Banjo Hangout Newest 100 Clawhammer and Old-Time Songs

The story of how eminent domain destroyed a person's home place. Ernie was about 27 years old when this happened.

Playing 6/8 jigs with clawhammer style can be quite the experience, as in Cowboy Jig. My thumb and middle finger aren't consistent and tend to vary, as far as where in the triplet they're used. But the more it's played, the more fun and relaxed it can get. This one is still very new to me.

From the playing of Illinois fiddler Lynn "Chirps" Smith who learned it from coal miner Noah Beaver of Elkville, IL. I like its ragtime feeling and syncopation in the B part.

From the playing of WV fiddler Israel Welch, this current offering by Noah Cline is played by a relative of his. Welch sure had a keen skill on fiddle and passes on to us unique tunes like Hell on the Potomac. It actually captures the feel of a Civil War tune, which is said to be the older source.

From the fiddling of an obscure Kentucky fiddler, Kelly Gilbert, the town of Crab Orchard once flourished. When the horse racing derby was moved to Louisville and became the Kentucky Derby, the population in Crab Orchard dwindled, as it does today. But the tune is lively and tells of its heyday.

An old folk song as learned from the singing and guitar of Barbara Dane.

From the playing of WV fiddler Melvin Wine. It closely resembles Texas/New Castle. Melvin remembered lyrics, too. It's origins go back to minstrel banjo.

Banjo: aEAC#E

Derived from Melvin Wine's fiddling

Reference recording for the tab posted--view my tabs here.

My first attempt at playing clawhammer.