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Adelita - clawhammer

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

Alice's Restaurant

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.

All I Have To Do Is Dream

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.

Alternate string pull off and hammer on demonstrat

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.

Alundavisan (traditional Swedish tune)

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.

Angelina Baker (thumb lead)

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

Apache - The Shadows - easy banjo version

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

Arkansaw Traveller (two-finger thumb lead style)

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

Arkansaw Traveller (two-finger,)

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

Banjo Pickin' Girl (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

Banjonique - by Walt Koken

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

Baptist Shout - 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 - 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.

Baptist Shout - Frank Jenkins 1927

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.

Baptist Shout (Clawhammer)

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.

Battle In The Horseshoe

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.

Battleship of Maine (Scruggs style and Clawhammer)

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)

Bedlam Boys

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.

Big Eyed Rabbit

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.

Bill Cheatham - from Eck Roberston

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.

Black Eyed Susie (thumb lead)

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

Black Jack David (Clawhammer)

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

Blackbird (3-finger and guitar) - Paul McCartney

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.

Blackbird (accompnying banjo and solo 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.

Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker

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.

Bowling Green

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

Bridge Over Troubled Water

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.

Buckdancer's Choice - clawhammer

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).

Bury Me Beneath The Willow - Clawhammer

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.

Byss-Calle's Slängpolska (tradistional Swedish tun

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.

Candy Man - from Rev. Gay Davis

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

Casey Jones - John Hurt (3-finger)

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.

Chicken Dance

Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/6/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Chinese Breakdown

Genre: Other  Style: Unknown/None Chosen  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/12/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Chinese Breakdown (threefinger, G-tuning)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: This is basically the same version as my other Chinese Breakdown in C tuning, but now in G tuning

Chinese Breakdown (thumb lead)

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

Cindy (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/1/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

City of New Orleans - clawhammer

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/3/2015
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

City of New Orleans - three-finger style

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]

Cluck Old Hen (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/19/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Coal Creek (Manon Campbell)

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.

Coal Creek March (two finger style)

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

Cocaine Blues - Clawhammer

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.

Cold Frosty Morning (two finger style)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Cookhouse Joe (CH and Thumb-lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/24/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: From the fiddler Estill Bingham. It is played AABCC

Copper Kettle

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.

Copper Kettle - clawhammer

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.

Cotton Mill Girls

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/8/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: This is a basic version by the traditional song Cotton Mill Girls

Cripple Creek (thumb lead variations)

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

Cripple Creek (thumb lead)

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

Crow Black Chicken (thumb lead)

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

Cuckoo Bird - Hobart Smith

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Gm  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/24/2015
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Cumberland Gap (thumb lead)

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

Cumberland Gap variations (fDGCD, thumb lead)

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.

Daisy Dog (thumb lead and index lead style)

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.

Dance Around Molly (several styles)

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.

Darlin' Cora (thumb lead - eCGCC)

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

Darling Corey (thumb lead - open D tuning)

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

Davy - clawhammer

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: This is for the Old-Time TOTW 11/13/2020: https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/370158

Davy - Thumb Lead

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: D  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/13/2020
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: This tab is for the TOTW in the Old Time section 11/13/2020

Deck of Halls - clawhammer

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

Deep Blue Sea

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/8/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: This is a basic version of the old folk song Deep Blue Sea

Deep River Blues

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

Domaredansen ("Judge's Dance") - clawhammer

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.

Domaredansen ("Judge's Dance") - two-finger style

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.

Don't Think Twice

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.

Don't Think Twice It's Allright

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

Down In The Willow Garden (clawhammer)

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.

Down In The Willow Garden (thumb lead - 3/4 time)

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]

Down On The Corner - CCR (CH and 3-finger)

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.

Down The Road (thumb lead)

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

Down Yonder

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/30/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Ducks In The Millpond (thumb lead - G/A tuning)

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.

Dueling Banjos - clawhammer advanced

Genre: Bluegrass  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/2/2019
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Dueling Banjos - clawhammer easy

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]

Duelling Banjos - two-finger thumb lead and guitar

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.

Earl's Breakdown - Clawhammer

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 :)

Eight More Miles To Louiseville

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

El Condor Pasa

Genre: Popular  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: Em  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/10/2018
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Fiddling Around

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.

Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Clawhammer

Genre: Bluegrass  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/27/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Foggy Mountain Minor

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.

Folsom Prison Blues

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

Fortune I (thumb lead)

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

Fortune II (thumb lead - some variations)

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

Frankie Baker (thumb lead)

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

Freight Train (CH, C-tuning)

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).

Gå runt ett eneris snår (traditional Swedish tune)

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: 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.

