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John Henry Banjo Tabs

Earl Scruggs

John Henry Banjo Tablature: One Song, Many Styles

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #d tuning, #banjo tune, #old time, #vocal song, #folk music

Introducing "John Henry" for Banjo, a cherished American folk music piece. This captivating old-time vocal song will transport you back in time with its rich traditional tones. Perfectly suited for intermediate-level banjo players, the song is harmonized in a distinctive D tuning, offering you a unique challenge and room for artistic expression. Dive into the rhythmic intricacies of this classic banjo tune and let the music speak for itself. Check out the Steve Martin style version for a simple version in the familiar G tuning.

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

  • Banjo John Henry Steve Martin Style

    Steve Martin Style

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

    This one is based on the playing of Steve Martin and the arrangement as heard on the album "The Steve Martin Brothers". It's simple, true to the melody and a ton of fun!

    Learn
  • Banjo John Henry Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      f#DF#AD

    This is the Earl Scruggs arrangement off of "John Henry" in D tuning. Check out the original recording, as it's a must-listen for all bluegrass banjo players.

    Learn
  • Banjo John Henry Bluesy Style

    Bluesy Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      f#DF#AD

    This version of John Henry features some tasteful bluesy playing mixed in with classic Earl Scruggs licks. Bluesy licks lay out really well in D tuning!

    Learn
  • Banjo John Henry Backup

    Backup

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      f#DF#AD

    This arrangement of John Henry demonstrates classic down-the-neck Scruggs playing. Imagine you're backing up a vocalist or fiddle player.

    Learn



Practicing Tips

Learning Overview:
Immerse yourself in the world of bluegrass banjo playing with our insightful guide to 'John Henry'. A renowned vocal song from the rich tapestry of old time and folk music, this track is perfect for those at an intermediate-level of banjo playing. This resource provides you with versatile tablatures for the song in a variety of styles, namely Scruggs, Bluesy, and Backup, with a specific focus on 'D tuning'. Utilize the unique features of the Tunefox platform, like the Lick Switcher and Arrange slider, to develop new perspectives and interpretations of the song.


Practice Tips 1 - Lick Switcher:
The Lick Switcher is a standout function of Tunefox that unleashes your creative juices. It invites you to add new lick vocabularies and allows you to change the licks for each measure. These changes will introduce you to numerous variations, letting you shape the arrangement of 'John Henry' according to your taste. To unveil the hidden licks, simply tap the measure.


Practice Tips 2 - Arrange Slider:
Tune the Arrange slider to customize the difficulty level to match your proficiency. By sliding it to the left, several 'fill-in' notes will disappear, resulting in a stripped-down, core configuration on the tablature. Swiping to the right will bring back the extra notes, unveiling the complete arrangement of the song.


Practice Tips 3 - Backing Tracks and Speed Up function:
Make your practice sessions more enjoyable with backing tracks. There's nothing like playing along with a live-sounding track to give you an adrenaline rush and prepare you for your next jam session. Concentrate on specific measures and repeat them for effective learning. Additionally, the 'Speed Up' function is great for gradually increasing the tempo of playback. Start at a pace you're comfortable with and watch as 'Speed Up' slowly increases the tempo each time you play through 'John Henry'.


General Practice Tips:
Ensure to keep your practicing balanced and regular. While speed is valuable, never sacrifice precision and technique in its favor. Take breaks when necessary to avoid straining your hands and ears. Most importantly, enjoy the learning process and foster a love for music that will fuel your continued growth as a banjo player.


John Henry lyrics

Traditional

John Henry was a little bitty boy,
No bigger than the palm of your hand.
And his Papa cried out with a lonesome farewell,
Son gonna be a steel driving man.
Son gonna be a steel driving man.

John Henry went upon the mountain,
Looked down on the other side.
Oh the mountain was so tall, John Henry watched it fall.
Laid down his hammer and he cried.
Lord, Lord, laid down his hammer and cried.

John Henry had a pretty little wife,
Her name was Liza Jane.
John Henry took sick, had to go to bed,
John draw steel like a man.

John Henry said to his Captain,
I want to go to bed.
Fix me a pallet, I wanna lay down,
But let it roll in my head,
Lord, Lord, let it roll in my head.