A New Backing Track For “Cherokee Shuffle”

“Cherokee Shuffle” (also known as “Lost Indian”) is a popular Bluegrass tune for the banjo, played on the 5-string banjo in the Standard tuning (gDGBD); capo 2nd fret, and 7th fret of fifth string for key of A. I used Dave Hum's performance (with his improvisations) as a template to make a backing track in the keys of G and A for your preference. John Kuhn also does a great job playing this tune. Enjoy!

• Cherokee Shuffle (a video lesson by Jim Pankey)
• Cherokee Shuffle Tablature (PDF and TEF by Richard Jordan)
• Cherokee Shuffle (a funky version taught by Ricky Mier)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of A, normal)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of A, slower)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of A, slow)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of A, very slow)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of A, woodshed)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of G, normal)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of G, slower)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of G, slow)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of G, very slow)
• Cherokee Shuffle (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the percussion, piano and keyboard. I bought some MODO VST3 plug-ins to use with MixCraft. VST (Virtual Studio Technology) and VST3 are different versions of audio plugin formats used in digital audio workstations (DAWs). VST3 offers improved CPU efficiency, better automation, and additional features like multiple audio inputs and outputs, making it generally more advanced than the older VST format.

You can hear the new bass and drum sounds in this backing track. I'm looking into buying more VST plug-ins. I'm trying to improve the quality of future backing tracks.

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

A New Backing Track For “Reuben”

Here's a popular classic Earl Scruggs tune called “Reuben.” This was the first tune that Earl Scruggs (when he was about 10 years old) played with 3-fingers (up to that time he had been a 2-finger style picker). The song is also known as “Reuben's Train,” “Train 45” and “Lonesome Reuben” and is usually played on the 5-string banjo in D tuning (f#DF#AD). You can also use an A for the fifth string. If you have mechanical detuners for strings 2 and 3, simply lower them both and leave them lowered. And then lower the fifth string a half tone to F#. I have 'Cheat-A-Key' and 'Keith D' tuners on different banjos. Both have pros and cons. I used Dave Hum's performance to make a backing track in the key of D. Enjoy!

• Reuben (a video lesson by Jim Pankey)
• Reuben One, Part Two, Part Three (video lessons by Bill Nesbitt)
• Reuben (a video lesson by John Moore)
• Reuben (key of D, faster)
• Reuben (key of D, normal)
• Reuben (key of D, slower)
• Reuben (key of D, slow)
• Reuben (key of D, very slow)
• Reuben (key of D, woodshed)
• Reuben (key of E, faster)
• Reuben (key of E, normal)
• Reuben (key of E, slower)
• Reuben (key of E, slow)
• Reuben (key of E, very slow)
• Reuben (key of E, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the percussion and piano. I used real audio loops for the tambourine, shaker and djembe. I just bought some VST3 plug-ins from IK Multimedia, their 'MODO Bass 2' and their 'MODO 1.5 Drums.' The bass plugin comes with 22 different quality basses. I haven't uploaded any backing tracks yet using the new plugins. So, anyway, I am using MODO VST3 plugins for the bass and drums on Reuben for better quality.

That being said, I was so frustrated when I purchased these plugins. I purchased their 'Upright Bass' plugin for $49, but then a few minutes later realized that I could buy all 22 bass plugins (which includes the Upright Bass) and Drums 1.5 (with 13 drum sets) for $99, so I did. I wasted $49. Arrggh! I hate the way IK Multimedia packages their products, but the quality of the sounds are impressive. I also learned that I can use MODO plugins with BIAB, which I haven't tried yet.

In the following photo, you can see that there is no fret inlay on the first fret position. This is Dave's Chinese-made MB-200 Epiphone banjo. Dave widow told me that he eventually sold the Baldwin ODE. You can differentiate his three banjos by their fret markings in this video.

