Old-Time Music for Beginners: Part Two
Because informal jam sessions might include fiddle tunes, bluegrass, country, folk, early rock, blues and other styles, background musicians need the skills to support all these styles. Experts offer differing definitions of "old-time" music. As a backup musician, you support the songs the leader chooses, no matter what style they are. The tutorial below focuses first on bluegrass music, the the knowledge you obtain applies to all styles of music.
CONTENTS:
Because informal jam sessions might include fiddle tunes, bluegrass, country, folk, early rock, blues and other styles, background musicians need the skills to support all these styles. Experts offer differing definitions of "old-time" music. As a backup musician, you support the songs the leader chooses, no matter what style they are. The tutorial below focuses first on bluegrass music, the the knowledge you obtain applies to all styles of music.
CONTENTS:
- Read about the structure of bluegrass songs
- Listen to and play along with Bury Me Beneath the Willows
- Read about common keys and chords
- Practice Blue Ridge Cabin Home in different keys
- Play along with Knockin' on Your Door, I'm Using My Bible for a Roadmap, and Teardrops in My Eyes
- Practice identifying a chord by ear
- Practice identifying common chord progressions by ear using backing tracks and recordings
- Play along to a recorded jam session
Structure of Bluegrass Tunes
Bluegrass music is much more variable in structure than fiddle tunes. MOST bluegrass tunes follow this pattern:
LISTEN: Bury Me Beneath the Willows
The recording of Bury Me Beneath the Willow by Emmylou Harris is a great introduction to bluegrass music. The video highlights the typical arrangement of a bluegrass song, and points how to add life to a simple, repetitive song. Listen as harmonies are added, instruments are added, instrumental breaks are taken, and other changes keep the song interesting.
Bluegrass music is much more variable in structure than fiddle tunes. MOST bluegrass tunes follow this pattern:
- Unique verses and repeated choruses that alternate
- Verses and choruses each have 8 measures but with differing chord progressions
- Instrumental breaks are added as needed
- Four clear beats per measure (three for waltzes)
LISTEN: Bury Me Beneath the Willows
The recording of Bury Me Beneath the Willow by Emmylou Harris is a great introduction to bluegrass music. The video highlights the typical arrangement of a bluegrass song, and points how to add life to a simple, repetitive song. Listen as harmonies are added, instruments are added, instrumental breaks are taken, and other changes keep the song interesting.
PLAY ALONG: Bury Me Beneath the Willows
The video below is in the key of G and has a user-friendly tempo. The chords appear on the screen just before the beat where you should play them. Start by just strumming on every beat. Practice until you can play the song with no prompts.
The video below is in the key of G and has a user-friendly tempo. The chords appear on the screen just before the beat where you should play them. Start by just strumming on every beat. Practice until you can play the song with no prompts.
Which arrangement of Bury Me Beneath the Willow do you find more appealing? Why?
Bury Me Beneath the Willows in G (If you need a reminder,)
{V} G C G D G C G|D G
{C} G C G D G C G|D G
Bury Me Beneath the Willows in G (If you need a reminder,)
{V} G C G D G C G|D G
{C} G C G D G C G|D G
Common Keys and Chords in Old Time Music
All the songs you have played in this lesson have been in the key of G or C using the chords G, C, F and D. Because the chords are easy to play, you have been able to focus your energy on the content of the lesson. Now you will get some music theory and some new keys to play.
Most fiddle tunes and bluegrass tunes are in the key of A, C, D, or G. D is the most common, and C the least common. From the three songs you have played in the key of G, you have discovered the chords in the songs were G, C, and D. What if a jam leader says, "I want to play Bury Me Beneath the Willows in D" How do you figure out what chords to play?
There is a constant relationship between the key the song is played in and the chords played in the song. Numbers are used to express the relationship. The first step is to write out the notes in the scale key of G, and number the notes from 1 to 8. For the key of G, you would write:
G A B C D E F# G
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The chords you played in the previous songs were G, C, and D. These you numbered 1, 4, and 5.
If you play the same song in a different key, the chords would have a 1, 4, and 5 relationship for that key. Let's look at the key of C.
C D E F G A B C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The 1, 4, 5 chords in the key of C are C, F G, and these are the most common chords played in that key. These are chords you would play when Bury Me Beneath the Willows is played in the key of C
The chords played in the first four measures (in the key of G) of Bury Me Beneath the Willow are G C G D. The numbers for those chords in the key of G are 1 4 1 5. If you play the song in the key of C, the chords are C F C G. The numbers for those chords in the key of C are 1 4 1 5. No matter what key you play in, the chords at the start of the song have a 1 4 1 5 relationship.
Rather than give specific chords to play, some song books give the chord numbers.
{V} 1 4 1 5 1 4 1|5 1
{C} 1 4 1 5 1 4 1|5 1
Eventually you will memorize the 1 4 5 chords for popular keys, but the following method lets you figure out the chords you need for any key without the use of a pen or paper. For example, for the key of A:
Most fiddle tunes and bluegrass tunes are in the key of A, C, D, or G. D is the most common, and C the least common. From the three songs you have played in the key of G, you have discovered the chords in the songs were G, C, and D. What if a jam leader says, "I want to play Bury Me Beneath the Willows in D" How do you figure out what chords to play?
