TWIN CITIES SLOW OLD TIME JAM
UPDATES:
The new tune for Sep is Ruffled Drawers in D.
Two changes to tunes to match the versions of the Old Time 100 - Arkansas Traveller now starts with the high part first, and Eighth of January now has the B part four times instead of two.
Any questions, let me know,
Matt
CURRENT TUNE LIST:
KEY of C:
BILLY IN THE LOWGROUND
BLACK VELVET WALTZ
COUNTRY WALTZ
CRANBERRY ROCK
EAST TENNESSEE BLUES
FAREWELL TRION
KATY DID
L&N RAG
NEW MONEY
OLD JOE
ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN
STREAK O' LEAN, STREAK O' FAT
WAGNER
KEY of G:
BIG SCIOTY
BLACKEST CROW
BLUE GOOSE
BUFFALO GALS
CHATTANOOGA
CITICO
EBENEZER
ELK RIVER BLUES
FLOP EARED MULE
FLOWERS OF EDINBURGH
GARFIELD'S BLACKBERRY BLOSSOM
GIRL I LEFT BEHIND
GLORY IN THE MEETING HOUSE
GOING DOWN TO CAIRO
JIMMY IN THE SWAMP
KATY HILL
LAST CHANCE
LAZY JOHN
LEATHER BRITCHES
LOST GIRL
OLD MOTHER FLANAGAN
RED WING
SENECA SQUARE DANCE
SHOVE THAT PIG'S FOOT FURTHER IN THE FIRE
TOMBIGBEE WALTZ
TURKEY IN THE STRAW
WAYNESBORO
WESTPHALIA WALTZ
KEY of D:
ANGELINE THE BAKER
ARKANSAS TRAVELLER
BLACK-EYED SUSIE
BOLL WEEVIL
BONAPARTE CROSSING THE RHINE
CHICKEN REEL
CUMBERLAND GAP
DRY AND DUSTY
DUCKS ON THE MILLPOND
EIGHTH OF JANUARY
FORKED DEER
INDIAN ATE THE WOODCHUCK
JOHNNY DON'T GET DRUNK
LIBERTY
MIDNIGHT ON THE WATER
MISSISSIPPI SAWYER
OLD JIMMY SUTTON
OVER THE WATERFALL
RAGTIME ANNIE
ROSCOE'S WALTZ
RUFFLED DRAWERS
SAINT ANNE'S REEL
SOLDIER'S JOY
SPOTTED PONY
SUGAR HILL
TENNESSEE GIRLS
WHISKEY BEFORE BREAKFAST
WINDER SLIDE
KEY of A:
BLACK HILLS WALTZ
BOIL THEM CABBAGE DOWN
BOOTH SHOT LINCOLN
BREAKING UP CHRISTMAS
CANARY WALTZ
CLUCK OLD HEN
COLD FROSTY MORNING
CRIPPLE CREEK
DUSTY MILLER
FINE TIMES AT OUR HOUSE
GREAT BIG TATERS
HANGMAN'S REEL
JEFF STURGEON
JUNE APPLE
KITCHEN GIRL
LITTLE MAGGIE
OLD GREASY COAT
OLD JOE CLARK
POLICEMAN
SALLY GOODIN
SHORTNIN' BREAD
SQUIRREL HUNTERS
WHAT AND WHO:
Twice monthly jam of southern Old Time fiddle tunes played at slow speeds, with the purpose of preparing folks to play at faster Old Time jams. "Old Time" means different things to different people (wikipedia.org/wiki/Old-time_music), with lots of overlap between the related genres. Jams that call themselves Old Time mostly play traditional (learned by ear) fiddle tunes (instrumentals) from the southern US, so we'll mainly focus on those. Anyone is welcome on any acoustic instrument, as long as you can control your volume to be able to hear other people playing, and no percussion please.
WHEN AND WHERE:
Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6-8 PM, American Legion #234, 3751 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406 - parking is in the small lot in the back or plenty of street parking. The front door may be locked but they'll buzz you in; the back door is open. Please consider buying stuff and/or tipping them as thanks for hosting us. No sign up needed, drop in any date that works for you, and feel free to come for all or just part of it.
FORMAT:
We will go around the circle giving each person the chance to lead a tune from our list by playing the melody SLOWLY. We will play in the Old Time jam style - everybody that wants to is welcome to play the melody together at the same time. Playing chords is also fine, and I'll put a version of the chords for each tune below. The first goal for all players is to stay together in time, which requires everyone to listen to everyone else and adjust to stay together.
Our target speed is whatever allows everyone to play - if people are giving up because it's too fast, then we need to slow down (so the speed may vary each time based on the people present). We will play each tune at least three times, and more times is even better for learning. When the tune leader is ready to stop they will lift their foot right before the end (or say "one more" before the last time). Mistakes are no problem, and trying to work out the melody or chords by ear is encouraged. Sheet music is allowed but try to wean yourself off it over time - this music is best learned by ear for many reasons (that I'll be happy to go into if anyone is interested). For more info on how Old Time jams work, see the bottom of this page.
We'll play the keys of C and G on the second Tuesday, the keys of D and A on the fourth Tuesday, and finish each hour with a waltz.
CHORDS AND LINKS:
This link will put the entire list in your copy of the app Strum Machine:
strummachine.com/app/lists/kGDZ29ny8Jv4Qn2G6
To slow down videos on YouTube click on the gear icon in the lower right, click on playback speed, then the preset speed choices, or click custom to adjust by 5% down to 25%. On Slippery Hill click the three dots to the right of the player for preset speed choices. Audio files can be downloaded from Slippery Hill for software that can change speed and adjust pitch, such as the Amazing Slow Downer and Audacity. For the Chrome browser, I use an extension called Transpose, which can do this directly to YouTube videos.
I'm going to add new tunes from a few sources, the Old Time 100 (patreon.com/collection/264243?view=expanded), and the old time fiddle and mandolin courses on pegheadnation (pegheadnation.com/string-school/courses/), because they are great lists with video lessons and transcriptions.
I'm working on a youtube playlist of source recordings for all of our tunes - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplajx9L3Rq3EmEE_mRQY23-tzoZr_6vF&si=09yvgQtVJxcz7BiG
I'm recording versions of our tunes on mandolin, fiddle, and banjo, aiming to get progressively closer to the source recordings over time - https://www.youtube.com/@MattJensenMusic/playlists
JAMS:
MBOTMA jam list: https://minnesotabluegrass.org/events/jams/
Open jams/sessions I run in south Minneapolis at the Giantvalley American Legion from 6-8PM:
Tuesdays, first and third - Slow Irish Music Session
Tuesdays, second and fourth - Slow Old Time Jam
Wednesdays, first and third - Slow Bluegrass Jam
Wednesdays, second and fourth - Bluegrass Fiddle Tune Repertoire Building Jam
LESSONS:
I teach lessons in old time music, entirely by ear, on fiddle, clawhammer banjo, and mandolin; email me for details.