Dave Hum Busking With His Chinese-Made Epiphone Banjo

A New Backing Track For “Last Night's Fun”

This tune is an Irish reel titled, “Last Night's Fun,” played on the 5-string banjo in Standard tuning (gDGBD); capo 2nd fret, and 7th fret on fifth string, for the key of A . This tune is also known as “Joe Cooley's No. 1” and “Killoran's Reel.” I used Dave Hum's performance in the key of A as a template to make a backing track in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• Last Night's Fun (key of A, faster)
• Last Night's Fun (key of A, normal)
• Last Night's Fun (key of A, slower)
• Last Night's Fun (key of A, slow)
• Last Night's Fun (key of A, very slow)
• Last Night's Fun (key of A, woodshed)
• Last Night's Fun (key of G, faster)
• Last Night's Fun (key of G, normal)
• Last Night's Fun (key of G, slower)
• Last Night's Fun (key of G, slow)
• Last Night's Fun (key of G, very slow)
• Last Night's Fun (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the bass, percussion, piano and keyboard. I'm using real audio loops for the tambourine, shaker and drums. I use MixCraft Pro Studio to make my backing tracks.

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

A New Backing Track For “Pony Express”

This fun Traditional Bluegrass tune is called “Pony Express,” played on the 5-string banjo in Standard tuning (gDGBD). The song was released in 1972 on the famous album, “Dueling Banjos,” composed by banjo player Eric Weissberg (1939-2020). I used a recording by the 'Blueridge Mountain Bluegrass Band' to make backing tracks in the keys of G and A. Enjoy!

• Pony Express .PDF Tablature (by Chris Athey)
• Pony Express (a video lesson by Doub Pearce)
• Pony Express (key of A, normal)
• Pony Express (key of A, slower)
• Pony Express (key of A, slow)
• Pony Express (key of A, very slow)
• Pony Express (key of A, woodshed)
• Pony Express (key of G, normal)
• Pony Express (key of G, slower)
• Pony Express (key of G, slow)
• Pony Express (key of G, very slow)
• Pony Express (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the percussion, bass, piano and keyboard. I used real audio files for the drums, tambourine and shakers.

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

A New Backing Track For “Cumberland Gap”

This tune “Cumberland Gap” is an Appalachian folk song that was first recorded in 1924. 'Cumberland Gap' is a pass through the Cumberland Mountains in the Appalachians, near the tripoint of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. Dave Hum recorded the song on his “Celtic And Bluegrass - Volume I” album using standard tuning (gDGBD), in the key of G. I have made backing tracks by using Dave's song as a template. I've made tracks in the keys of G and A for your preference. Sean Ray also has some tabs and a great backing track available for this song. Enjoy!

• Cumberland Gap (a video lesson by William Nesbitt)
• Cumberland Gap (a video lesson by Jim Pankey)
• Cumberland Gap Tablature (from Banjo Hangout)
• Cumberland Gap (key of A, faster)
• Cumberland Gap (key of A, normal)
• Cumberland Gap (key of A, slower)
• Cumberland Gap (key of A, slow)
• Cumberland Gap (key of A, very slow)
• Cumberland Gap (key of A, woodshed)
• Cumberland Gap (key of G, faster)
• Cumberland Gap (key of G, normal)
• Cumberland Gap (key of G, slower)
• Cumberland Gap (key of G, slow)
• Cumberland Gap (key of G, very slow)
• Cumberland Gap (key of G, woodshed)

I used MIDI for the bass, drums and piano. I strummed along with my Cort acoustic guitar. I also overdubbed the guitar to add some acoustic padding. I'm using a real audio tambourine and Cajon. Toward the end I added a stick in the drums, and then stopped the tambourine completely, as a heads-up that the end is coming. I humbly think the track came out fairly well. The Cumberland Gap is a great song to jam with and have fun!

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

49 Great Endings By Eli Gilbert

I was having fun learning some great new ending licks today by Eli Gilbert. Good stuff!