Gärdebylåten (tradional Swedish gånglåt)

Genre: Traditional  Style: Classical  Key: D  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: This is a famous "gånglåt" (or ganglat or walking tune) from Sweden, played in a three finger style

Gärdebylåten (traditional Swedish gånglåt)

Genre: Traditional  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: D  Tuning: Open D (aDF#Ad)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: This is a famous "gånglåt" (or ganglat or walking tune) from Sweden, played in clawfinger style.

Gentle On My Mind - clawhammer

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/7/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer - Clawhammer

Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/7/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Green Corn - Billy Faier

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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

Grey Eagle (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Ground Hog (thumb lead)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

Guantamera - 2-finger thumb lead

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

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.

Hawkins' Rag - clawhammer

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/5/2022
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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

Hello Mary Lou

Genre: Popular  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/12/2015 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Hey Jude

Genre: Popular  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/10/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Hills Of Mexico

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Am  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/9/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: Tuning: gEADE, or gDGCD with capo on the second fret and leaving the fifth string at g.

Hills Of Mexico - Thumb lead - Roscoe Holcomb

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: F  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/16/2018 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Hobo's Lullaby (Clawhammer, C-tuning)

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Hobo's Lullaby (Clawhammer, G-tuning)

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/2/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Hollyding - Wade Ward

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: D  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/2/2021
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

Notes: This is Wade Ward's version of Hollyding. It has some relations to Old-Time Back Step Cindy by Tommy Jarrell.

Home Sweet Home - Clawhammer

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Home Sweet Home - Fred Jenkins 1927

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/15/2019
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Home Sweet Home - Mack Woolbright 1927

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/15/2019
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.”

Home Sweet Home (two finger style)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Home Sweet Home 2 (two finger style)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Open C (gCGCE)  Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Hot Corn Cold Corn

Genre: Bluegrass  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/26/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: This is an easy clawhammer version of the bluegrass standard Hot Corn Cold Corn.

Hot Corn Cold Corn / Green Corn (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Hotel California - Clawhammer

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

House Of The Rising Sun (Gm tuning: 4/4)

Genre: Traditional  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: Gm  Tuning: Open Gm (gDGBbD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/26/2015
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

House of The Rising Sung (Gm tuning: 3/4)

Genre: Traditional  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: Gm  Tuning: Open Gm (gDGBbD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/26/2015
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

How Great Thou Art

Genre: Other  Key: C  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/22/2024 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

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.

I Got Stripes

Genre: Country  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/20/2016 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

I Walk The Line

Genre: Country  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

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.

I Walk The Line (two-finger thumb lead)

Genre: Country  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky - clawhammer

Genre: Bluegrass  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/27/2024
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

In The Mood

Genre: Popular  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/29/2013 - 7 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.....

Jamaica Farewell

Genre: Folk  Key: D  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/30/2021 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Jan Olov's Dream (two finger style)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Gm  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Jaw Bone (Pope's Arkasas Mountaineers, 1928)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/3/2020
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Jawbones (Jordan Am A Hard Road To Travel)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/3/2020
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

Genre: Other  Style: Classical  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/11/2020 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

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.

Jingle Bells - in the year 1857

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)

Jingle Bells (thumb lead)

Genre: Traditional  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/12/2011
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

Joe Hill (clawhammer - double C tuning)

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

Joe Hill (clawhammer - G tuning)

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

John Brown's Dream (thumb lead with some index le)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

John Hardy - clawhammer - Gm tuning

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Gm  Tuning: Open Gm (gDGBbD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/26/2021
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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

John Hardy (thumb lead)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: A two finger thumb lead version. It contains some advanced syncopations that requires a lot of exercise before you get it right.

John Hardy (two finger style)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

John Hardy Clawhammer - G tuning

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/26/2021
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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).

John Henry

Genre: Traditional  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/12/2019
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

John Henry 2 (Round Peak version - thumb lead)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

John Henry 3 (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

June Apple (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Lark In The Morning (Jig) - from Noah Cline

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Last Date

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Last Thing On My Mind - threefinger

Genre: Folk  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/13/2014 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Last Thing On My Mind (clawhammer)

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Little Boxes (Pete Seeger)

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Little Maggie (clawhammer)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

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.

Little Maggie (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Little Rabbit

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/1/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Little Rabbit - easy clawhammer version

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/1/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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).

Little Sadie - different styles

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/20/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: This tab shows Little Sadie in two-finger thumb lead style and easy threefinger style (Scruggs style). It is played in sawmill tuning.

Little Sadie (thumb lead)

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

Lonesome John (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/4/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

Lonesome Road Blues (clawhammer)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: Lonesome Road Blues or Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad with clawhammer banjo and guitar accompaniment.

Lonesome Road Blues (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Lost Gander (f#DEAD . thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: D  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/13/2023 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

Maiden's Prayer

Genre: Traditional  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/18/2016
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: From Bob Willis

Måltidssång (Dinner Song) - old Swedish song

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: This is an old Swedish song by the troubadoure Carl Michael Bellman. It was composed around 1790. Here played in clawhammer style.

