Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 10/1/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Here is an all time favorite. Thanks to Mike Iverson for tabbing this one. Mine is slightly different, I add drop-thumbs, but included the Mike Iverson alternate tabs. I've also included embedded links to Mike Iverson's banjo lesson mp3 and a link to the Bryan Bowers autoharp version (slightly different lyrics and definitely a different key). Mike Iverson Lyrics are shown.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 9/6/2013
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Notes: Alternate tab and midi available under "All God's Critters". This tab is a combination beginner and intermediate. Very important to have a drop-thumb at least at measure 7. Alternate drop-thumbs are shown, with a link to the Celtic Thunder version, which has a Scruggs style banjo back-up. Also an entertaining Youtube version available @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqm-S9J1s_k. Linked to Gospel Lover's group, although not truly Gospel, it's just inspiring. Includes lyrics. Also added to Beginner Clawhammer group.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 7/29/2013 - 3 Member Comments
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Notes: My variation, in double C (capo 2) for D sound. Some lyrics provided. Hammer-ons are optional but effective. Hope you enjoy my version which is a mix of other versions watered down for the beginner Clawhammer player like me. Melody in D can be found @
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynr8gp1j50g
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 8/3/2013 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: Simplified beginner clawhammer version. Key of G, Capo 2 for Key of A. Lyrics can be found @ http://www.lyricstime.com/hymn-are-you-washed-in-the-blood-lyrics.html
Melody @ http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/videos.asp?m=d&catID=0&id=17411
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 11/23/2013
Download: PDF - Download from pages.suddenlink.net
Notes: A rather simplified version of that great Civil War tune "Battle Cry of Freedom",
also known as "Rally Round the Flag Boys". It's a clawhammer version in G, but can be played solo in Bb (A#) so capo 3 from G (or tune up 3 frets). To play along with the 2nd South Carolina version Youtube link, play in G, remembering that this version is played on a Minstrel Banjo, and has a more haunting sound to it. I've linked this to the Beginner Clawhammer Group.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 9/18/2013
Download: PDF - Download from stringband.mossyroof.com
Notes: This tune is in Sawmill tuning, with some drop-thumb. I don't know what key Sawmill is in, I suppose it is G modal, so I'm calling it G. Capo 2 and it's played in A modal (AEADE). I"ve linked the mp3 within the PDF file, but can be located at the middle of the URL link @ http://stringband.mossyroof.com/
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 9/1/2013
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Notes: Simplified version of Do Lord, including Lyrics and a link to a Tabledit version Scruggs style 3-finger picking. Experiment with this one, add or ignore hammer-ons, pull-offs and try in different keys (A-capo 2, Bflat-capo 3). Linked to Gospel Lover's group.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 10/29/2013
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Notes: A simplified beginning clawhammer version of Dooley, made famous by the Dillards. This is tabbed in G, but can be played in A, B or C (with Capo or up-tuning). Included are lyrics and optional intros and endings. The verse starts at the 3rd stanza (measure 1). Remember to repeat between : and substitute 2 for 1 on 2nd go around where applicable. Also included are BHO links in B and G. Linked to Beginning Clawhammer Group.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 11/18/2013
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Notes: A simplified version of Eight More Miles to Louisville. I like playing this in A, so either capo 2 from G or tune up like Grandpa Jones to A. However, I don't know if Grandpa Jones ever played this on a Banjo, all the versions I have are on a guitar. Dave Hum plays a mean version (Scruggs Style) in A. Both Youtube versions are linked on the 1st page with lyrics. I've added a page 2 for the Chorus and a midi link (Dave Hum version in A) in case the Youtube links disappear. This is for the melody and back-up, there are other versions in Scruggs style available under the tabs menu. (I've put "to Louisville" in (paranthesis) because I live in Russellville, Arkansas and like to substitute "to Russellville" in my version when I play. Substitute your own 3 syllable town in your version, if you desire. Lou-is-ville, Russ-ell-ville, New-Or-leans, etc. Remember, Louisville is pronounced Louie-ville. Linked to Beginner Clawhammer Group.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 10/2/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Capo 2 Sawmill Tuning (2nd string C) Capoed 2, tuning is AEADE. Part B (in Double C) can be found, with melody @ EZFOLK (http://www.ezfolk.com/banjo/tab/efgh/flyround/flyround.html) by Richard Hefner with midi file. Part B would be considered Intermediate. Can be played without Capo. Substitute .jpg with .mp3 in offsite URL for another version.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 8/10/2013