KEY of C:
BILLY IN THE LOWGROUND in C (AABB)
A: |C---|C---|Am---|Am---|C---|C---|Am---|G-C-|
B: |C---|C---|F---|F---|C---|C---|Am---|G-C-|
slippery-hill.com/tune/billy-lowground
Traditional, 1923 Eck Robertson at 115 (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=22XZNhBDjm4
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/billy-in-old-vid-109794901
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=tYybogaptgs
youtube.com/watch?v=yxKhfjBrWiY
youtube.com/watch?v=YhBCd177yx0
Clawhammer videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=bKhTuOHXbBk
BLACK VELVET WALTZ in C (AB, 3/4)
A&B: |C--|C--|F--|F--|C--|C--|G--|G--|C--|C--|F--|F--|C--|G--|C--|C--|
https://www.slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/black-velvet-waltz
Traditional, 1960 Al Cherny: youtube.com/watch?v=X_llL8ZrqNA
1988 Vesta Johnson at 140 (this version, GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/black-velvet-waltz-1
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=IQIj8q65XwQ
youtube.com/watch?v=T7s11_9BlVI
youtube.com/watch?v=OdWzFG4vSp8
COUNTRY WALTZ in C (AB, 3/4)
A: |C--|C--|C--|C--|Dm--|C--|D--|G--|C--|C--|C--|C--|Dm--|C--|G--|C--|
B: |C--|C--|C--|C--|G--|G--|G--|G--|C--|C--|C--|C--|Dm--|G--|G--|C--|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/old-country-waltz
Traditional, 1997 Bob Holt in D
2025 Justin Robinson (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=420--YfbX9c
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=gubBID5Q5Cs
youtube.com/watch?v=e6dw1dPnRV4
youtube.com/watch?v=NYlDJM8RUAM
CRANBERRY ROCK in C (AABB)
A&B: |C---|C---|F---|F---|C---|C---|G---|C---|
Traditional, 1995 Burl Hammons (this version, GDAE):
slippery-hill.com/content/cranberry-rock
2008 Chance McCoy (this version, GDAE): youtube.com/watch?v=wZYeWSiWecI
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=z748C-jcqRc
youtube.com/watch?v=SJEBbmyaMiQ
youtube.com/watch?v=T0ctA4KUh_s
EAST TENNESSEE BLUES in C (AB)
A&B: |C---|C---|F---|F---|C---|C---|D---|G---|C---|C---|F---|F---|C---|C---|G---|C---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/east-tennessee-blues
1924 written/recorded Charlie Bowman (this version, GDAE?):
youtube.com/watch?v=Vq8rwzPHbdI
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=jd7HfNmwZoo
youtube.com/watch?v=D_IG7zGQQt0
youtube.com/watch?v=HP0qlKk9wyg
FAREWELL TRION in C (AABBC)
A: |C---|C---|C---|C---|C---|C---|C---|G-C-|
B: |C---|C-|F---|F---|F-C-|
C: |C---|C---|C---|G-C-|C---|C---|C---|G-C-|
slippery-hill.com/content/farewell-trion
Traditional, 1972 James Bryan (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=iFCUsmIu2eA
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/farewell-trion-108553076
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=__oaUf3Dps0
youtube.com/watch?v=zJQabRQjXEw
youtube.com/watch?v=gS5bOuajnAg
youtube.com/watch?v=ty7v66ObqUw
KATY DID in C (AABB)
A: |C---|C---|C---|C-G-|C---|C---|C---|C---|
B: |Am---|Am---|Am---|Am---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/katy-did
Traditional, 1929 Lowe Stokes (this version, GDAE?+, pitch -0.1?): youtube.com/watch?v=6rIq5bRdWMg
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=SO6SPHdJrOc
youtube.com/watch?v=QHFarJm_waA
youtube.com/watch?v=kBCE8kyLYso
L&N RAG in C (AB, crooked)
A: |C---|C---|F---|C---|C---|C---|D---|G---|C---|C---|F---|F---|F---|A---|D-G-|C---|
B: |C---|C---|C-|F---|F---|C---|C---|C-|D---|G---|C---|C---|C-|F---|E---|F---|C-A-|D-G-|C---|
slippery-hill.com/content/ln-rag
Traditional, 1930 Alex Hood (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=utSAFW3Zw2w
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=HCyPjOcyeUI
youtube.com/watch?v=eQMnaFhB2BY
youtube.com/watch?v=qVVYSlyTlOs
NEW MONEY in C (AABB)
A: |C---|C---|C---|F---|G---|G---|G---|C---|
B: |C---|C---|C---|G---|G---|G---|G---|C---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/new-money
Traditional, 1928 Doc Roberts (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=dYlpb6BAxdI
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=LV2c3OU2Pvg
youtube.com/watch?v=liWPZWwwZrI
youtube.com/watch?v=otgi10KBULI
OLD JOE in C (AABB)
A: |C---|C---|G---|G---|C---|F---|G---|G-C-|
B: |Am---|Am---|Am---|E---|Am---|Am---|C-F-|G-C-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/old-joe
Traditional, 1927 Sid Harkreader: youtube.com/watch?v=cFhwi0qYeHs
1951 Bob Walters (this version, GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/old-joe
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=V5gATYiNkWA
youtube.com/watch?v=fkcrwg20gOg
ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN in C/Amodal (AABB)
A: |A---|A---|A---|A---|A---|A---|E---|A---|
B: |A---|A---|C---|C---|A---|A---|G---|C---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/rocky-road-dublin
Traditional, ? Burl Hammons
This version 2008 Chance McCoy (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=kfY-Cu0DmiQ
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=_fY-0HdtBFw
youtube.com/watch?v=DZAT-5calO0
youtube.com/watch?v=O93CZ5crAVU
STREAK O' LEAN, STREAK O' FAT in C (AABCDC)
A: |C---|C---|C---|G-C-|C---|C---|C---|G-C-|
B: |Am---|Am---|Am---|Am-C-|Am---|Am---|Am---|Am-C-|
C: |C---|C---|C---|C---|C---|C---|C---|C---|
D: |Am---|Am---|Am---|Am-C-|Am---|Am---|Am---|Am-C-|
Traditional, 1930 John Dilleshaw & Seven Foot Dilly: slippery-hill.com/content/streak-o-lean-streak-o-fat
This version 2007 Uncle Earl (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=1l1uN2WLKl0
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/streak-o-lean-o-86916187
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=PoYJZ-E_9TE
youtube.com/watch?v=lX2TuCxuMfE
youtube.com/watch?v=pGwUGybXjzs
WAGNER in C (AABB)
A&B: |C---|C---|G---|G---|C---|C---|G---|C---|
Traditional, 1924 Am Stuart
2001 Jim Taylor (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=VDX6mRya0GQ
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=1Bi-MGU4R0g
youtube.com/watch?v=CVGrLZ8mhIk
youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0DwZO7Qrc
KEY of G:
BIG SCIOTY in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|G---|G---|G---|C---|D---|G---|
B: |G---|D---|D---|C---|C---|Em---|D---|G---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/big-scioty
Traditional, 1973 Burl Hammons: youtube.com/watch?v=y9sX24kNQzo
This version 1997 Bruce Molsky (GDAE): youtube.com/watch?v=l8TWmfsforE
