BANJO LESSONS

By clicking the song title below, a window will open with free sample tab (using Acrobat Reader).  Each month I will post a new tab for you to use to learn a song.  You will find below an explanation of how to read the tab so it makes sense.  You will notice there is no "timing" associated with the notes.  My belief is that tab is a learning tool to be used in conjunction with listening to the song itself.  By listening carefully to the song and using the tab you will be able to play the song with practice.

Notice: I would like to say that I play all these songs as I interpret them.  I do not 
try to copy anybody else.  Also, if you own the copyright to any of these songs and 
would like it removed from my list, contact me and I will gladly do so.

This month's free sample tab: Wabash Cannonball

Click to hear sound file: Wabash Cannonball (slow)         Wabash Cannonball (fast)

Last month's free sample tab (in case you missed it): Blue Ridge Cabin Home 

Click to hear sound file: Blue Ridge Cabin Home (slow)   Blue Ridge Cabin Home (fast)

HOW TO READ THE TAB

The tab is created using Microsoft Excel.  The five spaces between the six lines represent the strings.  The topmost "string" is your "D" string.  Each successive space moving down represents "B, "G", "D", "G".  The number in each space represents the fret you use to obtain the desired note.  The letters appearing just above each stanza represent the musical chords of the song.  The following symbols are used as explained:

	This symbolizes the beginning of a section of music that repeats.
	And this symbolizes the end of a section that repeats.  When you get here you go back to the symbol above and play it one more time.
	If this symbol is between two of the above "repeat" symbols, you stop here during the second time you play it then continue playing just past the "end of repeat" symbol just above.
	This symbolizes a rest, or a pause.  It can be any duration...you need to listen to the music to determine how long it is.
	When you see "Qtr" printed above a note...or notes...this means it is not part of a roll and is to be held slightly longer than the other notes.
	Any time two numbers are connected by vertical lines the two strings are to be played at the same time.  This is called a "snap".
	When you see a "0" on the left connected to a larger number on the right by a hyphen, the first note is played with the right hand and the second note is played by "hammering" the middle finger of your left hand down on the same string at the indicated fret.  This is called a "hammer".
	When you see a large number on the left connected to a "0" on the right by a hyphen you put your middle finger on the indicated fret then pick the string with your right hand and the second note is played by the action of "pulling" your finger off the string. This is called a "pull-off".
	When you see a large number on the left connected to a smaller number on the right by a hyphen you put your index finger on the smaller numbered fret and your middle finger on the larger numbered fret, then pick the first note.  The second note is played by the action of pulling your middle finger off the higher fret while your other finger remains.  This is also called a "pull-off".
	If you see a small number on the left connected by a hyphen to a number on the right that is at least two frets greater, these are most likely slides rather than hammers.  A slide is begun by fretting the first note with your middle finger and picking it with your right hand. The second note is played by sliding your left hand smoothly up to the higher numbered fret.  This is called a "slide".
	This represents using the d-tuners.  This particular example would mean tuning the B string down, then back up again...as in "Earl's Breakdown".
	If you see a number with a circle around it you will place the little finger of your left hand directly above the fret, lightly touching the string and pick the string with the right hand.   It will sound "bell" like.  This is called a "chime".