Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 6/6/2024
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Notes: This tab is based on Kate Wolf's version of "Across the Great Divide" in this YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fXV5hMhQ20
She sings and plays the tune in the key of G#. Ther tab is in open-G tuning. Capo on the first fret and raise the 5th string to play along with the video.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 4/1/2022 - 3 Member Comments
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Notes: "American Refugee" is an instrumental by The Lonesome Ace Stringband featuring Chris Coole. It is based on this version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08uPOE3D7IU. "American Refugee" is the first tune in the medley.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 9/17/2021
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Notes: This John Denver song is in the key of D using double-C tuning with the capo at the 2nd fret for aDADE. It's 3/4 time/
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/5/2023
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Notes: This tab is for the banjo introduction and turnaround to "Apple Jack" as sung by Grandpa Jones in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIv5tMahq7U. The tune is played in the key of A in the video while this tab is in the key of G to keep things simple.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 1/5/2024
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Notes: Here's some basic tab for the Fruit Bats cover of "As I Rise." They play the song in the key of C, so double-C tuning will match their key. The tab is based on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeYXx1nbdPI
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 1/5/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here's some basic tab for the Fruit Bats cover of "As I Rise." They play the song in the key of C, so capo at the 5th fret to match their key. The tab is based on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeYXx1nbdPI
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 1/15/2025 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This classic waltz by Jay Unger has charmed countless dancers. This arrangement in D (double-C tuning capo 2 or aDADE) avoids some of the up-the-neck notes to keep it manageable for most players.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 4/11/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here's some basic clawhammer tab for this classic murder ballad.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 9/20/2022 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: "Barbara's Tune" was written by Reed Martin for his wife. This version is based on the playing of Russ Carson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARZw7MTld7k ).
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/2/2023
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Notes: This tab is for the banjo intro to "Before the Sun" by Gregory Alan Isakov.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0w5KUKSx0I
The video uses the key of A (capo 2 in Gb tuning).
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/2/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is for the banjo backup to the verse to "Before the Sun" by Gregory Alan Isakov.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0w5KUKSx0I
The video uses the key of A (capo 2 in G tuning).
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/2/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is for the banjo intro to "Before the Sun" by Gregory Alan Isakov.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0w5KUKSx0I
The video uses the key of A (capo 2 in G tuning).
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/10/2020
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: "Beyond This Wall" is on Jake Blount's CD, "Spider Tales." Tuning is gEADE. This tune was written by fiddler Judy Hyman who shared it with Jake. Video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Aa0Ri-lojU
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/4/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the clawhammer playing of Abigail Washburn in a duet with Bela Fleck found on the CD "Echo in the Valley." Also as the 2nd tune of a medley on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWIfFIEeZjw
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/3/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the playing of Phoebe Sanders found in this YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdlrU_8OAac
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/17/2025
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Notes: This tab arrangement finds the melody notes in the first 5 frets of the fretboard.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/10/2021 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This tab is from Steve Martin's "Crow" CD (and not to be confused with the tune written by Jay Unger). Martin plays this 3-finger style, but the request was for clawhammer. Sawmill tuning is used rather than double-C (with capo at 2nd fret) to get the low note at the end of Part A. Part C is like a long bridge that may be played or not. The tab is based on this YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkODMBIgWr0
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/4/2014
Download: PDF
Notes: This unusual version of "Bonaparte's Retreat" comes from Melvin Wine. Unlike other versions, it is in 6/8 time as a jig. Also has an unusual variant of G tuning (gBGBD) capoed at 2nd fret for the key of A (aC#AC#E). Melvin's father wouldn't let him touch his fiddle, but Melvin would play it while his father was away from the house. This is the first tune Melvin played for his father and that convinced him to let young Melvin continue to play his fiddle. Thanks to Carl Baron for clearing up many things about this arrangement. You can Melvin play this tune at Slippery Hill or Bearea archives.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 6/21/2024 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: This tab is for the Old-time Tune of the Week for June 21, 2024 - "Bring Me Back My Hodi Cake" by Snake Chapman.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/22/2023 - 4 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the playing of Bob Flesher in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXvPoFVkGV4.