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/big-scioty-old-103353557
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=vXbPz9o45sc
youtube.com/watch?v=0fJQBJ1PhPQ
youtube.com/watch?v=NZr3yzFsJ20
Clawhammer videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=BNJQsAkzwTs
BLACKEST CROW in G (AABA, 3/4)
A: |D--|C--|G--|G--|G--|G--|Em--|Em--|
B: |G--|G--|G--|G--|C--|D--|Em--|Em--|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/blackest-crow
Traditional, 1955 Jean Ritchie: youtube.com/watch?v=IXkCr8RhtRs
Blackest Crow in G - 2002 Dirk Powell (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=4cYdD8Trv9A
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=nTUybWK4Zx0
youtube.com/watch?v=xNYZStaWljo
youtube.com/watch?v=44Wix_DAQYc
BLUE GOOSE in G (AABB)
A: |G---|C---|G---|D-G-|
B: |G---|G---|G---|D-G-|
Traditional, 1998 Buddy Thomas (this version, GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/blue-goose
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=-Sfw5ecb9bo
youtube.com/watch?v=ngwmirNH0hY
BUFFALO GALS in G (AB)
A: |G---|G---|D---|G---|G---|G---|D---|G---|
B: |G---|G---|D---|G---|G---|G---|D---|G---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/buffalo-gals
Traditional, 1924 John Carson: youtube.com/watch?v=hM3AYhQ64Vc
This version 1986 Charlie Osborne (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/buffalo-gals-5
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/buffalo-gals-old-88991120
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=iZTpSEKhUOY
youtube.com/watch?v=vPqt-91qxUY
youtube.com/watch?v=tZHALs07-v8
CHATTANOOGA in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|G---|C---|G---|G---|D---|G---|
B: |G---|G---|G---|C---|G---|G---|D---|G---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/chattanooga
Traditional, 1977 Blaine Smith: youtube.com/watch?v=pjAGfw9wfPw
This version 2024 George Jackson (GDAE?): patreon.com/posts/chattanooga-old-109966020
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=AcLUgmCWLbE
youtube.com/watch?v=2-Zd-bbpO04
youtube.com/watch?v=7VFmYdVDFIQ
CITICO in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G-C-|G---|D-G-|
B: |G---|G-C-|G---|D-G-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/citigo
Traditional, 1930 Lowe Stokes (this version, GDAD): youtube.com/watch?v=t121PfNYFYM
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=uLOP1VHAC70
youtube.com/watch?v=zKkkLaMp_uA
youtube.com/watch?v=tU_EkCK_ZeE
EBENEZER in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|G---|G---|D---|D---|D---|G---|
B: |G---|G---|G---|G---|D---|D---|D---|G---|
https://www.slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/ebenezer
Traditional, 1926 Stoneman and Brewer: youtube.com/watch?v=3e_Hwh2Yc_E
Traditional, 1971 Fuzzy Mountain String Band (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=hii_ZejiqA4
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=7uDhqQA_FA8
youtube.com/watch?v=7uDhqQA_FA8
youtube.com/watch?v=3SRMQFhS29g
ELK RIVER BLUES in G (A)
A: |C---|C---|C-|G---|G---|C---|C---|C-|G---|G---|
|Am---|Am---|Am-|G---|G---|Am---|Am---|Am-|G---|G---|
Composed but not transcribed 1950s Ernie Carpenter (this version, GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/elk-river-blues
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/elk-river-blues-82997837
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=23-HtO-kpD4
youtube.com/watch?v=s_R-B09KxN4
youtube.com/watch?v=simsNIBSLtw
youtube.com/watch?v=OUfQ3u1DjAA
FLOP EARED MULE in G/D (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|D---|G---|G---|G---|D---|G---|
B: |D---|D---|A---|D---|D---|D---|A---|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/flop-eared-mule
Traditional, 1925 Stoneman and Lundy
This version 1982 Stanley Bailey (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/flop-eared-mule-29
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=Ay_rSdJuYfE
youtube.com/watch?v=ECzQoPr3xS4
youtube.com/watch?v=hge00tUKRJ4
FLOWERS OF EDINBURGH in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|D---|D-C-|G---|G-C-|Am-D-|G---|
B: |G---|D---|C---|Em---|G---|C---|Am-D-|G---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/flowers-edinburgh
Traditional, 1905 Charles D'Almaine
This version 2016 Bruce Molsky (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=6jGhTwtGTMQ
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=F-es6-PkmDw
youtube.com/watch?v=mZGyrKev2oo
youtube.com/watch?v=EJrk3-wRBA0
youtube.com/watch?v=fo2RAEXq54U
GARFIELD'S BLACKBERRY BLOSSOM in Gm (AABB)
A: |Gm---|Gm---|Gm---|Gm---|Gm---|F---|D---|D-Gm-|
B: |Gm---|Gm---|Gm---|D-Gm-|Gm---|F---|D---|D-Gm-|
slippery-hill.com/content/garfields-blackberry-blossom
Traditional, 1916 Victor Military Band
This version 1946 Ed Haley (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=EVoTfZ9FyU8
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/garfields-old-86606808
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=9RqczW8yKgo
youtube.com/watch?v=oR4QsT_ObLg
youtube.com/watch?v=_rHjrgpvKGc
GIRL I LEFT BEHIND in G (AABB)
A: |G---|C---|G---|D---|G---|C---|D---|G---|
B: |G---|G---|G---|C-D-|G---|C---|D---|G---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/girl-i-left-behind-me
Traditional, 1927 Bull Mt. Moonshiners: youtube.com/watch?v=psjoT61DZAE
This version 1967 Henry Reed (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/girl-i-left-behind-me
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/girl-i-left-me-122564273
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=Bk1xahkswTU
youtube.com/watch?v=xnuMac-zBO8
youtube.com/watch?v=9NT3Z405-H8
GLORY IN THE MEETING HOUSE in Em (AAABBC)
A: |Em---|Em---|Em---|Em---|
B&C: |Em---|Em---|Em---|Em---|Em---|Em---|Em---|Em---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/glory-meeting-house
Traditional 1937 Luther Strong: youtube.com/watch?v=EYFutEcvjfI
This version 2018 Rayna Gellert: youtube.com/watch?v=SwLkhncaZH4
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/glory-in-meeting-98124300
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=tjV8BqvcySw
youtube.com/watch?v=gcrP4iCu0Gk
youtube.com/watch?v=THrWURrsSGM
GOING DOWN TO CAIRO in G (AABB)
A: |G-D-|G-C-|G---|D---|G-D-|G-C-|G-D-|G---|
B: |G---|G---|G---|D---|G---|G---|G-D-|G---|
not on slippery hill?
Traditional (a variant of Liza Jane), ? recorded ?
