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)

A New Backing Track For “Kerfunten”

This popular Irish jig is properly called “Kerfunten.” According to the tune's composer, Irish flute luthier and player Hammy Hamilton born in Belfast in 1953, it was named after Kerfunteun (a small town in Brittany, France) in the suburb of Quimper. Eventually the name of the jig came to be spelled “Kerfunten.” You can hear the melody here. I have made backing tracks using Band-in-a-Box in the key of D, played in the Double C tuning.

• Kerfunten | TEF  (I wrote these tabs for 5-string banjo in Double C tuning)
• Kerfunten (key of D, 70 BPM)
• Kerfunten (key of D, 85 BPM)
• Kerfunten (key of D, 100 BPM)
• Kerfunten (key of D, 115 BPM)

Lord willing, I plan to make a lot more backing tracks using Band-in-a-Box (BB). I purchased the 2025 upgrade last year and am pleased with their software. BB has some great styles for Bluegrass, Folk, Country, Jigs, Reels, Waltzes and more. Best of all are the thousands of real audio instrument loops that are included with the pro-versions of BB.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Cotton Eyed Joe”

This popular Traditional tune “Cotton-Eyed Joe” is played in the standard 5-string banjo tuning (gDGBD); capo 2nd fret, and also fifth string 7th fret, for the key of A. The song's exact origin is unknown, but has roots during the time of slavery in the American South. The tune is a banjo and bluegrass fiddle instrumental standard. The song spread throughout the South after the Civil War and into the early 20th century, when it was recorded for the first time in 1927 by the Dykes Magic City Trio. I used a recording of 'Cotton Eyed Joe' by the 'Asleep At The Wheel Band' as a template to make a backing track. The song has some nice bass lines. I've made backing tracks in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• Cotton Eyed Joe (tablature in Standard Open G tuning by Ken Torke)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (Jim Pankey teaches how to play up the neck in Standard tuning)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (tablature in gDGAD by Donald Borchelt | MIDI; 506 tablatures!)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of A, normal)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of A, slower)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of A, slow)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of A, very slow)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of A, woodshed)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of G, normal)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of G, slower)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of G, slow)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of G, very slow)
• Cotton Eyed Joe (key of G, woodshed)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the drums, bass, piano and keyboard. I used real audio loops for the tambourine, shaker and cymbal. I use MixCraft Pro Studio to make nearly all my backing tracks. Recently, I've started using Band-in-a-Box for some other tracks.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Liberty”

This tune is a reel called “Liberty,” known also as “Liberty Hornpipe,” “Liberty Two-Step,” “The Preacher And The Racoon” and several additional titles. Although the song's origin is unknown, the first recording of the tune was by Texas fiddler Bob Wills in 1947 for Columbia records. I used a Bluegrass performance by Dewey Brown as a template to make a backing track in the keys of G and A for your preference. The original was done in A; use standard 5-string banjo tuning (gDGBD); capo second fret and 7th fret on fifth string. Enjoy!

• Liberty (Jim Pankey explains how to play the tune; make sure to hit 'subscribe' for Jim)
• Liberty (faster, key of A)
• Liberty (normal, key of A)
• Liberty (slower, key of A)
• Liberty (slow, key of A)
• Liberty (very slow, key of A)
• Liberty (woodshed, key of A)
• Liberty (faster, key of G)
• Liberty (normal, key of G)
• Liberty (slower, key of G)
• Liberty (slow, key of G)
• Liberty (very slow, key of G)
• Liberty (woodshed, key of G)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the drums, bass and piano. I used audio loops for the shaker, cymbal and tambourine. As always, I only use MixCraft Pro Studio to make my backing tracks.

