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Genre: Classical Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/22/2023 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is an attempt to make a clawhammer of the tune Adelite, composed by Fransisco Tarrega (1852-1909). It has been played by several different classical guitarist, including Chet Atkins
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/22/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a clawhammer interpretation of Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant. It is to some extent based on Arlo's guitar playing, but with a lot of clawhammer licks.
Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/23/2022
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a rather easy three-finger version of Everly Brothers' "All I Have To Do Is Dream" from 1958.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/6/2016 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: I posted this example to demonstrate how to make alternate string pull off and alternate string hammer on in TablEdit which are common techniques used in clawhammer playing.
In this example I am referring to the banjo rhythm as “bum-pa-di-ty”
Alternate pull off (example first string) is indicated by making a fake fretted note:
1. Write 2 (fret 2) on the first string on the “bum”
2. Put a Po(pull off) on it
3. Write 0 on the first string on the “pa”
4. Put the cursor on first “fake” note (2)
5. In the dynamics bar choose ppp.
Now it is shown as [2] 0 in TablEdit but when you print the tab the [2] will not be printed. And it will not be sounded on the midi file (all ppp notes are silent). Or if you make a pdf of it, the [2] will not be shown. ̯
The alternate hammer on is in the same way. Write a fake unfretted note:
1. Write 0 (fret 2) on the first string on the “bum”
2. Put a Ho (Hammer on) on it
3. Write 2 on the first string on the “pa”
4. Put the cursor on first “fake” note (0)
5. In the dynamics bar choose ppp.
Genre: Traditional Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Alundavisan ("Alunda Song") is an old SWesish traditional tune. I have made a banjo arrangement: one clawhammer part (with some innovative picking patterns) and one finger style part.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/18/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Am Tuning: aDGBD Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/28/2020
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here is a rtaher easy version of Apache, arranged for banjo with a lot of forward rolls and square rolls. Note that the tuning is aDGBD
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/18/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/18/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Twofinger style with mixed index and thumb lead
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/18/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Two finger thumb lead style
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/3/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a tab of Walt Koken's Banjonique from 1994. It is a fascinating tune - in a way it is a simple and uncomplicated tune, and yet it is very difficult to play.
Go here to watch Walt Koken play: https://youtu.be/4I8fpSoff-I
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/20/2023 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a clawhammer version of Frank Jenkins' Baptist Shout recorded in 1927 (he played an old time 3-finger style). It can also be picked in 2FIL. I have put in some variations, based on on Jenkins' original recording but adopted on clawhammer.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/20/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is my interpretation of Frank Jenkins recording from 1927. It is played in an old-time 3-finger style and in open D tuning f#-D-F#-A-D. I have tried to follow Jenkins' playing but it is not a note-by-note transcription.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/25/2013 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a clawhammer version based on Frank Jenkins' who played it in an Old-Time three-finger styles on an old recording from about 1927.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/7/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: I started from Mike Seeger's verion in the Southern Banjo Styles DVD, but after a while I played my own version. Here is three versions: clawhammer, two-finger thumb lead, and a kind of three-finger style.
Genre: Old Time Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Based on New Lost City Ramblers version, but here banjo is playing Scruggs style and clawhammer (New Lost City Ramblers used Charlie Poole style)
Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Dm Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/9/2017
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a clawhammer arrangement of the Halloween song Bedlam Boys. Double C tuning and capo on 2nd fret to sing/play in D minor.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/23/2018
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab contains three versions Big Eyed Rabbit, based on Tommy Jarrell's fiddle version: easy clawhammer, inermediate clawhammer (influenced by the Round Peak style) and a two-finger thumb lead version.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/21/2022
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a clawhammer version based on Eck Robertson's recording from 1929. It is a part of the Brilliance Medley.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/31/2009
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: AKA Gypsy Davy
Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/18/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: This is banjo - guitar duet of Paul McCartney's Blackbird. The guitar is from Paul's playing. The interesting is that he uses only 2-finger chords, fretting mostly the second and the fifth string, and uses the open third string as a kind drone. The banjo is a relatively simple 3-finger with mixed forward and backward rolls to match the rhythm of the guitar.
Genre: Popular Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: G Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/23/2012 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: This is a version of Paul McCartney's Blackbird. I have prensposed Paul's guitar playing to banjo, and added a guitar part that simply plays the melody as sung by Paul.