This version 2017 Rosen and Tyler: youtube.com/watch?v=bGxMmuPLWZc
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=X-s0paBfoxM
youtube.com/watch?v=-U5WjOij3Kw
youtube.com/watch?v=VOVXb3jD5UE
JIMMY IN THE SWAMP in G (AABB)
A: |G---|C---|G---|D---|G---|C---|G---|D-G-|
B: |Em---|Em---|Em---|D---|Em---|Em---|C---|D-G-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/jimmy-swamp
Traditional, 1951 Bob Walters: slippery-hill.com/content/jimmy-swamp-0
This version 1996 John Hartford (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=piStujXGodY
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=3c_nTKvio-k
youtube.com/watch?v=bLpHt8r7lN4
youtube.com/watch?v=7dsbDqyAILs
KATY HILL in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|G---|G---|G---|G---|G---|D-G-|
B: |G---|G---|G---|D-G-|G---|G---|G---|D-G-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/katy-hill
Traditional (variant of Sally Johnson), 1922 Eck Robertson: youtube.com/watch?v=mq_x7G_fwVw
This version 1995 JP Fraley (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=DHj69dOpNMQ
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=Lci7T24JSZY
youtube.com/watch?v=-sqoNiz2m08
youtube.com/watch?v=bK5VNxHtuoY
youtube.com/watch?v=mlWFCHPOaHc
LAST CHANCE in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|D---|D---|G---|G---|G---|Em---|
B: |G---|G---|G---|Em---|G---|G---|Em---|
Traditional
Old Time 100 - youtu.be/LBttezuKHI4?si=MvewFkX74VMCmRfb
LAZY JOHN in G (AB)
A: |D---|G---|D---|G---|D---|G---|D---|G---|
B: |C---|D---|D---|G---|C---|D---|D---|G---|
Traditional
Old Time 100 - youtu.be/nQTVcT2x-cY?si=0TBpS9YXBCIQRU-j
LEATHER BRITCHES in G (AABB)
A&B: |G---|G---|G---|D-G-|G---|G---|C---|D-G-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/leather-britches
Traditional, 1924 Am Stuart: youtube.com/watch?v=oJML7IZs_ys
This version 1966 Clark Kessinger (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=4UCq0eK5YW4
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=_j0du1SPwwM
youtube.com/watch?v=x2eQMcxCgPE
youtube.com/watch?v=EUgbije4vGk
LOST GIRL in G (AABB)
A: |G---|C---|G---|D---|G---|C---|G---|D---|
B: |G---|C---|G---|D---|G---|C---|C---|D-G-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/lost-girl
Traditional, 1936 Marion Reece: slippery-hill.com/content/lost-girl-3
This version 1941 John Salyer (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/lost-girl-0
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/lost-girl-old-118250997
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=-crD95S6QYk
youtube.com/watch?v=QsDIAkEBlMg
youtube.com/watch?v=jw5qANBpMqQ
OLD MOTHER FLANAGAN in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|G---|G-D-|G---|G---|G---|D-G-|
B: |G---|G---|G---|G-D-|C-G-|G---|G---|D-G-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/old-mother-flanagan
Traditional, 2021 Walt Koken (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=wsce2qH-QJo
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=cA1ayDxJwKM
youtube.com/watch?v=St2PK-hQGWk
youtube.com/watch?v=Xe8bOpfFh54
RED WING in G (AB)
A: |G---|G---|C---|G---|D---|G---|A---|D---|G---|G---|C---|G---|D---|G---|A-D-|G---|
B: |C---|C---|G---|G---|D---|D---|G---|G---|C---|C---|G---|G---|D---|D---|G---|G---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/red-wing
1907 written Robert Schumann, 1907 Frederick Potter: youtube.com/watch?v=DElAJyKsqTI
This version 1976 Sam Pim (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/red-wing-3
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=sGqyCrFTsQk
youtube.com/watch?v=MDUFepRxqS8
youtube.com/watch?v=9XqAnkcL2wU
SENECA SQUARE DANCE in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|C---|C---|G---|G---|D---|G---|
B: |G---|G---|G---|Em---|C---|G---|D---|G---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/seneca-square-dance
Traditional, 1926 Sam Long: youtube.com/watch?v=lGbPI7jVlm8
This version 2019 Howard Naughton (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=Bigk490lXQM
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/seneca-square-126304606
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=KgVlo9PNtxE
youtube.com/watch?v=8EFO1gXs2IQ
youtube.com/watch?v=4ttErIW3U2M
SHOVE THAT PIG'S FOOT FURTHER IN THE FIRE in G (AABB)
A: |G---|C-G-|G---|D---|G---|C-G-|G-D-|G---|
B: |G---|C-G-|G---|D---|G---|C-G-|D---|G---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/shove-pigs-foot-little-further-fire
Traditional, 1973 Marcus Martin
This version 1997 Bruce Molsky (GDAE): youtube.com/watch?v=IldRYzTIzB8
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/shove-pigs-foot-100554126
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=vBIjR39WYfM
youtube.com/watch?v=zkvCl8P2N-w
youtube.com/watch?v=TaA-j1NDXrk
TOMBIGBEE WALTZ in G (AABB, 3/4)
A: |G--|G--|G--|G--|D--|D--|C--|G--|
B: |G--|G--|C--|G--|D--|D--|C--|G--|
not on slippery hill?
Traditional, 1983 recorded James Bryan (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=YuZHEjAKUU4
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=kG_LASYxgyc&t=15s
youtube.com/watch?v=5RADcfugGd8
youtube.com/watch?v=bLhpcbG8UVA
TURKEY IN THE STRAW in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|G---|D---|G---|G---|G---|D-G-|
B: |G---|G---|C---|C---|G---|G-D-|G---|D-G-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/turkey-straw
Traditional, 1897 Billy Golden
This version 2011 Chirps Smith (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=q2VWOEVh6GM
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=adEFPqRa6tU
youtube.com/watch?v=uM9fYaAUTEI
youtube.com/watch?v=fhKxP54aH8o
WAYNESBORO in G (AABB)
A: |G---|G---|C---|C---|G---|G---|D---|G---|
B: |G---|G---|D---|D---|G---|C---|D---|G---|
Traditional, 1947 Edden Hammons: https://www.slippery-hill.com/content/waynesboro-0
Old Time 100: https://www.patreon.com/c/georgejackson/posts
Fiddle videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLlppV4Cclk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7N9qnFQU5E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbRBmqYLunI
WESTPHALIA WALTZ in G (AABB, 3/4)
A: |G--|G--|Em--|G--|G--|E--|Am--|D--|D--|Am--|D--|D--|D--|D--|G--|G--|
B: |G--|D--|Em--|G--|G--|Em--|Am--|D--|Am--|Am--|Am--|D--|D--|D--|G--|G--|
Traditional (from Polish tune Pytala Sie Pani), 1946 Cotton Collins in A: youtube.com/watch?v=7yw0iMfzQwo
2019 Howard Naughton (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=z_PARGJBCK4
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=YOyMsynIoWo
youtube.com/watch?v=V7p5FdW-dCE
youtube.com/watch?v=tu89HidXQCs
KEY of D:
ANGELINE THE BAKER in D (AABB)
Low part: |D---|D---|D---|G---|D---|D---|D-G-|D---|
High part: |D---|D---|D---|G---|D---|D---|D-G-|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/318
1850 written Stephen Foster (different melody), 1937 Eck Dunford: youtube.com/watch?v=A11cpHm49pU
This version 19?? Tilman Pyeatt (ADAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/angeline-baker-0
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/angeline-baker-95806537
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=viQEJK-Zf7I
Clawhammer videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=WJosRvQHJ8I
ARKANSAS TRAVELLER in D (AABB)
A: |D-G-|A-D-|A---|A---|D-G-|A-D-|D-G-|A-D-|
B: |D-G-|D-A-|D-G-|D-A-|D-G-|D-A-|D-G-|A-D-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/31
Traditional, 1908 Len Spencer: youtube.com/watch?v=FX4fGOLmLfE
This version 1927 Doc Roberts (ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=iw7YGJ7uBf0
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/arkansas-old-101507309