There is a constant relationship between the key the song is played in and the chords played in the song. Numbers are used to express the relationship. The first step is to write out the notes in the scale key of G, and number the notes from 1 to 8. For the key of G, you would write:
G A B C D E F# G
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The chords you played in the previous songs were G, C, and D. These you numbered 1, 4, and 5.
If you play the same song in a different key, the chords would have a 1, 4, and 5 relationship for that key. Let's look at the key of C.
C D E F G A B C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The 1, 4, 5 chords in the key of C are C, F G, and these are the most common chords played in that key. These are chords you would play when Bury Me Beneath the Willows is played in the key of C
The chords played in the first four measures (in the key of G) of Bury Me Beneath the Willow are G C G D. The numbers for those chords in the key of G are 1 4 1 5. If you play the song in the key of C, the chords are C F C G. The numbers for those chords in the key of C are 1 4 1 5. No matter what key you play in, the chords at the start of the song have a 1 4 1 5 relationship.
Rather than give specific chords to play, some song books give the chord numbers.
- This information applies to any key.
- {V} Chords to verse
- {C} Chords to chorus
- Play the 1 chord for four beats (1 measure), then the 4 chord for a measure, back to the 1 chord for a measure, etc
- 1|5 - play the 1 (root) for 2 beats, the 5 chord for two beats
- The previous video added some extra chords to the standard version listed below.
- Listen and adapt to each arrangement
{V} 1 4 1 5 1 4 1|5 1
{C} 1 4 1 5 1 4 1|5 1
Eventually you will memorize the 1 4 5 chords for popular keys, but the following method lets you figure out the chords you need for any key without the use of a pen or paper. For example, for the key of A:
- Touch your little finger and say A. This is the root chord for the key.
- Touch each finger moving across to your thumb and say the next letter in the scale.
- The letter you say when touching your pointer finger (D) is the fourth letter in the scale and will be the 4 chord.
- The letter you say when touching your thumb (E) is the fifth letter in the scale and will be the 5 chord.
- A, D, and E are the 1, 4, 5 chords in the key of A
- A, D, and E are the most common chords used in fiddle tunes played in A.
The chart below summarizes the information:
Key of: A | C | D | G
Chord 1: A | C | D | G (Root)
Chord 4: D | F | G | C (Fourth)
Chord 5: E | G | A | D (Fifth)
This way of using numbers to indicate a chord's relationship to the root chord is the basis of what evolved into the Nashville Number System. Roman numerals are sometimes used by jazz and classical players so instead of 1, 4. 5 you might see I, IV, V. The complete Nashville Number System is very complex, but Ryan Madorq presents a good, concise introduction. This site uses "m" to indicate a minor chord, the pound sign (#) is used for sharps, and the lower case B (b) is used for flats. Abm is the chord A flat minor, for example.
Key of: A | C | D | G
Chord 1: A | C | D | G (Root)
Chord 4: D | F | G | C (Fourth)
Chord 5: E | G | A | D (Fifth)
This way of using numbers to indicate a chord's relationship to the root chord is the basis of what evolved into the Nashville Number System. Roman numerals are sometimes used by jazz and classical players so instead of 1, 4. 5 you might see I, IV, V. The complete Nashville Number System is very complex, but Ryan Madorq presents a good, concise introduction. This site uses "m" to indicate a minor chord, the pound sign (#) is used for sharps, and the lower case B (b) is used for flats. Abm is the chord A flat minor, for example.
PRACTICE: Blue Ridge Cabin Home using 1, 4, 5 chords
The best way to learn the 1 4 5 chords for a key is to play them over and over. Here is your chance. While playing along to the videos below:
{C} 1 4 5 1 1 4 5 1
{V} 1 4 5 1 1 4 5 1
In the video below, listen for an extra measure of A thrown in occasionally.
The best way to learn the 1 4 5 chords for a key is to play them over and over. Here is your chance. While playing along to the videos below:
- Start with a simple strum so you focus on the chords
- If it helps you remember, say the name and number of the chord you are playing
- Repeat the videos until you can play the songs with no prompts (your eyes closed.)
- Listen to the lead singers and players and support their version of the song.
- The chord progression is usually:
{C} 1 4 5 1 1 4 5 1
{V} 1 4 5 1 1 4 5 1
In the video below, listen for an extra measure of A thrown in occasionally.
In the video below, three kids are playing the song. The chord changes and rhythms are not always perfect, so this is good practice for playing in a jam session.
In the video below, the lead singer is dominant so follow her lead.
Notation for the chords you just played is:
Blue Ridge Cabin Home
{C} 1 4 5 1 1 4 5 1
{V} 1 4 5 1 1 4 5 1
Most fiddle and bluegrass tunes contain the 1 4 5 chords in some combination. Many also contain other chords but knowing the 1 4 5 chords for the most used keys is a good start.
Blue Ridge Cabin Home
{C} 1 4 5 1 1 4 5 1
{V} 1 4 5 1 1 4 5 1
Most fiddle and bluegrass tunes contain the 1 4 5 chords in some combination. Many also contain other chords but knowing the 1 4 5 chords for the most used keys is a good start.
PLAY ALONG: Knockin' on Your Door
Below is a different song with same 1 4 5 1 chord pattern for both the verse and chorus. The knowledge and skills you acquired playing
Blueridge Cabin Home apply to other tunes and other styles of music. Play slong following the prompts on the screen.
Below is a different song with same 1 4 5 1 chord pattern for both the verse and chorus. The knowledge and skills you acquired playing
Blueridge Cabin Home apply to other tunes and other styles of music. Play slong following the prompts on the screen.