Mama Don't 'Low (clawhammer)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

Mama Don't 'Low (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/1/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT

Man of Constant Sorrow (CH - double C tuning)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/1/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Man of Constant Sorrow (CH - sawmill tunin

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/1/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Marching Jaybird

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/12/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Marching Jaybird (thumb lead)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

MASH (Song from M*A*S*H)

Genre: Popular  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: Bm  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/4/2013 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Me And Bobby McGee

Genre: Folk  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/15/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Me And Bobby McGee (clawhammer)

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 7/15/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Milk Cow Blues (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: 10/30/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Miss The Mississippi And You

Genre: Other  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/6/2015 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Mississippi Sawyer (thumb lead - open C tuning)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: D  Tuning: Open C (gCGCE)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Mole In The Ground (thumb lead)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

Money Musk (from Briggs' Banjo Instructor 1855)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Other  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Money Musk (from Henry Reed)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Other  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: From the fiddling of Henry Reed and collected by Alan Jabbour

Moonlight Sonata (L. v. Beethoven)

Genre: Classical  Style: Classical  Key: C#/Dbm  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/10/2011 - 4 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT

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.

Mountain Greenery / Rodgers and Hart / Clawhammer

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

My Dixie Darlin'

Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: D  Tuning: aDGBD  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/11/2022 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Never On A Sunday - clawhammer

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

New River Train

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.

New River Train (C tuning, Scruggs style)

Genre: Bluegrass  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: D  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/4/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

New River Train (G tuning, Scruggs style)

Genre: Bluegrass  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/4/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Northern White Cloud

Genre: Bluegrass  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: E  Tuning: aDGBD  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/5/2016
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Nu är det jul igen -traditioanl Swedish song/dance

Genre: Traditional  Style: Classical  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: This is an old Swedish "polska" that use to be sang and danced (around the Christmas tree) during Christmas.

O Holy Night

Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/14/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

O Holy Night - clawhammer

Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/22/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Old Bell Cow - 3-finger

Genre: Traditional  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   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)

Old Bell Cow - clawhammer

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).

Old Jack Gillie (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: D  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Old Joe Clark (mixed index and thumb lead)

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

Old Molly Hare (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: D  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/12/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Old Rattler

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

On Top Of Old Smokey (thumb lead - 3/4)

Genre: Old Time  Key: D  Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Orange Blossom Special - Clawhammer

Genre: Bluegrass  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/6/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Oxdragarsång- (old Swedish sång)

Genre: Other  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/4/2012
Download: TABLEDIT

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.

Peachbottom Creek (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: D  Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

PI

Genre: Other  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/18/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Polly Put The Kettle On (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Pretty Little Dog (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Pretty Polly 1 (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT

Pretty Polly 2 (mixed thumb lead and index lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Proud Mary (two finger thumb lead)

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
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: Proud Mary from Credence Clearwater Revival, played in atwo finger style.

Purty Little Gal (mixed thumb lead and index lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: This is a thumb lead version based on Fred Cockerham's clawhammer version

Rainbow Connection

Genre: Popular  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Expert
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Ramblin' Hobo (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/1/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Red Prairie Dawn

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

Red River Valley - Pete Seeger

Genre: Folk  Style: Other  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/2/2017
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

Red River Valley (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Rock Around The Clock - Bill Hailey

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Rocksalts and Nails

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Rocky Mountain High - Clawhammer

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: This is a clawhammer version of John Denver's Rocky Mountain High.

Romance d'Amour

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Roustabout - Fred Cockerham

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Rudolph The Red Nosed Rein Deer - clawhammer

Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/23/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Rudolph The Red Nosed Rein Deer (thumb lead)

Genre: Popular  Key: C  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Run Mountain (thumb lead and index lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

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.

Sail Away Ladies (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Sally Ann (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: D  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Sally Goodin' - clawhammer

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/22/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

Notes: Here is a clawhammer version of Sally Goodin' or Sally Goodwin or Sally Gooden or whatever it is called.

Sally Goodwin (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/17/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Salt River - modal version (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: The first variation is thumb lead, the second is index lead or clawhammer.

Salt River (thumb lead and index lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: First version is straight thumb lead. The second variation can be played index lead or clawhammer.

Shady Grove (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Shall We Gather At The River

Genre: Traditional  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/20/2020 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: Here is a threefinger version of the old hymn composed by Robert Lowry 1864

Shenandoah Waltz

Genre: Country  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/15/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Shortnin' Bread - Clawhammer

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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

Shout Little Lula (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: C  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Shout Little Lulu

Genre: Traditional  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: D  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2009
Download: TABLEDIT

Shouting In Jerusalem

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Singing Birds - from Burl Hammon

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: D  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/7/2017
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Sixteen Tons

Genre: Popular  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: Gm  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/18/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: Sixteen Tons by Merle Travis in the key of Gm in Gm tuning (gDGBbD).