Dave Hum's Musical Gear

A New Backing Track For “Cherry Blossom Waltz”

This pretty tune is called the “Cherry Blossom Waltz” by Tony Ellis. It is played in the Double C 5-string banjo tuning (gCGCD); capo 2nd fret and 7th fret on fifth string for the key of D. I used a nice performance by Gabriele Bazza & Emilio Vellati as a template to make my backing tracks in the keys of C and D (they did it in D). Here's a nice recording that let's you here the clear melody. Here's another. I love the peaceful sound of the Double C tuning, which I encourage you to learn. Some of Dave Hum's best recordings were done in Double C (e.g., Maid Behind The Bar, Whisky Before Breakfast, Gaspe Reel and Boys Of Bluehill). Enjoy!

• Cherry Blossom Waltz Tablature (Andy Holdaway PDF tabs as played by Tony Ellis)
• Cherry Blossom Waltz (faster, key of D)
• Cherry Blossom Waltz (normal, key of D)
• Cherry Blossom Waltz (slower, key of D)
• Cherry Blossom Waltz (slow, key of D)
• Cherry Blossom Waltz (faster, key of C)
• Cherry Blossom Waltz (normal, key of C)
• Cherry Blossom Waltz (slower, key of C)
• Cherry Blossom Waltz (slow, key of C)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the drums, bass, piano and keyboard. I used real audio loops for the tambourine and shaker. For my Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), I only use MixCraft Pro Studio, which is awesome software for a very reasonable price. I'm surprised that MixCraft is not listed among the best DAW's in a web page search.

Here are some other .PDF tabs for Tony Ellis' songs. Janet Burton has a very nice and helpful website. On this web page she has 16 performances by Tony Ellis, including Chery Blossom Waltz. On this intriguing web page Janet has 158 Old Timey banjo recordings with tablature, mostly Clawhammer.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Banks Of The Ohio”

This popular tune is called, “Banks Of The Ohio,” which has been recorded by many musical artists. I used a recording by Tony Rice as a template to make my backing track, so you can see how the song is arranged. Standard 5-string banjo tuning is used. In a couple places there is an extra fill between verses, including after the initial 13 second intro. I just do the 'G-lick' twice. The original Tony Rice recording was done in the key of F. I've made backing tracks in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• Banks Of The Ohio (Chris Elliot explains how to play in key of F)
• Banks Of The Ohio (Mike Hedding explains how to play in the key of G)
• Banks Of The Ohio (faster, key of G)
• Banks Of The Ohio (normal, key of G)
• Banks Of The Ohio (slower, key of G)
• Banks Of The Ohio (slow, key of G)
• Banks Of The Ohio (woodshed, key of G)
• Banks Of The Ohio (faster, key of A)
• Banks Of The Ohio (normal, key of A)
• Banks Of The Ohio (slower, key of A)
• Banks Of The Ohio (slow, key of A)
• Banks Of The Ohio (woodshed, key of A)

I found a nice YouTube channel called, 'Bluegrass Practice Tracks' with dozens of free of Band-In-A-Box made backing tracks. Go check it out! Here is “Banks Of The Ohio” on their channel. Here is 'My Grandfather's Clock,' one of my favorite songs to play.

To make 'Banks Of The Ohio' I used MIDI for the bass, drums, piano and keyboard. I used real audio loops for the tambourine, shaker and djembe. As always, I use MixCraft Pro Studio to make all my backing tracks. Thank you for visiting my music blog.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Keep On The Sunny Side”

This tune, “Keep on the Sunny Side,” is a popular American song originally written in 1899 by Ada Blenkhorn with music by J. Howard Entwisle. This tune is played on the 5-string banjo in standard tuning. I used a recording to Larry Perkins as a template to make my backing track. The song was popularized in a 1928 recording by the Carter Family. I've made backing tracks in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• Keep On The Sunnyside (Bill Nesbitt explains how to play in key of C)
• Keep On The Sunny Side Tablature (by Randall Rode in Key of G)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (Mike Hedding explains how to play in G ; also, Backup Style)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (faster, key of G)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (normal, key of G)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (slower, key of G)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (slow, key of G)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (very slow, key of G)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (faster, key of A)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (normal, key of A)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (slower, key of A)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (slow, key of A)
• Keep On The Sunny Side (very slow, key of A)