PLAY ALONG: I'm Using My Bible for a Roadmap
Most bluegrass songs are more complex than the previous examples. The following song has a bridge to break up the reprition. The four measure bridge has the chords E A B E. Because this recording is in the key of A, the chords in the bridge have a 5 1 2 5 pattern.
Most bluegrass songs are more complex than the previous examples. The following song has a bridge to break up the reprition. The four measure bridge has the chords E A B E. Because this recording is in the key of A, the chords in the bridge have a 5 1 2 5 pattern.
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Try using the hand technique to confirm the 5 1 2 5 numbers for the chords E A B E in the key of A. As usual, in the key a A, the A chord is 1 and the E chord is 5. You would say "B" when touching your ring finger, so B is the 2 chord in the key of A. The 2 chord is often played as a minor chord, but here it is a major chord. Play along to the video below and practice including the bridge in your playing. Do you recognize the chord pattern for the verses and choruses?
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PLAY ALONG: Teardrops in My Eyes
One last song in this exercise should cement the concept of the 1 4 5 1 chords forever in your mind. The song below also contains a bridge, but this bridge also has a chord pattern of 5 1 2 5 like the song above. Because the song below is also in the key of A, the bridge contains the chords E A B E. Not as many prompts are included as you should be able to do much more on your own.
One last song in this exercise should cement the concept of the 1 4 5 1 chords forever in your mind. The song below also contains a bridge, but this bridge also has a chord pattern of 5 1 2 5 like the song above. Because the song below is also in the key of A, the bridge contains the chords E A B E. Not as many prompts are included as you should be able to do much more on your own.
FINDING THE KEY
One of the most common questions at a jam is, "What key are we in?" The easiest way to discover the key for a new fiddle tune is to ask the leader or the person next to you. If that is not an option, there is a 95% chance the key is either A, D, or G, with C also a distant possibility. What do you do if you don't hear the name of the key, everyone else starts playing, and you want to join in?
Listen to the song and determine the sound of the root ( 1 ) chord. That chord determines the key to the song. It takes a great deal of practice to recognize chords and keys quickly and easily. Below are some strategies to help you determine the root chord. When a song begins:
Only one chord is played in each track in the following exercise. Four different electronic instruments play the same chord in a track. Use any strategy you want to determine what chord the instruments are playing. To check your results, click the forward arrow to change the slide to the right (or below on a phone) to show the correct answer.
One of the most common questions at a jam is, "What key are we in?" The easiest way to discover the key for a new fiddle tune is to ask the leader or the person next to you. If that is not an option, there is a 95% chance the key is either A, D, or G, with C also a distant possibility. What do you do if you don't hear the name of the key, everyone else starts playing, and you want to join in?
Listen to the song and determine the sound of the root ( 1 ) chord. That chord determines the key to the song. It takes a great deal of practice to recognize chords and keys quickly and easily. Below are some strategies to help you determine the root chord. When a song begins:
- Play the A chord first. If it is a match to the recording, you know the key.
- If the A chord sounds slightly off, try the D chord. If it is a match to the recording, you know the key.
- If the A chord sounds way off, try the G chord. If it is a match to the recording, you know the key.
- If the A, D, and G chords don't match, try the C chord.
- At a jam, songs are usually in A, C, D, or G. But not always.
- Another approach is to finger a movable chord (like F on guitar, Bb [B flat] on uke) and play on each fret as you move across the neck. When the chord you play matches the root chord, you have found the key.
- Both approaches require much practice. The exercises below are a good start. In a jam, the chords change quickly and present a major challenge.
Only one chord is played in each track in the following exercise. Four different electronic instruments play the same chord in a track. Use any strategy you want to determine what chord the instruments are playing. To check your results, click the forward arrow to change the slide to the right (or below on a phone) to show the correct answer.
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Click the play button at the far left of the sound control to hear the chords. Challenge 1: Key of G or C
Challenge 2: Key of A or D
Challenge 3: Key of A or G
Challenge 4: Key of A, D, or G
Challenge 5: Key of A, C or D
Challenge 6: Key of A, C, D, G
Challenge 7: Key of A, C, D, G
Challenge 8: Key of A, C, D, G
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Bluegrass Exceptions to Common Keys
A fiddle tune is played in the same key by most players because that key has the easiest fingering for the song's melody on the fiddle. For bluegrass songs, the lead singers determine the key based on their vocal range, and the key may be different for each group.
Imagine this: Dolly Parton has always played Bury Me Beneath the Willow in the key of C and has a great finger-picking routine mastered. Emmylou Harris wants to sing along, but she can't hit the low notes in C. Dolly decides to use her capo - a movable bar attached to the fingerboard of a fretted instrument to uniformly raise the pitch of all the strings. Dolly places a capo across the first fret so when she plays a C chord, it will sound like a C# (or Db). Still too low, so she tries the second fret and the C chord sounds like a D. Still not enough, so she tries the third fret. Fingering a C chord form now sounds like a D# or Eb, Emmylou can sing the song, and Dolly can fingerpick as usual. The song is played in Eb but Dolly can pick a C chord fingering.
A fiddle tune is played in the same key by most players because that key has the easiest fingering for the song's melody on the fiddle. For bluegrass songs, the lead singers determine the key based on their vocal range, and the key may be different for each group.
