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Jul 28, 2026 - 12:46:45 AM

bFunk

USA

109 posts since 5/22/2009

I play clawhammer banjo, and I'd like to be able to improve my ability to identify appropriate chords to play to accompany fiddle tunes (I usually play the melody, but I like to mix in chords or simply play backup for variation).

To give a simple example, let's assume we're playing a D tune. If the melody lands on an F#, safe to assume we can play a D chord. If the melody lands on a B or G, we can play a G chord.

But what about if the melody lands on a note shared by multiple chords, like an A (present in both A and D chords) or a D (present in both D and G chords)? And then my next question is, what about the very common occurrences where melodies don't land on any particular note?

Any advice much appreciated.

Jul 28, 2026 - 3:48:48 AM
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carlb

USA

2801 posts since 12/16/2007

I played guitar and sang folk songs before I played banjo. That's how I got my ability to recognize which chords to use. You just have to go at it.

Jul 28, 2026 - 4:02:06 AM
Players Union Member

Texasbanjo (Moderator)

USA

33054 posts since 8/3/2003

Duplicate post. Go here: banjohangout.org/topic/409632

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