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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Pretty beginner songs?


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/399930

-_MoonBeam_- - Posted - 10/19/2024:  12:25:26


Hi! I'm trying to learn banjo, and as much as i've been loving bluegrass and faster more upbeat songs, i've recently been learning how to play a simple version of "dream a little dream of me". I've fallen in love with the slower, pretty sound and I was wondering if anyone had any similar songs they knew, or had tabs for?

Brian Murphy - Posted - 10/19/2024:  13:01:39


Banjo in the Hollow is a simple tune that sounds good slow. Devil's Dream can actually be very simple. Because it is a fiddle/melodic tune, many people do not play it early on, but it is simple to play and sounds great slow. Slow songs are underappreciated. You might like listening to Tony Ellis. An amazing player, but is known for slower songs. It's a master class in phrasing and soul.

-_MoonBeam_- - Posted - 10/19/2024:  13:32:03


Thank you! I'll be sure to check those songs out. I had never listened to Tony Ellis before, but after listening to a couple songs I understand why I should :]

Texasbanjo - Posted - 10/19/2024:  14:15:36


We have an extensive tab library. You should be able to find lots of beginner songs to listen to, download and print there. All our tabs are free.

If you want simple songs, check out Banjo Fakebook. Tabs for melody only for lots of songs.

calicoplayer - Posted - 10/19/2024:  14:44:41


I've found that it's usually best to start new players - especially those with no musical background - with a familiar song rather than a tune. As John Hartford taught us, "play the words". The words serve as markers for when to change chords, or when to do a specific roll or run. The two tunes I've used with absolute newbies are "I Walk the Line" and "Tom Dooley", both three-chord wonders that can be played very simply, or can be embellished as the player gets better and better. When it's time to transition to tunes, I find that "Liberty" and "Soldier's Joy"are good starter tunes.

Fathand - Posted - 10/19/2024:  16:35:39


If you enjoy songs like "Dream a Little Dream" this book is full of them, not especially easy though.

amazon.com/Great-American-Banj...495059766

tdennis - Posted - 10/19/2024:  19:37:30


The entire catalog of British Broadside Ballads & American folk music is full of easy, beautifully slow, & moving songs. The music evolved to be playable by ordinary folk, & not necessarily virtuosos, but accessible to common musicians.

stanleytone - Posted - 10/20/2024:  05:56:04


Brian hit the nail on the head. You can take those "fast " songs and play them slow. Take foggy mountain breakdown , slow it down, put a little bounce to it , and there ya go.

Kellie - Posted - 10/29/2024:  07:40:14


Irish phantasy by Cammeyer

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