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Banjo tablatures for Pike County Breakdown

Earl Scruggs

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #up-tempo, #banjo tune, #instrumental

Writers Charles Wolfe and Neil Rosenberg quote Bill Monroe in their book "In Bluegrass 1950-1955": "I wanted to write and title something after something in the eastern part of Kentucky. Rupert Jones is credited with the tune, although it is sometimes credited to Bill Monroe or Jones & Monroe. On October 20, 1950, under a serious hurricane alert in the studio of WDAE, Flatt, and Scruggs sliced "Pike County Breakdown." I listened and recorded the Breakdown of the Pike Valley. "You know Sweet Betsy from the Pike? "Pike County Breakdown" is a song which Flatt and Scruggs would also have performed as part of Monroe's Bluegrass Boys and is best described as a supercharged version of the standard "Sweet Betsy from Pike" ballad. While Monroe would record the song, soon afterward, the Flatt and Scruggs edit is widely regarded as the final cut. The tune was released twice in 1952 and distributed on single albums, once by Bill Monroe and again by Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs & the Foggy Mountain Boys (Mercury Albums 6396) in May of that year.

  • Banjo Pike County Breakdown Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    A unique and fun jam tune Pike County Breakdown that features a style Earl Scruggs didn't use too often - Single String style.

    Banjo Pike County Breakdown Scruggs Style
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  • Banjo Pike County Breakdown Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    This arrangement of Pike County Breakdown features variations for playing down and up the neck. Look closely at the right hand fingering for the lick at measure 13.

    Banjo Pike County Breakdown Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Pike County Breakdown Backup

    Backup

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

    This is a straight forward backup arrangement if Pike County Breakdown to teach you the basics of what a player could do with this song.

    Banjo Pike County Breakdown Backup
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Practicing Tips

Learning Overview: 'Pike County Breakdown' is an upbeat, instrumental bluegrass banjo tune tailored specifically for intermediate players looking to expand their skill set and repertoire. This educational tool serves as a comprehensive guide, offering the richness of traditional Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup Styles through the ease of accessible banjo tabs.


The centerpiece of the learning experience is the Tunefox platform. It offers a wide array of innovative and user-friendly features that enrich the learning experience while bringing a touch of creativity.


Highlighted among its tools for creative learning are the Lick Switcher and Arrange Slider. The Lick Switcher is a vital feature that permits the integration of new licks, thus giving learners the opportunity to re-imagine the tune from a fresh perspective. Coupled with the possibility of numerous variations, the Lick Switcher fosters a personalized arrangement, inspiring learners to explore innovative interpretations of the tune.


Meanwhile, the Arrange slider caters to learners' unique abilities by enabling adjustments to the difficulty level and tone of the song. This tool considers the learner's pace, promoting a comfortable and stimulative learning environment.


The platform also incorporates several practice tools designed to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning process. These include the provision to adjust the tempo, an array of backing tracks to play along with, a Speed Up Function for mastering up-tempo tunes, and the option to hide notes for learning by ear, among others.


General Practice Tips: With any new song or technique, it is essential to start slowly. Dedicate time to understand the tune's structure and elements before increasing your speed. Patience and consistent practice promise progress. Remember the saying "Slow and steady wins the race." Enrich your practice with curiosity and joy, and watch your banjo skills flourish!