49 Bluegrass Banjo Endings!

A New Backing Track For “Stony Mountain Twist”

This is a popular Bluegrass tune called “Stony Mountain Twist,” a song by Earl Taylor and The Stoney Mountain Boys, released on Rebel Records. Standard tuning (gDGBD). This song sounds a bit like “Salty Dog Blues” to me. I used a 1986 recording by 'J.D. Crowe and The New South' to make a backing track in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• Stony Mountain Twist PDF Tablature | TEF (by Michael Corcoran)
• Stony Mountain Twist (a video lesson by Tom Adams)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of A, fast)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of A, faster)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of A, normal)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of A, slower)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of A, slow)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of A, very slow)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of A, woodshed)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of G, fast)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of G, faster)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of G, normal)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of G, slower)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of G, slow)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of G, very slow)
• Stony Mountain Twist (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the bass, drums, keyboard and piano. I have been very pleased with the quality achieved through using MIDI. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is only computer data that contains no music. The computer's sound card converts the MIDI data into actual sound, which I record in my backing tracks. Still, the finished quality is impressive for making backing tracks.

Dave Hum had a certain style that he used to make his backing tracts, which I have tried to emulate to make my own tracks. Dave never recorded Stony Mountain Twist, but I'm sure if he had been given more time on earth, he would have. His surreal YouTube banjo recordings are a continual source of musical inspiration for me. I thank God for Dave Hum.

In contrast to MIDI data, audio loops are actual recordings of musical instruments performed by various different musicians. I buy the ready made loops to incorporate into my songs. Just like Dave Hum did, I have my favorite Go-to loops that I like to use. My backing tracks pale in comparison to Dave's. Many songs, like John Henry, John Hardy and Stony Mountain Twist, Dave never recorded or made backing tracks for. By God's grace, I'm continuing the tradition that he started, making my own backing tracks. It is my joy to freely share them with others.

Thank you friend for reading my music blog.

J.D. Crowe

(August 27, 1937 – December 24, 2021)

A New Backing Track For “John Hardy”

This is a fun Traditional American tune titled, “John Hardy” or “Old John Hardy.” The song is based on the life of a West Virginian railroad worker living in McDowell County in the Spring of 1893. The song was first recorded and released by Eva Davis in 1924. It was covered by Mother Maybelle Carter, Brian Peters and other artists. The tune is played on the 5-string banjo in Standard tuning (gDGBD). I used a performance by Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt as a template to make backing tracks in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• John Hardy Tablature | TEF (by Michael Corcoran in Standard tuning, key of G)
• John Hardy (a video lesson by Bill Nesbitt with tabs in the key of G)
• John Hardy (a video lesson by Jim Pankey in the key of G; additional licks)
• John Hardy (a video lesson by Mason Crone with tabs in the key of G)
• John Hardy (key of A, faster)
• John Hardy (key of A, normal)
• John Hardy (key of A, slower)
• John Hardy (key of A, slow)
• John Hardy (key of A, very slow)
• John Hardy (key of A, woodshed)
• John Hardy (key of G, faster)
• John Hardy (key of G, normal)
• John Hardy (key of G, slower)
• John Hardy (key of G, slow)
• John Hardy (key of G, very slow)
• John Hardy (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the drums, bass and piano. I'm using real audio loops for the tambourine and shakers.

The picture below shows Dave playing his “Ode” banjo made in Arkansas during the 1970's. His wife told me that Dave later sold this banjo. I love that 'Flying Eagle' inlay, which Jason Skinner and Sean Ray also have on their “Neat” brand banjos.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “John Henry”

“John Henry” is the hero in a popular Traditional folk ballad. It describes his contest with a steam drill, in which John Henry crushed more rock than did the machine, but died “with his hammer in his hand.” Dave Hum didn't record this tune. I used a performance by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs in the key of D as a template to make backing tracks in the keys of G and A for your preference. The song is played in various tunings. Enjoy!

