head. I'm sure other pickers here can run circles around me and come up with more interesting and intricate stuff, but in a pinch this gets the job done in D.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!

VIDEO: "Rocky Top" ~ Simple banjo ideas in Key of D, open G tuning
(click to view)

 

Ira Gitlin - Posted - 12/31/2020:  07:26:15

quote:

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Originally posted by Ybanjo

quote:

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Originally posted by Ira Gitlin

Since the lowest note of the melody is the root, you could also work it out an octave lower. The note on the first downbeat ("Wish...") would be A (3rd string, 2nd fret) and the lowest note would be D (open 4th string).

---

I actually have a Gold Tone "Missing Link" banjo, tuned to open C.  I thought about capo up and play it one octave lower.  I don't think that would sound so great on banjo however.  Would probably sound good if played by myself, but with other instruments, might be a little bassy and quiet.

---

Just to be clear, I wasn't suggesting tuning low. I was talking about playing it in the lower part of the range of a standard-tuned banjo.



That said, the Missing Link is way cool.



And hey, have you ever heard this?



youtube.com/watch?v=xAZKF-w2pAw

Ybanjo - Posted - 01/02/2021:  15:58:19

quote:

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Originally posted by overhere

just in case....chords transposed are, D G A Bm C.....melody is on lower strings 4 3 ....I use an open 3 and a quick hammer  on to start it all

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I just looked at the chords that you listed.  You have  a C a the end (after Bm).  Shouldn't that be a D?

overhere - Posted - 01/03/2021:  03:42:01

I wasnt showing chords as used i was showing chords used in the song.....D G A Bm C....





………………. chorus -C+



Bm              G

Rocky top you’ll always be



[C] <                         G

Home sweet home to me



G                    D

Good ole rocky top



……………………

Edited by - overhere on 01/03/2021 03:43:20