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Dueling Banjos Banjo Tabs

Arthur Smith

Dueling Banjos Banjo Tablature: One Song, Many Styles

Recomended level: Beginner

Tags: #up-tempo, #instrumental, #melodic, #soundtrack music

Experience the iconic sound of 'Duelling Banjos' from Deliverance with this detailed banjo tablature pack.

What a classic! Don't paddle faster, slow down and learn this steady before you go for speed. Definitely start out with the From the Top! arrangement. This one teaches you the classic call and response melody that is so familiar to many. The Breakdown and Ending is some pretty serious Scruggs style banjo playing so don't beat yourself up if it is tough to play, or tough to play fast. Go what ever speed you need to.


This pack includes video tutorials for both arrangements. Once you select an arrangement, the video preview will appear above the tablature on the right-hand side. Click or tap to play and follow along!.


With video tutorials, backing tracks, and tools like the Lick Switcher and Arrange Slider, you can customize the Dueling Banjos tab to match your learning pace and style.

Learn how to play Dueling Banjos on Banjo with this selection of tablatures:

  • Banjo Dueling Banjos From the Top!

    From the Top!

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

    This is the very beginning of Dueling Banjos, where the guitar player initiates the duel with the banjo player. In this Dueling Banjos banjo tab you'll find the first few phrases pla...

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  • Banjo Dueling Banjos Breakdown and Ending

    Breakdown and Ending

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

    This is the breakdown part of Dueling Banjos where the guitarist begins to play in time. It starts out with Phrase #2 and progresses from there into the fast picking part we all kno...

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  • Banjo Dueling Banjos Phrase by Phrase

    Phrase by Phrase

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

    Here are all the important call and response phrases for "Dueling Banjos!" Use the focus feature to loop the different sections and the "pickup notes" that lead into the phrase. Lis...

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  • Banjo Dueling Banjos Scruggs Style - Basic

    Scruggs Style - Basic

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

    This basic Scruggs style version of Dueling Banjos is a blast to play and a breeze to learn. You'll use the same extended forward roll pattern for the entire arrangement. You'll onl...

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  • Banjo Dueling Banjos Melodic Étude - Basic

    Melodic Étude - Basic

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

    This easy melodic étude for Dueling Banjos is a great introduction to the melodic style. Étude is a french word for study. Here, you will study and use the melodic scale that matche...

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  • Banjo Dueling Banjos Melodic Étude

    Melodic Étude

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

    Here is a great arrangement of the breakdown section of Dueling Banjos, for the banjo, in the melodic style. The "breakdown" is the solo section when the instrumental really gets "c...

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Practicing Tips for Dueling Banjos Tab

Mastering the Dueling Banjos Tab takes time, patience, and focused practice. Here’s how you can approach this iconic tune step by step:


Start Slow with the Basics
Begin with the "From the Top!" arrangement of the Dueling Banjos. Focus on playing the notes cleanly and keeping a steady rhythm. Use a metronome or Tunefox’s speed control to slow it down and ensure your timing is solid before increasing the tempo.


Break It Into Sections
Divide the song into smaller sections, especially as you move into the faster Breakdown and Ending parts of the Dueling Banjos Tab. Work on each phrase separately, then gradually piece them together to build confidence and consistency.


Use the Lick Switcher
Explore Tunefox’s Lick Switcher to customize your Dueling Banjos tablature. Try swapping out licks to add variety and experiment with different sounds. This tool not only keeps practice engaging but also helps you develop creativity and adaptability.


Focus on Timing and Clarity
Dueling Banjos is all about precision and timing. Play along with Tunefox’s backing tracks to get comfortable with the call-and-response structure of the Dueling Banjos tablature. This will prepare you to jam confidently with other musicians.


Practice Fast-Picking Slowly
The Breakdown and Ending sections introduce faster rolls and picking techniques. Start at a slow, manageable pace and focus on accuracy. Gradually speed up using the "Speed Up" feature until you can play smoothly at tempo.


Use the Arrange Slider
Adjust the Dueling Banjos tab to your level with the Arrange Slider. Start with a simplified version and gradually add complexity as you improve. This helps you build confidence while tackling the more challenging parts of the tune.


Train Your Ear with Hidden Notes
Use the “Hide Notes” slider to challenge yourself. By hiding parts of the Dueling Banjos tablature, you’ll rely more on your ear, improving your listening skills and musical memory—key elements for any banjo player.


With consistent practice and these tips, you’ll master these Dueling Banjos tablatures, building speed, accuracy, and confidence along the way. This classic tune is a favorite in jams and a great way to develop essential bluegrass banjo skills!