The TablEdit file (.tef) has been enhanced with guitar backup thanks to Jack Baker.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/22/2023
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Notes: This is tab for the banjo backup to the vocal for "Calvary" by Mandolin Orange based on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-BbgZvkcDA To match the key in the video put your banjo in double-C and capo to the 3rd fret. Tab for banjo introduction is posted separately.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/22/2023
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Notes: This is the banjo intro for "Calvary" by Mandolin Orange based on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-BbgZvkcDA
To match the key in the video put your banjo in double-C and capo to the 3rd fret. Tab for banjo backup for the vocal is posted separately.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/13/2021 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This tab uses the fragment of clawhammer tab for "Cindy" in Pete Seeger's "How to Play the Five-String Banjo" book (p. 38) and provides tab for the rest of the verse and chorus.
Genre: Folk Style: Other Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/13/2021 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: This tab describes the banjo introduction to "Cindy" from a clip from Pete Seeger's "Rainbow Quest" program (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vhTWMOebv8 ). Pete fingerpicks the intro and then plays clawhammer backup behind the singing with Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. The folk picking pattern is: 1 2-and 3-and 4. Each measures start with a pinch (thumb and finger). Then thumb generally alternates between the 5th string and the 3rd string on the beat like the thumb bass on guitar. The 2nd and 3rd beats are made up of the thumb followed by a finger pick as eighth notes. The 4th beat is usually a single note played by the thumb.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/7/2010
Download: PDF
Notes: This is tab written by Tom Berghan based on the ABC version of Coleman's March by John Lamancusa on the Fiddler's Companion web site.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/7/2010
Download: PDF
Notes: This is tab of Coleman's March by Tom Berghan based on the ABC notation by Michael Anthony on the Fiddler's Companion web site.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/21/2024
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Notes: This tab for the jig, "Coleraine," involves use of drop thumb and left-hand licks to accommodate 6/8 time. The suggested right-hand approach is to use a downstroke on beats 1-and-3 and 4-and-5 The middle beats may be played by the left hand with hammer-ons and pull-offs or left silent.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/21/2024
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Notes: This is an easier tab for the jig, "Coleraine," relying less on drop thumb and left-hand licks to accommodate 6/8 time. The suggested right-hand approach is to use a downstroke on beats 1-and-3 and 4-and-5 The middle beats may be played by the left hand with hammer-ons and pull-offs or left silent.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/31/2022 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This clawhammer tab is loosely based on the folk version by Joan Baez, though the key and the rhythm have been made simpler. Joan may play this in the key of D#.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glMQXjy46J8
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/6/2022
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Notes: This tab is based on the tune by the Carolina Chocolate Drops - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbxMDsJPXKw
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/21/2025
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab for "Cowboy Jig" is in the key of G to match the tuning of the TOTW for March 21, 2025. Some versions are in the key of A. Capo at the 2nd fret to play in A.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/7/2024
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Notes: In response to a request, here is some tab for Andrea Verga's "Cripple Creek" with the slides and syncopation. Andrea plays the tune in the key of E on a low-tuned gourd banjo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtYy2ujYLzc. The tab represents what I hear more than what I can see in the video.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/27/2020 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This tab is based on Rhiannon Giddens version where she plays a minstrel banjo in low D tuning (dADF#A). This tuning has the same intervals as open G tuning (gDGBD), so the tab will work for that tuning also. The tab is based on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moGDevGfmp0
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/14/2023
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Notes: This tab is based on the playing in this Talise Tunes video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fph6LWquadM. She is in open G tuning capoed at the 6th fret for the key of C#. I hear syncopated drop thumb licks and have used those in the tab. If syncopation is awkward for you, replace the rests with a downstroke. If drop thumb is difficult for you, replace it with a brush stroke.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/11/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 9/2/2024
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is for a fiddle tune by Scott Boatright of southwest Virginia. He was never recorded, so there are not many examples of his playing. This tab comes from an online workshop by Tyler Hughes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSgEFo8epNg
BHO Member Lowell Adams (lwadams4) came across this workshop and suggested that it be added to the Tab Library.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: F Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/28/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This an update to a tab I posted several years ago. "Deer River" is a clawhammer tune written by Chris Coole, the fine Canadian banjo player. Chris plays this in the key of F - fDGCD (or Sawmill tuning with the 5th string dropped to F from G). This tab adds a Part C that Chris plays at the end of the tune. The tab is based on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJCjkkK23Vk
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 4/8/2021
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Notes: "Doug's Tune" was written and played by Doug Dillard and the Dillards. This clawhammer version of "Doug's Tune" is based on the 2010 YouTube video by oldthyme dragon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMNYU-8aZdU ). It is really more of a ragtime tune than bluegrass. The syncopation in Part A requires either an upward brush stroke or a drop thumb to the 1st string. I chose the latter.