Imagine this: Dolly Parton has always played Bury Me Beneath the Willow in the key of C and has a great finger-picking routine mastered. Emmylou Harris wants to sing along, but she can't hit the low notes in C. Dolly decides to use her capo - a movable bar attached to the fingerboard of a fretted instrument to uniformly raise the pitch of all the strings. Dolly places a capo across the first fret so when she plays a C chord, it will sound like a C# (or Db). Still too low, so she tries the second fret and the C chord sounds like a D. Still not enough, so she tries the third fret. Fingering a C chord form now sounds like a D# or Eb, Emmylou can sing the song, and Dolly can fingerpick as usual. The song is played in Eb but Dolly can pick a C chord fingering.
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During the first verse, you can see Dolly's left hand is moved toward the sound hole. The capo is not clear in the video, but the photo above points out its location. The use of a capo can explain the odd keys in many bluegrass songs.
PRACTICE: Identify chord patterns by ear
You ultimate goal is to listen to a song, identify the key it is in, and play the chords used in the song. This takes a lot of practice for everyone, and sometimes even more practice for others. Some good musicians never master this skill, so do your best. The exercise below asks you to identify two or more chords played by a simulated guitar.
- The first chord is the "Root" or "1" chord and determines the key
- The next chord is the 4 or 5 chord in that key
- The rest of the chords, if played, are either the 1, 4, or 5 chords
- Repeat the file until you are sure of the chords
- Check your answer by clicking the Forward button on the slide show to the right (or below on your phone.)
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Practice 1: Identify the two chords played
Practice 2: Identify the two chords played
Practice 3: Identify the two chords played
Practice 4: Identify the two chords played
Practice 5: Identify the four chord pattern
Practice 6: Identify the four chord pattern
Practice 7: Identify the four chord pattern
Practice 8: Identify the four chord pattern
Practice 9: Identify the five chord pattern
Practice 10: Identify the five chord pattern
Practice 11: Identify the five chord pattern
Practice 12: Identify the five chord pattern
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PLAY ALONG: Determine chord in Backing tracks
Below are some bluegrass and fiddle tune backing tracks. There is no distracting melody - just the rhythm section. See if you can determine the key and chord pattern for a typical verse. After a few times through, the correct chords will appear on the screen.
- Playing old time music should be fun. If you are struggling to play by ear, rather than enjoying the learning process, you are not having fun.
- If you are frustrated, scroll down to where the chord progression is listed and use that information to play along with the track.
- You may have to play along with a track several times to get the song arrangement and chord changes into your head.
BACKING TRACK 1
This slow song plays the root chord for four full measures before changing so you have time to determine the key. The number "1" appears on the screen when the root chord is played. Similarly, "4" and "5" appear when the fourth and fifth chord of the key are played. Later the actual chord name appears on the screen, and then you are left to play without prompts. If you have trouble determining the key, scroll way down and look at the chord chart for this exercise. If you can, play along with the track so many times than you can play the entire song without any prompts.
This slow song plays the root chord for four full measures before changing so you have time to determine the key. The number "1" appears on the screen when the root chord is played. Similarly, "4" and "5" appear when the fourth and fifth chord of the key are played. Later the actual chord name appears on the screen, and then you are left to play without prompts. If you have trouble determining the key, scroll way down and look at the chord chart for this exercise. If you can, play along with the track so many times than you can play the entire song without any prompts.
BACKING TRACK 2
This track is a little faster and in a different key, but the chords have the same 1, 4, 5 pattern as Track 1. This pattern is a typical 12 bar blues pattern used in thousands of old time blues, rock-a-billy, rock 'n' roll, bluegrass and fiddle tunes. Scroll down to the written chords if you need help getting started.
This track is a little faster and in a different key, but the chords have the same 1, 4, 5 pattern as Track 1. This pattern is a typical 12 bar blues pattern used in thousands of old time blues, rock-a-billy, rock 'n' roll, bluegrass and fiddle tunes. Scroll down to the written chords if you need help getting started.
BACKING TRACK 3
This track is faster but the chords are simpler than the previous two tracks. The song has 16 measures before it repeats so it more typical of an old blugrass song. Try different strums, like Boom-chick-Boom-chick. Hit the low sounding strings on beats one and three, and the higher sounding strings on beats two and four.
This track is faster but the chords are simpler than the previous two tracks. The song has 16 measures before it repeats so it more typical of an old blugrass song. Try different strums, like Boom-chick-Boom-chick. Hit the low sounding strings on beats one and three, and the higher sounding strings on beats two and four.
BACKING TRACK 4
This track is a simplification of the previous 12 bar blues. It is a touch faster and in a different key. Try playing the seventh form for the 4 and 5 chords. (D7 and E7, for example.) How do they sound? Do they improve or detract from the song?
This track is a simplification of the previous 12 bar blues. It is a touch faster and in a different key. Try playing the seventh form for the 4 and 5 chords. (D7 and E7, for example.) How do they sound? Do they improve or detract from the song?
BACKING TRACK 5: Sloop John B.
This track introduces several new concepts. It is the backing track for Sloop John B. The new chord is the 2m in the key. Go one note up from the root and play the chord as a minor chord. Check you chord chart for the best fingering for this chord on your instrument.
This track introduces several new concepts. It is the backing track for Sloop John B. The new chord is the 2m in the key. Go one note up from the root and play the chord as a minor chord. Check you chord chart for the best fingering for this chord on your instrument.
