Genre: Classical Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Gm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by Jodebanjo, updated: 5/4/2014
Download: PDF | GUITAR-PRO 5 | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here's a great song from the Appalachian Concerto cd. Enjoy
Update 2/14/14: small changes.
Update 5/4/14: Added Wild Horses and a few small adjustments to improve playability
Difficulty: Expert
Posted by talentedmusic, updated: 1/7/2010 - 1 Member Comments
Download: PDF | PDF | GUITAR-PRO 5
Notes: (f#DGBD tuning!) Same version of Schlange's, but in Guitar pro format (Mac friendlier), two options for pdf (with or without standard notation for printing options), and removed 24 measures (116 instead of 140) by using repeat signs and alternate ending notation. Less ink, paper, and page turning are always good in my book. Measures 86-89,110-111 add 5 to the fifth string unless it's zero (because it was originally in Tabledit format, tux guitar imported it that way to Guitar Pro and I'm unable to change it),Refer to the aforementioned sources for the MIDI, as it is the same.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by 5-String, updated: 6/20/2022 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is my interpretation of how Earl Scruggs played this tune on the "Foggy Mountain Banjo" album. All lead breaks and backup are included. The tab is written such that you can follow along with the recording. Adjust settings so that chords are displayed as letter names only, tab is displayed at 4 bars per line, and view is scaled to 16th notes. The first few blank measures are there to maintain the chord & bar patterns (4 bars per phrase) such that each phrase starts at the beginning of a line.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by 5-String, updated: 6/20/2022 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is my interpretation of how Earl Scruggs played this tune on the "Foggy Mountain Banjo" album. All lead breaks and backup are included. The tab is written such that you can follow along with the recording. Chords are notional, i.e. not necessarily exactly what the banjo is playing at any given moment, but what I think the basic chords are for the general tune, for each bar. Adjust settings so that chords are displayed as letter names only, tab is displayed at 4 bars per line, and view is scaled to 16th notes. The first few blank measures are there to maintain the chord & bar patterns (4 bars per phrase) such that each phrase starts at the beginning of a line.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by 5-String, updated: 6/20/2022 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is my interpretation of how Earl Scruggs played this tune on the "Foggy Mountain Banjo" album. All lead breaks and backup are included. The tab is written such that you can follow along with the recording. Adjust settings so that chords are displayed as letter names only, tab is displayed at 4 bars per line, and view is scaled to 16th notes. The first few blank measures are there to maintain the chord & bar patterns (4 bars per phrase) such that each phrase starts at the beginning of a line.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by 5-String, updated: 6/20/2022 - 2 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is my interpretation of how Earl Scruggs played this tune on the "Foggy Mountain Banjo" album. All lead breaks and backup are included. The tab is written such that you can follow along with the recording. Adjust settings so that chords are displayed as letter names only, tab is displayed at 4 bars per line, and view is scaled to 16th notes. The first few blank measures are there to maintain the chord & bar patterns (4 bars per phrase) such that each phrase starts at the beginning of a line.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by 5-String, updated: 6/20/2022 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is my interpretation of how Earl Scruggs played this tune on the "Foggy Mountain Banjo" album. All lead breaks and backup are included. The tab is written such that you can follow along with the recording. Adjust settings so that chords are displayed as letter names only, tab is displayed at 4 bars per line, and view is scaled to 16th notes. The first few blank measures are there to maintain the chord & bar patterns (4 bars per phrase) such that each phrase starts at the beginning of a line.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by 5-String, updated: 5/23/2018
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is a note for note transcription of how Earl Scruggs played this tune on the "Country Music" album, Mercury 20358, or The Bear Family's Flatt & Scruggs 1948-1959, disc 1. All lead breaks and backup are included. One item of interest is that, several times in this tune, Earl employs a pretty wicked lick that covers 3 chord positions (inversions of the same chord) to go from a I7 chord to a IV chord, and from a V7 chord to a I chord. You have to jump all over the neck to play it, and the distance your hand has to jump changes significantly, depending which transition you are playing, because the notes are much more closely spaced in the upper part of the neck, than in the lower part. It tends to foil muscle memory. The tab is written such that you can follow along with the recording. Adjust settings so that chords are displayed as letter names only, tab is displayed at 4 bars per line, and view is scaled to 16th notes. The blank 3 measures preceding each verse are skipped when the tab is played with the MIDI player, using the Reading List tool. They are only there to maintain the chord pattern such that each verse starts at the beginning of a line.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by 5-String, updated: 6/20/2022 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Notes: This is my interpretation of how Earl Scruggs played this tune on the "Foggy Mountain Banjo" album. All lead breaks and backup are included. The tab is written such that you can follow along with the recording. Adjust settings so that chords are displayed as letter names only, tab is displayed at 4 bars per line, and view is scaled to 16th notes. When adjusted in this manner, each phrase will start at the beginning of a new line.