Genre: Unknown/None Chosen Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/19/2024 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is my interpretation of John Lee Hooker's great rock hit from the 1960. It is played three-finger style in the key of G in G tuning (John Lee Hooker played in E or F on guitar). I have tried to arrange the tune for acoustic instrument, from Hooker's electric guitar. The "instrumental break" is my own, but inspired from Hooker.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/3/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/20/2020 - 2 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is an attempt to play Simon&Garfunkel's old hit. I started to work on this tune in the 1970's and at last I think I have come to something that can be presented for others. This arrangement is basically for a sole banjo where I have tried to pick up a little of the rhythm and of the harmonies in the song. I added a rather simple guitar accompaniment, mostly on the bass strings to give the right rhythm. The melody notes are to a large extend played by I/M pinches, where the melody note is played on the first string (middle finger) and the index plays a supporting harmony note below the melody note.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/23/2024 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: This is a clawhammer version based on Sam McGee's guitar recording from 1926 (https://youtu.be/GXXxQoztLV8). This was the first country guitar instrumental that ever were recorded (with Franklin Blues on the other side).
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/17/2022
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: I made this tab since a question was raised in the Clawhammer and Old-Time section: the original poster had difficulties to interpret another tab in the tab archive when he listened to different versions on-line.
So this tab illustrates three easy versions of the old classic tune Bury Me Beneath The Willow. The first version is based on maybelle Carter's guitar solo in the recording from 1927 (Maybelle played it in C position on guitar but I have transposed it to G on the banjo). The second version is based on the melody in a version by Ricky Scaggs and Tony Rice. The third version is based on a tab I picked up from Internet and is something between Version 1 and Version 2. There are probably more than 100 other ways to play it too.
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Byss-Calle (his real name was Carl Bössa) lived around 1800 and he wrote several tunes for nyckelharpa (key harp or key fiddle). This is one of them - a socalled slängpolska which is a dance very popular from around 1700 - 1850. Slängpolska is in 3/4 but often built up of 1/16 notes.
Genre: Ragtime Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/11/2018 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here is a three-finger tab of rev. Gary Davis' Candy Man
Genre: Folk Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/5/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: Here is a rather easy 3-finger version of John Hurt's Casey Jones.
Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/6/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Other Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/12/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Traditional Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/14/2011 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: This is basically the same version as my other Chinese Breakdown in C tuning, but now in G tuning
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/1/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Folk Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/3/2015 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/15/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a clawhammer version of Manon Campbell's fiddle tune "Coal Creek". This tune has no connection with Coal Creek March or other Coal Creek songs and tunes, but it seems to have a connection to Oscar Wright's or Henry Reed's versions of Shootin Creek. There has probably been lyrics to the tune, and the lyrics seems to have a connection to Sugar Hill.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/25/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here is a clawhammer version of Rev. Gary Davis' wellknown song Cocaine Blues. There are several versions of Cocaine Blues by Gary Davis or referring to Gary Davis, so there are a lot of variations out there.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/1/2022 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a two-finger index lead (2FIL) version of the old folk song Copper Kettle. It has been recorded by several different artists and the tune occurs in both 4/4 and 3/4. This version is my own interpretation in 3/4 time.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/5/2022
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This clawhammer version is more or less based on Chet Atkin's version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SIf7RW3f48 ). I have tried to transfer Chet's version to clawhammer banjo, even if it is big differences between Chet's alternate bass guitar and cllawhammer banjo.
The second part (B Part) is played with three-finger forward rolls instead of the clawhammer rhyrhm.. You can play the A part instead if you don't master the forward roll.
The tuning is aCGBD which is good for tunes in Am: Copper Kettle starts in the key of C, but modulates to Am in the middle of the tune. (I have avoided the fourth string so also aDGBD would work, but be careful to not play the fourth string open.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Unknown/None Chosen Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/5/2022
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here are some variations of Cumberland Gap, played in two-finger thumb lead style, and in fDGCD tuning. (I use to capo on second fret to play in G.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is an own composition,named after my dog. I)t is played in old-time two finger style with mixed thumb lead and index lead.
Genre: Old Time Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/30/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Dance Around Molly is a nice old fiddle tune, made known by Tommy Magness (who played with Bill Monroe and later with Roy Acuff in the 40's, and on Grand Ole Opry).
This tab represents several different styles:
1) Some kind of old-time melodic three-finger playing almost all notes as the fiddle plays. There is two variants of the first part (part A): first a high version and then a lower version down the neck version. In the fiddle recording part A is the low part which start on the low notes (fourth string on the fiddle) and goes up, but to play all the notes I chose to go up one octave. In the variation I cheat away the low notes.
2) Some kind of Scruggs style.
3) Clawhammer
Choose whatever style you like.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/22/2024 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/13/2020 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: This is for the Old-Time TOTW 11/13/2020: https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/370158
Genre: Other Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/11/2024
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Traditional Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: E Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/28/2022 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is an attempt to make a three-finger version of Deep River Blues. It is mainly based on Doc Watson's version (on guitar) but I have listened to Merle Travis and Delmore Brothers too. It is played in the key of E in standard tuning but with the fifth string capod or spiked to a B on 9th fret
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/19/2019
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a nice traditional Swedish "round dance" tune here in clawhammer arrangement.