- Going up the scale on your hand, with the little finger as the one chord, your ring finger indicates the 2 chord.
- This may not be how you played this song in the past. Reality is that this version is how you will play the song here and now. At a jam, the leader may play a song using different chords, different lyrics, and different rhythms from the way you always played it. Everything may sound completely wrong to you, but to be a good accompanist, you must play what the jam leader presents.
BACKING TRACK 6
The track below is an old-time fiddle tune called Cripple Creek. The tune emphasizes how a song can split a measure between two chords.
The track below is an old-time fiddle tune called Cripple Creek. The tune emphasizes how a song can split a measure between two chords.
- The chart below shows A Part starts with a full measure, a split measure, a full measure, and a split measure.
- The B Part is simpler but still has a split measure.
- The notation 5|1 means play the 5 chord for two beats, and the 1 chord for two beats.
- Bluegrass Backing Track 6 - Cripple Creek
{A} 1 4|1 1 5|1 1 4|1 1 5|1
{B} 1 1 1 5|1 1 1 1 5|1 - The notation 1 4|1 1 5|1 in the key of G means to play: GGGG CCGG GGGG DDGG, each letter repenting a single beat in this case.
- If a song is fast enough, you may have to strum just once on each chord in a split measure.
CHORD NOTATION: Beyond the 5 chord
If you are not that interested in chord notation, skip this section and play what you hear in the following tracks.
Backing Track 7 is in the key of A, and the key of A scale is:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
A B C# D E F# G# A
The Root or 1 chord is A, the 4 chord is D, and the 5 chord is E, as you learned previously using the "Counting on your fingers" technique. You could also use your hand to determine that the 2 chord is B, but you need the chart for numbers bigger than 5. Looking at this chart, the 6 chord is F#, usually played as a minor chord, and the 7 chord involves a G#. Backing Track 7 below is in the key of A, but it includes a G major chord, which is not on the chart above. The G chord is one step or fret below the 7 G# chord. One way to show a note is one step lower is to use the flat (b) symbol. For example, Db is C#, and Ab is G#. Similarly, G is one step below G#, or a flatted G#. Since G# is the 7 chord, the numerical notation for the G chord in the key of A is b7.
Backing Track 8 is in the key of C, and the key a C scale is:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
C D E F G A B C
The song has an A minor chord. The numerical notation for Am in the key of C is 6m.
If you are not that interested in chord notation, skip this section and play what you hear in the following tracks.
Backing Track 7 is in the key of A, and the key of A scale is:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
A B C# D E F# G# A
The Root or 1 chord is A, the 4 chord is D, and the 5 chord is E, as you learned previously using the "Counting on your fingers" technique. You could also use your hand to determine that the 2 chord is B, but you need the chart for numbers bigger than 5. Looking at this chart, the 6 chord is F#, usually played as a minor chord, and the 7 chord involves a G#. Backing Track 7 below is in the key of A, but it includes a G major chord, which is not on the chart above. The G chord is one step or fret below the 7 G# chord. One way to show a note is one step lower is to use the flat (b) symbol. For example, Db is C#, and Ab is G#. Similarly, G is one step below G#, or a flatted G#. Since G# is the 7 chord, the numerical notation for the G chord in the key of A is b7.
Backing Track 8 is in the key of C, and the key a C scale is:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
C D E F G A B C
The song has an A minor chord. The numerical notation for Am in the key of C is 6m.
BACKING TRACK 7
The next video is the backing track for an old time fiddle tune called Squirrel Hunters.
The next video is the backing track for an old time fiddle tune called Squirrel Hunters.
- The following song is in the key of A, and the chords go from A to G to D.
- In the video, b7 means to play the G chord.
BACKING TRACK 8
The next video is another fiddle tune call Billy in the Low Ground. It introduces a minor chord. Minor chords are very common in bluegrass tunes because they sound sad or mournful.
The next video is another fiddle tune call Billy in the Low Ground. It introduces a minor chord. Minor chords are very common in bluegrass tunes because they sound sad or mournful.
- The A minor chord (Am) is important in this song. In the video 6m means to play Am
- This song has two different chords in the last measure. The first chord gets two beats, and the second chord gets two beats.
- The song has about 200 BPM and so requires quick changes between chords. Feel free to play on every other beat until you can keep up the the track.
Bluegrass Backing Track 1
{C} 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 5 4 1 1
{C} D D D D G G D D A G D D
{C} 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 5 4 1 1
{C} D D D D G G D D A G D D
Bluegrass Backing Track 2
{C} 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 5 4 1 1
{C} C C C C F F C C G F C C
{C} 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 5 4 1 1
{C} C C C C F F C C G F C C
Bluegrass Backing Track 3
{C} 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 5 5 1 1
{C} G G G G C C C C G G G G D D G G
{C} 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 5 5 1 1
{C} G G G G C C C C G G G G D D G G
Bluegrass Backing Track 4
{C} 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 5 5 1 1
{C} A A A A D D A A E E A A
{C} 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 5 5 1 1
{C} A A A A D D A A E E A A
Bluegrass Backing Track 5 - Sloop John B
{C} 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 5 1 1 4 2m 1 5 1 1
{C} G G G G G G D D G G C Am G D G G
{C} 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 5 1 1 4 2m 1 5 1 1
{C} G G G G G G D D G G C Am G D G G
Bluegrass Backing Track 6 - Cripple Creek
{A} 1 4|1 1 5|1 1 4|1 1 5|1
{B} 1 1 1 5|1 1 1 1 5|1
{A} 1 4|1 1 5|1 1 4|1 1 5|1
{B} 1 1 1 5|1 1 1 1 5|1
Bluegrass Backing Track 7 - Squirrel Hunter
{A} 1 1 b7 b7 1 1 b7 4
{B} 1 1 b7 b7 1 1 b7 4
{A} 1 1 b7 b7 1 1 b7 4
{B} 1 1 b7 b7 1 1 b7 4
Bluegrass Backing Track 8 - Billy in the Low Ground
{A} 1 1 6m 6m 1 1 6m 5|1
{B} 1 1 6m 6m 1 1 6m 5|1
{A} 1 1 6m 6m 1 1 6m 5|1
{B} 1 1 6m 6m 1 1 6m 5|1
SUMMARY
Suppose you are at your first jam, and...