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Difficulty: Expert
Posted by corcoran, updated: 10/23/2011 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This version contains 4 breaks. The first and third are similar to Earl Scruggs's low and high breaks, the second and fourth are my own. You will note that I wrote the tab as though you are playing without Keith tuners and hence must fake the tuner part; if you have Keith or Scruggs tuners, by all means use them. Note also that the chord structure of the first break is slightly different from the others: In the A part, measure 8 (which is measure 7 if you ignore the introductory measure), the I chord (G) is held and leads into the V chord (D) in the next measure. In all the other breaks, the equivalent of measure 7 is a II chord (A) that leads into the V chord (D). Yep, that's the way Earl wrote, recorded, and played it.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Yohansen, updated: 6/14/2024
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: no tuners required
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 :)
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by seanray, updated: 10/6/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: Backup Tab for "The Session Book" - seanray.com
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/23/2006
- Download from banjobluegrass.free.fr
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Jack Baker, updated: 11/16/2024
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: www.frettedinstrumentsnyc.com
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Other Key: Bm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by peter somerville, updated: 6/9/2012
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Here's an arrangement similar to Tom Hanway's in his new book.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Other Key: Bm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Tom Hanway, updated: 4/10/2013
Download: JPEG
Notes: These are A-Part Fretting and Picking-Hand exercises for the tune which appears (as a beginner version in its entirety) in my recent Mel Bay Book/CD compilation, Easy Irish & Celtic Session Tunes for 5-String Banjo: Best-Loved Jigs and Reels (MB21597BCD).
Genre: Traditional Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A Tuning: aDGBD Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by cleslieb, updated: 6/2/2020
Download: PDF
Notes: Transcription of Earl Scruggs' solos on Earl Scruggs Revue version of Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Genre: Rock Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Stu D Baker-Hawk, updated: 10/20/2012
Download: PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Based on the playing of Bernie Leadon. Recorded source: The Eagles (self titled)
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Letsfrail61, updated: 1/25/2019
Download: PDF
Notes: A new nice little tune for clawhammer banjo I recently made up. Don't play too fast to enjoy the chords in the B-part. Good luck, Gerry. :)
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Yohansen, updated: 9/19/2024
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Country Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by banjoy, updated: 8/14/2021
Download: PDF
Notes: Old video demo can be seen at https://youtu.be/zCpUuRrTzMk ... This is my original version of Jerry Reed's song "East Bound and Down." I came up with this about 30 years ago and never have actually played this in any band setting, only at occasional jam sessions where this song is pulled out of the hat. I have been asked to tab this song in the past and only got around to doing it today. Part A is almost entirely melodic. For Part B, while not melodic, I give two variations to play around with. For this version you should be able to comfortably play the 2nd string with your middle finger (inside strings) which adds to its bouncy feel. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by littleton, updated: 12/27/2022
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Notes: Really nice Scottish tune
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/27/2006
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by JanetB, updated: 1/21/2019
Download: PDF | PDF
Notes: Here are two tunings for East Tennessee Blues. It was played in the key of C when recorded by Al Hopkins and the Hill Billies and the composing fiddler Charlie Bowman, so the first tab is in double C tuning. The other tuning is in open G.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by ButchRobins, updated: 4/4/2021
Download: PDF
Notes: Tab by Bill Evans
As played by Butch Robins; Source:
"Grounded Centered Focused"
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by jack_beuthin, updated: 6/18/2024
Download: PDF
Notes: This tab is based on Nora Brown’s playing on her Cinnamon Tree album (2019). I’ve tab the banjo intro, the first verse, and then the first banjo break. This is played in the key of G using the fDGCD tuning. The picking is pretty straight up thumb lead, but the timing and phrasing are challenging (Nora is sooooo good on those counts). Lots of extra beats thrown in here and there that I’ve tabbed as 2:4 measures.