• John Henry Tabs In The Key Of G (by Ben Freed)
• John Henry (a video lesson in the key of G by Jim Pankey)
• John Henry (a video lesson with tabs by John Moore in the key of D)
• John Henry (a video lesson in the key of D by Jim Pankey; no beard version...lol)
• John Henry Tabs In The Key Of D (by Richard Van Patten)
• John Henry (key of A, faster)
• John Henry (key of A, normal)
• John Henry (key of A, slower)
• John Henry (key of A, slow)
• John Henry (key of A, very slow)
• John Henry (key of A, woodshed)
• John Henry (key of G, faster)
• John Henry (key of G, normal)
• John Henry (key of G, slower)
• John Henry (key of G, slow)
• John Henry (key of G, very slow)
• John Henry (key of G, woodshed)
• Check out this blast from the past of Roy Clark (1933-2018)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the bass, drums and piano. Read audio loops were used for the shaker and tambourine. I use 'MixCraft Pro Studio software' to make all my backing tracks.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Gentle On My Mind”

This is a classic 1966 song by John Hartford (1937-2001) titled, “Gentle On My Mind.” Buddy Emmons (1937-2015) played awesome pedal steel guitar on this live version of the song. Glenn Campbell (1936-2017) popularized the song in 1967 (the year I was born on March 5th). This tune is played on the 5-string banjo in Drop C tuning (gCGBD). I used this live performance by Glenn Campbell in 1999 at the Ryman Theater as a template to make backing tracks in the keys of G and A. Here is another backing track that I found, which I also enjoy playing along with. Also, this one and this one. Enjoy!

• Gentle On My Mind (a video lesson by Eddie Collins in Drop C tuning - gCGBD)
• Gentle On My Mind PDF Tabs | TEF (by Chris Ragaisis in Standard tuning - gDGBD)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of A, faster)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of A, normal)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of A, slower)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of A, slow)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of A, very slow)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of A, woodshed)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of G, faster)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of G, normal)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of G, slower)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of G, slow)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of G, very slow)
• Gentle On My Mind (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the bass, drums piano. I used real audio loops for the shakers and tambourine. I played my Cort model # AD810 OP (open pore) guitar at the end. I only spent $130 at Guitar Center in 2022 ago for my Cort guitar, but it is the best acoustic guitar I have ever owned. The instrument has a natural wood finish, not smothered in glossy lacquer, which I really like. Amazon also sells an electric model. I didn't buy the electric model; I just installed a sound hole pickup instead.

When recording just the guitar, I have to turn down the backing track volume because the guitar's body actually functions as a microphone and picks up sound, which gets into the recording. I use earphones when recording my Eastman 505CC mandolin through a Shure 57 microphone. When I am recording my non-electric mandolin live, I have to turn the backing track all the way down. But the earphones still allow me to hear the track, so I can play along with it to record. I keep the mandolin (or whatever instrument) within 1 foot of the microphone. That's how I record my songs.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Old Joe Clark”

“Old Joe Clark” is an Appalachian mountain folk song that was popular among U.S. soldiers from eastern Kentucky during World War I and afterwards. Its wild lyrics refer to a real person named Joseph Clark (1839-1885), a Kentucky mountaineer who was shot to death at age 47. The tune is played in Standard Open G tuning (gDGBD) on the 5-string banjo. Considering that everybody and their dog have recorded this song, I am surprised that Dave Hum (1966-2012) didn't record it, but I have no doubt if he had lived longer he would have got to it. I used a performance by Anthony Howell to make backing tracks in the keys of G and A for your preference. This is a fun song to learn and play. Enjoy!