Suppose you are at your first jam, and...
- You are told, or determined on your own, a new fiddle tune is in the key of D.
- The A Part will usually start with D.
- The B Part will usually end in D.
- Usually the chords G and A are in the song (The 4 and 5 chords for the key of D.)
- Other chords may also be included. The minor chord might be Bm. (The 6m in D - count it out on your hand.)
- If the chord is slightly lower than D, try C.
- Some songs sound better when A7 is played instead of A.
Play Along with Recordings
"How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice, Practice, Practice!"
It takes lots of work to prepare for performances and jams. Playing with other musicians is the best way to sharpen your skills, but often you need to work on your own. Playing along with recordings helps you maintain a steady beat
Almost all fiddle and bluegrass tunes can be found on YouTube. Some versions are quality studio recordings of the best musicians in the world, while others are home-made videos of beginners whaling away on their instruments and hoping for the best. Finding a version of a specific song on YouTube recorded in the key you want and played at the tempo you want can be a challenge. If you click on the gear icon (settings) in the bottom right of the YouTube screen, you can change the playback speed (tempo) of the video without changing the pitch. You can learn to play the song at a slow speed and then increase the speed until you are playing at 100% of the recorded tempo.
YouTube is NOT the only source for recordings on the web. Old Time Fiddle Tunes offers more than 800 recordings and sheet music for all types of old-time music. This site list LINKS to other resources. Also check out the Old Town School of Music website, June Berry 78s, Traditional Tune Archive, Mandolessons, and dozens of other resources on the web.
This Searport Shores Jam site has many fiddle tunes and bluegrass tunes with their chords and links to recordings. Some are simple, and others are very challenging. Choose the ones you enjoy playing.
Below are some carefully selected YouTube videos to get you started.
"How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice, Practice, Practice!"
It takes lots of work to prepare for performances and jams. Playing with other musicians is the best way to sharpen your skills, but often you need to work on your own. Playing along with recordings helps you maintain a steady beat
Almost all fiddle and bluegrass tunes can be found on YouTube. Some versions are quality studio recordings of the best musicians in the world, while others are home-made videos of beginners whaling away on their instruments and hoping for the best. Finding a version of a specific song on YouTube recorded in the key you want and played at the tempo you want can be a challenge. If you click on the gear icon (settings) in the bottom right of the YouTube screen, you can change the playback speed (tempo) of the video without changing the pitch. You can learn to play the song at a slow speed and then increase the speed until you are playing at 100% of the recorded tempo.
YouTube is NOT the only source for recordings on the web. Old Time Fiddle Tunes offers more than 800 recordings and sheet music for all types of old-time music. This site list LINKS to other resources. Also check out the Old Town School of Music website, June Berry 78s, Traditional Tune Archive, Mandolessons, and dozens of other resources on the web.
This Searport Shores Jam site has many fiddle tunes and bluegrass tunes with their chords and links to recordings. Some are simple, and others are very challenging. Choose the ones you enjoy playing.
Below are some carefully selected YouTube videos to get you started.
ULTIMATE GOAL
Most old-time music camps and workshops assume people can learn tunes just by listening and memorizing, with no written music supplied. Many instructors, with a lifetime of experience playing this style of music, can't fathom that newcomers lack the skill to immediately recognize and remember chords and chord progressions. Determining the chords just by listening, and playing along to the videos below will provide a start at the experience a player would need to benefit from these workshops and camps.
HOWEVER, if recognizing chords by ear is too much of a challenge right now, you can still experience the thrill of playing old-time music by referring to the chord charts below the videos. The more songs you play, the more chord progressions you will become familiar with, and the easier it will be to learn new songs.
Most old-time music camps and workshops assume people can learn tunes just by listening and memorizing, with no written music supplied. Many instructors, with a lifetime of experience playing this style of music, can't fathom that newcomers lack the skill to immediately recognize and remember chords and chord progressions. Determining the chords just by listening, and playing along to the videos below will provide a start at the experience a player would need to benefit from these workshops and camps.
HOWEVER, if recognizing chords by ear is too much of a challenge right now, you can still experience the thrill of playing old-time music by referring to the chord charts below the videos. The more songs you play, the more chord progressions you will become familiar with, and the easier it will be to learn new songs.
- The videos are easy songs ideal for determining keys and chords for a song
- Repeat the videos as needed
- Most of the songs have split measures where the two chords in the measure each receive two beats. It may seem like one strum each in a fast song.
- If you can't determine the key or maybe the chords, start the video and then scroll down below all these videos and just have fun playing along using the chords listed there.