Genre: Country Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/18/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here's some basic tab for "Engine Joe" by Slobberbone. They sing the song in the key of B. Capo this tab at the 4th fret to match the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnPSV6DqBIw
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/18/2023
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Notes: This tab is based on the version found on "Meet Me in the Music" by Erynn Marshall and Chris Coole. It is a good exercise in syncopation.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/28/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This version of "Fishin' Blues" is based on Taj Mahal's version.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 1/22/2021
Download: PDF
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/17/2022
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Notes: This tab is based on the playing of Merle Watson in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_2FEraCwIc
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/28/2024 - 3 Member Comments
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Notes: This solo banjo tune is by Alice Gerrard from her album with Hazel Dickens - "Hazel and Alice." It is based on this recording on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXcc1UUZf_I
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 9/6/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the playing of Jim Taylor on his CD "Bright Sunny South." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ7Bt7V36lk
Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/4/2021
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This arrangement of the classic song by John Hartford is based on a video by Mike Iverson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF7ZecJyvic. (Cut and paste the link into a browser.) Mike plays the song in B (capo 4), but this tab is in open G. This tab uses a lot of syncopation via m-skips (or ghost strokes followed by drop thumb). Mike is a talented and generous performer and teacher who offers lessons and workshops in Utah and online: www.banjoutah.com.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 1/13/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the version sung by Joan Baez and Dirk Powell in concert. Most will know this tune as "Country Blues," but this arrangement is not in the Dock Boggs two-finger style. Baez and Powell play this in various keys - from Gb modal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1T0t31hc8c) to G# modal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKoMq3injTc).
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/31/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the version by Flatt & Scruggs in this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nIOHAORBZA. They play the song in the key of F, but this tab is in open-G tuning for convenience.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/10/2020
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: "Goodbye Honey You Call That Gone" is on Jake Blount's CD, "Spider Tales." Played on a fretless banjo, the tuning is dBbDFBb. Open D (f#DF#AD) tuning also works for this tune. Video is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0b9Av19klA
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Dm Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/2/2025
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Notes: This tab is based on Chance McCoy's version, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4KJ4lSq8XA . Double-C tuning capoed at the 2nd fret for Dm.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/6/2024 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: John Hartford plays this tune in the key of E using 3-finger style. This clawhammer arrangement is in the key of G and attempts to capture the sound of John's fine playing. Â The first part (Intro and Verse) is modeled after the banjo introduction and can be used as backup to singing the verses. Or simpler strums can be used as backup. The second part (Chorus) is based on the melody of the chorus but is tabbed in the lower part of the fretboard rather than up the neck.
