A New Backing Track For “Nine Pound Hammer”

“Nine Pound Hammer” is a Traditional song that originated among railroad laborers in the post-Civil War South, often sung to maintain a steady work rhythm. The song's lyrics reference the legendary John Henry, who was known for his strength and skill in hammering steel for railroad construction. Country singer Merle Travis popularized the song in the 1950s, who said he first heard the tune in 1939 from Texas Ruby. I used a recording by Flatt and Scruggs as a template to make backing tracks in the keys of G and A. Enjoy!

• Nine Pound Hammer (a video lesson by William Nesbitt)
• Nine Pound Hammer Kick Off | High Break (by Jim Pankey)
• Nine Pound Hammer .PDF Tablature (by Heath Reinhard)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of A, faster)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of A, normal)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of A, slower)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of A, slow)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of A, very slow)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of A, woodshed)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of G, faster)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of G, normal)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of G, slower)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of G, slow)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of G, very slow)
• Nine Pound Hammer (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I am playing my Cort acoustic guitar. I used MIDI for the percussion, piano and pulsating keyboard. I'm using a VST3 MODO plugin by IK Multimedia for the realistic bass. I used real audio loops for the tambourine and shakers.

Dave Hum
(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)