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

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Snowbird”

The beautiful tune “Snowbird” was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Gene MacLellan. Though it has been recorded by many performers, it is best known through Anne Murray's 1969 recording, which was released as a single in 1970. I used Anne Murray's recording as a template to make my backing track in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• Snowbird (Chuck Van Dyke explains how to play)
• Snowbird (Casey Henry explains how to play)
• Snowbird (faster, key of G)
• Snowbird (normal, key of G)
• Snowbird (slower, key of G)
• Snowbird (slow, key of G)
• Snowbird (very slow, key of G)
• Snowbird (woodshed, key of G)
• Snowbird (faster, key of A)
• Snowbird (normal, key of A)
• Snowbird (slower, key of A)
• Snowbird (slow, key of A)
• Snowbird (very slow, key of A)
• Snowbird (woodshed, key of A)

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

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “The Weeping Willow”

“Bury Me Beneath The Willow Tree” is a Traditional ballad folk song. The tune is also known as “Bury Me Beneath The Weeping Willow,” “The Weeping Willow,” “The Willow Tree,” and “Under the Willow Tree.” Its author is unknown. The first citation to the song appears in Henry Marvin Belden's 1909 compilation “Ballads and Songs Collected by the Missouri Folk-Lore Society“ as “Under the Willow Tree.” Jim Reed does a great job picking this tune. I used Jay Buckey's performance to make my backing tracks in the keys of G, A and E for your preference. Here's Jay's backing track as well. Enjoy!

• Weeping Willow Tree - Tablature by Jay Buckey (.PDF)
• Weeping Willow Tree - Tablature By Don Reno (PDF | TEF)
• Weeping Willow Tree (Jim Pankey explains how to play)
• Weeping Willow Tree (Mike Hedding explains how to play)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a G, faster)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a G, normal)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a G, slower)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a G, slow)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a G, very slow)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a A, faster)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a A, normal)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a A, slower)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a A, slow)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a A, very slow)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a E, faster)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a E, normal)
• Weeping Willow Tree (key a E, slower)

I used MIDI for the bass, drums, piano and keyboard. I used real audio loops for the tambourine and shaker.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “The Wildwood Flower”

“The Wildwood Flower” is a variant of the song “I'll Twine 'Mid the Ringlets,” published in 1860 by composer Joseph Philbrick Webster who wrote the music, with lyrics attributed to Maud Irving. The Carter Family popularized the song years later. I used a recording by Mother Maybelle Carter as a template to make my backing tracks in the keys of C, D and G for your preference. She recorded the original tune in the key of Eb, so I had to transpose. Enjoy!

• The Wildwood Flower (Jim Pankey explains how to play in C)
• The Wildwood Flower (Eddie Collins explains how to play in C)
• The Wildwood Flower (Ted Nesbitt explains how to play in G)
• The Wildwood Flower (Chuck Van Dyke explains how to play in G)
• The Wildwood Flower (faster, key of G)
• The Wildwood Flower (normal, key of G)
• The Wildwood Flower (slower, key of G)
• The Wildwood Flower (slow, key of G)
• The Wildwood Flower (very slow, key of G)
• The Wildwood Flower (faster, key of C)
• The Wildwood Flower (normal, key of C)
• The Wildwood Flower (slower, key of C)
• The Wildwood Flower (slow, key of C)
• The Wildwood Flower (very slow, key of C)
• The Wildwood Flower (faster, key of D)
• The Wildwood Flower (normal, key of D)
• The Wildwood Flower (slower, key of D)
• The Wildwood Flower (slow, key of D)
• The Wildwood Flower (very slow, key of D)

I used MIDI for the bass, piano and keyboard. I'm playing along with my Eastman 505CC mandolin and Cort 6-string acoustic guitar. I've used real audio loops for the tambourine and shaker.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Church In The Wildwood”

This is a popular Traditional melodic tune titled, “Church In The Wildwood.” The song was composed in 1857 by Dr. William S. Pitts (1830-1918) following a stagecoach ride to visit his fiancée in Fredericksburg, Iowa. Along the way he stopped in Bradford, Iowa, where he found a beautiful wooded valley by the Cedar River. As he wandered and enjoyed the woodland Pitts envisioned a church being built there near the town. In 1862 Pitts married his fiancée and moved from Wisconsin to Fredericksburg where he was delighted to find a church. In the years since, the church was painted brown (since it was the cheapest color) and became known as, “the Little Brown Church.”