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/19/2019
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a two-finger version ("mostly" thumb lead) of an old traditional Swedish "round dance" tune.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/29/2012
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Here is a clawhammer version of Bob Dylan's wonderful song.
Genre: Folk Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/12/2020 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is an attempt to catch the old Bob Dylan tune. It is both an easy tune with an easy melody, but also a difficult tune with an irregular meter with half-singing and half-talking
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/28/2021 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: Down In The Willow Garden is also known as Rose Conolly. The first part is also almost identical to Old Rosin' The Bow.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/19/2014 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Rock Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/15/2015 - 2 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: I made this tab on a request for a clawhammer tab, but it includes three different versions. Down On The Corner is a difficult clawhammer tune because of its calypso rhythm, three-finger style works much better. To get the calypso rhythm in clawhammer you must use some drop thumbs combined with "skips" (or air brushes), and emphasize the drop thumb notes. To get the calypso rhythm in 3-finger it is just to play a forward roll (T M t I M t I M - T for emphasize melody note played by thumb and t for thumb on fifth string)
The three versions I have tabbed are:
1. First the basic riffs, as played on guitar (but it is played one octave lower on guitar). It is important to get the right rhythm when playing this. Count fast 1-2-3-1-2-3-1-2 and the melody notes falls on the 1s.This can be played in any style.
2. Then a clawhammer version where I have tried to get the calypso rhythm. Be sure to get the drop thumb and the skips (air brushes) right to keep the rhythm. Your hand shall be moving in a steady up and down motion as in most clawhammer tunes, but the emphasized drop thumbs and skips will get the calypso rhythm effects.
3. And finally a three-finger version based on a simple forward roll. I think this is much easier than the clawhammer version because the forward roll fits into the calypso rhythm.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Ducks In The Millpond is usually played in the key of D and double C/D tuning (capo 2). This is a variant in G tuning capo 2 to play in A.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/2/2019 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/22/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is a two finger thumb lead version of Duelling Banjos, where the banjo is "duelling" with a guitar.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/23/2022 - 2 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is an attempt to show how Earl's Breakdown can be played in Clawhammer style. It took me only 40 years to work out this arrangement :)
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/25/2015
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here is a three-finger version of Fiddling Around. The TablEdit file contains both banjo and guitar, while the pdf version only shows the banjo (and the guitar chords). The tab is based on a transcription from the fiddle version in David Brody's The Fiddler's Fakebook. The first part is rather banjo friendly, but the second part contains some "shuffling" which can be played in several other ways on the banjo. Just use your own imagination and work out something own if you feel for it.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/4/2018
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: I also call this tune "Mody Mountain Breakdown". It is a little fun with an old Bluegrass banjo favorite which I transposed into Dorian mode and played is sawmill tuning with some kind of Scruggs style.
Genre: Country Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/2/2012 - 2 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/29/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: Here is a clawhammer version of Elisabeth Cotten's Freight Train. The first version is based on Elisabeth Cotton's original version, and the secon is a more "folky" version. I also included my guitar version of her playing (from Negro Folksongs and Tunes FG 3526).
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
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Notes: The title can be translated to "Walk Around a Juniper Shrub". It is an old Swedish song that use to be played and sung when dancing around the Christmas tree.
Genre: Traditional Style: Classical Key: D Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
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Notes: This is a famous "gånglåt" (or ganglat or walking tune) from Sweden, played in a three finger style
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (aDF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
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Notes: This is a famous "gånglåt" (or ganglat or walking tune) from Sweden, played in clawfinger style.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/15/2014 - 2 Member Comments
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Genre: Other Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/18/2024 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a tab of Billy Faier's Green Corn. Listen here to Billy Faier's reecording: https://youtu.be/VNt9eGEqJZg .
It is played by clawhammer or Pete Seeger's "basic strum" but with a little different stroke pattern and use of alternate hammer-on and pull off on the fourth string:
1. Strike any string (1st to fourth) with the index finger (or middle finger if you prefer)
2. Hammer on the forth strong on second fret (and keep the string fretted)
3. Brush down with the hand (or a finger if you prefer)
4. Thumb the fifth string
5. Pull off the fourth string
6. Strike any string (1st to fourth) with the index finger (or middle finger if you prefer).
7. Hammer on the forth strong on second fret
8. Pull off the fourth string
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011 - 4 Member Comments
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Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/1/2024 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a version of the Cuban folk song Guantamera. By request, I arranged it for two finger style. It contains a mix of thumb lead and index lead (but mostly thumb lead, and there are a lot of syncopations ("thumb skips" and "index skips" to get the Latin rhythms. The TablEdit file and midi files contains a rhythmic guitar back-up.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/5/2022
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Notes: This is a try play Hawkins' Rag in clawhammer. The original was played by Ezra "Ted" Hawkins on mandolin and Riley Puckett of the Skillet Lickers in 1934: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bItaBzKric
Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/12/2015 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: F Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/16/2018 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Played in thumb lead style as Roscoe Holcomb played (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9XsObAmEJQ ).