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=sX7WX3z5W3s
youtube.com/watch?v=oQKWSO1i0kg
youtube.com/watch?v=eGWSZmYzVsA
BLACK-EYED SUSIE in D (AABBBB)
A: |D---|G---|D---|A---|
B: |D---|D---|D---|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/black-eyed-susie-0
Traditional, 1924 Gid Tanner: youtube.com/watch?v=qBcsW1R-pIE
This version 2007 Rayna Gellert (ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=VtGnJw7i-TM
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/black-eyed-susie-125074480
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=DLTfwNCRw2w
youtube.com/watch?v=ikiFRGVeaXY
youtube.com/watch?v=lmw665LaJy8
BOLL WEEVIL in D (A)
A: |D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|
slippery-hill.com/content/boll-weevil
1971 Tommy Jarrell (this version, DDAD): youtu.be/l4mi8drYXNY?si=iQzt6L_HkgP2eDro
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=wL11un-pyqQ
youtube.com/watch?v=-QI_T747S_4
youtube.com/watch?v=Cy0q14KBCk8
BONAPARTE CROSSING THE RHINE in D (AB)
A: |D---|D---|D---|D---|G---|D---|A---|A---|D---|D---|D---|D---|G---|D-A-|D---|D---|
B: |D---|D---|G---|D---|G---|D---|A---|A---|D---|D---|D---|D---|G---|D-A-|D---|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/bonaparte-crossing-rhine
Traditional, 1972 Fuzzy Mountain String Band (this version, ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=MBAB9p-XFAE
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=zXKrA1k4jQg
youtube.com/watch?v=JYpYhQphojo
youtube.com/watch?v=z_hBHYlUAMU
CUMBERLAND GAP in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D-G-|G---|A-D-|D---|D-G-|G---|A-D-|
B: |D---|G---|D---|G---|D---|A-D-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/412
Traditional, 1924 Am Stuart: youtube.com/watch?v=74O2Yl-DwSw
This version 2004 Bruce Molsky (ADAD?): youtube.com/watch?v=4Yid9wSpt2U
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/cumberland-gap-110479494
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=gBcta4N7jBk
youtube.com/watch?v=yZBeuOA4Cmw
youtube.com/watch?v=5ebfM1MmJqo
youtube.com/watch?v=GNIDtQLHEgY
CHICKEN REEL in D (AABBC)
A: |D---|D---|D---|A-D-|
B: |D---|D---|D---|A-D-|
C: |D---|D---|D---|A-D-|D---|D---|D---|A-D-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/chicken-reel?page=0
1910 written Joseph Daly: youtube.com/watch?v=gSa-MxEMg-U
This version 1946 Ed Haley (ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=MfWM-P6gkbI
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=YE36uejCIjU
youtube.com/watch?v=lUH1_6nooCQ
youtube.com/watch?v=GwnS04HUwhE
DRY AND DUSTY in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|D---|A---|D---|G---|D-A-|D---|
B: |D---|D---|D-A-|D---|D---|D-G-|D-A-|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/48
Traditional or written by Abbie Morrison prior to 1930 Morrison Twin Brothers String Band: youtube.com/watch?v=I6tGkWwPgow
This version 2004 Brittany Haas (ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=th9dMAPKZDs
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/dry-and-dusty-89815115
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=SSs_WBvbuOA
youtube.com/watch?v=tg2ayrwhlQM
youtube.com/watch?v=19DG3b7ax5A
youtube.com/watch?v=5-Fg5SCoeBA
DUCKS ON THE MILLPOND in D (AABB)
A&B: |D---|D---|D---|A-D-|
https://www.slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/ducks-millpond
Traditional 1941 Emmett Lundy: youtube.com/watch?v=7cBGpqe5jc0
This version 2000 Rayna Gellert (ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=wIMjq833WQ0
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/ducks-on-old-85878311
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=2lksDQbPMqc
youtube.com/watch?v=UH5iY_cyQiQ
youtube.com/watch?v=ev7ZetJG4Ic
EIGHTH OF JANUARY in D (AABB)
A: |D---|G---|A---|D---|
B: |D---|D---|D---|A-D-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/63
Traditional, 1928 Arkansas Barefoot Boys: youtube.com/watch?v=cd4Ssmt1pso
This version 19?? Pete McMahan (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/eighth-january-3
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/eighth-of-old-109128234
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=HWMjpWOnunA
youtube.com/watch?v=Afb4AXBPGJU
youtube.com/watch?v=cVGI92PUBiY
youtube.com/watch?v=EAQSObqpJpA
youtube.com/watch?v=OkJRkHsDfnQ
youtube.com/watch?v=MLiRqahXpO8
FORKED DEER in D (AABB)
A: |D---|G---|D---|A---|D---|G---|D-G-|A-D-|
B: |A---|A---|A---|D---|A---|A---|D-G-|A-D-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/forked-deer
Traditional, 1924 Am Stuart: youtube.com/watch?v=i2AoUjBEHAQ
1976 JP Fraley (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/forked-deer-8
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/forked-deer-old-117773860
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=Z_9kBOGkTWI
youtube.com/watch?v=epcNFA9FGIU
youtube.com/watch?v=ss-4qG7tBdc
INDIAN ATE THE WOODCHUCK in D (AABB)
A: |D---|G---|D---|A---|D---|G---|D---|A-D-|
B: |D---|D-G-|D---|A---|D---|D-G-|D---|A-D-|
C: |G---|G---|D---|D---|G---|G---|D---|A-D-|
Traditional, 1942 John Salyer (2 part in C): slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/indian-ate-woodchuck
This version 1946 Ed Haley (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=s86lTZ-5R6E
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=I5xTm5AURdk
youtube.com/watch?v=SKmd037Yxdg
youtube.com/watch?v=Zaw0p7Ttdkc
JOHNNY DON'T GET DRUNK in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|G---|A---|D---|D---|G---|A-D-|
B: |D---|D---|G---|A---|D---|D---|G---|A-D-|
slippery-hill.com/content/johnny-dont-get-drunk
Traditional, 1970 John Ashby: youtu.be/jH1QPWCEj8w?si=JbUDwsMOy93YnAzI
This version 2005 Owen "Snake" Chapman (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/johnny-dont-get-drunk
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=4vI0oPJz5mQ
youtube.com/watch?v=2WvaeilpcRc
youtube.com/watch?v=FytfmlPhcrQ
LIBERTY in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|G---|G---|D---|D---|G-A-|D---|
B: |D---|D---|D---|A---|D---|D---|G-A-|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/143
Traditional, 1925 John Carson in G: youtube.com/watch?v=vgjOKonkefM
This version 2005 Benton Flippen (GDAE): youtu.be/BrEAV6Ip-sE?si=4TFXJsEYZhkY0gOZ&t=46s
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/liberty-old-time-104679475
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=N5PaeURdMBY
youtube.com/watch?v=iXxGqrPTCW8
youtube.com/watch?v=RwNYplHuWaM
MIDNIGHT ON THE WATER in D (AABB, 3/4)
A: |D--|D--|D--|D--|D--|D--|A--|D--|
B: |D--|D--|D--|D--|Em--|Em--|Bm--|Bm--|G--|G--|D--|D--|D--|D--|A--|D--|
slippery-hill.com/content/midnight-water
Traditional or written around 1900 by Luke Thomasson
This version 1969 Benny Thomasson (DDAD): youtube.com/watch?v=aWgzcd5JXzc
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/midnight-on-old-123714101
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=9ueE4iPU22o
youtube.com/watch?v=7R__1ZFAcQg
MISSISSIPPI SAWYER in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|G---|G---|D---|D---|A---|D---|
B: |D---|D---|A---|A---|D---|D---|A---|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/100
Traditional, 1926 Al Hopkins: youtube.com/watch?v=X0iPs5soHbk
This version 2005 Benton Flippen (GDAE): youtu.be/vykY9pC3f7g?si=Yt4PlCNPAIV9P2DM&t=517
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/mississippi-old-113246085
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=lva8bpnJTLY
youtube.com/watch?v=MI8UzzLJdPk
youtube.com/watch?v=XefSk8RxvHw
OLD JIMMY SUTTON in D (AB)
