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 Playing Advice: Clawhammer and Old-Time Styles
 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Blackest Crow: Chris Coole and Arnie Naiman


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/404842

fajpunk - Posted - 08/28/2025:  21:41:06

What tuning is this?
(I'm not allowed to post links yet, but you can find it on Arnie Naiman's website, or any streaming service, or YouTube)

It's in the key of F. I'm a VERY new banjo player it sounds like it would be in double C capo'd at the fifth fret, but my banjo capo can't do that. Is this a regular-scale banjo, or a smaller scale banjo?

Thank you so much for your time and help!
Dan

Bill H - Posted - 08/29/2025:  03:06:23

It does look like Chris Coole is playing this in F. I have a version in G which is the key Bruce Molskey plays The Blacket Crow in this video: 



youtu.be/gHa70BLg7B8



 



The Blackest Crow : Tabledit


The Blackest Crow


 

MRichaud - Posted - 08/29/2025:  04:28:51

One of my favorites! And I play it in G as well. Thanks for posting Molsky's video - just one more example that makes me wish I'd taken up fiddle!

banjered - Posted - 08/29/2025:  05:59:02

It plays more simply in standard G tuning. In double C you play more higher up the neck but not too difficult. What key it would be if you want to sing it depends on the key that you are comfortable to sing it in. I sing it in G lowered down to D using Minstrel Nylgut strings. banjered

fajpunk - Posted - 08/29/2025:  08:54:43

Thanks folks!

RG - Posted - 08/29/2025:  10:50:05

quote:
Originally posted by banjered

It plays more simply in standard G tuning. In double C you play more higher up the neck but not too difficult. What key it would be if you want to sing it depends on the key that you are comfortable to sing it in. I sing it in G lowered down to D using Minstrel Nylgut strings. banjered





So true. In standard "G" you can play this tune with one finger basically. I like playing it in 2 finger thumb lead.

Edited by - RG on 08/29/2025 10:53:52


The Blackest Crow


 

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