The midi file contains a voice part so you can follow the singing and the banjo playing together.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/2/2021
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Notes: This is Wade Ward's version of Hollyding. It has some relations to Old-Time Back Step Cindy by Tommy Jarrell.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/15/2019 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Here are two clawhammer versions of Home Sweet Home. It is mainly based on Mack Woolbright's three-finger version from 1927 but transfered to clawhammer. One of the versions is based a kind of "clawhammer backward roll" and is very close to Woolbrights three-finger version! The other version is a more straight clwhammer.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/15/2019
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Notes: Frank Jenkins recorded this in1927 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0S3d5aTMMk. He played banjo in the band Da Costa Woltz's Southern Broadcasters in the 1920s. He later formed his own band, the Pilot Mountaineers, in which he played fiddle, his son Oscar played banjo, and Pop Stoneman played guitar. Frank Jenkins plays his version in the drop C tuning (standard C tuning) and he uses mostly a forward roll. He also plays a nice variation with strumming that can be heard in the recording, but it is not included in my tab - yet.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/15/2019
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Notes: This is my interpretation of how Mack Woolbright played the "Home Sweet Home" breaks the the recording of "The Man Who Wrote Home Sweet Home Never Was A Married Man" made 1927 by Charlie Parker and Mack Woolbright on Colombia 15236-D: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfpAMkcL2ow . Earl SCruggs' version is based on Mack Woolbright's version. In his book “Earl Scruggs and the 5-string banjo” (1968) Earl tells: “There were several three-finger banjo pickers I admired who lived near our Flint Hill community. There was Mack Woolbright, a blind banjo picker who recorded with Charlie Parker on the Columbia label in the late 20’s. I remember him from a visit he made to my Uncle Sidney Ruppe’s home; rocking in a rocking chair and picking “Home Sweet Home” in the in the key of C. The G7 chord he played in this number was one of the most thrilling sounds I had ever heard. I was about six years old (1930) and I wondered how a blind person could play so beautifully.”
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Open C (gCGCE) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
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Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Cm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/9/2014 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Traditional Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Gm Tuning: Open Gm (gDGBbD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/26/2015
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Notes: This is a little "bluesy" version of The House Of The Rising Sun". It is in Gm tuning (gDGBbD) but capod at second fret to make it easier for the guitar player.
Genre: Other Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/22/2024 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Here is a demonstration of four different ways to play How Great Thou Art. First is just the bare melody and chords, second is a finger-style chord style, third is easy three-finger, and fourth is clawhammer.
Genre: Country Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/20/2016 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Country Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/2/2012
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Notes: Johnny Cash used to vary the key while singing I Walk The Line. This is a basic version in G and you can try different barre chords if you want to change to other keys.
Genre: Country Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/27/2024
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Notes: Here is a try to make a clawhammer version of Bill Monroe's "I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky" (I think it was first recorded in 1949). I have verse and chorus with banjo following the melody, and I added a more advanced banjo break. G tuning with capo on 2nd fret, since Bill Monroe recorded it in the key of A.
In TablEdit I put the tempo to BMP = 250. Bill Monroe played more att 300 BPM, but I have heard other slower versions too.
Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/29/2013 - 7 Member Comments
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Notes: Here is an own arrangement of In The Mood. Most of it is based on Glenn Miller, but the third part is influenced by Jim Mill's banjo version.....
Genre: Folk Key: D Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/30/2021 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/3/2020
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Notes: This is an old goodie, recorded already 1928 by Pope's Arkansas Mountaineers, and different versions can still be heard. Also listen to Bruce Molsky for example.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/3/2020
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Notes: This tab is based on Henry Read's fiddle version. I have also incorporated some ideas from Miles Krassen's books Clawhammer Banjo and Appalchian fiddle.
Genre: Other Style: Classical Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/11/2020 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is Pete Seeger's version of J.S. Bach's jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (Jesus bleibet meine Freunde) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT_zZB4ZQRA. Pete uses four fingers to play.