- The chords may not apply perfectly to the entire recording because musicians like to add their own improvisations as they play a song.
PLAY ALONG: Reuben's Train
Reuben's Train has an extremely simple chord progression.
Reuben's Train has an extremely simple chord progression.
- In the Lonesome Whistle version below, one chord is played for the entire song. Once you discover that chord, you can play along. Other notes not in the chord keep the song interesting, but the same chord drones along in the background.
- Focus on keeping in time with the song. It moves along quickly.
- Other artists, like the Dillards, make a quick switch to and back from another chord in the third and seventh measures. The Dillards' singing harmony make that change stand out.
- If you join a group that is playing Reuben's Train, you have to listen to hear if the group stays on a single chord, or if they do a quick switch like the Dillards.
PLAY ALONG: I'll Fly Away
I'll Fly Away uses the same chord progression for verses and choruses, so your work is cut in half.
I'll Fly Away uses the same chord progression for verses and choruses, so your work is cut in half.
- The root chord is played for most of the song, so the key should be relatively easy to find. The strategy presented in the summary above will help your determine that key.
- The seventh measure of both the verse and chorus is split between two chords.
- Remember, you can click the setting icon (gear) at the bottom center of a YouTube video to change the playback speed. Slow the song down if you need to.
PLAY ALONG: Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is another song with only a few chord changes.
Mountain Dew is another song with only a few chord changes.
- By now the following statement should be helpful: "It is a 1, 4, 5 song in the key of A."
- Mountain Dew is in a different key, but the chord progression is the same as I'll Fly Away.
- Many songs follow this pattern: 1 1 4 1 1 1 1|5 1
PLAY ALONG: Walls of Time
Walls of Time also has a simple chord progression.
Walls of Time also has a simple chord progression.
- "Simple" is a code musicians use that usually means a song using just the 1, 4, 5 chords in a standard key (A, C, D, or G)
- The chord progression is: 1 1 1 4 1 1 4|5 1 . The small changes from I'll Fly Away and Mountain Dew (1 1 4 1 1 1 1|5 1) give the song a completely different feel.
- Listen to the effect of switching to the 4 chord on the fourth instead of the third measure, and splitting the seventh measure between for 4 and 5 chords, instead of the f1 and 5 chords, makes the song stand out.
PLAY ALONG: Nine Pound Hammer
Nine Pound Hammer by Johnny Cash is a slow, steady folk - country song with easy chord changes.
Nine Pound Hammer by Johnny Cash is a slow, steady folk - country song with easy chord changes.
- Because the rhythm pattern for the Johnny Cash version is so slow compared to Bill Monroe, when the chords are written out Cash has half as many measures as Monroe.
- The chord progression is the same for both songs, but the written chords for a slow folk song look different from the chords for a fast bluegrass version.
- The bluegrass version by Bill Monroe is faster. Practice with Johnny Cash before moving on to Bill Monroe.
- You can slow down the Bill Monroe version in YouTube using the Playback Speed option in the Settings.
- It is OK to play on every other beat of the Bill Monroe version, or to use a Boom-chick-Boom-chick strum to keep up with the song
PLAY ALONG: Old Joe Clark
Old Joe Clark introduces an exception to the rule that fiddle tunes use the 1, 4, and 5 chords for the key.
Old Joe Clark introduces an exception to the rule that fiddle tunes use the 1, 4, and 5 chords for the key.
- Try to determine the chord that breaks this rule. The answer is below all the videos.
- While the melody is generally the same, other fiddle groups use other chord progressions.
- The correct progression is the one the jam leader is playing.
PLAY ALONG: The Battle of New Orleans and The 8th of January
Some old time tunes have been kidnapped by popular singers.
Some old time tunes have been kidnapped by popular singers.
- You might be familiar with "The Battle of New Orleans" by Johnny Horton. Try working out the chords to Horton's version
- The verse in Horton's version and the A Part in the fiddle version have the same chord progression that you learned at the beginning of this lesson: 1 4 5 1
- The skills you learn in a specific musical genre transfer to other styles of music. What you learned playing bluegrass applies directly to this 50s Rock 'n' Roll and this old time music fiddle tune.
- The fiddle tune is much faster and in a different key, but has the same melody and follows the same chord progression used in the Johnny Horton version.
- The Horton version tells a story. The verses, choruses, and timing are built around the story and do not follow strict rules.
- The 8th of January maintains the traditional fiddle tune structure (A Part twice, B part twice, repeat forever)
PLAY ALONG: Cold Frosty Morning
Cold Frosty Morning is based on a minor chord with a lower sounding major chord.
Skip this and have fun playing. But for those interested: Cold Frosty Morning starts with Am. The only other chord is G. One option preferred by the Nashville Number System is to consider this song in the key of C, so Am would have the notation 6m, and G would have the notation 5. (Count up the scale start on C as 1)
Cold Frosty Morning in C
{A} Am Am G G Am Am Am|G Am
{B} Am Am G G Am Am Am|G Am
Cold Frosty Morning in C
{A} 6m 6m 5 5 6m 6m 6m|5 6m
{B} 6m 6m 5 5 6m 6m 6m|5 6m
Cold Frosty Morning is based on a minor chord with a lower sounding major chord.
- Just those two chords make up the entire song.
- The group playing the song makes the chord changes very obvious during the introduction.
