A New Backing Track For “Speed The Plough”

This is an awesome song that Dave Hum recorded, “Speed The Plough.” Dave plays it in the key of A in standard tuning. Capo the 2nd fret, and also the fifth string on the 7th fret. Enjoy!

1. Speed The Plough (key of A, normal)
2. Speed The Plough (key of A, slower)
3. Speed The Plough (key of A, slow)
4. Speed The Plough (key of A, woodshed)
5. Speed The Plough (key of A, caveman)
6. Speed The Plough (key of G, normal)
7. Speed The Plough (key of G, slower)
8. Speed The Plough (key of G, slow)
9. Speed The Plough (key of G, woodshed)
10. Speed The Plough (key of G, caveman)

I added a real audio Cajon loop. I used a MIDI bass mostly. There's one interesting part where the bass note slides higher, which I needed to use my Fender Mustang bass to record. It went well. The drums are MIDI. I did something different in this song, by shortening the bass notes to 75% of a whole note. It gives the backing tract more of a human feeling. I think I'm going to start doing this in future songs. You'll hear the difference if you compare this tract to some of my earlier ones. The former ones sound good, but I think this backing came out really good.

I recorded real audio tracks using both my Eastman 505CC mandolin and Cort acoustic guitar. I tried to copy what Dave did on his backing track, although my track is inferior. I highly recommend buying Dave's original backing tracks from his family. It will help them financially, and you won't find better backing tracks anywhere. I realized years ago that the secret to Dave's happy sounding videos is not just his spectacular playing, but equally his driving well syncopated backing tracks. The tracks cost about $12.50 each, which is very reasonable when you consider the thousands of hours of hard work that Dave invested into making them.

If you check their pricing per song from a couple backing track websites, you'll discover that the going price today for a custom backing track is $150. And that's just to make the basic song, they charge extra for even the smallest of requests for something additional, like an alternate intro or ending. So, for about $125 per pack of 10 songs from Dave Hum's store, you're getting high quality backing tracks which you'll have for the rest of your life. I bought all 115 tracks, and I humbly hope Dave's wife will find some more to sell. She is a very sweet person if you contact her at their website.

I can't get enough of Dave Hum's music. I am so grateful to Dave's family for sharing his backing tracks with the world. If you haven't purchased any yet, you're really missing out. These are the actual backing tracks that Dave used for his busking videos. You can change the tempo and key of each track with MixCraft software, which I do every day. I need to slow the tracks down for me to learn. I can't play anywhere near as fast as Dave. MixCraft's basic version is only about $79, which is all you need. I bought the Pro Studio version for $149, which I prefer. You can always upgrade from the Basic to the Pro version later, if you go with the cheaper version now. The Pro Studio version comes with over 5,000 real audio loops in the library. I just recorded a whole bunch of djembe and Cajon loops for free. I just use the free Audacity software to record the sounds I hear, and save them in "My Loops" folder. You can hear one of the loops I saved, which I used twice in this song. There's millions of free loops online, from drums and percussive sounds to every musical instrument and genre imaginable. Anybody can make their own backing tracks. I'm getting better as I learn from my mistakes.

At first the song sounded complicated to learn, but when I actually started to learn it, I realized that this is a very easy song to learn and play. I have been studying Dave Hum's style for a few years now, and have thankfully learned that there is a large degree of overlap between his songs. That is to say, if you learn one song you are well on the way to learning the others. Because of the large degree of overlap (playing the same things), it makes the learning process progress exponentially. There is a steep learning curve on the banjo, like with most instruments. That means it is most difficult getting started, but if you stick with it through the initial boot camp phase, it gets much easier as time passes. I have figured out enough of Dave's songs, so that now I can figure out what he is doing relatively quickly.

Dave is not a complicated player; he keeps things simple and is very proficient in his skills. He is a master of technique and timing. I think Zarana is probably his most detailed song, which his family sells tabs for on their website. There is an original backing track for Zarana in Pack #4. Also, there are tabs for sale. The banjo is such a happy and beautiful instrument. Music makes the world a better place.

Dave Hum With His Baldwin Ode Banjo
(Dave sold the Ode before he passed away in 2012)

A Very Nice Dave Hum Lick On String One (updated)

I tabbed this wrong the other day, but it is correct now. The lick on string one starts on fret 2, not on zero. This cool run up is used in songs like "Speed The Plough" and "Mason's Apron." The whole lick executes in just one second. If your technique is correct, it sounds awesome. You can also rake your thumb across the strings for a greater emphasis.

God has blessed me with a good sense of figuring things out on musical instruments, but I know some people struggle with it. I wanted to explain one of Dave's most iconic licks that he plays. Here is the lick. I tabbed it out for you as well. You can watch Dave play it at 1:07 time in his video for "Speed The Plough." In the notation, I show the fingering, which is important to get right. It's a very simple lick, and can be used in many songs. I LOVE playing this lick! You can hear Dave Hum use it extensively in "Mason's Apron." He doesn't always use it on string one, but he does use it quite a bit once the song gets going. He uses it in Mason's Apron as soon as the bass kicks in.