A: |D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|D---|
B: |D---|D-A-|D---|D-A-|D---|D-A-|D---|D-A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/old-jimmy-sutton
Traditional, 1928 recorde Grayson and Whitter: youtube.com/watch?v=TLx5KI3kpuM
This version 1985 Brad Leftwich (ADAE): youtube.com/watch?v=8pQUvuJOJUw
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=GWEnQX7_6KM
youtube.com/watch?v=7eZFcRs7syA
youtube.com/watch?v=wbYQUzDnZCo
OVER THE WATERFALL in D (AABB)
A: |D-A-|D---|D-A-|D---|D-A-|D---|C---|G---|
B: |D-G-|D---|D-A-|D---|D-G-|D---|D-A-|D---|
Traditional, 1967 Melvin Wine (this version, GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/over-waterfall
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=FyWYAf0nqTo
youtube.com/watch?v=BJp7toLYGiY
youtube.com/watch?v=Muf63CccS20
RAGTIME ANNIE in D (AAB, we'll skip the third part)
A: |D---|D---|D---|A---|A---|A---|A---|D---|
B: |D---|D---|D---|G---|A---|A---|A---|D---|D---|D---|D---|G---|G---|D---|A---|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/ragtime-annie
Traditional, 1922 Eck Robertson (this version, ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=1jym8kq1oSU
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=IL-QaONGXw8
youtube.com/watch?v=E3J_iDPA01Q
youtube.com/watch?v=SSYzeUeG22c
ROSCOE'S WALTZ in D (AABB, 3/4)
A: |D--|D--|D--|D--|G--|D--|A--|A--|G--|D--|D--|D--|D--|A--|D--|D--|
B: |G--|G--|D--|D--|A--|A--|D--|G--|D--|D--|D--|D--|D--|D--|A--|D--|D--|
slippery-hill.com/content/roscoe-parishs-waltz
Traditional, 1993 Bruce Molsky (this version, ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=7gzixM1E0fs
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=UD745Qc3yZg
youtube.com/watch?v=7Ym5gLYh6cg
youtube.com/watch?v=GN73Uff79SM
RUFFLED DRAWERS (New Five Cent Piece) in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|D---|A---|D---|G---|A---|D---|
B: |D---|D---|D---|A---|D---|D---|D-A-|D---|
Traditional, 1979 Paul Warren - https://youtu.be/3Kx1cxj-Vd4?si=xXB5sLhxnHCqghCR
2024 George Jackson - https://youtu.be/3gqcECPvERU?si=whFCBdBMU25znjIh
SAINT ANNE'S REEL in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|G---|D---|D---|D---|G-A-|D---|
B: |D---|Em---|A---|D---|Bm---|Em---|A---|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/1127
Traditional, 1927 Willie Ringuette
This version 1976 J.P. Fraley (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/saint-annes-reel-1
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=VXTxsJtOj7E
youtu.be/aZIpIq0w4r0?si=OviRmS221T221D9m&t=53
youtube.com/watch?v=RbQv0-ZxA3E
SOLDIER'S JOY in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|D---|A---|D---|D---|D-A-|D---|
B: |D---|G---|D---|A---|D---|G---|D-A-|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/60
Traditional, 1929 Al Hopkins
This version 1976 Tommy Jarrell (ADAE): youtu.be/GK2YtsJFxzI?si=vtQazJQjpa7Q7YYS
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/soldiers-joy-old-114081877
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=uaqfSasLgg0
youtube.com/watch?v=y0O5kRVN8oU
youtube.com/watch?v=0HrYQHOeuQc
SPOTTED PONY in D (AABB)
A: |D-A-|D-G-|D---|D-A-|D-A-|D-G-|D---|A-D-|
B: |D---|G---|D---|D-A-|D---|G---|D---|A-D-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/spotted-pony
Traditional, 1953 Tony Gilmore in Bb: slippery-hill.com/content/spotted-pony-1
This version 2018 Jeff Norman (ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=k9PS8qNEnBA
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=16i2gi1AKiU
youtube.com/watch?v=rE-Kwy43T0c
youtube.com/watch?v=b0igMpl5xIw
SUGAR HILL in D (AABB)
Low part: |D---|D---|D---|G---|D---|D---|A---|D---|
High part: |D---|D---|D---|G---|D---|D---|A---|D---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/sugar-hill
Traditional, 1927 Crockett Ward
This version 2004 Tommy Jarrell (ADAE): youtu.be/v8PYnBRH2ZQ?si=6-piZRS7C-Uvwpm2
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=fdROoZaKyko
youtube.com/watch?v=QCxt7pYyHlY
youtube.com/watch?v=b2JkwkcpRZQ
TENNESSEE GIRLS in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|D---|D-A-|D---|D-A-|D---|A---|
B: |D---|D---|D---|A---|D---|D---|D---|A---|
slippery-hill.com/content/tennessee-girls
Traditional, 1927 Dykes Magic City Trio in C: youtube.com/watch?v=w6HNlzagdzU
This version 2019 Foghorn Stringband (ADAE?):
youtube.com/watch?v=e8K-LGJApI8
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=SAAJN5pZGOk
youtube.com/watch?v=iYCX7kRrVRw
youtube.com/watch?v=egyT4dybXKw
WHISKEY BEFORE BREAKFAST in D (AABB)
A: |D---|D---|G-D-|A---|D---|D---|G-D-|A-D-|
B: |D---|D---|Em---|A---|D-A-|G-D-|G-D-|A-D-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/232
Traditional, 1962 Tommy Jackson
This version 1976 J.P. Fraley (GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/whiskey-breakfast-3
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=c95tu3-_Gtw
youtube.com/watch?v=ZnHiQFrF0OM
youtube.com/watch?v=wVolE3uW01A
WINDER SLIDE in D (AAB)
A: |D---|D---|D---|G---|G---|A---|A---|D---|
B: |G---|A---|A---|D---|G---|A---|A---|D---|D---|
not on slippery hill?
Traditional, 1987 Joe LaRose: youtube.com/watch?v=i6nf1qlIw7I
This version 2000 Rayna Gellert (ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=piSFb03Bzqs
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/winder-slide-old-93688789
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=Pze5guFCxd0
youtube.com/watch?v=9jshAS0TRYg
youtube.com/watch?v=ARwUtSBAyrY
KEY of A:
BLACK HILLS WALTZ in A (AAB, 3/4)
A: |A--|A--|D--|A--|A--|A--|A--|E--|
|A--|A--|D--|A--|A--|A--|E--|A--|
B: |A--|A--|A--|A--|A--|A--|E--|A--|
|A--|A--|A--|A--|A--|A--|E--|A--|
Traditional, 1943 Kenner Kartchner (this version, AEAE?): slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/489
2001 Rafe Stefanini (this version, AEAE?): youtu.be/2mtNdHFcMGs?si=mYwBmCB-Gg9GQ8D8
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=onR1Z6Y2glc
youtube.com/watch?v=rfNHf3G-M-w
Clawhammer videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=6MQkK8q42ls
BOIL THEM CABBAGE DOWN in A (AABB)
high part: |A---|D---|A---|E---|A---|D---|A-E-|A---|
low part: |A---|D---|A---|E---|A---|D---|A-E-|A---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/327
Traditional, 1924 Dave Macon
This version 1994 Benton Flippen (GDAE): youtu.be/rmkLMbAarR4?si=vcAIEj3x5yzLGOjZ
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/bile-em-cabbage-86916735
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=S2al-QsPkTY
BOOTH SHOT LINCOLN in A (AABB)
A&B: |A---|D---|A---|D---|A---|D---|A-E-|A---|
Traditional, 1941 Marcus Martin (this version, AEAE?): slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/booth
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/booth-shot-old-98124903
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=3AQtHodGm1s
youtube.com/watch?v=L0dMazYIIpQ
youtube.com/watch?v=Q1151xPF1S0
BREAKING UP CHRISTMAS in A (AABB)
A: |A---|A---|A---|E-A-|A---|A---|A---|E-A-|
B: |A---|A---|A---|E-A-|A---|A---|A---|E-A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/breaking-christmas
Traditional, 1970 Tommy Jarrell (this version, AEAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=HD0aDJsws7Y
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/breaking-up-old-91468321
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=8fGg2gUgkT0
youtube.com/watch?v=ajbPpXf8ywo
youtube.com/watch?v=7hWmqabUDw0
CANARY WALTZ in A (AABB, 3/4)
Low part: |A--|A--|A--|A--|E--|E--|E--|A--|
|A--|A--|A--|A--|E--|E--|A--|A--|
High part: |A--|A--|A--|A--|E--|E--|E--|A--|
|A--|A--|A--|A--|E--|E--|A--|A--|
