How to Play Sugarfoot Rag

Short, sweet, and a whole Lot of Fun

Learn 'Sugarfoot Rag' on mandolin with step-by-step video lessons and tablatures. Explore variations, master essential licks, and finish by learning how to play backup for this classic tune.

1

A Part

A Good Start

This tune kicks off with a classic intro riff. It's a nice change from the often bland "potatoes" that are used to kick most fiddle tunes off. Here you get to showcase a nice riff, and at the same ...
2

Creating Variations in the A Section

A Welcome Change

Neither of these licks are insanely tough, but they present a nice change to the basic melody. Crosspicking that uses a drone string is usually a really great sound, and the chromatic lick is one t...
3

The B Section

But Wait, There's More!

The 3-4 slide in the B section is a really Bluesy move, and very common to Bluegrass. Add in the open first string and you get a dynamite sound. Maintain pressure as you slide so the note you slid...
4

Creating Variations in the B Part

Combination Domination!

We've got a couple of combinations here. One that focuses on chromaticism and the other crosspicking. For the chromatic licks, make sure to leave fingers down as they "walk" up the neck. Watch the...
5

Back, Back, Back it Up!

All About the Back Up

It is all about the backup. 90% of your time in a band or jam is spent playing backup, so you should spend a large amount of your practice time working to become a backup artist! Backup changes de...
6

Where to Next?

When the Sugarfoot Rag has Become a Drag

If you were left scratching your head at the rhythm overview, or you still aren't sure what exactly a chop chord is, it's time to take a look at a few different styles of rhythm playing on the mand...