I'm working on my own tab of a John Hartford recording. It's a solo performance of "Where Does an Old-Time River Man Go" live at Tall Stacks 1992. I'm trying to transcribe it note for note by ear. I used software called Soundslice to synchronize my tab with the video. You can change the speed and select measures to loop.
I have two versions — the tab is the same but the audio is different:
1. Tab with original audio: Banjo in low D tuning (dADF#A), 5 half-steps below open G.
https://www.soundslice.com/slices/jY7Xc
2. Tab with modified audio: Vocals removed, & Banjo raised to open G.
https://www.soundslice.com/slices/MlBXc
Is my tab accurate? I would love help to check this. This is a work in progress. I've tabbed the 1st break, the backup for verses 1–3, and the tag ending. I haven't tabbed the 2nd break or the verse 4 backup yet.
Interesting tech that you are working with. I have no idea how close it is to John's playing. I worked out my own much simpler version, either clawhammer or two finger thumb lead after someone posted youtube.com/watch?v=Xc_8NtyuVn...t_radio=1 here. Lot's of ways to tackle a song. I ended up changing words and dropping the last verse altogether since making the song charts doesn't to me fit the rest of the song. YMMV! banjered
Edited by - banjered on 03/04/2026 18:09:04
Sounds good to me,, I played through most of it
> I have no idea how close it is to John's playing.
I'm confident it's close to John's playing for his kickoff break and tag, and also his fill rolls between his singing. I'm not confident those parts are 100% accurate though.
The backup while he's singing is softer and hard for me to hear, so I'm even less confident in those parts. If anyone has corrections, please let me know!
> Sounds good to me,, I played through most of it
I forgot to mention, Soundslice can play through the tab too. There's a toggle switch you can flip between "synth" audio (which plays the tab for you) or the original audio.
Edited by - RyanHerr on 03/20/2026 07:45:33
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