Traditional ? Cyril Stinnett (1912-1986, this version, GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/tune-title/canary-waltz
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=W3Ro49Ffcu8
CLUCK OLD HEN in A (AABB)
Low part: |A-C-|A-G-|A---|E-A-|
High part: |A-G-|A-D-|A---|E-A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/507
Traditional, 1923 John Carson: youtube.com/watch?v=fwyZfLzc2Is
This version 1976 Tommy Jarrell (AEAE-? transpose +1?): youtube.com/watch?v=tG8T2vAUXkA
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/cluck-old-hen-106511092
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=Mzi_ra059YM
youtube.com/watch?v=HUsQ_WmI1Sg
youtube.com/watch?v=VqxBjGKs6LY
COLD FROSTY MORNING in Am (AABB) [not the Melvin Wine tune of the same name]
A: |Am---|Am---|G---|G---|Am---|Am---|Am-G-|Am---|
B: |Am---|Am---|G---|G---|Am-C-|D-E-|Am-G-|Am---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/510
Traditional, 1972 Fuzzy Mountain String Band (this version, AEAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=bnfbgocPuy8
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=pg-ZLrdL2mk
youtube.com/watch?v=74K1Krf4yq8
CRIPPLE CREEK in A (AABB)
A: |A---|D-A-|A---|E-A-|
B: |A---|A---|A---|E-A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/66
Traditional, 1925 Al Hopkins: youtube.com/watch?v=csvfSqmKwH0
This version 1983 Tommy Jarrell (this version, ADAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=ivKzFCbN9u4
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=sXpTjMFWbRA
youtube.com/watch?v=SZyUK25Igkg
youtube.com/watch?v=Z-LJGqlrwaA
DUSTY MILLER in A (AABB)
A&B: |A---|A---|A---|E-A-|A---|A---|A---|E-A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/dusty-miller
Traditional, 1929 Eck Robertson (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=sb1zoxi1kYY
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=WSK1pVm2b18
youtube.com/watch?v=rtxqc58gRoQ
youtube.com/watch?v=7otJvqy6q94
FINE TIMES AT OUR HOUSE in A (AABB)
A: |A---|A---|A---|A-E-|A---|A---|A---|E---|A-|
B: |A---|A-G-|A---|E---|A---|A-G-|E---|E-A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/391
Traditional, 1947 Edden Hammons (this version, ADAE): youtube.com/watch?v=dyZgalZ893Q
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=KFI1eXHvu38
youtube.com/watch?v=arnjSSQvNM0
youtube.com/watch?v=a3wl-ABmY2U
youtube.com/watch?v=zTGy8OXTkww
GREAT BIG TATERS in A (AABBCC)
A: |D---|D---|A---|A---|D---|D---|A-E-|A---|
B: |A---|A---|A-E-|A---|A---|A---|A-E-|A---|
C: |A---|A---|A---|A---|A---|A---|A-E-|A---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/great-big-taters
Traditional, 1926 Sam Long: youtube.com/watch?v=1lswOGGOnsI
This version 2000 Rayna Gellert (GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=GfqKQlENrc4
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/great-big-taters-91470860
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=enbfi6YfZL0
youtube.com/watch?v=2ztA_RzJgeM
youtube.com/watch?v=HTBp9vN0lZU
HANGMAN'S REEL in A (AABBCDD)
A: |A---|A---|A---|A---|A---|A---|A---|E-A-|
B: |A---|E-A-|A---|E-A-|
C: |E---|E---|E---|E---|E---|E---|E---|E---|
D: |A-D-|A-D-|A-D-|A-E-|A-D-|A-D-|A---|E-A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/538
Traditional, 1977 Albert Hash (this version, AEAE): youtube.com/watch?v=nsGmgLkVTgY
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/hangmans-reel-102969271
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=G3HcoKI1JOA
youtube.com/watch?v=GgcBZP5R-u4
youtube.com/watch?v=_Ike3xm3sXM
JEFF STURGEON in A (AABCC)
A: |A---|A-E-|A---|E-|E-A-|
B: |G---|G---|E---|E-A-|
C: |A---|A---|A---|A---|E---|A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/jeff-sturgeon
Traditional, 1941 John Salyer: slippery-hill.com/content/jeff-sturgeon
2000 Bruce Molsky (this version, AEAE): youtube.com/watch?v=K1L8GNBZRt4
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/jeff-sturgeon-112695030
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=Uqt1xWjpvdo
youtube.com/watch?v=iz0WcPu5mEU
youtube.com/watch?v=UUHSiLE9pF0
JUNE APPLE in A (AABB)
low part: |A---|A---|G---|D---|A---|A---|G---|A---|
high part: |A---|A---|G---|G---|A---|A---|G---|A---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/559
Traditional, 1967 Camp Creek Boys: youtube.com/watch?v=hUKPqlCCL1A
This version 2004 Tommy Jarrell (AEAE?): youtu.be/MsyrHiOkhWU?si=8v7jRjwTqcs7OL2V
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/june-apple-old-131703062
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=ubrdIw8R5Xs
youtube.com/watch?v=_0dODnWaaW0
KITCHEN GIRL in A (AABB)
A: |A-G-|A---|A---|E---|A-G-|A---|A-E-|A---|
B: |Am---|Am---|Am---|E---|Am---|Am---|Am-E-|Am---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/812
Traditional, 1966 Henry Reed (this version, GDAE?): slippery-hill.com/content/kitchen-girl
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/kitchen-girl-old-108320134
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=PYGXRz1U4JM
youtube.com/watch?v=HTdhneHStMc
LITTLE MAGGIE in A (AA)
A: |A---|A---|G---|G---|A---|E---|A---|A---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/little-maggie
Traditional, 1929 Grayson and Whitter: youtube.com/watch?v=lJmJ0bo30Co
1986 Tommy Jarrell (this version, AEAE?): youtu.be/Oi3RtBKds1Y?si=8tD1MNJAgrYvoJhT
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=uEqWKhdh3Hk
youtube.com/watch?v=bZQnkrfFtCg
OLD GREASY COAT in A (AABB)
A: |A---|A---|A---|E-A-|A---|D---|A-G-|E-A-|
B: |A---|G---|G---|A---|A---|G---|A-G-|E-A-|
slippery-hill.com/content/old-greasy-coat
Traditional, 1947 Edden Hammons (this version, AEAE): youtube.com/watch?v=vwb6RzBTclM
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/greasy-coat-old-83257340
Molsky course: pegheadnation.com
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=JwqJBNqnjz4
youtube.com/watch?v=W8H4BB5BuD0
youtube.com/watch?v=udH144whD6Y
OLD JOE CLARK in A (AABB)
A: |A---|A---|A---|E---|A---|A---|A-E-|A---|
B: |A---|A---|A---|G---|A---|A---|A-E-|A---|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/68
Traditional, 1924 John Carson: youtube.com/watch?v=vJ6KMHEV9hY
1978 Benton Flippen (this version, GDAE): slippery-hill.com/content/old-joe-clark-13
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=8nuw-x-xQzo
youtube.com/watch?v=SHKhdHeDGbg
youtube.com/watch?v=TyfER0Fg8Kk
POLICEMAN in A (A)
A: |A---|A---|A---|D---|D---|A---|D---|D---|A---|A-E-|A---|
Traditional, 1967 Tommy Jarrell: youtu.be/ciEuAGCqgGc?si=zqNZWmnQjDz6Q45q
2024 George Jackson: youtu.be/pnhDbA9pVsw?si=0dWv8kdiwcBCoghW
SALLY GOODIN in A (AABB)
A&B: |A---|A---|A---|E-A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/term/264
Traditional, 1922 Eck Robertson (this version, GDAE?): youtu.be/bt8ZQwYx-0o?si=lrB9y97uXQtoaSfw
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=HToxNF10rGU
youtube.com/watch?v=gaMWXd2EFNc
youtube.com/watch?v=zSDNWhOEzYI
SHORTNIN' BREAD in A (AABB)
A&B: |A---|A---|A---|E-A-|
slippery-hill.com/taxonomy/tune-title/shortnin-bread
Traditional, 1926 Gid Tanner
This version 2020 Brad Leftwich (AEAE): youtube.com/watch?v=D3K_SpqSraI
Leftwich course: homespun.com/shop/hs_fiddle10
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=a1wjTSjNc-w
youtube.com/watch?v=nCZXEX4Jp2s
youtube.com/watch?v=ue38sJlR7Nk
SQUIRREL HUNTERS in A (AABB)
A&B: |A---|A---|G---|G---|A---|A---|G---|D---|
Traditional, 1996 John Hartford (this version, GDAE?): youtube.com/watch?v=ojrbbYPC4lY
Old Time 100: patreon.com/posts/squirrel-hunters-127684185
Fiddle videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=gV98pfwsM3k
