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Banjo tablatures for John Henry

Earl Scruggs

Recomended level: Intermediate

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

John Henry is an African American folk hero who is said to have served as a "Steel-driving man"— a man charged with hammering a steel drill through rocks to make holes for explosives. His services were usually employed in the building of railway tunnels. According to tradition, in a battle against a steam-powered rock digging device, John Henry's strength as a steel-driver was calculated, a race he earned just to die in triumph with a hammer in hand as his heart gave out of pain. John Henry's story is told in a traditional folk song which appears in many forms and has been the focus of many tales, works, films, and novels. Many sites have been proposed as the host of the competition, including Big Bend Tunnel in West Virginia, Lewis Tunnel in Maryland, and the Coosa Mountain Tunnel in Alabama. Sociologist Guy B. Johnson researched John Henry's myth in the late 1920s. He claimed that John Henry may have served on the Big Bend Tunnel of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, but that "one can consider an argument either for or against it." Many iterations of the song refer to the place of the death of John Henry as "The Big Bend Tunnel on the C. & O." Johnson visited the area in 1927 and found a man who said he saw it.

  • 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.

    Banjo John Henry Scruggs Style
    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!

    Banjo John Henry Bluesy Style
    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.

    Banjo John Henry Backup
    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.