Download: PDF - Download from pages.suddenlink.net
Notes: Inspired from the movie "Sargeant York" (one of my favorites) can be heard (and seen) @:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f68TdgErXkE
This classic hymnal lyrics has many variations (I've provided a few of the better known ones. Repeat between the " : ", 1st round through can be repeated until the melody is learned, then add hammer-on's and pull-offs when you are comfortable. Will also list it as "Old Time Religion" since there are no other clawhammer versions in G.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 12/9/2013
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Notes: Another easy tab of Good King Wenceslaus, this time in a simplified Clawhammer version. Capo or tune up to suit. Included with Lyrics. Updated to further simplify. Added history link.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 8/4/2013
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Notes: My beginner clawhammer version of a timeless Christmas song, played in G or A (capo 2) in G tuning. An up-tempo Scruggs version can be heard @:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXEYAEtKrrQ
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 8/15/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Beginner clawhammer version (with variations) of I Saw the Light (Hank Williams) with lyrics. The link has an embedded Tabedit file at the bottom obtained from a zip file from Phillip Mann's Bluegrassbanjo.org free site and is a variation to my simplified version with more hammer-ons and drop thumb playing.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 10/16/2013 - 3 Member Comments
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Notes: My attempt at "I'll Fly Away" as played in the movie "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou". This tab is in Sawmill tuning (G Modal). I capo up 2 and play in the key of C (C Modal?) which puts it into the key of D Modal, if that makes any sense. It's a simplified variation of the tab by David Marshall located @ http://www.hangoutstorage.com/banjohangout.org/storage/tabs/i/tab-ill-fly-away-11989-211438102009.jpg
which he tabbed in Double C (Double D with capo). I've also included a link to the "Oh Brother" version in D that can be played along with to get the timing and melody, and added a page 2 for the measure pattern to play and the complete lyrics.
I will attach this to the Gospel Lover's group and Beginner Clawhammer group.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 8/14/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Reposted, Key of C
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 12/12/2013 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: As a follow-up to the Scruggs version previously tabbed, here is a beginner Clawhammer version of "Jolly Old St Nicholas", with lyrics, melody, and a Youtube link to a unique version that can be played along with in the Key of A.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 7/21/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Christmas Corner's 1st tab. This tab is Scruggs style, but is also availabe as a Clawhammer version @ http://www.ezfolk.com/banjo/tab/xmas/jollyo-m/jollyo-m.html (Richard Hefner) and is available free with midi files for 3 versions with melody. Tab is loosely based on a tab by Dave Daylor. Merry Christmas in July.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 7/28/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Beginner version of a classic hymn. Song played (real slow) in the new True Grit movie. An excellent bluegrass (scruggs) up tempo version (Grascals) can be heard at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po0sNw3chkk&list=AL94UKMTqg-9A1fD9d3I9E4vOznSLr1TzC
Added a version with lyrics. Feel free to sing along and play with the Grascal song.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 8/16/2013
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Notes: Tabbed a version of "I have (I've got) a mansion just over the hilltop. It's played in the key of C (C-F-G) with the banjo tuned to G. Capo 2 and your playing in D. This is 3-finger Scruggs style and is played relatively slow (I've embedded a Ricky Van Shelton Youtube version) and included lyrics.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 10/14/2013