youtube.com/watch?v=Z7XW_GzoGTQ
youtube.com/watch?v=P5lJ64G8Jow
youtube.com/watch?v=wIxqZf__RnA
JOINING AN OLD TIME JAM
FIRST TIMER WALK THROUGH
If you enjoy listening to and playing old time music, then playing in an old time jam can be a ton of fun. However, getting started can be confusing, because it's often not clear how these jams work from the outside looking in. Every jam can be a little different, but I'll try to explain how things usually work with a "walk through" from the perspective of someone coming to one for the first time. This guide will be a work-in-progress, and any suggestions for improvement would be welcome. If you have experience with bluegrass or multi-genre jams where folks mostly sing songs and take instrumental solos, then an old time jam will seem very different. At these jams, singing is rare, and instead of instrumental solos, most everyone will be playing melodies together.
FINDING A JAM
Finding an old time jam may be the hardest part of getting started. If you live in a big city, you may have a few to choose from, and maybe even the rare beginner or "slow" jam. Otherwise, you may only have one anywhere near you, or you may have to travel to find one. Try searching online for your area. Instrument shops selling fiddles or banjos might know something, and they might be able to point you to music teachers that play old time music, who would be most likely to know. Worst case scenario, you might need to start your own, and you likely will be pleasantly surprised at how many other people would be interested.
INSTRUMENTS
Fiddles and banjos are always welcome at an old time jam. At most jams, any other acoustic melody instrument would also be welcome, such as mandolins or dulcimers, but you should ask first, and you should definitely ask about anything else. Guitars playing chords were not much a part of old time music originally but are common now. Percussion is usually not a part of old time music. Bring a tuner and tune your instrument before starting, and check it again at least once during the jam. If you are out of tune it can make it hard for other people near you to play.
WALKING IN
Old time musicians are usually a pretty relaxed and welcoming bunch. The first step is to walk up, introduce yourself, and ask if you can join in. Some jams are closed, meaning they are invitation only, but most are open. Usually everyone is sitting in a big circle and you should be able to sit in any open seat. Some jams get big enough that an outer circle forms around an inner circle, in which case you want to sit on the outside.
TUNES AND SONGS
Most old time jams only play fiddle tunes (instrumental music without singing) and not songs (music with singing). Some old time jams also include the occasional song. A lot of fiddle tunes can also have bits that can be sung, and usually one person will sing some verses at random intervals, when they feel so moved. When this happens, you should keep playing the tune as you have been but quieter to hear the singer.
What tunes are going to get played? Well, that is always the big question. At a beginner/slow jam, there may be a list of tunes so that you have some idea what is coming. At an advanced jam, any of the thousands of old time fiddle tunes may get played, and there will often be a mix of common and less common tunes. If you keep going to the same jam, over time you'll start to get a feel for the repertoire of each of the regulars, and folks will tend to have favorites that they call often. The site oldtimejam.com has a good list of tunes that are widely popular at jams, including a list of their "top 20," which is a great place to start.
LEARNING TUNES
All advanced players agree that the best way to learn old time fiddle tunes is by ear, and all beginners agree that it sounds too hard, so they start learning from written music. At least, that is what I did, and it added many years of pain and frustration to my journey, which was time wasted that I could have spent having fun playing in jams! Instead of thinking of it as a binary choice, think of it as a spectrum. Consider starting with spending 1% of your practice time learning by ear, and gradually increasing that over the years until one day you won't need written music anymore. There are lots of YouTube videos with people teaching particular tunes, often slowed down and taught phrase by phrase, sometimes with matching written music. Of course, it is hard to beat a good teacher, and there are lots of those both in person or online.
PLAYING
So, you've found an old time jam, and you've asked and been invited to sit in, what happens next? First, they will choose a key because banjo players, and sometimes fiddlers, usually tune differently for each key, and they will often stay in that key for an hour or so. Then, someone will start playing a tune. If you are new, even if you know the tunes they play, it would be smart to not play at first, at least for a while, and instead just watch and listen. Every jam can be a little different, and you can figure out lots about a particular jam's quirks by observing how it operates for a little bit.
Some jams will have a strict hierarchy with either one established leader or a handful of folks that have been playing together a long time, and usually one of these folks will most often be starting the tunes. Some jams will democratically go around the circle giving each person a chance to lead a tune, if they want to. Each tune will be repeated some number of times before switching to the next tune in the set. There will usually be at least three repetitions, and sometimes many more, until the person that started the tune has had their fill. At that point they will lift one foot, which is the signal that the tune will stop at the end of that repetition.
If a tune comes up that you know, and at a speed you can play, go for it, but it's a good idea to play quietly. If you play loudly as a newcomer, and drown out the other players, you could wear out your welcome pretty quickly. Also, you would be missing the point of an old time jam, which is that everyone is listening to each other and trying to blend together and get a good groove going. Old time music involves lots of subtle rhythmic elements that you won't know how to play as a beginner, which is another reason to listen a lot and play a little when you're getting started.
If the tunes are going too fast, or if you just don't know many tunes yet, there is nothing wrong with just sitting and listening to the whole jam. The tunes and rhythms will start working their way into your brain, and the more you listen to tunes at jams or from recordings, the closer you will be to joining in. Even better is to make an audio recording of the jam - always ask first, but most folks will be happy for you to do that, because many of them will have done that, too. At home you could use software to slow down the recordings and use them to start learning the tunes by ear. Since each jam has its own favorite tunes, learning directly from recordings of the jam would be the fastest way to learn that specific repertoire. One commonly used program to slow down recordings for learning by ear is the Amazing Slow Downer (ronimusic.com).
MOST IMPORTANT
Be nice, relax, and have fun. Thank everyone for letting you sit in and/or record the session. It can also be a great idea to ask for advice from the experienced players on things you can do as a beginner, because they've all been there, and sometimes folks will take you under their wing to help you along.