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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Recognizing underlying chords for fiddle tunes


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/409633

bFunk - Posted - 07/28/2026:  00:46:45


I play clawhammer banjo, and I'd like to be able to improve my ability to identify appropriate chords to play to accompany fiddle tunes (I usually play the melody, but I like to mix in chords or simply play backup for variation).

To give a simple example, let's assume we're playing a D tune. If the melody lands on an F#, safe to assume we can play a D chord. If the melody lands on a B or G, we can play a G chord.

But what about if the melody lands on a note shared by multiple chords, like an A (present in both A and D chords) or a D (present in both D and G chords)? And then my next question is, what about the very common occurrences where melodies don't land on any particular note?

Any advice much appreciated.

carlb - Posted - 07/28/2026:  03:48:48


I played guitar and sang folk songs before I played banjo. That's how I got my ability to recognize which chords to use. You just have to go at it.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 07/28/2026:  04:02:06


Duplicate post. Go here: banjohangout.org/topic/409632

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