I was surprised to only find a couple banjo recordings of this pretty song on YouTube. I found this nice one by Ken Chrispens, for which he detuned his 5-banjo down 3 half tones to the key of E (eBEAbB). I was surprised how much fuller my banjo sounds in E (try it and I think you'll like it). It sounds like a new banjo. You can hear how nice Ken's banjo sounds in the video. I used the band Alabama's recording of this tune as a template to make my backing track, which they recorded in G. So, I have made backing tracks in the keys of G, A and E. Enjoy!

• Church In The Wildwood (fast, key of G)
• Church In The Wildwood (faster, key of G)
• Church In The Wildwood (normal, key of G)
• Church In The Wildwood (slower, key of G)
• Church In The Wildwood (slow, key of G)
• Church In The Wildwood (fast, key of A)
• Church In The Wildwood (faster, key of A)
• Church In The Wildwood (normal, key of A)
• Church In The Wildwood (slower, key of A)
• Church In The Wildwood (slow, key of A)
• Church In The Wildwood (fast, key of E)
• Church In The Wildwood (faster, key of E)
• Church In The Wildwood (normal, key of E)
• Church In The Wildwood (slower, key of E)

I used MIDI for the drums, bass and piano. I used real audio loops for the tambourine and shaker.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Reeds Hornpipes”

This fun tune titled “Reeds Hornpipes” was composed by Jim Reed in Sydney, Kentucky, who is a skilled banjo enthusiast. Here is Jim playing his tune. Thanks to Jim! Also, Dave Hum recorded the tune and gave due credit and tribute to Jim Reed. I've made backing tracks at various speeds in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• Reed's Hornpipes (normal, key of G)
• Reed's Hornpipes (slower, key of G)
• Reed's Hornpipes (slow, key of G)
• Reed's Hornpipes (very slow, key of G)
• Reed's Hornpipes (woodshed, key of G)
• Reed's Hornpipes (normal, key of A)
• Reed's Hornpipes (slower, key of A)
• Reed's Hornpipes (slow, key of A)
• Reed's Hornpipes (very slow, key of A)
• Reed's Hornpipes (woodshed, key of A)

To make this backing track I used MIDI for the bass, drums, piano and keyboard. Real audio loops used for the tambourine and shaker. MixCraft Pro Studio is the software I use.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Buffalo Gals”

“Buffalo Gals” is a Traditional American tune. Dave Hum recorded the tune on the 5-string banjo in standard tuning (gDGBD); capo 2nd fret, 5th string capo 7th fret for key of A. Also known as “Buffalo Girls.” The tune was originally published as “Lubly Fan” in 1844 by the blackface minstrel John Hodges, who performed as “Cool White.” I've made backing tracks at various speeds in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• Buffalo Gals (Jim Pankey explains how to play this tune)
• Buffalo Gals (normal, key of A)
• Buffalo Gals (slower, key of A)
• Buffalo Gals (slow, key of A)
• Buffalo Gals (very slow, key of A)
• Buffalo Gals (woodshed, key of A)
• Buffalo Gals (normal, key of G)
• Buffalo Gals (slower, key of G)
• Buffalo Gals (slow, key of G)
• Buffalo Gals (very slow, key of G)
• Buffalo Gals (woodshed, key of G)

I used MIDI for the bass, drums, piano and keyboard. Actual audio loops were used for the Cajon, tambourine and shaker.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Blackberry Blossom”