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/27/2006 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABRITE | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/27/2006 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Country Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by SixBs, updated: 12/30/2013
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A#/Bbm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by chuckv97, updated: 10/27/2024
- Download from share.icloud.com
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Other Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by KI4PRK, updated: 10/22/2010
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Here's two Don Reno banjo breaks to an old Bill Harrell classic, "Eatin' Out Of Your Hand". It is very close, but not quite note for note Don's two breaks to the song. The first break is the melody, fairly simple but just perfect. The second one is quite mind blowing and is really crazy. If you learn these breaks you can learn a lot about the Reno style. The first break is more of an Intermediate, fairly straightforward, but the second one is pretty hard. Has a Rhythm Guitar & Bass rhythm track. Have fun!
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Genre: Old Time Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: D Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by mwblake, updated: 11/23/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: From an album by Beverley Smith and Carl Jones , a lovely tune written by Carl Jones that has gone viral in sessions around the UK. The B part is beautifully crooked. Enjoy.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: D Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by smitchinson, updated: 12/20/2011
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Thanks to Martin Blake for posting this great tune. This is my version. Same key, so may give you an alternative break to Martin's arrangement.
Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Julian44_4, updated: 1/20/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: arranged for banjo by Dale Allen Pfeiffer
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Julian44_4, updated: 5/5/2012
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: TablEdited by Ken Brooks
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by littleton, updated: 12/27/2022
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by must fret, updated: 1/7/2010
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: C Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by jack_beuthin, updated: 4/2/2024
Download: PDF
Notes: A bit of a tricky tune for two finger picking. I used the “finger drag” and “thumb jump” techniques to get after those melody notes (both explained on the tab). A video of me playing this tune is posted on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/R-bqm_-R02g
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Other Key: D Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by James Stiltner, updated: 2/20/2013
Download: TEXT
Notes: Text window must be maximized for best viewing.
Genre: Rock Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Am Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Truje Luthier, updated: 2/19/2020
Download: PDF
Notes: Studio tuning Bm (Capo 2)
Genre: Folk Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by RJWMitchell, updated: 3/14/2014
Download: PDF
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Devon Wells, updated: 5/19/2020
Download: PDF
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Steelydan, updated: 11/18/2013
Download: PDF - Download from pages.suddenlink.net
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: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by janolov, updated: 10/30/2011
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/23/2006 - 1 Member Comments
- Download from banjobluegrass.free.fr
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/23/2006
- Download from banjobluegrass.free.fr
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/27/2006 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Old Time Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Jim Yates, updated: 1/25/2011
- Download from banjohangout.org
Notes: This is a tune that I give to beginners for practice on the square (thumb in and out) roll. I learned it from Grampa Jones, but have also heard it done by Jim Kweskin. Google the words.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by runner, updated: 12/11/2011
Download: PDF
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by stan, updated: 11/1/2012
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Thank you Grandpa Jones for making this tune so popular!
Hee Haw rules!!!
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Ron C, updated: 8/6/2013
Download: TABLEDIT | TABLEDIT | TABLEDIT | TABLEDIT
Notes: As with other tabs I submitted here, they reflect my process of learning to tab in Tabledit and always can stand some improvement and changes. Please feel free to modify any of my tabs. I will learn from your changes. Somehow, multiple versions of the same file loaded, here.