Genre: Traditional Style: Classical Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/14/2011
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: Jingle Bells (AKA One Horse Open Sleigh) was composed by J. Piermont in 1857. Here is an attempt to illustrate how the tune may have been played around 1880-1890 during the socalled classic banjo era. Its played in the classic banjo style or "guitar style" that is based on the use of three (sometimes four finger)
Genre: Traditional Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/12/2011
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011 - 2 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Open Gm (gDGBbD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/26/2021
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Notes: This version of John Hardy is played in G minor tuning (gDGBbD). It is based on Mike Seeger's cover of Joe Russel's recording from 1936
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/22/2018 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: A two finger thumb lead version. It contains some advanced syncopations that requires a lot of exercise before you get it right.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/26/2021
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Notes: This tab contains two version of John Hardy. First an easy mostly bum-di-ty version, and than a little more advanced (but I classify it as Intermediate).
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/15/2023 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a nice 6/8 jig for clawhammer, as played by Noah Cline.
The triangle ? in the tab indicates a clawhammer down stroke with the preferable clawhammer finger (index or middle finger). There are six 1/8 notes in the measure and the clawhammer strokes are on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th notes. It requires a little other rhythm than the usual clawhammer bum-pa-di-ty rhythm in 4/4 or 2/4.
Genre: Popular Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/21/2024 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: To understand the tab, it is essential to know about Floyd Cramer’s piano style. His style has a lot of different features but it is at least to things that should be mentioned in this context:
1. Slip-note piano. He had a special way to attack melody notes in which a passing note slides almost instantly into or away from a chordal note. hitting a note and sliding almost simultaneously into the next. He explained it gave more of a lonesome cowboy sound. It is a kind of grace note and banjoist do sometimes similar when hammer on a slide to a melody note.
2. Harmony notes to the melody. Floyd Cramer often played a harmony note (as a tenor part) a third, fourth or fifth above the melody note.
I have put together a tab in the key of C (the original key is C) but in standard G tuning. In theTablEdit file I added a rhythm guitar track, a bass track and drum track to get a richer sound in the midi file. The guitar, bass and drum tracks may be used as a backing track when learning the tune.
Genre: Folk Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/13/2014 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Here is a Scruggs style version of Tom Paxton's song The Last Thing On My Mind. I have included also a guitar finger-style break (if you watch the TablEdit file.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/3/2012 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/14/2014 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: This tune should be played in Pete Seeger's so-called basic strum ("bum - di-ty"): index finger plucks up, hand brushes down and thumb plays the fifth string.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/2/2012
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Notes: Here is two clawhammer versions of Little Maggie. The first is how I play it, the other is a Round Peak version, based on Tommy Jarrell's playing.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/1/2013
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Notes: Little Rabbit is in the same family as John Brown's Dream (for example Tommy Jarrell) and Jimmie Johnson (as Dwight Diller prefers to call the tune). This version is based on an old recording by Crockett's Kentucky Mountaineers. This is an advanced version with Galax lick and drop thumb.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/1/2013
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Notes: Little Rabbit is in the same family as John Brown's Dream (for example Tommy Jarrell) and Jimmie Johnson (as Dwight Diller prefers to call the tune). This version is based on an old recording by Crockett's Kentucky Mountaineers. This is an easy beginner version based on simple "bum-di-ty" pattern and some hammering-on and pull-offs. The tuning is aEAC#E or standard G tuning gDGBD with capo on 2nd fret (and fifth string tuned up to a or spiked/capoed at the 7th fret).
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/20/2014
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Notes: This tab shows Little Sadie in two-finger thumb lead style and easy threefinger style (Scruggs style). It is played in sawmill tuning.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/11/2022 - 2 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/4/2014
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Lonesome Road Blues or Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad with clawhammer banjo and guitar accompaniment.
Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/13/2023 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
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Notes: This is an old Swedish song by the troubadoure Carl Michael Bellman. It was composed around 1790. Here played in clawhammer style.
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011 - 2 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/1/2011 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Bm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/4/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is my version of the theme from M*A*S*H, also called "Suicide is Painless". I is in the key Bm, which seems to fit better than than you expect.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011
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Genre: Other Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/6/2015 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open C (gCGCE) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Other Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/2/2012
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Notes: This is from Briggs' Banjo Instructor, published in 1855. In the original notation the banjo was tuned dGDF#A, and the tune was played i D major. I have transcribed it to aEAC#E (standard G tuning with capo on second fret) to play in the key of A, which seems to be the most common key for other versions of Money Musk.
Genre: Classical Style: Classical Key: C#/Dbm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/10/2011 - 4 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a transcription of Beethovens Sonata No. 14 "Moonligh" Op. 27, No. 2.
The original piano version contains a bass line, a triplet accompaniment, and a simple melody line. This is the "triplet accompaniment and melody" transcribed to banjo, in the original key C# minor.
Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/13/2023 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: Here is a clawhammer version of Richard Rodgers' and Lorenz Hart's old classic Mountain Greenery. I have tried to keep the original chords and I counted 20 different chords (Icounted G and G7 as different chords and corresponding for other) which are exceptional for a clawhammer tune. I also added the melody line to make it easier to understand and learn the clawhammer part. In the tef file the melody is played by a clarinet.
