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Over the Waterfall Banjo Tabs

Traditional

Over the Waterfall Banjo Tablature: One Song, Many Styles

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #old-time, #fiddle tune, #instrumental, #major key

"Over the Waterfall" is a fiddle tune from the world of Old-Time music. It's a slightly "modal" tune in the key of D. Modal just means you'll use a few notes and chords that aren't typically played in key of D major. This is what helps to give the song a unique sound and flavor.


There's a lot of different versions to check out here. Remember to read the descriptions for each banjo tablature. There's more practice advice and information that will help you to learn, understand and practice with greater efficiency and effectiveness.


When in the key of D and not using a capo it's common to 'spike' or capo the 5th string at the 7th fret. If you don't know what that means you can check out our learning path on Capo Use to learn all about that.


For the Melodic Style tunes it's important to master basic scales and practice scale workouts and exercises. It's a great way to build facility and knowledge that makes learning and understanding melodic style tunes much easier. In this case you would want to focus on D Major Melodic Scales


To dive deeper into the melodic style check out our roadmap for melodic style banjo. There are video lessons, songs and tons of exercises that will help you build your skills

Learn how to play Over the Waterfall on Banjo with this selection of tablatures:

  • Banjo Over the Waterfall Melodic

    Melodic

    For this melodic banjo version of "Over the Waterfall" you'll need to 'spike' or capo your 5th string at the 7th fret. You could also retune your 5th string up to an A note. If you ...

    Learn
  • Banjo Over the Waterfall Single String

    Single String

    In this accessible and exciting single string version of "Over the Waterfall" for banjo, you'll learn to tackle this great melody in two positions. For the A part, you'll be up the ...

    Learn
  • Banjo Over the Waterfall Single String - Up the Neck

    Single String - Up the Neck

    This single string version of Over the Waterfall for the banjo requires some very nimble fret hand work. Your pinky will get a workout! It's played in 16th position for the A part a...

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  • Banjo Over the Waterfall Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

    Make sure to "spike" or capo your 5th string at the 7th fret for this Scruggs style version of Over the Waterfall for banjo. Earl didn't typically play in D without a capo, althoug...

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  • Banjo Over the Waterfall Vamping

    Vamping

    Learn to use pentatonic walks with the classic "D" shape banjo chord up and down the neck in this version of Over the Waterfall for the banjo. This one is fun, educational, and soun...

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  • Banjo Over the Waterfall B Part: Up the Neck in the Melodic Style

    B Part: Up the Neck in the Melodic Style

    Learn to play the B section of Over the Waterfall, up the neck and in the melodic style, on the banjo. This one has a few technical challenges. There is the typical "stretch" that's...

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