• T = Thumb
• F = Forefinger
• M = Middle
• Tablature

Originally I was playing it wrong, picking only on string one. You need to start on string 5 with your thumb, and then string one with your forefinger, followed by your middle finger on string one, sliding from fret 2 up to fret 5, which gives you the redundant G note. It's a beautiful lick!

Proper technique (i.e., the way that you do something) is the key to playing anything right! Anytime that you are trying to play what someone else is playing, but it doesn't sound right, your technique is almost assuredly wrong.

By the way, it there's any particular song on the 5-string that you want tabs for, email me to let me know. I won't make any promises, but I'll do my best to tab out the main part of the song for you with TablEdit. I don't want or accept any money, I love freely helping other musicians. It is enough joy for me just to promote interest in the banjo.

A Cool T-shirt I Had Made With A Dave Hum Photo
(Women ask me who's the handsome guy on my shirt...lol)

A New Backing Track For “Dunphy's Hornpipe”

In true Dave Hum fashion, to continue his legacy, I chose a song that Dave hadn't done to make a backing track for it. I am pleased with the result. I chose the song, “Dunphy's Hornpipe.” I figured out the song on the banjo and tabbed it for you, which is fun to play. It's done in standard tuning (gDGBD), in the key of A (capo the 2nd fret, and also the 7th fret of the fifth string. Enjoy!

1. Dunphy's Hornpipe (I recorded the song tonight using my Deering Golden Wreath)
2. Dunphy's Hornpipe Tablature (I tabbed the song for you)
3. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of A, faster)
4. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of A, normal)
5. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of A, slower)
6. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of A, slow)
7. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of A, woodshed)
8. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of A, caveman)
9. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of G, faster)
10. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of G, normal)
11. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of G, slower)
12. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of G, slow)
13. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of G, woodshed)
14. Dunphy's Hornpipe (a longer version with no guitar in the key of G, caveman)

I used MIDI bass, drums and piano. I use MixCraft Pro Studio to make all my backing tracks. I added a real audio cymbal and djembe. The song has a really nice feel to it, I humbly think. I had fun making this backing track. I made some shorter tracks and added an acoustic guitar. In these shorter backing tracks the song plays through twice. I used my Cort acoustic guitar in these tracks. Enjoy!...

1. Dunphy's Hornpipe (slowed down to hear the melody)
2. Dunphy's Hornpipe Tablature (I tabbed the song for you)
3. Dunphy's Hornpipe (key of A, normal)
4. Dunphy's Hornpipe (key of A, slower)
5. Dunphy's Hornpipe (key of A, slow)
6. Dunphy's Hornpipe (key of A, woodshed)
7. Dunphy's Hornpipe (key of G, normal)
8. Dunphy's Hornpipe (key of G, slower)
9. Dunphy's Hornpipe (key of G, slow)
10. Dunphy's Hornpipe (key of G, woodshed)

A Little Admirer Of 'The Huckleberries' Band

Check Out Jim Reed's Banjo YouTube Channel

One of Dave Hum's favorite banjo picker's (and mine) is Jim Reed in Sidney, Kentucky. I didn't realize that "Reed's Hornpipe" was named after Jim Reed until Dave mentioned it in his video he made of the song, which Dave says inspired him to learn the song. I love hornpipes on the banjo! Dave Hum's family has his original backing track of the song for sale in Pack #6.

Jim Reed Videos

I downloaded 167 of Jim's YouTube videos as MP4's, to save to my hardrive in case the channel disappears one day. You never know with the internet. I really like when Jim plays "Old Spinning Wheel"...

Old Spinning Wheel (Jim Reed)

I am working on several new backing tracks which you'll be seeing in the months ahead, Lord willing. I'm having a lot of fun and enjoyment making these backing tracks. I love sharing them freely with everyone. I get so tired of everyone wanting money for everything. I can perfectly understand in the case of Dave Hum's family, they need some income. I strongly encourage you to purchase Dave's original backing tracks. Mine are inferior to his. Honestly, Dave was a brilliant musical artist in so many ways—from the mysterious phantom notes that he often plays on the banjo, his incredible picking speed, his ability to conversate with people while not missing a beat, to his musical acuity—the guy ceases to amaze me!

Since I was a teenager 40 years ago, I have loved giving and sharing. Dave is such a tremendous inspiration to me, and I know he is a blessing to thousands of other musicians and music lovers as well. Dave's favorite motto was: So many tunes, so little time!

By God's grace, I made this blog as a tribute to my friend, Dave Hum—to continue his legacy of making backing tracks, busking, helping his family out financially, and inspiring others to pursue an interest in the banjo. It is a worthy investment that over time will bring back much joy and satisfaction. With all the evil things in this world, I thank God for such a good, honest, pure and honorable hobby as playing the banjo. What a tremendous blessing!

