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Banjo tablatures for Fireball Mail

Earl Scruggs

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #train song, #old time, #up-tempo

Bluegrass is one of the genres of American music that started in the 1940s. This kind of music first started in the Appalachian region and had its name from the Bill Monroe band and a set of boys known as the Bluegrass Boys. This music is by Flatt & Scruggs and features on the album Foggy Mountain Banjo (1961), on the 1959-1963 (1992) compilation album and eventually on the 1964-1969 compilation album Plus (1992). Flatt & Scruggs have a very good history of popularizing bluegrass music., and they have a special place when you look right up there at the bluegrass hall of fame.

  • Banjo Fireball Mail Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    Another classic off of Scruggs's Foggy Mountain Banjo record. Here's a tip: Exaggerate the slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs in the song to make it sound more like Earl.

    Banjo Fireball Mail Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Fireball Mail Bluegrass

    Bluegrass

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

    This version of Fireball mail stays close to the melody. It uses less fret hand ornamentation. This easier version is all about the forward roll. Get started with this one, check out...

    Banjo Fireball Mail Bluegrass
    Learn
  • Banjo Fireball Mail Up the Neck

    Up the Neck

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

    This is a more simplistic version of Fireball Up the Neck. The right hand pattern here is very similar to the one used in the Bluegrass arrangement of this tune. It has less acrobat...

    Banjo Fireball Mail Up the Neck
    Learn
  • Banjo Fireball Mail Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    This arrangement of Fireball Mail starts low, moves high, and then ends low. Make sure you practice the transitions slowly to get them clean.

    Banjo Fireball Mail Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Fireball Mail Backup

    Backup

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

    This is a classic representation of how to play Scruggs backup. Switch out the licks in the song to hear some cool variations of Fireball Mail!

    Banjo Fireball Mail Backup
    Learn



Practicing Tips

Learning Overview:

This comprehensive learning resource is designed to cater to the learning needs of intermediate level players of bluegrass banjo. It features the train song, 'Fireball Mail,' in various styles such as Scruggs, Bluegrass, Up the Neck, Melodic, and Backup. The song, known for its old time and up-tempo tune, comes with unique bluegrass banjo tablatures for a rich learning experience.


Key Learning Aids:

The Tunefox platform boasts of interactive features that enhance the learning process. One such tool is the Lick Switcher, which allows users to explore diverse variations of the song by changing the licks for individual measures. As a result, learners can experiment with new interpretations and personalize the arrangement according to their preferences.


Another useful feature is the Arrange slider. By sliding it to the left, users will see a simpler, core arrangement in the tablature. Sliding it to the right brings out the full song with all the additional notes. This feature aids learners in gradually mastering the different layers of the song at their own pace.


Practice Tips:

Practicing with backing tracks adds fun to the learning process and provides a practical, hands-on experience. It also prepares learners for real jam sessions. Due to its up-tempo nature, it could be beneficial to take advantage of the tempo slider and find the optimal pace to master 'Fireball Mail.'


Furthermore, the 'Speed Up' function incrementally increases the song's playback tempo for those progressively seeking to play at a faster pace. Beginners can start at a slower speed and progressively increase the tempo through continual practice.


General Tips:

As you learn and practice 'Fireball Mail,' it's crucial to experiment with the song, tweak the licks, adjust tempos, and play with backing tracks, enhancing your overall musicality and readiness for group playing. Remember, learning a new song is an incremental process. Thus, practice regularly, and enjoy your journey into the world of bluegrass banjo.


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