Thanks, Ron
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Stu D Baker-Hawk, updated: 12/28/2014
Download: PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Here's Steve Martin's arrangement of this old classic.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by HSmith, updated: 6/4/2023
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is my take on Ben Eldridge's arrangement of this old favourite on one of Mike Auldridge's dobro albums. I think Ben's arrangement breathes new life into this old song, and the use of dropped 'C' tuning introduces some nice sounds. I'm still feeling my way with Tabledit, so the timing is a little shaky in places, but I hope you'll get the idea.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by rossnickerson, updated: 10/11/2012
- Download from banjoteacher.com
Notes: An easy version of Eight More Miles to Lousiville from the free tab page at BanjoTeacher.com
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/18/2006
- Download from bluegrassbanjo.org
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/23/2006
- Download from banjobluegrass.free.fr
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Other Key: D Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Tom Hanway, updated: 1/10/2010 - 5 Member Comments
Download: JPEG
Notes: Originally known as 'Jackson's Victory' (while he was still popular) and later changed to the 'Eighth of January', we also know this favorite tune as the melody or "air" to the 'Battle of New Orleans'. Notice the Celtic-sounding drones and raggy syncopation I have put into the second part to give it more lift. I use a lot of staccoto-single-string work in the second part to capture the melody down the neck, but it could also be played an octave higher in a more legato-melodic style.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Tom Hanway, updated: 1/10/2010
Download: JPEG
Notes: This is a Scruggsy version of the tune; please also see my two other more melodic/single-string versions, one in D Major, another in G Major.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Other Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Tom Hanway, updated: 1/10/2010
Download: JPEG
Notes: See my melodic version in D and my Scruggsier version in G. Originally known as 'Jackson's Victory' (while he was still popular) and later changed to the 'Eighth of January', we also know this favorite tune as the melody or "air" to the 'Battle of New Orleans'. Notice the Celtic-sounding drones and raggy syncopation I have put into the second part to give it more lift. I use a lot of staccoto-single-string work in the second part to capture the melody down the neck, but it could also be played an octave higher in a more legato-melodic style.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Other Key: C Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by Tom Hanway, updated: 1/25/2010
Download: JPEG
Notes: For Paddy Kiernan, who proved to me about reaching top speed with accuracy using 21st-century picking-hand fingerings. I've also tabbed this here in D and G (both melodic/single-string), also a Scruggsy version (G), and now this one in Drop C tuning, dedicated to Bill Keith.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Other Key: D Difficulty: Expert
Posted by Tom Hanway, updated: 1/13/2010 - 1 Member Comments
Download: JPEG | JPEG | JPEG
Notes: Here I make (1) “melismatic variations” in the form of grace notes, using slides and pull-offs, (2) “intervallic variations” by moving away from the normal melody, substituting higher and lower notes, also developing a series of either ascending or descending note patterns, and (3) “rhythmic variations” in the form of syncopation, also by making two eighth notes a quarter note (as in the first full measure), or by making a quarter note two eighth notes (as in measures 6 and 10, on the third beat). The pinches, sometimes straight, sometimes syncopated, serve as examples of combined intervallic-rhythmic variation.
I have doubled the parts, also breaking them up into units of four measures each, indicated by a heavy bar line, putting in variations that sound good to me after all these years playing the tune.
Within the A and B sections, the order of parts can be moved around any way you want, but here I start with the simple before moving to the more complex. One can go back to playing the tune’s structure as AB, instead of doubling both sections.
The tune structure here is actually A1, A2, A3, A4; B1, B2, B3, B4. These are not the only variations, obviously, but these are what I like to hear and play. It’s about playing the sounds that you want to hear, not about playing variations just to play them, or an abstract exercise.
Genre: Traditional Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: D Tuning: aDGBD Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by banjoman 1, updated: 7/10/2015
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Some dbl thumbing but not hard in D. Have fun.....Lynn W.
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: D Tuning: Open D (f#DF#Ad) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by AlBanjo38, updated: 11/20/2017
Download: PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Greg Gilbert, updated: 12/15/2018
Download: PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by littleton, updated: 12/27/2022
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: Double C (gCGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by littleton, updated: 12/27/2022
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by corcoran, updated: 1/13/2020 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Eric Weissberg's version is from the seminal melodic album "New Dimensions in Banjo and Bluegrass" (1963). Butch Robins's version is from a youtube video (2019) and is similar to Weissberg's but differs in subtle and interesting ways. In my view, Robins's arrangements are typically interesting and subtle. For fun I included a banjo duet at the end of the tab.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: D Tuning: aDGBD Difficulty: Expert
Posted by corcoran, updated: 8/12/2024
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: I usually play Eighth of January in G or, with the capo on 2, in A. It also works well in the key of D, and this is my version. There is a lot of single-string work, particularly in the high break, but it is not outrageous. If you want a different take on playing the tune in D, check out the tablature by the late Lynn Williams (banjoman 1). His nifty version is in double C tuning, with the capo up 2.