Dave Hum (1966-2012)

A New Backing Track For 'Cripple Creek'

The origin of Cripple Creek is unknown, but many musicians believe the song is named after Cripple Creek, Virginia. The song doesn't seem to date further back than the year 1900. I made this backing track for the classic banjo favorite, Cripple Creek. Dave Hum did it in the key of A. I have made backing tracks for both the keys of A and G for you. Enjoy! ...

• Cripple Creek (key of A, fast)
• Cripple Creek (key of A, normal)
• Cripple Creek (key of A, slower)
• Cripple Creek (key of A, slow)
• Cripple Creek (key of A, woodshed)
• Cripple Creek (key of G, fast)
• Cripple Creek (key of G, normal)
• Cripple Creek (key of G, slower)
• Cripple Creek (key of G, slow)
• Cripple Creek (key of G, woodshed)

I used a MIDI bass. I played my Cort acoustic guitar. I added a Fruit Shaker audio loop.

This was the first song I ever learned to play on the banjo, back in the early 1990's. I lived in Chicago at the time, before there was a public internet. I had bought some learning books by Janet Davis and Jack Hatfield, but without having any fellow banjo enthusiasts to watch and learn from, I lost interest in the banjo.

It wouldn't be until 2018 that my youngest daughter on Guam took an interest in the banjo, that I discovered Dave Hum while searching the internet, and the rest is history. The first song I heard Dave play was The Ballad Of Jed Clampett. I had never heard anyone play the banjo like that before, and I was impressed and emotionally moved so much that I actually cried. I lived on the island of Guam for 17 years (2004 to 2021). I ordered a Recording King Elite 85 (maple neck) banjo in 2018 from Ross Nickerson for $1,795. It has a longer than normal 27 3/8" maple neck (most banjos have a 26 1/4" neck length). The RK Elite is okay, but in hindsight it lacks the resonance and lush tone of a professional banjo. My new Deering Calico and Golden Wreath banjos blow the RK Elite away in tone! I love Deering's 06 tone ring!

I bought my daughter a Recording King Madison. I think I paid $1,099 from Amazon. It has a standard length mahogany neck. From my own firsthand experience playing them, I personally don't like Recording King banjos. I think they lack tone. My Deering Calico is the nicest sounding banjo I've ever played. I bought it new at a 15% discount from Fuller's Guitar in Houston, Texas, for only $4,436. But they don't install railroad spikes. I went to HomeDepot this week and bought a small Dremel Stylo+ kit, and used a 1/32" drill bit to install the spike on my Deering Golden Wreath. It went very well. Here's some helpful things to keep in mind if you install your own railroad spike. 

Dave Hum (1966-2012)

A New Backing Track For 'Sailor's Hornpipe'

This is tremendous song to learn and play. I used Dave Hum's recoding as a template to make my backing track. This song is also called “The College Hornpipe” and “Jack's Lad.” Dave recorded the song in the key of G. I made backing tracks in both the keys of G and A for your preference. I carefully followed what Dave did, trying to make it as authentic as possible. I made the Caveman speed nice and slow to help you learn this great song. Here's also some tabs from Jay Buckey. Enjoy! ...

• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of G, Faster)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of G, Normal)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of G, Slower)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of G, Slow)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of G, Woodshed)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of G, Caveman)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of A, Faster)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of A, Normal)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of A, Slower)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of A, Slow)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of A, Woodshed)
• Sailor's Hornpipe (Key of A, Caveman)
• Sailor's Hornpipe Tabs (tablature by Jay Buckey)

I used MIDI for the bass, and two MIDI piano tracks. I added real audio loops for the djembe, tambourine, crash cymbal and a shaker. The kick drum is MIDI. I had fun making this backing track. This is an enjoyable song to play on the banjo.

You can buy original backing tracks by Dave Hum from his family, which are super quality and worth every penny. I am so very grateful to Dave's wife for making his tracks available. They are a blessing to play along with, which motivates me to play the banjo more often.

Gotta Love Dave Hum (1966-2012)

A Cool Lick I Learned Today

Any musician knows that there are two essentials to playing great music, besides being quite familiar with what you're trying to play and having great tone. Those two things are: 1) building up your repertoire, 2) knowing where to use those things. A musician may know some awesome things to play, but if you don't utilize them at the proper place in a song, they won't be as effective, and might even sound bad. I ran across a lick today from Mike Hedding, that expanded my way of thinking on the banjo. Like most players, I easily fall into the habit of playing the same things over and over. So, I find it refreshing when I discover something new.

It's nothing fancy, but I had never thought of doing that before on the 7th fret until today. I always love learning new things on the banjo, because it increases my library of things to play.

Dave Hum (1966-2012)