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Banjo tablatures for East Virginia Blues

The Stanley Brothers

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #vocal song, #up-tempo

"East Virginia Blues" is a song written by Robbert Early Keen. it was first recorded and released by Buell Kazee in 1927. The origin of this song dates back to the seventh century England. The song is linked to ‘Holler’, a song by Clearance Ashley, sung with a Five-string banjo, and was one of its first Mountain recordings. The song melody was modal neither being in a major or a minor key. She afterward sang the same tune, which though having similar text, this time to the accompaniment of guitar and bluesy harp on ‘East Virginia Blues’. The song was at about the same time being recorded by the Carter Family, however, it is entirely in Major and two-part harmony. The song which became very popular in the 1930s developed into the widely known "Greenback Dollar". It’s still a crooner when it comes to old-time blues and has several versions just like others in this category.

  • Banjo East Virginia Blues Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    This break is based off of the classic J.D. Crowe version of the East Virginia Blues. It's not played incredibly fast, but make sure you drive it hard.

    Banjo East Virginia Blues Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo East Virginia Blues Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    This melodic version focuses on bringing out the vocal melody of East Virginia Blues more than playing fancy licks. Don't worry, there's still some cool stuff!

    Banjo East Virginia Blues Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo East Virginia Blues Backup

    Backup

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

    This is an up-the-neck backup example of East Virginia Blues using lots of forward rolls, and classic Earl Scruggs licks with slight variations.

    Banjo East Virginia Blues Backup
    Learn



Practicing Tips

Learning Overview:

Embark on an engaging musical journey with the course 'East Virginia Blues'. This valuable educational tool presents bluegrass banjo tabs in three distinct styles: Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup, specifically tailored for intermediate-level players. This vocal song is fast-paced and rich in rhythmic variation to keep you motivated and energized. Uniquely designed on the Tunefox platform, the course harnesses a range of user-friendly features to amplify your learning experience.


Tools for Creative Learning:

We offer two prime creative learning tools: the Lick Switcher and Arrange Slider. The Lick Switcher plays a pivotal role, permitting the user to add fresh licks to perceive the song from diverse angles. This functionality comes with multiple variations inspiring you to personalize your arrangement and breathe fresh life into your interpretation of the song. Conversely, the Arrange Slider is an equally innovative tool that gives learners the freedom to modify both the difficulty level and tone of the song, based on their personal preferences and learning pace.


Practicing Tools:

Our practice tools thrive on customization, allowing you to adjust tempo, access backing tracks to play along, employ a Speed Up Function and Hide notes for aural learning purposes. These features are armed at allowing you to sharpen your skills on the strings whilst maintaining an element of fun.


General Practice Tips:

As the age-old saying goes, "Slow and steady wins the race". We recommend that all learners should initially start at a slow pace. Be patient and take time to familiarize yourself with different notes and rhythms. Gradually build up speed once you are comfortable and, most importantly, make sure to enjoy each step of your musical journey.


East Virginia Blues lyrics

Traditional

I was born in East Virginia,
North Carolina I did go.
There I met a fair young maiden,
And her name I did not know.

Oh, her hair was dark and curly,
And her cheeks were rosy red.
On her breast she wore white linen,
Where I longed to lay my head.

I don't want your green back dollar,
I don't want your watch and chain.
All I want is your heart darling,
Say you'll take me back again.

The ocean's deep and I can't wade it,
And I have no wings to fly.
I'll just get me a blue eyed boaten,
For to row me over time.

I'll go back to East Virginia,
North Carolina ain't my home.
I'll go back to East Virginia,
Leave them North Carolinians alone.