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Dm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by banjoy, updated: 11/18/2022
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: This is my original version of this cool old Latin tune. It's a fun tune to play.
You'll see I tend to hang out on the three inner strings a lot which may take some getting used to. I really like the warmth you find there.
To my ear, Part B has no discernible melody line so I'm just filling the space with misc banjo rolls. Feel free to go nuts.
I give you plenty of ideas to play around with here and I hope this inspires you to come up with your own versions.
I have a YouTube video which will give you an idea of how some of this might sound out in the wild:
https://youtu.be/m2WNvAeAxJo
I hope you enjoy :)
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/27/2006
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: aDGBD Difficulty: Expert
Posted by banjo_don, updated: 6/10/2013 - 4 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: this is my take on this song please leave me a comment enjoy!!!!
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Unknown/None Chosen Key: Dm Tuning: aDGBD Difficulty: Expert
Posted by stratovarious520, updated: 10/6/2022
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Based on Mike Snider's arrangement (which was based on Vic Jordan's)
Genre: Classical Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Dm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by Shilohbanjoman, updated: 3/9/2015
Download: JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG
Notes: My original arrangement of El Cumbanchero. Enjoy!
Genre: Classical Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Dm Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by Shilohbanjoman, updated: 3/10/2015
Download: JPEG
Notes: This is a pretty nice original intro for my arrangement of El Cumbanchero. Enjoy!
Genre: Traditional Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by tonet, updated: 1/3/2010
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: This is my arrangement for a traditional catalan song. Have fun!
Genre: Classical Style: Classical Key: D Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Expert
Posted by segovialvr, updated: 10/12/2023
Download: PDF
Notes: My 5-string arrangement of the traditional Catalan tune from Llobet arranged by Segovia. Video of me performing it here https://youtu.be/5Qc3FsIPVaQ
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Banjowen, updated: 9/5/2009
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: A traditional Irish tune by Turlough O'Carolan.
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by littleton, updated: 6/28/2017
Download: PDF
Notes: This is a really easy Em tune written by me.
Genre: Ragtime Style: Classical Key: Am Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by trapdoor2, updated: 11/27/2011
Download: PDF
Notes: Eli Green's Cake Walk, written by Sadie Koninsky. TAB taken from original 19-teens banjo arrangement by the English player/composer, Joe Morley.
Genre: Other Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Em Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Ben Asher, updated: 7/27/2012 - 2 Member Comments
Download: JPEG
Notes: Wrote this tune for my good buddy Eli, tried to make it as badass as he is... Maybe its just me, but I think I may have succeeded... simple tune in E minor, Im really really happy with how it came out... give it a try! If you make a recording, let me know, I'd love to hear it. If you want to hear how it sounds, check my video section. Oh yeah, enjoy! - Daniyel
Genre: Ragtime Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Greg Gilbert, updated: 1/26/2021
Download: PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Classic rag by Scott Joplin.
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by smitchinson, updated: 10/14/2014 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by littleton, updated: 5/11/2024
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by littleton, updated: 5/11/2024
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by jack_beuthin, updated: 12/8/2022
Download: PDF
Notes: Composed by the West Virginia fiddler, Ernie Carpenter. A video of me playing this rendition is posted on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/WUidJriNrAc
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Tuning: Open C (gCGCE) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by bobbySwells, updated: 1/18/2021
Download: PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: A Larry Unger fiddle tune, using Jason White's clawhammer version for the tab. Tune the banjo to Open C a put a Capo on the 2nd fret, Spike in the 7th a(DADE) to play in key with Jason's tune.