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: D Tuning: aDGBD Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/11/2022 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: I made this tab to demonstrate how to do key changes from D to E in a tune (see this thread https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/384592/1). My version is influenced by Carter Family, Carlene Carter and Patricia Naguire. The key change D to E is from Patricia Maguire. The tab shows an instrumental break (from Carter Family), and chorus and verse in both D and E.
Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/29/2020 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a clawhammer version of the film song "Never On A Sunday" from 1960. I have tried to make clawhammer interpretations of the Bouzouki parts (intro and ending) based on the bouzouki playing but adapted to clawhammer banjo. Sometimes there is a break in the middle, and the intro or ending may be used for the break too.
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/1/2022
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: The first and second part is mainly based on Wade Ward. The third part is an own "idea" where the melody is played an octave higher and I use Galax lick a lot.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: D Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/4/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/4/2011
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Genre: Traditional Style: Classical Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
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Notes: This is an old Swedish "polska" that use to be sang and danced (around the Christmas tree) during Christmas.
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/14/2013
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Notes: "O Holy Night" ("Cantique de Noël") is a well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau (1808–1877). Cappeau, a wine merchant and poet, had been asked by a parish priest to write a Christmas poem. Unitarian minister John Sullivan Dwight, editor of Dwight's Journal of Music, created a singing edition based on Cappeau's French text in 1855.
It is also very popular in Sweden, and when making this arrangement I listened a lot to an old recording by the old Swedish tenor singer Jussi Björling.
Genre: Traditional Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/18/2023
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Notes: This version of Old Bell Cow is based on New Lost City Ramblers' recording from the 1960's. The Ramblers' version was based on a recording by Dixie Crackers from 1929 (https://youtu.be/B7xhFfzQsko)
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/18/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: This version of Old Bell Cow is based on New Lost City Ramblers' recording from the 1960's. The Ramblers' version was based on a recording by Dixie Crackers from 1929 (https://youtu.be/B7xhFfzQsko).
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/15/2024 - 3 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/12/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/6/2014
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Notes: This is a clawhammer version of the Bluegrass fiddle classic Orange Blossom Special. There are 3 instrumental parts plus one optional vocal part. I have tried to get several variations of each part. You don't have to learn or play all variations - just choose those you like. Orange Blossom Special is a tune with opportunities and possibilities, so use your fantasy and creativity and make your own version. I have just tried to illustrate a few possibilities.
Genre: Other Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
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Notes: Oxdragarsång means "cattle-driver's song" and is a compostion by the Swedish Troubadour Evert Taube. He composed it during a travel in Argentina.
Genre: Old Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Other Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/18/2012
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Notes: π (sometimes written pi) is a mathematical constant that is the ratio of any Euclidean circle's circumference to its diameter. π is approximately equal to 3.14. π is an irrational number its decimal representation never ends and never repeats. I took the 204 first decimals and made music of. 1 became a G, 2 an A and som on so 8 became a high g (fifth string), 9 a high A and 0 a high B.
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Old Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Old Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/15/2012 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: Proud Mary from Credence Clearwater Revival, played in atwo finger style.
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Notes: This is a thumb lead version based on Fred Cockerham's clawhammer version
Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2014
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Notes: This is from the Muppet Show where my friend Kermit is singing the tune. Rainbow Connection is a tricky tune because it has a key change in the middle, where the orginal key is raised a halt tone. Here the tune starts in C major but in the second half there is a raise to Db major or C#major. I think the original goes in A major and raises to Bb major.
Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/1/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/11/2024
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: Here are two clawhammer versions of Gary Harrison's Red Prairie Dawn. The first is an easy beginners version and the second is a little more trickier.
Updated November 11, 2024
Genre: Folk Style: Other Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/2/2017
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Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Rock Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/3/2019 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This a a tab of Bill Hailey' Rock Around Clock.
The song was written by Max C. Freedman och James E. Myers around 1952 and first recorded by and recorded by Bill Hailey in April 1954 on Decca. It was first recorded by Italian-American band Sonny Dae and His Knights on March 20, 1954, and Haley recorded it the first time April 12, 1954.
The song is an easy 12 bar blues and it is rather easy to play back up- just follow a boogie-woogie pattern or a 12 bar blues pattern, and it is easy to improvise around the tune.
This tab contains the main melody and some suggestions for variations following the main melody. It is some kind of three-finger with some easy Scruggs licks. I also included banjo versions of the guitar breaks. The tab (TablEdit and midi files) contains a simple guitar back-up.
- The first verse is simply the melody.
- The second verse is a up-the-neck variation of the melody where I tried to incorporate some basic threefinger rolls-.
- The first solo break is based on the guitar break but transferred to banjo to make it easier.
