Shuckin’ the Corn
October 23rd, 2009My 1st video shot in HD using a Canon XHA1s. The microphone used was an Audio Technica AT4033.
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Banjo
Salt Creek
July 17th, 2009My take on Salt Creek complete with Bela-isms. The idea of the backup is to show what can be done with one or two fingers and some standard rolls.
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Train 45
June 13th, 2009Train 45 is the ultimate banjo breakdown. This song is usually played in excess of 170 bpm. It’s presented here at a moderate 140 bpm including three breaks and two backup examples. Tab is available, including backup, at seanray.com
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Old Dangerfield
April 25th, 2009Old Dangerfield is one of my favorite Bill Monroe tunes. It has three sections (A,B,C) instead of two. Monroe would add an extra 2/4 bar between the B and C sections that a lot of players omit. I like the added two beats so this arrangement includes them. I’ve kept the arrangement as Scruggs-ish as possible but in order to get some of the key melody notes it’s necessary to venture into some melodic style. This demo is around 90 bpm and up tempo would be closer to 140.
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Pike County Breakdown
July 13th, 2008Pike County Breakdown is a Bill Monroe tune that Earl Scruggs made popular. It has a single string lick that can be a little tricky but it’s an essential part of the melody. I use my thumb and index finger to play this lick though you could use thumb and middle or even incorporate a forward roll. The Chord structure is similar to Old Joe Clark and is played out of the G position with the capo at the 2nd fret. This tune tends to get butchered at jams since there are countless ways to play the backup. When in doubt play the tonic and avoid heavy accents.
Old Joe Clark
July 13th, 2008Old Joe Clark is a well known fiddle tune usually played in the key of A so I’m capoed at the 2nd fret and playing out of the G position. The chords with the capo on are G, D, F, C with some passing tones as well. As with most fiddle tunes accompaniment varies greatly so I’ve included some rhythm playing to show some possibilities.
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Cumberland Gap
July 5th, 2008Cumberland Gap as played by Earl Scruggs on the Flatt & Scruggs album Foggy Mountain Banjo. If you want tab then get the book Earl Scruggs & The Five String Banjo.
I play the song as close to the way Earl does as I can including small examples of back up ideas in between breaks.
This is my first video using my Frank Neat Kentucky banjo (Mahogany) and a new camera. The mic on this new camera isn’t as good as the last so I’ll be trying a different audio setup next time around.
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Tab in PDF and TablEdit formats - $6.00
Southern Flavor
March 16th, 2008Southern Flavor is a classic example of Bill Monroe’s genius. Like all of my favorite Monroe compositions this tune rides a thin line between major and minor sounds. Unfortunately these are the same tunes that tend to get a little “messy” at jam sessions if they’re played at all.
Blake Williams is the banjo player on the original Monroe recording and I do my best to play it similar to the way he did.
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Frog On A Lily Pad
March 15th, 2008Frog On A Lily Pad in the key of C (standard G tuning). The chords are C, F & G. It’s a great tune and a good exercise in closed position licks.
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Fire Ball Mail
November 21st, 2007Here is a close representation of the intro break to Fire Ball Mail as played by Earl Scruggs on the Foggy Mountain Banjo album.
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