I used this video as my model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rPME6PcmiQ
11-6-24: I have added a TablEdit tab file provided by Jack Baker.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/7/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is taken from my Kindle ebook, "Stephen Foster: Beginner and Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo Tabs." These tabs are based on piano sheet music from the 1800s and the ebook includes tabs for 12 tunes. Ten tunes have basic and intermediate arrangements.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/7/2022 - 1 Member Comments
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is taken from my Kindle ebook, "Stephen Foster: Beginner and Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo Tabs." These tabs are based on piano sheet music from the 1800s and the ebook includes tabs for 12 tunes. Ten tunes have basic and intermediate arrangements.
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/11/2024
Download: PDF
Notes: This is a tab booklet of clawhammer tabs for a baker's dozen of holiday tunes. Most are in the key of G with a couple in the key of D and Dm. Most are beginner tabs with a few "tastier" licks included.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/18/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Thos tab is based on a recording by Tom Sullivan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RMBKSJFc6Q . He plays it in the key of G# modal.
Genre: Other Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/14/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the video by the Marshall Family - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5guc10Ao2ds. They play this in the key of D#, so capo on the 3rd fret to match their key.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/26/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a basic version of Bill Monroe's classic song. He sang it in A. Capo at the 2nd fret to mat his playing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBMiOjZWy6I
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 9/6/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the version by Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K0BHVn7N7E . They play the tune in the key of B. Capo at the fourth fret to match their key. This tab tries to capture some of the banjo licks in the intro, so the brushes appear in some unusual places (e.g., 3rd beat). Simplify the arrangement to suit your taste.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/23/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This clawhammer tab for "In Tall Buildings" by John Hartford has 3 parts. The first 2 lines are the banjo intro. Lines 3-5 are the verse. Lines 6-8 are for the chorus. The banjo is in double-C tuning. Capo to the 2nd fret to match Hartford's key of D. Or tune to aDADE.
The chord markings above the tab are for guitar or other accompanying instrument. Or you can play the chords if you want to strum on the banjo. Do not try to play the chords as well as the tab.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/29/2021 - 1 Member Comments
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: "Jeb's Tune" is a jam tune played in wildly different ways in various YouTube videos. I based this tab mostly on this Clifftop Jam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb-INxR7X5c&t=144s . There appear to me to be 4 parts, mostly, though the order of appearance changes during this lengthy jam. Everyone is following the fiddlers' lead. I have included chords for guitar, but they are fairly freeform as well. Don't expect precision in this tab. Just have a good time with it.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Open Gm (gDGBbD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/27/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This clawhammer tab is based on a version I played with the Celtic group, Guilderoy Byrne. It's on their CD, "I Once Loved a Lass."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crp4GXOw0eM&list=OLAK5uy_nOGVs7-zjNRZe_BhEEhSrsKPArM2Ad9Rw&index=24
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 6/13/2021
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on a cover of the tune available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61Srz2xILXQ ). The banjo in the video is in standard G tuning tuned down to open D (dADF#A). This tab and MP3 are in standarg G tuning for ease of learning. The song is in 6/8 time with quarter notes followed by an eighth note or a rhythm of dah-dit dah-dit. The picking style is two-finger.
Genre: Folk Style: Other Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/19/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is the picking pattern I might use to approximate what Hedy West is playing on this tune (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmWRgJE1mps). Hedy plays this in the key of F#. (She often played a longneck banjo.) Tune down a half step from gDGBD to match her key.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C#/Dbm Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 6/7/2022 - 3 Member Comments
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is generally based on the version by David Lindley (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASyAUgVsRZE ). Lindley plays a wildly varying version with a slow preamble, an upbeat intro, and then 3 parts that he varies in terms of repeats, volume, strumming style, etc. This tab provides a basic version of the upbeat intro and Parts A, B and C. Assemble them in a way that pleases you. The key is C# - gCGCD capoed at the 1st fret.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/22/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/14/2023 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This an arrangement of the jig, "The Lark in the Morning," as played by Noah Cline. Noah has reviewed the tab and given me permission to post the tab. The tab is based on this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bHzingnhUo
A higher quality version from Noah's CD can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnijZjdxKLE
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/4/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the playing of Joe and Odell Thompson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyO24hRGv1Q
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: E Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 6/20/2021
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on a version by Willie Watson. He plays Drop C tuning (gCGBD) capoed at the 4th fret for the key of E. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxTxPUHeF0Q
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/23/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: The tab is based on Jason Romero's playing in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQLVx7pbZgc The tuning is gEADE (or fDGCD with the capo at the 2nd fret). I have made some edits and added chords as of 12-17-2023.