• Old Joe Clark PDF Tablature (by Jacob Underwood)
• Old Joe Clark (a video lesson by Ted Nesbitt, including backing tracks)
• Old Joe Clark (a video lesson by Jim Pankey)
• Old Joe Clark (a video lesson by Mason Crone)
• Old Joe Clark (a video lesson by Will Miskall)
• Old Joe Clark (a video lesson by Mike Hedding)
• Old Joe Clark (key of A, normal)
• Old Joe Clark (key of A, slower)
• Old Joe Clark (key of A, slow)
• Old Joe Clark (key of A, very slow)
• Old Joe Clark (key of A, woodshed)
• Old Joe Clark (key of G, normal)
• Old Joe Clark (key of G, slower)
• Old Joe Clark (key of G, slow)
• Old Joe Clark (key of G, very slow)
• Old Joe Clark (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MDI for the drums, bass and piano. Real audio loops for the tambourine, percussion, shakers and cymbals.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Dark Hollow”

This tune “Dark Hollow” is a popular Traditional folk song first recorded by folk singer-songwriter Bill Browning (1931-1977) and His Echo Valley Boys in 1958. I used this impressive performance in the key of B by the group 'High Carbon Steel' as a template to make my backing track's in the keys of C, G and A for your preference. Here's also another backing track I found in the key of G.

• Dark Hollow (Chuck Van Dyke explains how to play in G, with tabs at the end)
• Dark Hollow PDF Tablature | TEF (Bill Keith explains how to play in C; capo 5th fret)
• Dark Hollow PDF Tablature (by Jordan Layne Bourland)
• Dark Hollow (key of C, faster)
• Dark Hollow (key of C, normal)
• Dark Hollow (key of C, slower)
• Dark Hollow (key of C, slow)
• Dark Hollow (key of C, very slow)
• Dark Hollow (key of C, woodshed)
• Dark Hollow (key of G, faster)
• Dark Hollow (key of G, normal)
• Dark Hollow (key of G, slower)
• Dark Hollow (key of G, slow)
• Dark Hollow (key of G, very slow)
• Dark Hollow (key of G, woodshed)
• Dark Hollow (key of A, faster)
• Dark Hollow (key of A, normal)
• Dark Hollow (key of A, slower)
• Dark Hollow (key of A, slow)
• Dark Hollow (key of A, very slow)
• Dark Hollow (key of A, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the drums, bass, piano and keyboard. I used real audio loops for the shakers and tambourine.

On A Personal Note Friend

Sadly, just like Dave Hum who died at age 46 from cancer (Myeloma) in 2012, so also did Bill Browning die at only age 45 of cancer in 1977. So heartbreaking! They died way too young. Life is short. Dear reader, I rarely preach to my guests, but for your eternal sake I humbly invite you to put your trust in the Savior Jesus Christ, who died on a cross 2,000 years ago to pay our debt of sin. Jesus was buried and three days later miraculously physically resurrected from the dead. This is 'THE GOSPEL,' which simply means “GOOD NEWS” (1st Corinthians 15:1-4). The inspired King James Bible says we are saved by simply believing the Gospel. Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

In 1980, on a summer Sunday morning 45 years ago in Chicago, from a Baptist church pew I received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior to become a born again Christian at age 13. THANK GOD! The indwelling Holy Spirit has been with me ever since (1st John 3:24).

If you'd like to go to Heaven friend, simply come to God as an admitted guilty sinner (Romans 3:23), and by faith receive Christ's sacrifice on the cross as full payment for your sins, believing that He is risen, and you will be instantly and forever born again by God's Holy Spirit. 1st Thessalonians 4:14, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” Nothing more is required or allowed. Simply BELIEVE that Jesus did it all for you (John 20:31). Faith is the only righteous thing I can do. Thank you for letting me share my heart friend. I care.

I won't make this a habit to preach the Gospel in my blogs, but every once in a while I want to plead with my blog readers to prepare for eternity. Have you been born again? (John 3:1-7).

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

Please Visit Anurakt Scheepers' YouTube Channel

I love this man's music. Like me, Anurakt is a big Dave Hum fan up in the Netherlands. We became friends last year. He so kindly sent me his backing tracks for his performances. Anurakt is a member of the Banjo Hangout if you'd like to contact him. He's a good man.

Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines

Timour the Tartar (5-string banjo)

Here is Anurakt's YouTube channel where you can here his wonderful recordings. Something that amazes me about Anurakt is that he only uses one banjo, which is a Deering Goodtime Two (Fuller's Guitar's in Houston Texas regularly has discount special offers at events and holidays. Plus I read online that first time customers get a 10% discount, but don't hold me to that). The Deering Goodtime Two banjo doesn't have a tone ring, but it has a resonator, which helps to project sound better.

I am amazed how good all of Anurakt's video recordings sound, using just a student banjo. Who needs a $6,000 high end banjo? Anurakt proves (as does Dave Hum with his Epiphone Chinese-made banjo in half of his videos on YouTube) that the banjo player's skill and experience has the biggest impact on sound, and not so much the instrument itself.

When I record myself playing the banjo, I cannot hear a difference between my $4,436 Deering Calico (I bought it at a 15% discount for a Labor Day discount special in 2024 from Fuller's Guitars), versus my $1,099 Deering Goodtime Special (that I bought in 2024 from GearTree on Amazon). If I listened to recordings of both, I couldn't tell you which is which. The Calico definitely has a crack on the 4th string that the Goodtime Special lacks when playing live, and the Calico has more resonance, but I cannot hear those things in the recordings.

I love the bright clear maple neck on the Goodtime Special. It's my favorite banjo to play, go figure. But I don't regret buying my Deering Calico. I enjoy playing both. Like many banjo enthusiasts, I am always searching for "that" sound. Lord willing, I am considering getting a Huber VRB-3 with an ebony radiused neck and Flying Eagle inlay. From everything that I've heard in audio recordings and read from other banjo players, it's about as close to a prewar Gibson as you can get today. I've not had the opportunity to play many different banjos.

Anurakt inspires me what he does with a Goodtime Two banjo. He's an amazing musician and  a busker just like Dave Hum. I think you'll enjoy listening to his music.

A New Backing Track For “Tripping Up The Stairs”

Here's a popular Traditional Irish Jig titled, “Tripping Up The Stairs,” played on the 5-string banjo in Standard Open G tuning (gDGBD); capo 2nd fret, 5th string capo 7th fret for key of D. Also known as: “The Eavesdropper,” “Plains Of Kilkorkery” “Sacko's Jig” and “Pride Of Kildate” (to name but a few). I used Dave Hum's performance as a template to make a backing track in the keys of G and A. It's a typo on Dave's YouTube page; he didn't use Double C tuning. I've tabbed out the song for you below. Enjoy!

• Tripping Up The Stairs .PDF Tablature (as played by Dave Hum) | TEF
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of A, normal)
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of A, slower)
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of A, slow)
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of A, very slow)
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of A, woodshed)
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of G, normal)
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of G, slower)
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of G, slow)
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of G, very slow)
• Tripping Up The Stairs (key of G, woodshed)

I used MIDI for the tambourine, bass, keyboard and piano. I'm using real audio loops for the drums, shakers and cymbals.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Palladium Rag”

This classic tune by Joe Morley (1867-1937) is titled “Palladium Rag.” I used Dave Hum's recording to make my backing track in the keys of G and A for your preference. Also, check out my Netherlands friend Anurakt Scheepers excellent performance. Enjoy!

• Palladium Rag (key of A, normal)
• Palladium Rag (key of A, slower)
• Palladium Rag (key of A, slow)
• Palladium Rag (key of A, very slow)
• Palladium Rag (key of A, woodshed)
• Palladium Rag (key of G, normal)
• Palladium Rag (key of G, slower)
• Palladium Rag (key of G, slow)
• Palladium Rag (key of G, very slow)
• Palladium Rag (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the bass, piano and percussion. Real audio loops were used for the cymbals, shakers and drums. I used MixCraft Pro Studio to make this backing track, which is a very simple and powerful Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Cathleen's Hehir's Slide”

“Cathleen Hehir's” is an Irish slide fiddle tune, also known by various names such as “Catherine Hehir's” and “Rural Felicity.” The 'Hehir' title is from the band De Danann, and is said to honour a lovely woman who at one time ran a bed and breakfast establishment in the middle of Connemara. I used this fiddle recording to make backing tracks. Although the original was done in the key of D, I've made backing tracks in the keys of G and A for the banjo. The tune has four distinct parts, which I've tabbed for you. Enjoy!

