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Banjo tablatures for Pig in a Pen

The Stanley Brothers

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #up-tempo, #vocal song

Phish performed this traditional bluegrass tune, "Pig in a Pen," three times. It premiered as the final song of a four-song encore featuring "Reverend" Jeff Mosier on banjo on 21/22/93. (This pickin' encore actually includes a bluegrass version of' Good Times Bad Times.') The next appearance of' Pig in a Pen' came on 11/16/94, again featuring Jeff Mosier on banjo and vocals; Mosier would join Phish for four more shows that fall. That version includes good solos by Mike and Fish, who was known as "the world's leading bluegrass drummer." Three nights later, Phish covered that track in their "parking lot package" during their performance in Bloomington, Indiana, an acoustic bluegrass set featuring the Reverend on banjo, Eric Merrill on fiddle and guitar, and "Jeremy" on banjo and jaw harp.

  • Banjo Pig in a Pen Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    Pig in a Pen is commonly heard at blazing speeds. If you haven't listened to Ricky Skaggs's version, go check it out!

    Banjo Pig in a Pen Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Pig in a Pen Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    This melodic arrangement of Pig in a Pen is closely based on the Scruggs version and gives you a lot of examples of how to "melodify" your Scruggs arrangements.

    Banjo Pig in a Pen Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Pig in a Pen Backup Style

    Backup Style

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

    This arrangement of Pig in a Pen gives you a ton of options for both down the neck and up the neck backup!

    Banjo Pig in a Pen Backup Style
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Practicing Tips

Enhancements to your Intermediate Banjo Skills: 'Pig in a Pen' is a marvelous learning resource designed especially for intermediate Banjo players. Offering detailed tablatures in the popular Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup Styles, this learning tool puts a special emphasis on achieving an upbeat tempo and supports vocal songs. By meticulously working through the patterns and rhythms, you can master the intricacies of this beautiful bluegrass melody.


Flexibility with Lickswitcher: One of our innovative tools on the Tunefox platform is the 'Lickswitcher.' This tool allows you to switch out licks in each measure, ultimately providing a more flexible and creative approach to your learning methods. Employing the Lickswitcher gives the opportunity to experiment with different combinations to find your unique sound, fostering a deeply personalized learning experience.


Customization with the Arrange Slider: In order to cater to your current skill level and musical preferences, we offer the Arrange slider. By using this feature, you can adjust the song's difficulty level and modify its tone. This lets you tailor the learning experience towards your own needs and aims, thus paving the way for a much more effective and efficient learning journey.


Developing Auditory Skills with the 'Hide Notes' Slider: The Hide Notes feature is a major asset for those who excel in auditory learning. By concealing individual notes, it enables you to rely more on your listening skills when learning the tune. As you increase your reliance on your ear, you'll find your musical intuition and memory improving.


General Tips for Practicing: Persistence and regular practice are key to mastering 'Pig in a Pen.' It's encouraged to break down the song and learn it measure by measure. Remember to start slowly and gradually speed up as you become more confident. And, revisit previously learned sections to keep them fresh in your mind. Happy Learning!


Pig in a Pen lyrics

I got a pig at home in a pen
Corn to feed him on
All I need's a pretty little girl
To feed I'm when I'm gone

Going up on a mountain
To sow a little cane
Put that old gray bonnet
On little Liza Jane

* Refrain

Going up on a mountain
To sow a little cane
Raise a barrel of sorghum
Sweet little Liza Jane

* Refrain

Black smoke arising
Sure sign of rain
Put that old gray bonnet
On little Liza Jane

* Refrain

Yonder comes that gal of mine
How do you think I know
Tell by that gingham gown
Hanging down so low

* Refrain

Bake them biscuits baby
Bake em good and brown
When you get them biscuits baked
We're Alabama bound

* Refrain