Fiddle and Bluegrass Music for Beginners - Part 2
Structure of Bluegrass Tunes
LISTEN
Bluegrass music is much more variable in structure than fiddle tunes. MOST bluegrass tunes have:
Listen to "Bury Me Beneath the Willow" by Emmylou Harris. The video highlights the typical arrangement of a bluegrass song, and points how to add life to a simple, repetitive song;
LISTEN
Bluegrass music is much more variable in structure than fiddle tunes. MOST bluegrass tunes have:
- Unique verses and repeated choruses that alternate
- Verses and choruses each have 8 measures but with differing chord progressions
- Instrumentals
- Four clear beats per measure (three for waltzes)
Listen to "Bury Me Beneath the Willow" by Emmylou Harris. The video highlights the typical arrangement of a bluegrass song, and points how to add life to a simple, repetitive song;
PLAY
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. 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. Practice until you can play the song with no prompts.
Which arrangement of "Bury Me Beneath the Willow" do you find more appealing? Why?
Common Keys and Chords in Old Time Music
All the songs you have played in this lesson have been in the key of G using the chords G, C 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.
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.
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 for 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.
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.
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 for 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
- 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.
PLAY
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:
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.
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:
Blueridge 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.
Blueridge 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.
PRACTICE
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. In the exercise below only one chord is played. Use a strategy below to determine that chord. To check your results, 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. In the exercise below only one chord is played. Use a strategy below to determine that chord. To check your results, change the slide to the right (or below on a phone) to show the correct answer.
- 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.
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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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THEORY
A fiddle tune is played in the same key by most players because that key has the easiest fingering for the song. For bluegrass songs, the lead singer determines the key, 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 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.
A fiddle tune is played in the same key by most players because that key has the easiest fingering for the song. For bluegrass songs, the lead singer determines the key, 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 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.
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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.
PRACTICE SOME MORE
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. 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
Below are some bluegrass and fiddle tune backing tracks. 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. The songs speed up to add another dimension to this exercise.
The track below emphasizes how a song can split a measure between two chords. If a song is fast enough, you may have to strum just once on each chord.
The following song is in the key of A, and the chords go from A to G to D. The 7th note in the A scale is G#. The chord G major is a half step below that. One possible notation for G is b7 - flatted seven chord. The drop from A to G, or D to C, is a common chord change in fiddle tunes.
The next video introduces a minor chord. Because the sixth note up the C scale is A, the Am chord is numbered 6m. Similarly, the 6m chord in the key of G is Em. This song also has three different chords in the last measure. The first chord gets two beats, and the second two chords get one beat each.
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 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 offer 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 site has many fiddle tunes and bluegrass tunes with their chords. 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 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 offer 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 site has many fiddle tunes and bluegrass tunes with their chords. 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.
PLAY
- 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 1 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 recording because musicians like to add their own touch to a song.
"Reuben's Train" has an extremely simple chord progression. You have some time to determine the key before a quick switch to and back from another chord. The guitar makes the chord change clearer the third time through the song. Some players never make a change and play the same chord for the entire song.
Mountain Dew is another song with only a few chord changes.
"Walls of Time" also has a simple chord progression.
"Nine Pound Hammer" by Johnny Cash is a slow, steady folk - country song with easy chord changes. The bluegrass version by Bill Monroe is faster and has fewer chord changes. Practice with Johnny Cash before moving on to Bill Monroe.
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.
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 - it is much slower than the fiddle tune, which is in another key.
The next song 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. None of the previous general rules apply to this song.
The song below switches between two chords ( 1, b7 ) with a surprise chord at the end of the part.
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.
If you have any questions or comments about this tutorial, please send them to John Elberfeld at JElberfeld@aol.com
If you have any questions or comments about this tutorial, please send them to John Elberfeld at JElberfeld@aol.com
ANSWER KEY
The chords below match the recordings. Check your results with these progressions.
The chords below match the recordings. Check your results with these progressions.
I'll Fly Away
{V} D D G D D D D|A D
{C} D D G D D D D|A D
Reuben's Train
{V} D D D|A D D D D|A D
{C} D D D|A 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 A
{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 G D D D D|A D
{C} D D G D D D D|A D
Reuben's Train
{V} D D D|A D D D D|A D
{C} D D D|A 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 A
{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