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Notes: My first attempt at Grandpa Jones tune "Grandfather's Clock" with lyrics and a link to a YouTube version to play along with. To ge the timing and feeling for the song, you should listen to Grandpa's version. It is played in the Key of A, so Capo up from G tuning or tune up to A. I added a page 2 for complete lyrics and the progression Grandpa plays with alternate measures. The chime measures are included but not needed, as well as the Rest measures.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 9/26/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Old Rattler played in the Key of D. Page 1 from standard G tuning, capoed 2, page 2 from Drop C tuning, capoed 2. Grandpa Jones ususally had his banjo tuned to A, so he played without a capo in the key of C
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 8/10/2013 - 1 Member Comments
Download: PDF - Download from pages.suddenlink.net
Notes: Inspired from the movie "Sargeant York" (one of my favorites) can be heard (and seen) @: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f68TdgErXkE This classic hymnal lyrics has many variations (I've provided a few of the better known ones. Repeat between the " : ", 1st round through can be repeated until the melody is learned, then add hammer-on's and pull-offs when you are comfortable. Will also list it as "Give me that old time religion" since there are no other clawhammer versions in G.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 11/18/2013
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Notes: Posted under the original title "One Horse Open Sleigh", commonly known as Jingle Bells. This is a beginner version with a Youtube link to Richard Hefner's version in open G tuning, inlcuding lyrics. There are several versions of Jingle Bells posted, but none as the original title, so here it is. Simplify or get fancy as you see fit. I've posted the Richard Hefner link for now, I will post to my website when it becomes available. Linked to the Christmas Corner and Beginner Clawhammer groups.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 9/2/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: Inspired from the movie "Outlaw Josie Wales", this tab delves heavily into drop-thumb. The drop-thumb measures are shown as alternate measures at bottom right. I've included the lyrics as song by Bobby Horton and a youtube link at bottom. Substitute the drop-thumb measures to add melody to the tune as you get comfortable with the song.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 7/18/2013 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: (Scruggs Style) Key of G (Capo to Voice). Beginner. 1st measure is intro. Play thorough betwee : and 1 1st time and play through without intro with 2 for finish. Tabbed by hand and dug up from old archives I have. Enjoy.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 8/8/2013 - 1 Member Comments
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Notes: A simplified version of Woody Gutherie's classic. A more complex version can be heard, along with midi file, and a backup version @ Mike Iverson's Free Tab page:
http://www.bluesageband.com/Tabs.html. I have no idea which key he plays in, but it's in the standard G tuning and it sounds good in any key.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 12/9/2013
Download: PDF - Download from pages.suddenlink.net
Notes: Inspired by Richard Hefner's website (EZfolk), this simplified version of Up on the Housetop (Rooftop) is one of my favorite Christmas tunes for the banjo. It's very bouncy and Christmassy. I've linked some of Richard's music files to play along with. Links to Christmas Corner.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 8/29/2013 - 2 Member Comments
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Notes: My first attempt at Grandpa Jones "Down the old Plank Road" which I play along with often. This is a beginner version which can be improvised to include a lot more strumming rather than single note as noted. Lyrics included. For the chorus I use a long 2-4 slide on the 3rd string to for the word "Won't". Grandpa played in key of A, so capo 2 to match, and play around with the strumming. Grandpa Jones version can be heard @:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi1tkL1ML4Q
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 12/11/2013
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Notes: A simplified tab of "We Three Kings", a classic traditional Christmas song written in 1857 and published in 1863. A haunting melody, in standard G tuning and played in the Key of E minor. The 1st pages of this tab is a basic melody key, and the 2nd page is my clawhammer interpretation in 3/4 time. I've substitued D7 for the D chord since it is easier to transition from E minor to D7. Basically, the E minor chord is fretted at the D strings fretted at 2, and to make the B chord, just slide the E minor chord down to the 4th fret, and back again to E minor at the 2nd fret. I've provided alternate D measures, but there's little difference between the abbreviated D chord and D7 chord, and the D7 is a lot easier. Linked to Beginner Clawhammer, Clawhammer Gospel and Christmas Corner (It fits all 3). Lyrics and history links provided.
