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Banjo tablatures for Long Journey Home

The Stanley Brothers

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #folk music, #old time, #up-tempo

In Their Sayings: "The song ' Long Journey Home' has appeared for various artists under many alternative titles in the bluegrass canon. Yet I always felt that the banjo of Earl Scruggs had raised the version of Flatt and Scruggs to a higher level. We decided to have a few fast tempo tracks while preparing our live album that we could rely on to lift blood pressure for the fans as well as for our own. The pace and energy this song brings through the banjo of Charlie Cushman, as well as the vocals of Shawn Camp and Jeff White, make it an easy choice and a welcome new entrant to the Earls's catalog.

  • Banjo Long Journey Home Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    If you haven't seen it already, check out the Johnson Mountain Boys' version of this tune. This version of Long Journey Home is based on that, except a lot slower.

    Banjo Long Journey Home Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Long Journey Home Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    This is a great example of using descending scale progressions. Check out measure 3 to see the scale in action.

    Banjo Long Journey Home Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Long Journey Home Backup

    Backup

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

    This backup version of Long Journey Home includes a good amount of slurs to show an example of what Earl Scruggs would play down-the-neck.

    Banjo Long Journey Home Backup
    Learn



Practicing Tips

Learning Overview

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of bluegrass banjo with 'Long Journey Home', a resource offering intermediate players enriching tablatures in Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup Styles. You'll delve into the distinct styles of folk music, old time, and up-tempo rhythms. This learning experience not only nurtures your banjo skills but also guides you in exploring the dynamic spectrum of variations one song can offer.

Practice Tips

Make the most out of your tuning experience by utilising the features of the Tunefox platform. The Lick Switcher, one of Tunefox's remarkable features, helps you visualise the same song under a new perspective. Use this feature to experiment with various licks for individual measures, adding new dimensions to your playing style and understanding of the tune.

Customise your learning curve using the Arrange slider to adjust the difficulty level. Swipe left for a simplified version of the song and swipe right to reveal the detailed, full arrangement. This feature gives you the freedom to learn and play at your own pace.

Interested in changing up the tempo? Utilise the Slider feature for easy and accurate tempo alterations. Pair your practice with the thrilling experience of playing alongside backing tracks. This not only enhances your playing skills but also prepares you for real life jam sessions.

Another funny and effective way to practice is to focus on individual measures, repeating them until mastered. The 'Speed Up' function provides a unique opportunity to start at your comfort speed and progressively move to higher tempos. Enhance your playing pace gradually with this amazing feature.

Remember, the key to mastering 'Long Journey Home' or any song for that matter, is consistent practice. Utilise the extensive features of Tunefox and transform your learning journey into an engaging and rewarding experience.

Long Journey Home lyrics

Cloudy in the west and it looks like rain
Look like rain, Lord, it looks like rain
Cloudy in the west and it looks like rain
I'm on my long journey home

Lost all my money but two dollar bill
Two dollar bill, Lord, two dollar bill
Lost all my money but two dollar bill
I'm on my long journey home

Black smoke a-rising and it surely is a train
Surely is a train, Lord, it surely is a train
Black smoke a-rising and it surely is a train
I'm on my long journey home

* Refrain

I hear the train a-coming and I'll soon be gone
Soon be gone, Lord, I'll soon be gone
I gear the train a-coming and I'll soon be gone
I'm on my long journey home

* Refrain