12-23-2023 - With the help of Jack Baker, I have added a TablEdit file with guitar backup.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: E Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/23/2023
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: At Jack Baker's suggestion and with his help, this tab uses the tuning in Jason Romero's original version - eC#F#BC#. This is, in essence, a lower-tuned version of fDGCD.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/25/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is for the Tune of the Week, 6/24/2024.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 6/11/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab has lyrics, chords and strums for Pete Seeger's song, "My Oklahoma Home, It Blowed Away."
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/7/2023 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab comes from my Kindle ebook of Stephen Foster tunes. I usually play this in a medley with "Hard Times Come Again No More" and "Oh Susanna." This tab is based on some 19C piano music for the tune.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/27/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: A song by Sarah Pirtle popular in a group singing setting. To tab the tune in the key of G, I based the tab on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtshm3GDShM. This is a guitar tutorial but it's easy to follow on banjo. The chords above the tab lines are for guitar or for banjo backup if you don't want to play the melody.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/14/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This clawhammer tab is based on Abigail Washburn's recording on the CD "Tales of a Traveling Daughter." The syncopation may be a little tricky for some. If so, treat the eighth-note rest and thumb note as a one-beat rest.
Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/30/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is fairly basic tab that may help someone get started on this tune. The tab is for clawhammer, but it is mostly chords which can be played in most any style.
Genre: Country Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/21/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is 'an' arrangement, though not 'the' arrangement for this song, based on what I hear and find to be easy to learn. It is based on the version with banjo on their Bandcamp site - https://shovelsandrope.bandcamp.com/album/o-be-joyful-10th-anniversary-edition.
A version on YouTube without banjo is also available - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBYj-qEh5NE
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/29/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is for a tune by Paisley Hagood, an Alabama fiddler. It was Tune of the Week for March 29, 2024.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/16/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: MtnGoat selected this as Tune of the Week on December 16, 2022, and found some tab I had posted in a message thread in 2015. I had forgotten about this tab and was happy to see it again. I am adding it to the Tab Library to make it easier to find.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 1/19/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Wayne Taylor plays this tune in the key of A. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XX9Yr69JXU This tab uses the key of G for simplicity's sake. To play along with the video, tune up to aEAC#E or capo at the 2nd fret.
Genre: Other Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/28/2021
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: I tabbed this Gospel tune for a student based on a video of Karen Peck and New River: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYQ1wVkwhsI
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/3/2014
Download: PDF
Notes: Tab for Robert Palomo's original tune as requested by several on the Hangout. Here are 2 videos from Robert: http://youtu.be/k8ksya0uahQ and http://youtu.be/oGxcS1iyAJ4
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/28/2020 - 1 Member Comments
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: To match the key of the original, use a capo at the 2nd fret with open-G tuning (gDGBD).
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/20/2021
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the version by I'm With Her (Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins, Aoife O'Donovan). Key is D and tab uses double-C tuning (gCGCD) raised to the 2nd fret. Video available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2GA23zORUI
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/31/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Genre: Other Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: F Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/25/2024 - 1 Member Comments
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is for a version in the key of F (fCFCD) as played by Ben Kiser in this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCo42Oboq4w. There is tab for the banjo introduction and for backup to the vocals.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/25/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here's some basic tab for "Phoebe in Her Petticoat." It is based on this YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xldMzbT8vQk
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/4/2021
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on Adam Hurt's version of "Poplar Bluff" on his Insight CD. "Poplar Bluff" is a wickedly odd tune from Ed Haley. Everyone seems to have their own version. I guess this is mine, based on what I hear in Adam Hurt's wonderful version.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 4/20/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab for a tune by Kentucky fiddler Jimmy Wheeler was Tune of the Week (TOTW) for 4/20/2024.
