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Crazy Creek Banjo Tabs

Bill Keith

Crazy Creek Banjo Tablature: One Song, Many Styles

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #fiddle tune, #guitar tune, #up-tempo

Tommy Jackson, who was always under the influence of the skill of his Texas fiddler friend, Bob Wills, penned down this song. He went on to invent a melody that the lyrics he composed would fit into and then recorded it later on. According to Musicologist Charles Wolfe, Tommy Jackson became an outstanding fiddler who set the pace for other fiddlers to come as he became "the most heard, and the most imitated, fiddler of his generation." This is probably because he proved himself a skillful producer through his recordings. This made him the much-sought-after session man and producer in Nashville. He was the best and busiest violinist in country music, Some of the people he worked with and is often connected with include; the Grand Old Opry, Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, and George Jones, among numerous others. Years later, the Dillards, in collaboration with fiddler Byron Berline, would produce an influential recording of this tune.

Learn how to play Crazy Creek on Banjo with this selection of tablatures:

  • Banjo Crazy Creek Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      130 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    This version of Crazy Creek is a bit simpler than the melodic arrangement and throws in some classic Scruggs licks to help you move from chord to chord.

    Learn
  • Banjo Crazy Creek Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      130 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    A traditional tune popularized by Bill Keith. Crazy Creek has some "crazy" chords uncommonly used in bluegrass, and combines melodic and single string playing.

    Learn
  • Banjo Crazy Creek Backup

    Backup

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      130 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    This backup arrangement of Crazy Creek shows you how to move fluidly from one chord to another. There are a lot of "non-bluegrass" chords in this song.

    Learn



Practicing Tips

If you are an intermediate player with a propensity for bluegrass, 'Crazy Creek' promises to provide an exciting and engaging learning resource. With an array of banjo tablatures that cater to Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup Styles, this course will help you master the up-tempo characteristics typical of fiddle and guitar tunes.


To get the best out of this resource, make sure to utilize the unique features of the Tunefox platform. One such feature is the Lick Switcher, a tool that can help you add fresh vocabulary to your repertoire. With the Lick Switcher, you have the power to change the licks for individual measures, unveiling numerous song interpretations and variations. To access switchable licks, simply tap on the measure.


Another helpful feature is the Arrange slider. This dynamic tool gives you control over the difficulty level of songs. Sliding to the left strips the arrangement to its core, removing many of the 'fill-in' notes, whereas sliding to the right introduces additional notes to create a more comprehensive rendition of the tune.


In addition to these tools, you might find it enjoyable to play along with the provided backing tracks. These tracks can be instrumental in practicing specific measures repetitively. The 'Speed Up' function adds a new dimension of challenge, incrementally increasing the tempo with each playthrough. By beginning at a pace you find comfortable, the gradual increase in speed enforced by the 'Speed Up' function will help you progress to higher speeds with grace.


Remember also to exercise patience and consistency in your learning journey. These are essential elements in mastering an instrument. Enjoy the process, focus on mastering each note, and above all, have fun!