- The third verse is a more chordal version with melody and back-beat chords on the banjo. This variation sounds good even without guitar back-up.
- The fourth verse is simply a repetion of the second verse, because I had no inspiration to develop it further.
- The second solo break is is based on the guitar break but transferred to banjo to make it easier. It is mostly based on chords and follows a typical 12 bar blues.
- The fifth verse is a variation of the first verse but with more rolls and three-finger licks incorporated.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/7/2022 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: I made this tab to illustrate the discussion in this thread https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/384281. It can be played either clawhammer or 2-finger Index Lead. The first part/version is rather easy and stright-on while the second version is a little more elaborated with some fill-in licks and some easye melodic embellishments.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/8/2012 - 3 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a clawhammer version of John Denver's Rocky Mountain High.
Genre: Popular Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: Em Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/24/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/31/2023 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is my version of Fred Cockerham's Roustabout. Fred played it in drop C tuning (gCGBD), tuned up to steps to (aDAC#E) and in the key of G (with a Mixolydian flavor). In this tab I tuned to drop C and capoed at second fret. The guitar accompaniment is in the key of A without capo.
There are at least three recordings of this tune (County Records Clawhammer Banjo and two from Field Recordings. It is played a little different on each recording, and also varies a lot in the same recording.
Genre: Popular Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011
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Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Notes: Two version of J.E. Mainer and his Mountaineers Run Mountain". The first is thumb lead. The second is index lead but can also be played clawhammer.
Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Old Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/22/2023
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Notes: Here is a clawhammer version of Sally Goodin' or Sally Goodwin or Sally Gooden or whatever it is called.
Genre: Old Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Notes: The first variation is thumb lead, the second is index lead or clawhammer.
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Notes: First version is straight thumb lead. The second variation can be played index lead or clawhammer.
Genre: Old Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Traditional Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/20/2020 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Here is a threefinger version of the old hymn composed by Robert Lowry 1864
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/6/2023 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Here is an easy clawhammer version of the old fiddle tune (and banjo tune) Shortnin' Bread. It is more or less based on the recording by Dykes Magic City Trio from 1927
Genre: Old Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2009
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Genre: Unknown/None Chosen Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/3/2012
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Notes: This is an easy version of Shouting in Jerusalem. Mike Seeger plays this on his True Vine album and he based hes playing on Josh Thomas. Mike plays on a gourd banjo tuned down to three steps to E: eBEG#B. I think Josh Thomas paled a resonator banjo in standard G tuning. This is a simple arrangement, to some part based on Mike Seeger, but to most part my own ideas how to play a simpified Shouting In Jerusalem.
Genre: Folk Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/5/2020 - 4 Member Comments
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Notes: This is an attempt to get some West Indian rhythms into the old tune Sloop John B.
The first part shows a strumming pattern
1 Brush down with hand
2 Brush down with thumb
3 Brush up with index
4 Brush down with hand
5 Brush down with thumb
6 Brush up with index
7 Brush down with hand
8 Brush up with index
If there is eight 1/8 notes in a measure the brush down with hand is emphasized or the 1, 4 and 7 note.
The second part is a kind of clawhammer, also giving the emphasizing on 1, 4 and 7 note. A lot of drop thumb is involved and the drop thumb on note 4 should be loud.
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
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Notes: Små grodorna, often called The Frog Dance is an old Swedish song and dance for children and parents. It is danced around the Christmas tree in Christmas and around the Maypole in Midsummer.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Open C (gCGCE) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/15/2024
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Notes: Snowdrop is an old banjo tune that Kirk McGee made famous. Most people play it clawhammer today, but Kirk used a mixture of up-picking and three-finger. This is an attempt to catch his playing.
Genre: Old Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Popular Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: Em Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/2/2023
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Notes: Here is a arther easy version of Paul Simon's and Art Grafunkel's old hit SOUND OF SILENCE. It is played with three fingers but it is not exactly Scruggs' style. It is played rather slow so you can play several adjacent 1/8 notes with the same finger.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/8/2017 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a clawhammer version of Bill Monroe's Southern Flavor. It is played in standard tuning but with the fifth string tuned down three half steps to E (equal to first string second fret). A rhythm guitar and a mandolin part is included in the tab, but the mandolin is silenced in the midi file.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Open C (gCGCE) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/9/2022
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Art Rosenbaum's version of Spanish Fandango, from the LP Folk Banjo Styles (1962)
Genre: Classical Style: Classical Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/10/2022 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: The guitar part is a direct transcription of Henry Worrell's version from 1866. The banjo part is a direct transposing of the guitar part to the banjo.
Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
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Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
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Genre: Old Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
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Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
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Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/20/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: Capo 4 to play along with Osborne Brothers recording.
Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Cm Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/23/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a nice traditional Swedish Christmas tune, in Swedish named Staffansvisan (Saint Stephan's song).
