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cbeard - Posted - 08/30/2024: 12:37:07
Can anyone tell me what tuning the banjo is in for the Junior Sisk song "Just Load The Wagon"?
dbrooks - Posted - 08/30/2024: 13:45:58
They're playing in the key of C with no capo on the banjo. The banjo could be in drop-C (gCGBD) or double-C (gCGCD). Near the end of the banjo break, he plays a descending phrase using double stops on the first two strings. I think I see 9-7 7-5 5-4 3-2 and 2-0. Those fret combinations work in double-C tuning, so that's my answer. Since he is mostly chording, you can play in either tuning for backup.
David
cbeard - Posted - 08/30/2024: 13:52:32
Thanks for the info. I knew it was played in the key of C and have already retuned to double C tuning. Just wanted another opinion on it. I am new to the clawhammer style and still don't have the right hand worked out but making slow progress. Thanks again.
dbrooks - Posted - 08/30/2024: 14:23:37
I forgot to post the link I used to diagnose the tuning - Load the Wagon / Rocky Island / Junior Sisk Band (youtube.com) Do you have a better video with better sound? I will try to write some tab in a few days that may help you. I'm think some tab for strumming the chords with the lyrics of one verse included (that is what you asked, I now realize). And maybe some basic arrangement for a banjo lead. If I am offbase here and you'd like something else, let me know.
David
cbeard - Posted - 08/30/2024: 14:55:23
Thanks for the reply. I need all the help that I can get. I certainly need a lot more practice on the right hand technique. I'm coming to the clawhammer style after a lifetime of playing guitar, mandolin and some tenor banjo. I love the clawhammer old time sound and I have a GoodTime banjo that's been in the closet for a long time and is working well for the style. It's going to take a lot more time as I have only been at it for a couple of weeks and have to develop the muscle memory. The BanjoHangout has already been a big help.
dbrooks - Posted - 08/30/2024: 17:42:46
Here's some backup tab with the chords and lyrics. It shows a bum ditty strum which you can change up when you want. I usually hit a single strum on ther 'bum" (1st and 3rd beat) with a strum on the ditty (2nd and 4th beat). I thought it would be easier if you strummed instead of trying to hit single strings. Here is a tab with a matching MP3. Let me know if that works for you.
David
cbeard - Posted - 09/02/2024: 10:46:41
Thanks for the links. The tab is a good reference especially with the lyrics. The big thing for me is getting the bum-ditty, drop-thumb stuff down pat. I have used finger picks for guitar and a little 5 string in the past. On the guitar it was for the extra volume. I still play better with bare fingers and now I get enough volume without picks. I really love the clawhammer style and the fact that you don't use fingerpicks is a big plus. I have a few tunes to use in the learning process, this one in doubleC and a couple more in open G.
