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Banjo tablatures for Shortnin' Bread

Traditional

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #old time, #vocal song, #medium-tempo

"Shortnin' Bread" (also spelled "Shortenin' Bread", "Short'nin' Bread", or "Sho'tnin' Bread") is an African-American plantation song that has folk roots. This root dates back to as far as the 1890s. There was a poem published by James Whitcomb Riley, and it built on older lyrics seen as at 1900. The song refers to a bread that is made of cornmeal or flour and lard shortening. Therefore, you should think about shortbread when you hear the lyrics. The song has a lyric that says Fotch dat dough fum the kitchin-shed Rake de coals out hot an' red Putt on de oven an' putt on de led Mammy's gwiner cook som short'nin' bread[2] The dialect rendered into common English would be: Fetch that dough from the kitchen shed Rake the coals out hot and red Put on the oven and put on lid Mommy's going to cook some shortning bread The verse includes: When corn plantin' done come roun' Blackbird own de whole plowed groun' Corn is de grain as I've hearn said Dat's de blackbird's short'nin' Bread E.C. Perrow published a version of the song in 1915, and it was the first folk version, which he had contacted earlier in 1912 from east Tennessee. Another version was added to the song after some years saying; Two little children, lying in bed One of them was sick and the other bumped his head Mother called for the doctor and the doctor said "feed them children on short'nin' bread"

  • Banjo Shortnin' Bread Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    Nothin' too fancy. Just some good ole Scruggs style on this common tune. Watch out for the rhythmic syncopation in the A part.

    Banjo Shortnin' Bread Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Shortnin' Bread Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    Short and sweet. This arrangement doesn't have a lot going on in the left hand. This gives you the opportunity to focus on your right hand to try and achieve the same drive and inten...

    Banjo Shortnin' Bread Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Shortnin' Bread Single String Style

    Single String Style

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

    Besides the syncopation in the A part, this should present no undue challenge for you brave Tunefoxers. Remember to use the lick switcher and other Tunefox tools to make the learning...

    Banjo Shortnin' Bread Single String Style
    Learn



Practicing Tips

This dynamic learning resource for 'Shortnin' Bread', offers beginner banjo players a chance to master intermediate level techniques in bluegrass banjo tablatures. The course covers various styles such as Scruggs, Melodic, and Single String. It highlights keywords such as old time, vocal song, and medium-tempo, essential for understanding the core concepts of the tune.


Utilize the unique features of the Tunefox platform for a more enriched learning experience. The Lick Switcher is a dynamic tool which introduces fresh variations to the same song, giving scope for creativity and individual interpretation of the tune. It allows you to substitute licks for different measures, thus aiding you in exploring a plethora of variations for the song.


Personalization is important for a fulfilling learning experience. Hence, the Arrange slider is designed to custom set the difficulty level. Slide it to the left to simplify the composition or to the right to expose the full arrangement of the song. This tool provides versatility to suit both your skills and preference.


Changing the tempo is an important aspect while learning a new song. The tempo slider can be used to modify the beat of the composition, gradually guiding you to move from slower to faster tempos.


Playing with backing tracks helps you enjoy the learning process whilst strengthening your skills. You can focus on specific measures and practice them repeatedly. The 'Speed Up' function gradually increases the playback tempo, enabling you to progressively move to higher speeds.


It's important to start at a speed you're comfortable with. 'Speed Up' can then be used to slightly increase the tempo each time you play through the song. These tips and features offer a systematic and enjoyable method to master 'Shortnin' Bread' on the banjo.