Few Notes:
1. Drop thumb is indicated by using parentheses
2. The .mid file doesn't know how to handle 'dead notes' (rhythm indicated with an X)
Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/27/2006
Download: GIF
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: Am Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by mwblake, updated: 8/30/2009 - 1 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Notes: Great old timey tune in Am arranged for 3 finger banjo (capo II) and harmony mandolin
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by delmando, updated: 9/26/2013
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by heronhawk, updated: 9/4/2016 - 4 Member Comments
Download: JPEG | MP3: [Play] [Download] | JPEG | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Sawmill capo 2 - played on two banjos: Gold Tone cello banjo CEB-5 and Recording King RKOT-25
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by littleton, updated: 10/24/2021
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Julian44_4, updated: 7/24/2011
Download: TABLEDIT | TABLEDIT | PDF | PDF
Notes: By Lyle W Konigsberg and Dale Allen Pfeiffer
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by nose-picker, updated: 12/2/2024
Download: PDF
Notes: as played by Jason Burleson with Blue Highway
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by littleton, updated: 10/24/2021
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: Am Tuning: Sawmill (gDGCD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by littleton, updated: 10/24/2021
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Other Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by James Stiltner, updated: 4/25/2013 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TEXT | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Jacob Underwood, updated: 3/17/2015
Download: PDF | PDF | PDF | PDF
Notes: Here are four endings that are basically interchangeable. You can also mix and match parts from each ending for other variations. Every picker needs to know and play these well.
Genre: Classical Style: Classical
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/27/2006
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
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
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/27/2006
Download: PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Ragtime Style: Other Key: C Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Greg Gilbert, updated: 11/3/2010
Download: PDF | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Notes: Based on Scott Joplin's original piano score. Enjoy.
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/23/2006
- Download from banjobluegrass.free.fr
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by job, updated: 5/9/2019
Download: PDF
Notes: I am planning to make a book with Dutch Folksongs an dance tunes transcribed for clawhammer banjo. I am not quit confident enough to record them yet but maybe later.
This is the first tab. All about a farmer that enden up chasing his tailor out of town on a goat. What do you guys think?
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by littleton, updated: 4/7/2021
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: A Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by dUSA, updated: 12/6/2009
Download: GUITAR-PRO 4 | MIDI [Play] [Download]
Genre: Bluegrass Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: F Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by rwsansom, updated: 10/2/2020
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Notes: (Version 2019.01.11f). I transcribed this using a combination of the studio recording and various live performances of Tony, particularly https://youtu.be/XrHAxCAfzi8. Thanks to Rich Stillman (waystation) for his feedback!
Genre: Folk Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: D Tuning: aDGBD
Posted by RJWMitchell, updated: 4/1/2016
Download: PDF
Notes: 2-finger thumb lead
Genre: Old Time Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by littleton, updated: 4/7/2021
- Download from simplegiftsmusic.com
Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: G Tuning: Drop C (gCGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by Devon Wells, updated: 11/6/2014 - 2 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT
Genre: Popular Style: Other Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by ronh2510, updated: 8/29/2011 - 1 Member Comments
Download: JPEG
Notes: Here's a Tab for that great Buddy Holly tune Every Day. This falls nicely on the Banjo in G tuning.
The B part of the tunes gets 'up the neck' but don't be put off as the picked notes are all in the chord shapes for Bb and Eb.
Check Youtube for 'stratpac' for a video clip of me playing this arrangement.
Have fun
Ron H
Genre: Popular Style: Other Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by ronh2510, updated: 8/29/2011
Download: JPEG
Notes: Here's page two for this great Buddy Holly tune.
Genre: Other Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by RJWMitchell, updated: 10/10/2014
Download: PDF | PDF
Notes: in G (open G) and in D (aDGBd)
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/23/2006
- Download from banjobluegrass.free.fr
Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)
Posted by schlange, updated: 3/27/2006
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF
Genre: Popular Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Key: E Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by mmuussiiccaall, updated: 11/1/2017
Download: TABLEDIT | MP3: [Play] [Download] | PDF | MP3: [Play] [Download] | MIDI [Play] [Download] | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Harry Nilsson
Genre: Rock Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by Claude Grassley, updated: 7/7/2020 - 3 Member Comments
Download: TABLEDIT | PDF | PDF
Notes: Here's an easy-intermediate version I tabbed out. Sounds OK. I hope someone can use it and make it better...
Genre: Popular Style: Other Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Beginner
Posted by chrisbenninger, updated: 3/27/2011
Download: TEXT
Genre: Fiddle/Celtic/Irish Style: Clawhammer and Old-Time Key: G Tuning: Standard Open G (gDGBD) Difficulty: Intermediate
Posted by heronhawk, updated: 12/12/2015
Download: JPEG | MP3: [Play] [Download]
Notes: Quebecois tune by Daniel Thonon. The sheet music is in Portland Collection volume 1.