Sloop John B - with rhumba rhythm

Genre: Folk  Style: Unknown/None Chosen  Key: C  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/5/2020 - 4 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Små grodorna(Frog Dance") - trad Swedish song

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: 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.

Snowdrop - Kirk McGee

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Open C (gCGCE)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 1/15/2024
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Soldier's Joy (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: D  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT

Sound Of Silence

Genre: Popular  Style: Unknown/None Chosen  Key: Em  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/2/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Southern Flavor

Genre: Bluegrass  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Em  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/8/2017 - 2 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Spanish Fandango - Art Rosenbaum

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)

Spanish Fandango - Worrell

Genre: Classical  Style: Classical  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/10/2022 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

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.

Stoney Point (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Streets Of Laredo - clawhammer

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/26/2020
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Sugar Hill (thumb lead, A tuning)

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Sugar Hill (thumb lead, double D tuning)

Genre: Old Time  Key: D  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Sugar In The Gourd

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Sullivan's Hollow

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/2/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Sunny Side Of The Mountain - Clawhammer

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.

Swedish Christmas Song ("Staffansvisan") - clawham

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).

Sweet Sunny South

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.

Sweet Sunny South (thumb lead)

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

Tater Patch (thumb lead and clawhammer)

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.

Te Deum - Marc-Antoine Charpentier

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

The Blackest Crow (thumb lead: 3/4)

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 12/15/2015 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

The Coo Coo Bird - Clarence Ashley 1929

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: This is a transcription of Clarence Ashley's recording of the Coo Coo from 1929

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - CH backup

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/7/2018
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - clawhammer

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 6/7/2018
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

The Old Favourite - Jig

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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)

Thumb lead introduction: Bile Dem Cabbage Down

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 8/11/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Thumb lead wamping

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/24/2021 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF

Notes: Demonstraion of some licks to use when wamping in the thubl lead style

Tom Bigbee's Waltz

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Trouble In Mind - clawhammer

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/9/2018
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Two finger exercise in D

Genre: Old Time  Key: D  Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: Demonstration on transitions between thumb lead and index lead

Visa Från Utanmyra /Tune From Utanmyra (thumb lead

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/8/2016
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Visa Från Utanmyra /Tune From Utanmyra(clawhammer)

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Am  Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/8/2016 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Wabash Blues - Hobart Smith

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).

Wabash Blues - Mike Seeger

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)

Walkin' Boss - 3-finger

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.

Walkin' Boss - clawhammer

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.

Walkin' In My Sleep (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Walking In My Sleep

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
Download: TABLEDIT

Notes: The tabs include a clawhammer version and an up picking thumb lead version. The thumb lead section includes some bars with index lead.

Waterbound (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Way Down Town - clawhammer C

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 5/15/2021
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: This is an attempt to make a clawhammer version of Doc Watson's tune. I added aguitar solo, inspired by Doc's version.

Way Down Town - clawhammer G

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: C  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/23/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Westminster Chimes

Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/16/2019 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

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.

Where Have All The Flowers Gone

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.

Where Have All The Flowers Gone

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
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Notes: Here is a tab of Pete Seegers wellknown song Where Have All The Flowers Gone. Clawhammer in G tuning.

Whhiskey Before Breakfast (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: D  Tuning: Double C (gCGCD)  
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Which Side Are You On?

Genre: Folk  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: Cm  Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 9/4/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Whispering - Clawhammer

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.

White Christmas - clawhammer

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]

White Christmas (Scruggs style)

Genre: Other  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/28/2024
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

White Christmas (thumb lead)

Genre: Popular  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT

White House Blues - clawhammer

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 3/14/2024
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

White House Blues (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: A  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT

Wildwood Flower - gEADE tuning clawhammer

Genre: Old Time  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/22/2019
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Wildwood Flower (thumb lead)

Genre: Old Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT

Wildwood Flower G-tuning clawhammer

Genre: Traditional  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 11/22/2019
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Wildwood Flower II (thumb lead - open C tuning)

Genre: Old Time  Key: C  Tuning: Open C (gCGCE)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/31/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Windy and Warm - CH

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.

Worried Man Blues

Genre: Folk  Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)   Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 2/17/2015
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Worried Man Blues (thumb lead)

Genre: Folk  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/25/2011
Download: TABLEDIT

Yellow Rose of Texas

Genre: Traditional  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 4/13/2014
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Yesterday - Beatles (clawhammer)

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.

You Are My Sunshine - advanced clawhammer

Genre: Popular  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/28/2016
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

You Are My Sunshine - easy clawhammer

Genre: Popular  Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time  Key: G  Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD)  Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/28/2016
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]

Zorba the Greek

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.

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