https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/396881
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 4/20/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab seeks to capture the version of this tune as played by the Orpheus Supertones in this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh-IDV_TS9M
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/23/2025
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Clawhammer tab for "Put No Walls Around Your Garden" by New Dangerfield. Sawmill tuning (gDGCD) capo 2 for key of Am. Chords shown are for guitar backup, not banjo. Based on this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjYvgi3ACIE
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/31/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 1/17/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Popular jig (6/8 meter) at our contra dances.
Genre: Unknown/None Chosen Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/28/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Cathy Moore's web site, Banjo Meets World, offered tunes from other cultures done clawhammer style. "Säkkijärven Polkka" from Sweden has four parts and offers lots of left-hand work (pull-offs and hammer-ons) as well as drop thumb.
This tune uses the tuning gEGBE, though she tunes to gDFAD and adds the capo to the 2nd fret while leaving the 5th string unchanged. Her web site is no longer updated, but you can view the videos and tips here: https://banjomeetsworld.wordpress.com/ She also provided useful tips for adding drive and syncopation to traditional old-time tunes.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/5/2021
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Two basic versions of "Shady Grove" - one with basic melody and one that adds a few hammer-ons and pull-offs.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/4/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the recording by Elizabeth Cotton. She plays it in Bb in the video, so capo at the 3rd fret to match her key.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1ViAIdO3i4
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/21/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This Darley Fulks tune was Tune of the Week on October 21, 2022. This version is based on the playing of John Harrod and Jesse Wells - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSrSFwTgQ48
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 1/7/2023 - 1 Member Comments
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tune was Tune of the Week in the Clawhammer forum on 1/6/2023 (https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/387943). Check out the link for more information about the tune, including a link to Earl Phelps' original recording. I found the notation on Jim's Roots & Blues website helpful also (https://jimsrootsandblues.com/skunk-in-the-collard-patch/).
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/3/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is in response to a request for tab of Glenn Carson's version in his duet with his son, Russ., on Russ's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PlLSt_yMe4&t=79s ). This represents what I hear in Glenn's first break. It may not look at all familiar to Glenn since it's more of a skeleton than a full representation of what Glenn is playing.
Genre: Folk Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/15/2023 - 2 Member Comments
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: "Spider Home" is a tune from the folk punk group O'Death. This tab attempts to approximate the banjo backup on the recording. The slam-jam nature of punk music presents a challenge for the tab writer. I have indicated the fingering for the intro and first part which are played at a moderate tempo. In the sections after that, I just indicate the 3-note chord positions and leave it to the user to determine whether to strum, pick 2- or 3-note arpeggios, or both. The tab is based on this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb7Ff3x0ncE . I used Chordify for suggested chords - https://chordify.net/chords/o-death-songs/spider-home-chords . The user is encouraged to find their own path as banjo support for this song.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 6/16/2023 - 1 Member Comments
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This clawhammer tab aims to capture the joy of John Hartford's tune.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/7/2023 - 1 Member Comments
Download: PDF
Notes: This tab is for Willie Watson's version of "Stewball," as played in this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IepDAEnvBFY
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/9/2021
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the video by Banjojukebox - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHaC4p1unuc
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/20/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This clawhammer tab is based on the recording by the Osborne Brothers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNQj9Gq-9MI ). They play it in B, so capo at 4th fret to match the video.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: F Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/26/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: "Susan's Gone" based on Dirk Powell's version on the CD, Appalachian Picking Society. This version in F requires tuning to fCFCD.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/26/2023