- None of the previous general rules apply to this song because the song is in a minor key, and only one other chord is played. (Forget 1, 4, 5 options)
Skip this and have fun playing. But for those interested: Cold Frosty Morning starts with Am. The only other chord is G. One option preferred by the Nashville Number System is to consider this song in the key of C, so Am would have the notation 6m, and G would have the notation 5. (Count up the scale start on C as 1)
Cold Frosty Morning in C
{A} Am Am G G Am Am Am|G Am
{B} Am Am G G Am Am Am|G Am
Cold Frosty Morning in C
{A} 6m 6m 5 5 6m 6m 6m|5 6m
{B} 6m 6m 5 5 6m 6m 6m|5 6m
PLAY ALONG: Squirrel Hunters
Squirrel Hunters switches between two chords ( 1, b7 ) with a surprise chord at the end of both parts.
Squirrel Hunters switches between two chords ( 1, b7 ) with a surprise chord at the end of both parts.
- The song follows the standard fiddle tune structure.
- Players can get emotional and opinionated about specific tunes and old-time music in general.
- One web site complains how John Hartford butchered the song in the recording below.
- Visit The Session website for a lively discussion about this song. Scroll down below the four versions of how different people play this one tune for the exchanges.
JAMMING: Waiting for Nancy
Imagine you are invited to sit in on a jam with the three players below, and they play a tune new to you, Waiting for Nancy.
Imagine you are invited to sit in on a jam with the three players below, and they play a tune new to you, Waiting for Nancy.
- The lead fiddler plays a quick two measure introduction. With much more experience, you can determine the key and tempo from those two measures.
- The A Part starts with the root chord, which you determine is D by listening or asking.
- If you are familiar with guitar chords, look at the fingering the guitar player is using and play the same chord that he is playing.
- The tapping feet give a solid beat to the song. Follow that rhythm. Adjust your strums so you can keep up.
- The A Part switches between D and A two times. Playing A7 instead of A is an option you can try.
- You can tell the timing of chord changes by watching the guitar player's hands, even if you can't identify the chords he is playing.
- The B Part is simple. The same chord is played for seven measures before switching back to D.
- The B Part does not start D, G or A, the 1, 4, 5 chords for the key of D. Look at the guitar player to learn the chord if you have that skill.
- Because the chord in the B Part is slightly lower than D, you try C and are pleased with yourself.
- By the third time through, you confidently join in and contribute to the jam session.
- When the lead player raises her leg, you know to stop playing at the end of that part.
You are now ready to join a jam session. Many groups welcome beginners and will answer your questions, but some won't. Find a group to play with that supports your efforts.
ANSWER KEY
The chords below match the recordings. Check your results with these progressions, or just have some fun and play these chords along with the videos.
The chords below match the recordings. Check your results with these progressions, or just have some fun and play these chords along with the videos.
Reuben's Train - Lonesome Whistle
{V} D D D D D D D D
{C} D D D D D D D D
Reuben's Train - Dillards
{V} F F F|C F F F F|C F
{C} F F F|C F F F F|C F
I'll Fly Away
{V} D D G D D D D|A D
{C} D D G D D D D|A D
Mountain Dew
{V} A A D A A A A|E A
{C} A A D A A A A|E A
Walls of Time
{V} C C C F C C F|G C
{C} C C C F C C F|G C
Nine Pound Hammer - Cash
{V} C F C|G C C F C|G C
{C} C F C|G C C F C|G C
Nine Pound Hammer - Monroe
{V} C C F F C G C C
{C} C C F F C G C C
Old Joe Clark in A
{A} A A A E A A A|G A
{B} A A A G A A A|G A
Battle of New Orleans in A
{A} A D E A A D E A
{B} A A A E|A A A A E|A
Eighth Of January in D
{A} D G A D D G A D
{B} D D D A|D D D D A|D
Cold Frosty Morning in C
{A} Am Am G G Am Am Am|G Am
{B} Am Am G G Am Am Am|G Am
Squirrel Hunters
{A} A A G G A A G D
{B} A A G G A A G D
Waiting for Nancy
{A} D D A A D D A D
{B} C C C C C C C D
{V} D D D D D D D D
{C} D D D D D D D D
Reuben's Train - Dillards
{V} F F F|C F F F F|C F
{C} F F F|C F F F F|C F
I'll Fly Away
{V} D D G D D D D|A D
{C} D D G D D D D|A D
Mountain Dew
{V} A A D A A A A|E A
{C} A A D A A A A|E A
Walls of Time
{V} C C C F C C F|G C
{C} C C C F C C F|G C
Nine Pound Hammer - Cash
{V} C F C|G C C F C|G C
{C} C F C|G C C F C|G C
Nine Pound Hammer - Monroe
{V} C C F F C G C C
{C} C C F F C G C C
Old Joe Clark in A
{A} A A A E A A A|G A
{B} A A A G A A A|G A
Battle of New Orleans in A
{A} A D E A A D E A
{B} A A A E|A A A A E|A
Eighth Of January in D
{A} D G A D D G A D
{B} D D D A|D D D D A|D
Cold Frosty Morning in C
{A} Am Am G G Am Am Am|G Am
{B} Am Am G G Am Am Am|G Am
Squirrel Hunters
{A} A A G G A A G D
{B} A A G G A A G D
Waiting for Nancy
{A} D D A A D D A D
{B} C C C C C C C D
If you have any questions or comments about this tutorial, please send them to John Elberfeld at [email protected]