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Freight Train banjo tabs & chords

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  • Scruggs Style

    Difficulty

    Double Trouble! Check out the double stops in measure 4. They are too much fun. Anytime you have a melody with longer note durations, you can add double stops to add interest. You don't have to play 1000 notes a minute all the time. Sometimes letting the song breathe by adding space can make it even better!

    • Key C
    • 110 bpm
    • Tuning gDGBD
    Play Scruggs Style

  • Melodic Style

    Difficulty

    Written by Elizabeth Cotton, and covered by Doc Watson, Freight Train has great melody and chord changes. Make use of the substitution licks to find new challenges and a new twist on the melody. This arrangement really focuses on the melodic style. No shortage of variations here.

    • Key C
    • 110 bpm
    • Tuning gDGBD
    Play Melodic Style

  • Single String Style

    Difficulty

    It's ok to play a melody note more than once. You don't have to change notes every time you pick. Sometimes picking the same note with a good rhythm is all you need to bring a good melody to life. For the most part this arrangement of Freight Train is simple, but most of it is in closed positions, and there are a few challenges. Check out that C run at the end! That lick is sure to turn a few heads at a jam. Especially the Flat-pickers!

    • Key C
    • 110 bpm
    • Tuning gDGBD
    Play Single String Style

Freight Train lyrics

Elizabeth Cotton

Freight train, freight train, run so fast
Freight train, freight train, run so fast
please don't tell what train I'm on
So they won't know what route I've gone

When I am dead and in my grave
No more good times here I'll crave
Place the stones at my head and feet
And tell them all that I'm gone to sleep

When I die, lord, bury me deep
Way down on old Chestnut Street
So I can hear old Number Nine
As she comes rolling by

When I die, Lord, bury me deep
Way down on old Chestnut Street
Place the stones at my head and feet
And tell them all that I'm gone to sleep

MAC WISEMAN