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: "Susan's Gone" based on Dirk Powell's version on the CD, Appalachian Picking Society. This version in G doesn't require tuning to another key, such as fCFCD.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/23/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Swallowtail Jig in 6/8 time requires a different clawhammer stroke where the downstroke (m) plays the 1st and 3rd note of each triplet. The middle note can be played with a hammer-on, pull-off or drop thumb, depending on where the note is on the fretboard. The tab indicates the downstroke (m) and middle note (h, p, t) in Part A. Triplets can also be handled by skipping the middle note using a quarter note and eighth note pair rather than three eighth notes in a triplet. Ken Perlman suggests thinking of:
"hickory dickory dock" (triplet) vs "the mouse ran up the clock" (quarter note paired with eighth note)
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Dm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 6/19/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tune was written by John Balch and recorded on his CD, -HOT-Biscuit Jam. This tab by David Brooks is based on the recording - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9K1ptIK25o. John Balch's own tab and MP3 can be found here - https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/397933. The tuning is fDGCD raised to gEADE with the capo at the 2nd fret.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/6/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the song by Loudin Wainwright III - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6eS_SmccQ
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/29/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here's a basic tab for "Take Em Away" by Old Crow Medicine Show. Double-C tuning capoed at the 2nd fret to match the key OCMS uses - D.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/27/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a basic version of "Temperance Reel" that should be accessible to everyone.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/28/2024 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a version of "Temperance Reel" with a little more ornamentation.
NOTE: Jack Baker has retabbed this in TablEdit and added guitar backup. Thank you, Jack!
Genre: Country Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 11/2/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the version by David A;;en Coe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ved2go9zEGw
Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/17/2024
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is an attempt to capture the various parts of Beyonce's song, "Texas Hold'em": Banjo Intro, Chorus, Verse, Pre-Chorus and Post-Chorus. The tab is based on this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCOX8dT9q8M. It also uses the chords and structure posted in this guitar tab - https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/5144119.
The tuning is double-C, and the key is D. Capo at the 2nd fret to play along with the video or tune up to aDADE. The chords indicated are for the key of D. If played in double-C without a capo, the chords are a full step lower: C, F, Am.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/17/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab for "The Doon" is based on Russell Carson's clawhammer break in a video of a medley "The Cameronian and The Doon." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVj6AEWRUNg The key is D, though in the video, the tune is played closer to D#.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/2/2024 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This tab is based on the playing of Andrew Marlin of Mandolin Orange/Watchhouse in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hoMlSs2Fwc
Genre: Unknown/None Chosen Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/19/2022
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is strumming background for "The Hearse Song," a morbid tune by Harley Poe. It is based on the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJppqS8uDyQ . The tab is in Am, but capo to the second fret to play with the video. The tab includes one verse and the chorus. Adjust to fit your own purposes.
Words and chords can be found here: https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/harley-poe/the-hearse-song-chords-1849110
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 1/30/2025
Download: PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is a melodic tab for Stan Rogers' "The Idiot." It's in the key of D (gCGCD capo 2). The chords above the tab are for guitar. If you want to strum behind singing in the key of D with double-C tuning and the capo at the 2nd fret, you would use chord shapes for C, F, Am and G in place of D, G, Bm and A. The tab is based on this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNMge2vE6G8.
Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/25/2020
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Notes: This tab is based on the tune by Genticorum:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genticorum/videos/3758861434181084/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOzNMbe3ni0
Key of Em, though with double D tuning.
Genre: Other Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/28/2023 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This tab for "Their Pie" is a response to a request for the tune, which comes from the soundtrack for the movie, "Nebraska." The original key is D#, and this tab is in the key of D. Capo fret above D to match the video. There a fair amount of syncopation shown by an 1/8-note rest followed by a thumb stroke. If syncopation is difficult, just play a downstroke instead of the 1/8-note rest. Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcaCsbwF9uc
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/25/2021 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This tab is based on Sharon Martinson's video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=338vvwkCbc0&list=RD338vvwkCbc0&index=2.
