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Banjo tablatures for Oh Susanna

Stephen Foster

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #folk music, #vocal song, #medium-tempo

This is a minstrel song performed by Stephen Foster. It saw its first publication in a magazine in 1848 and was among the most popular tunes in America. It was even chosen by Members of Western American writers as the top 100 songs of all time. There is a lot of history surrounding Stephen Foster, and it was recorded that he wrote “Oh Susanna” while he was in Cincinnati. The song was first performed in Andrews Eagle Ice Cream by a local quintet and was common at many times. The Blackface Minstrel group also performed the song and along with others at that time, tried to register the song for copyright under their names. This made the song registered and copyrighted at least 21 times. The name of the sing was Foster’s sister, and it blends with a variety of traditional music. The opening line o the lyrics refers to a tune titled “Banjo on the Knee.” Many publications referenced the song and also suggestions points to the fact that foster got inspiration from steels song, titled “rose of Alabama.”

  • Banjo Oh Susanna Melody

    Melody

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

    This arrangement features a simplified version of the melody. It's great for beginners and is a great springboard for adding in licks and understanding the melody those licks are bui...

    Banjo Oh Susanna Melody
    Learn
  • Banjo Oh Susanna Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    If you are ready for some supercharged fun on the banjo, this is the arrangement of Oh Susanna for you. This is a super sweet Scruggsified melody-yes it's a word! It's styled the way...

    Banjo Oh Susanna Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Oh Susanna Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    Learn the Oh Susanna melody in the melodic style using a combination of fretted notes up the neck and open strings. Then use the lick switcher to add challenge and interest. If you s...

    Banjo Oh Susanna Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Oh Susanna Single String Style

    Single String Style

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

    This is a fun arrangement of Oh Susanna meant for the Advancing Beginner. Not too much challenge here. This arrangement can be used as a launching pad for single string, but if you u...

    Banjo Oh Susanna Single String Style
    Learn



Practicing Tips

Learning Overview: 'Oh Susanna' is a popular vocal song from the genre of folk music. It's a medium-tempo tune, presented as bluegrass banjo tablatures in Scruggs, Melody, Melodic, Single String Styles. This learning resource is designed for intermediate players. With proper usage of Tunefox features, you can master 'Oh Susanna', adding a classic piece to your bluegrass repertoire.


Practice Tips:


1. Lick Switcher: This feature allows you to add fresh lick vocabulary to your music, which helps you see the song from a new perspective. By changing the licks for individual measures, you can experiment with various song variations, providing a personalized learning experience.


2. Arrange Slider: It's a user-friendly tool to set your difficulty level. By sliding it to the left, you'll transform the song into a simple, core arrangement by removing many "fill-in" notes. Sliding it to the right, however, reveals the full tune with extra notes. Explore both ends of the spectrum to find the level that suits you most.


3. Tempo Slider: Use this feature to modify the song’s speed as per your comfort, allowing for a paced, gradual learning experience.


4. Playback Tracks: Enjoy the real feel of bluegrass music by playing along with the backing tracks. It aids in retaining the rhythm and harmony of the tune.


5. Speed Up Function: It gradually increases the tempo, making it easier to adapt to faster speeds eventually. Start at a comfortable pace, and let the 'Speed Up' function push your boundaries gradually.


In addition to the above tips, ensure consistency in your practice sessions and remain patient as mastering a musical piece takes time. Happy Learning!


Oh Susanna lyrics

Don't forget me little darling while I'm growing old and gray

Just a little thought before I'm going far away

'Cause I'll be waiting on the hillside for the day you will call

On the sunny side of the mountain where the rippling waters fall

Now darling, tell me in your letters do you ever think of me

Ah, tell me little darling, tell me where you can be

'

Cause I'll be waiting on the hillside for the day you will call

On the sunny side of the mountain where the rippling waters fall

Don't forget about the days we courted many years ago

Don't forget all those promises you gave me and so

'Cause I'll be waiting on the hillside for the day you will call

On the sunny side of the mountain where the rippling waters fall

Don't forget me little darling while I'm growing old and gray

Just a little thought before I'm going far away

'Cause I'll be waiting on the hillside for the day you will call

On the sunny side of the mountain where the rippling waters fall