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Banjo tablatures for Foggy Mountain Special

Earl Scruggs

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #the blues, #medium-tempo, #bluesy, #solo

This intermediate-level masterpiece is set on a medium tempo, delivering a bluesy vibe that caters to the soul. Perfect for banjo enthusiasts, it offers an enticing solo for those aiming to immerse themselves deeper into the world of the blues. It's a truly special tune, just waiting to be played!



Start with the Scruggs style arrangement first. This is a simplified version of this tune. Pay close attention to the suggested fingerings for the pick and fret hands, and make sure to engage the swing feature in the playback menu. This tune is always played with a swing feel in jams and bands. That's how Earl did it, so that's how we will too. Make sure to check out a few licks. This will give you new interpretations of the tune. The Scruggs style licks show you how to play with more nuanced embellishment like Earl did. There's also some great melodic options which sound very nice with this tune.



We have several of Scruggs Signature arrangements. These are transcriptions closely modeled after the playing of Mr. Scruggs from the "Foggy Mountain Jamboree" album. These are tough. If you need a bit more help with these, then check out our Learning Path for Foggy Mountain Special. There are video lessons and a lot of tips on how to best practice and perform this tune.

  • Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Style - Basic

    Scruggs Style - Basic

    This is a nice simplified version of Foggy Mountain Special. Get the basic arrangement down first. You may have to focus on a measure at a time at first. As you improve, strive to b...

    Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Style - Basic
    Learn
  • Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Backup Style

    Backup Style

    This version of Foggy Mountain Special features some great bluesy style backup. Play around with the feel - swing vs. straight - for some variation. Also, swap out licks for some oth...

    Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Backup Style
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  • Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

    This arrangement of Foggy Mountain Special features some great bluesy licks and there's an especially cool stretch over the D chord in the 5th measure.

    Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Melodic Style
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  • Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

    Foggy Mountain Special is a classic Scruggs tune and is very unique because it's almost entirely played in single string style, but without alternating thumb middle. Take a close loo...

    Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Style
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  • Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature

    Scruggs Signature

    This is a transcription of Earl Scruggs' banjo playing as heard on the "Foggy Mountain Jamboree" album. The track opens with Earl's banjo playing and he solos over the chord progres...

    Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature
    Learn
  • Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature - 2

    Scruggs Signature - 2

    This is a transcription of the second half of Earl's opening break from the "Foggy Mountain Jamboree" album. This one features a really cool, way up the neck riff when the band goes ...

    Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature - 2
    Learn
  • Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature - 3

    Scruggs Signature - 3

    This is a transcription of Earl's 2nd break from the "Foggy Mountain Jamboree" album. This one features an iconic entrance to the break. The syncopated walkup is tough to learn, but ...

    Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature - 3
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  • Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature - 4

    Scruggs Signature - 4

    This is a transcription of Earl's 3rd break from the "Foggy Mountain Jamboree" album. This one features that great, one-note, way up the neck lick again. Only this time, it comes bef...

    Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature - 4
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  • Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature - 5

    Scruggs Signature - 5

    This is a transcription of Earl's last break from the "Foggy Mountain Jamboree" album. This one features a very cool, melodically syncopated lick that hasn't shown up before. As alwa...

    Banjo Foggy Mountain Special Scruggs Signature - 5
    Learn