The key is C, but she uses sawmill tuning (gDGCD) for the tune, as she mentions in the introduction. Sharon uses quite a few downstrokes where the finger strikes first one string then the next. I have used mostly open-string pull-offs (ASPO) for these situations. She also uses syncopation often with a "ghost" downstroke followed by the thumb striking a string on the second half of the beat. I tried to capture some, but not all, of these. This tab represents what I hear in the tune and how I might choose to play it.
The chords in the tab are for any guitar accompaniment. The banjo plays partial chords or no chords, in some situations.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/2/2014
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Notes: Melodic clawhammer version of this old song. Tabbed for OzarkBanjoMan who remembered the tune his grandfather played. He also has a great old photo of his grandfather playing into a recording device with a megaphone-type speaker. This tab is loosely based on a YouTube video by the Empty Bottle String Band. I have also uploaded tab for banjo backup with lyrics.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/2/2014
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Notes: Tab for clawhammer backup with lyrics for this old song. Tabbed for OzarkBanjoMan who remembered the tune his grandfather played. He also has a great old photo of his grandfather playing into a recording device with a megaphone-type speaker. This tab is loosely based on a YouTube video by the Empty Bottle String Band. I have also uploaded tab for a melodic clawhammer version.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: B Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/31/2021
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Notes: Clawhammer tab for "Walk On Boy," as played by Doc Watson with his grandson Richard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1xnrHMDCFY. This tab provides melody and melodic backup in sawmill tuning but few chords. Doc plays in it Bm. Capo to suit your voice.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A#/Bbm Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/5/2025 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This tab is an approximation of Mossy Bones' cover of Dirk Powell's version of "Waterbound" based on this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkY-pXHjc3Q
Mossy plays this in an ultra-low tuning in the key of A#. The tab uses double-C tuning (gCGCD) tuned down to fA#FA#C. My tab software does not support that low tuning in an audio file, so I have attached two MP3 files. One is in A# (or Bb) an octave above the low tuning. Other is in the key of C using straight double-C tuning. Find the key that works for your voice.
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Gm Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 7/21/2021 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Beginner clawhammer tab for "Wayfaring Stranger."
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 4/22/2024
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Notes: Here's some basic clawhammer tab for this religious/social protest song. Feel free to play single notes rather than the double stops to simplify things.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 3/10/2025
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Notes: The tab for this Henry Reed tune is based on the fiddle version on the Canote brothers' web site - https://stringband.mossyroof.com/#GTunes. You'll need to search "West Virginia Rag" on the page or scroll down to the section for G tunes Fall 2016.
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/3/2021
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Notes: This tab is based on the folk song as sung by Tom Paxton.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 2/4/2022 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: This tab is based on the video featuring Ricky Skaggs, Barry Gibb and others: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YMKj9PqAnM
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 12/24/2023
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Notes: This tab is based on the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D-lSqK-ISk. The song is in the key of A and the tab is shown in G tuning. Capo at 2nd fret to play along with the video. A PDF with lyrics and chords is also included.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/1/2021
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Notes: The tab is for the banjo intro and breaks to John McCutcheon's "Who'll Rock the Cradle." The chords shown are for guitar accompaniment and are not played by the banjo, in most cases. The tab is based on this version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55GEBpqpAqk
Genre: Country Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 10/1/2021
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Notes: This tab is based on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NX9UuRyt0E . (You need to copy the link to a browser since it is not an active link.) Dolly sings it in the key of Bb in the video, but the tab is in G.
Genre: Popular Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: B Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 5/27/2021
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Notes: This clawhammer tab is based on the cover of the Tom Petty song, "Wildflowers," by the Wailin' Jennys. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XhVILjWkNg )The level is beginner/intermediate. They play the tune in the key of B, using open-G tuning (gDGBD) capoed to the 4th fret. I indicate the chord shapes for G tuning. The actual chords for G, C and D7 capoed would be B, E and F#7. This tab is based on the banjo introduction and can be used to back up the vocal, though strumming chords works as well. The mid-song instrumental breaks follow a different pattern.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by dbrooks, updated: 8/2/2020
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