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Wayfaring Stranger Banjo Tabs

Traditional

Wayfaring Stranger Banjo Tablature: One Song, Many Styles

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #minor key, #slow, #vocal song

"The Wayfaring Stranger", also called "the poor walker", is an American folk and gospel song that spoke of the travels of a stranger around the unknown places. As with most folk songs, many variations of the lyrics exist. Members of the Western Writers of America selected it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. Some historians traced its roots to the 1780s and the early 1800s. Depending on the conversation, the song may be a pictured black spiritual lifting native hymn or even it could have originated from nomadic Portuguese settlers from the southern Appalachian region. The song became famous at Appalachian revivalist sermons right before slowly spreading westward with the pioneers. Although the sing has remained a gospel tune ever since what has probably done better to set its place in the American musical tapestry is its continuous rediscovery and renewal in the near-secular and famous musical worlds. In the 1940s, famous actor and singer Burl Ives made "Wayfaring Stranger" evolved over time as it used as signature beats by Joan Baez, who introduced the free love set to the song. Emmylou Harris, who turned it into a minor hit in 1980. Sunday school teachers and folk festival third- stagers churn out entirely competent versions of the song for decades, British pop star Ed Sheeran has turned it into Cappella-and-vocal loops.

Learn how to play Wayfaring Stranger on Banjo with this selection of tablatures:

  • Banjo Wayfaring Stranger Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G minor
    • Tempo
      65 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    This Scruggs arrangement of Wayfaring Stranger follows the melody arc closely, adding a lot of bluesy and modal touches throughout. There is a slight re-harmonization(chord change). ...

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  • Banjo Wayfaring Stranger Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G minor
    • Tempo
      65 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBbD

    A beautiful challenge. Changing the tuning is common among banjo players. Earl did it for Reuben, Sammy Shelor often plays out of sawmill tuning, and a lot of pickers go to this mino...

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  • Banjo Wayfaring Stranger Single String Style

    Single String Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G minor
    • Tempo
      65 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    This arrangements of Wayfaring Stranger mimics the way a flat-picker might cross-pick some parts of this melody. There are some great melodic ideas here, and a good challenge/workout...

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Practicing Tips

Learning Overview: 'Wayfaring Stranger' is your gateway to mastering Bluegrass banjo in diverse styles such as Scruggs, Melodic, and Single String. This learning guide offers tablatures tailored for intermediate players, allowing you to understand and play the song in a minor key, at a slow pace, and as a vocal song. Its slow tempo and vocal harmonies make the song ripe for interpretation and fun to experiment with.


Practice Tips: The key to a fulfilling learning experience lies in the Tunefox platform. One useful tool is the Lick Switcher, which offers a database of licks that can change the tune’s arrangement for each specific measure. This way, you can add your personal touch to the song while simultaneously learning new interpretations.


Another helpful tool on the platform is the Arrange slider. It allows you to adjust the difficulty level by either removing extraneous notes or adding intricate ones for a full arrangement. Remember, the intensity of the song lies in your hands!


Practising doesn't always have to be rigid. Play along with the provided backing tracks to heighten your enjoyment and mimick a live jamming experience. The platform also features a 'Speed Up' tool that gradually increases song tempo. This becomes useful for ramping up your speed gradually, starting from a pace you are comfortable with, and incrementally increasing.


All in all, remember to stay patient, consistent, and flexible in your learning. With 'Wayfaring Stranger' and the innovative features of Tunefox, you are one step closer to becoming a proficient banjo player.