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John Hardy Banjo Tabs

Bill Monroe

John Hardy Banjo Tablature: One Song, Many Styles

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #instrumental, #bluesy, #vocal song, #old time

John Hardy is a classic banjo tune that has become synonymous with Earl Scruggs. It was a folk song that existed long before Bluegrass came along. It's been done across multiple genres like Blues, Bluegrass, and Country. Like many folk songs, there are lots of slightly different versions. Most vary only slightly in how the melody is sung, but different lyrics are also common in folk tunes. It's not uncommon for chord changes and keys do be different at times. Listen to a lot of versions of this song. You will start to notice the these differences and similarities over time.

John Hardy has long been a standard tune on the banjo. It's got a great melody and is an interesting tune for many reasons. Even though this song is in the key of G, it starts on a C chord. That's not unheard of, but it is uncommon. The song also "holds" on the D chord for an unusually long time on the back half of the melody and chord progression. Again, this is unusual, but not unheard of. It's just another cool and unique component of this tune.

It's always good to start learning a song by first tackling the melody and some form of backup. That helps you develop a strong foundational understanding of the core components of a tune: The melody and the chord changes. Rolling backup will also help prepare your picking hand for the rigors of Scruggs style banjo. Use Tunefox features to help you practice smarter.

Learn how to play John Hardy on Banjo with this selection of tablatures:

Practicing Tips

John Hardy, a diverse learning resource on Tunefox, offers a wide range of bluegrass banjo tablatures in Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup styles. Ideal for intermediate players, it focuses on the instrumental version of this bluesy, old time, vocal song. Whether you want to learn new licks, create custom arrangements or increase your playing speed, this resource provides a variety of tools to help you achieve your goals.

One of the most vital features of this learning resource is the Lick Switcher. It allows you to add new licks and view the song from different angles. The hidden licks available in each measure allow you to experience a plethora of variations for the song, ensuring every arrangement is a unique creation. Simply tap the measure to discover the licks hidden within.

The Arrange slider is another excellent tool found in this learning resource. It permits easy and accurate customization of the song's difficulty level. Sliding to the left removes many of the "fill-in" notes, showing the core arrangement in the tablature. Sliding to the right fills up the arrangement with extra notes, making the full song apparent.

The tempo slider is a valuable tool that helps you change the pace of the song. This, coupled with backing tracks, enhances your practice sessions by replicating the experience of playing with a band. To maximize the effectiveness of your practice, focus on selected measures and repeat them. The 'Speed Up' function facilitates progressive increases in the playback tempo. Play the song at a comfortable speed, and 'Speed Up' will incrementally increase the tempo each time you play through.

John Hardy empowers you to take control of your learning experience and guides you in discovering new ways to interpret this timeless piece. Happy learning!

John Hardy lyrics

Traditional

Now John Hardy was a desperate little man,
Strapped on his guns every day.
Shot down a man on the West Virginia line.
You oughta seen John Hardy gettin'Â away,
You oughta seen John Hardy gettin'Â away.

Well he run up to Virginia around the east stone bridge,
Thought he would surely be free.
And along came a marshall with a gun in his hand,
Said Johnny come along with me,
Johnny come along with me.

Now John Hardy had himself a little woman.
The dress she wore was blue.
And she hollered on out to Johnny as he rode out of Town,
Said Johnny, I'll be true to you,
Johnny, I'll be true to you.

Now his legend had traveled from the East to the West,
From the North to the South end of town.
But when the sun comes up tomorrow, they'll take John Hardy down,
And show him to his hangin' ground.
They'Âre gonna let John Hardy swing down.

Now John Hardy was a desperate little man,
Strapped on his guns every day.
Shot down a man on the West Virginia line.
You oughta seen John Hardy gettin' away,
You oughta seen John Hardy gettin'Â away.

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