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2009
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This tab includes two versions of Sweet Sunny South. The first is based on the fiddling of Henry Reed, and the second is based on Tommy Jarrell's banjo playing.
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Two versions: the first is based on the fiddling of Henry Reed, the second is based on Tommy Jarrell
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: The first variation is thumb lead. The second variation is index lead or clawhammer.
Genre: Classical Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/26/2020 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a clawhammer version of the old tune Te Deum by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643 - 1704). In Europe it is known as the theme melody for the Eurovision cooperation (cooperation between televiosion companies in Europe) and this melody use to start several sports events that is broadcasted in Europe, and above all it is the theme melody for Eurovision Song Contest which seems to be the World's largest and biggest musical contest.
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/15/2015 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/24/2015 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a transcription of Clarence Ashley's recording of the Coo Coo from 1929
Genre: Unknown/None Chosen Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/15/2014 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: here is an arrangement of the Tokens' hit The Lion Sleeps Tonight. The tab shows several examples how to play melody, rolls, and back-up. It is not necessary to learn all variations, just choose one and learn it.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/30/2019 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is a tab of The Old Favourite Jig which was Tune of The Week in the Old Time and Clawhammer section 30/08/2019 (https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/356554). The tab is based on the music notation in The Session (https://thesession.org/tunes/56)
Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/24/2021 - 3 Member Comments
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Notes: Demonstraion of some licks to use when wamping in the thubl lead style
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/24/2014 - 1 Member Comments
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Genre: Old Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
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Notes: Demonstration on transitions between thumb lead and index lead
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/8/2016
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Notes: This is an old traditional Swedish tune. The tune was notated by musicologists already 1907, and was made more known by the Swedish jazz pianist Jan Johansson in 1964.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/8/2016 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: For OT TOTW 8 April 2016. This is an old traditional Swedish tune. The tune was notated by musicologists already 1907, and was made more known by the Swedish jazz pianist Jan Johansson in 1964.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/31/2020
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is my interpretation of Hobart Smith's Wabash Blues from the album In Sacred Trust. The tuning is eAACD (with fourth string an octave below the third string). In the recording Hobart seems to be tuned about a half tone higher (fBbBbDbEb).
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/31/2020
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Hobart Smith's Wabash Blues as played by Mike Seeger on the album Southern Banjo Sounds and the tutorial Southern Banjo Styles. Tuning is eAACD (fourth string an octave below the third string)
Genre: Traditional Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Gm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/5/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: Here is an easy three-finger tab of Walkin' Boss, from Clarence "Tom" Ashley. There is also a nice version by Mike Seeger on gourd banjo. I prefer to play it in sawmill tuning, but this tab is in standard tuning.
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/5/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: From Clarence "Tom" Ashley, and Mike Seeger.
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2009 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: The tabs include a clawhammer version and an up picking thumb lead version. The thumb lead section includes some bars with index lead.
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/15/2021
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Notes: This is an attempt to make a clawhammer version of Doc Watson's tune. I added aguitar solo, inspired by Doc's version.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/15/2021 - 1 Member Comments
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Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/16/2019 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This is an easy demonstration of harmonics, playing the full hour melody of Westmnster Chimes that can be heard on Big Ben in London. This is the full hour melody, with hour strikes (the first quarter is a variation of the first two measures; the second quarter is a variation of the first four measures, and the third quarter is a variation of the first six measures. Big Ben is tuned in E with the tones B, E, F", G#. The tab is in open G with the tones D, G, B, A. It can be played in any style (clawhammer, two-finger, three-finger or plectrum/pick.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/26/2020
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here is a tab of Pete Seeger's famous song Where Have All Flowers Gone. It is clawhammer in double C.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/26/2020 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Here is a tab of Pete Seegers wellknown song Where Have All The Flowers Gone. Clawhammer in G tuning.
Genre: Old Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/25/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: "Whispering" is a popular song, first published in 1920 by Sherman, Clay & Co., of San Francisco. The initial 1920 copyright and first publishing attributes the lyrics to Malvin Schonberger and the music to John Schonberger.
Genre: Other Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/11/2024 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Popular Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Key: C Tuning: Open C (gCGCE) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/31/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/25/2023 - 2 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: John D. Loudermilk's Windy and Warm, based on Chet Atkins guitar version.
Genre: Folk Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a clawhammer version of Beatles' Yesterday. It should be played rather fast, but softly and sweetly without drive.
The arrangement contains some drop thumbs and Alternate String Pull Off, but these can be skipped if you think it too advanced.
Genre: Popular Style: Other Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/8/2013 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: This banjo arrangement is based on the bouzouki playing by Mikis Theodorakis' original version in the film, and is more or less a straight transcription. I have added a simple guitar accompaniment.