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Guitar tablatures for Arkansas Traveler

Traditional

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #instrumental, #old time, #medium-tempo

The Arkansas Traveler is a popular folk song originating in the Southern United States. It tells the story of a stranger's encounter with an overeager Arkansas traveler. The most popular flatpicking version of this traditional tune is based in the key of C major and is built around a simple chord progression. This arrangement emphasizes chromatic passing tones and accent notes, providing an interesting challenge for the flatpicking guitar player. There are two different tablatures available for flatpicking the song: a bluegrass version and a more chromatic version. The bluegrass version emphasizes improvisation and the development of intricate rolling lines, while the chromatic version is more focused on technical precision while navigating the fretboard.

  • Guitar Arkansas Traveler Bluegrass

    Bluegrass

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      C
    • Tempo
      100 bpm
    • Tuning
      EADGBE

    Here you’ll learn a lot more about the C position, especially it’s major and pentatonic scales. This version of Arkansas Traveler blends in more melody notes for a fuller sound.

    Guitar Arkansas Traveler Bluegrass
    Learn
  • Guitar Arkansas Traveler Chromatic

    Chromatic

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      C
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      EADGBE

    This arrangement of Arkansas Traveler is the melody with some chromatic twists :). Notice how the B section features longer scale based lines. It’s great finger dexterity practice!

    Guitar Arkansas Traveler Chromatic
    Learn



Practicing Tips

The 'Arkansas Traveler' learning resource is an excellent tool for those looking to improve their instrument playing skills, specifically with flatpicking guitar tablatures. This resource offers tabs in Melody, Bluegrass, and Chromatic styles, and is best suited for intermediate players. The traditional folk tune is instrumental, with a medium-paced tempo, offering a valuable old-time tune to add to your repertoire.


This learning tool's standout feature is its integration of the Tunefox platform, an innovative web-based learning resource. Tunefox provides users with several unique features designed to enhance learning experiences, including the Lickswitcher tool. This special feature allows users to exchange licks in different measures within a song, promoting a dynamic, inventive approach towards practicing and learning.


In addition to the Lickswitcher tool, Tunefox also boasts an Arrange slider. This tool offers learners the opportunity to adjust the song's difficulty and tone according to their skill level and musical preferences. This ensures that the song remains achievable and enjoyable to learn, no matter the user's skill level.


Targeted towards auditory learners, the 'Hide notes' slider is a pivotal feature of the Tunefox platform. This function allows learners to hide individual notes, a technique that mirrors ear training. This tool encourages learning the tune by ear, helping improve musical intuition and memory in the process.


General tips for practicing and learning this song include breaking the song down to sections and working through each one patiently. Learning the tune measure by measure, rather than attempting to tackle it as a whole, might make the process more manageable. Additionally, regular practice and repetition can help improve speed, accuracy, and fluidity over time.