• Cathleen Hehir's Slide PDF Tablature in Standard tuning (gDGBD) | TEF
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of A, normal)
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of A, slower)
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of A, slow)
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of A, very slow)
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of A, woodshed)
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of G, normal)
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of G, slower)
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of G, slow)
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of G, very slow)
• Cathleen Hehir's Slide (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for percussion, bass and piano. I used real audio for the drums, tambourine, shaker and percussion. 

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Kerry Slide”

This is a fun Traditional Irish fiddle tune, “Kerry Slide.” A “slide” is similar and often confused with a “jig.” Slides (12/8 time) are generally played faster than a jig (6/8 time), but I like to play 'Kerry Slide' at a moderate tempo. You can hear the tune's melody on the banjo here. The song is played in Standard banjo tuning (gDGBD). I used a recording by Mick Foster as a template to make a backing track. Their song was done in the key of D, but I've made backing tracks in the keys of D, G and A. I also tabbed out the song for you. Enjoy!

• Kerry Slide PDF Tablature | TEF
• Kerry Slide (key of A, faster)
• Kerry Slide (key of A, normal)
• Kerry Slide (key of A, slower)
• Kerry Slide (key of A, slow)
• Kerry Slide (key of A, very slow)
• Kerry Slide (key of A, woodshed)
• Kerry Slide (key of D, faster)
• Kerry Slide (key of D, normal)
• Kerry Slide (key of D, slower)
• Kerry Slide (key of D, slow)
• Kerry Slide (key of D, very slow)
• Kerry Slide (key of D, woodshed)
• Kerry Slide (key of G, faster)
• Kerry Slide (key of G, normal)
• Kerry Slide (key of G, slower)
• Kerry Slide (key of G, slow)
• Kerry Slide (key of G, very slow)
• Kerry Slide (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the bass, drums and piano. I used real audio loops for the tambourine, shakers and percussion. I used MixCraft Pro Studio to make this track.

What's the difference between Slip Jigs, Jigs, Double jigs and Slides? I found the following explanation to be very helpful. If like me you don’t read notation well, it helps to think of the various different rhythms as follows (first say them, then clap them to hear the rhythms):

The most common jigs sound in 2 beats per bar like:
6/8 Jig-e-ty Jig-e-ty / Jig-e-ty Jig-e-ty /

Single jigs sound in 2 beats per bar like:
6/8 Hump-ty Dump-ty / sat on a wall

Slip jigs sound in 3 beats per bar like:
9/8 Jig-e-ty Jig-e-ty Jig-e-ty /

Slides are like very fast jigs and sound in 4 beats per bar like:
12/8 Jig-e-ty Jig-e-ty Jig-e-ty Jig-e-ty /

Gotta love folk music!

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Louisville Breakdown”

Here's an instrumental tune called, “Louisville Breakdown,” composed by Bluegrass legend Bill Monroe (1911-1996). Dave Hum recorded the tune using standard tuning, in the key of G with improvisations. I've made backing tracks in the keys of A and G for your preference. Enjoy!

• Louisville Breakdown PDF Tablature | TEF
• Louisville Breakdown (key of A, faster)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of A, normal)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of A, slower)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of A, slow)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of A, very slow)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of A, woodshed)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of G, faster)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of G, normal)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of G, slower)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of G, slow)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of G, very slow)
• Louisville Breakdown (key of G, woodshed)

I used MIDI for the bass, drums and piano. I really enjoy playing this song. It's well worth the time and effort to learn to play. The 5-string banjo is a very rewarding musical instrument. Like all instruments, the more you invest into mastering your instrument, the greater will be your return. I was playing Sailor's Hornpipe earlier today, which I love to play on 5-string banjo.

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