“Blackberry Blossom” was originally composed as a fiddle tune in the key of G major, popular in Old Time, Bluegrass and Celtic traditional circles.  In the 1920s and 30s it was popularized by Fiddlin’ Arthur Smith, who recorded Blackberry Blossom with his Dixieliners in 1935. Bill Keith made the tune famous with his new melodic banjo style in the 1960's. Dave Hum plays the song in combination with Devil's Dream, since they share similar chord structure and time. I wanted to make a backing track just for Blackberry Blossom. I used Dave's performance as a template to make my backing track, in the keys of G and A. Enjoy!

• Blackberry Blossom (Jim Pankey explains how to play this tune)
• Blackberry Blossom (Bill Nesbitt explains how to play this tune)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of A, fast)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of A, faster)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of A, normal)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of A, slower)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of A, slow)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of A, very slow)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of A, woodshed)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of G, fast)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of G, faster)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of G, normal)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of G, slower)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of G, slow)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of G, very slow)
• Blackberry Blossom (key of G, woodshed)

I used MIDI for the bass, drums and piano. I'm playing my Cort acoustic guitar and Eastman 505 CC mandolin. This song was somewhat challenging for me to make, since there are a lot of moving chords, but I did my best with my music skills.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Little Rock Getaway”

The famous tune “Little Rock Getaway” was first recorded and released by Joe Sullivan in 1935. This tune has become a staple in the Bluegrass community. I used a nice recording by Marshall Wilborn to make my backing track. Here's a great arrangement by Bill Knopf. Enjoy!

• Little Rock Getaway (Richie Dotson explains how to play this tune)
• Little Rock Getaway (.pdf tablature by J. Gentle, Jr.)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of A, faster)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of A, normal)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of A, slower)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of A, slow)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of A, very slow)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of A, woodshed)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, faster)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, normal)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, slower)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, slow)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, very slow)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, woodshed)

I used MIDI for the bass, drums and piano.

I also have a recording of Dave Hum masterfully playing this tune in it original ragtime style, which I did my best to make a backing track from. Since I bought the recording from his wife, I cannot share it. My track is inferior to Dave's backing track, but I was able to capture some of his brilliant essence in this ragtime style track. I used an upright MIDI string bass for this track. Since Dave played the tune in G, I have only made backing tracks in the key of G. Enjoy! ...

• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, faster)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, normal)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, slower)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, slow)
• Little Rock Getaway (key of G, very slow)

Bad habits are hard to break. I sincerely thought all my life that this tune was titled, “Little Rock Gateway.” It's “Little Rock Getaway.” I like doing a lot of thumb strumming in this tune to give it a ragtime feel. It's a really great song to learn and play.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Home Sweet Home”

“Home! Sweet Home” is a Traditional tune that is 202 years old, adapted from American actor and dramatist John Howard Payne's 1823 opera “Clari” or “The Maid of Milan.” The fun tune's melody was composed by Englishman Henry Bishop with lyrics by Payne. During the American Civil War this song was banned as it was thought to encourage desertion by soldiers. I used Earl Scruggs' 1961 album recording as a template to make my backing tracks in the keys of G and A. This tune is played in Standard C tuning (gCGBD). For Jim Pankey's lesson below, simply use the backing track in the key of A. Enjoy!

• Home Sweet Home (Eli Gilbert explains how to play this song in Standard C)
• Home Sweet Home (Jim Pankey explains how to play the song with D tuners in D)
• Home Sweet Home (normal, key of A)
• Home Sweet Home (slower, key of A)
• Home Sweet Home (slow, key of A)
• Home Sweet Home (very slow, key of A)
• Home Sweet Home (woodshed, key of A)
• Home Sweet Home (normal, key of G)
• Home Sweet Home (slower, key of G)
• Home Sweet Home (slow, key of G)
• Home Sweet Home (very slow, key of G)
• Home Sweet Home (woodshed, key of G)

This is a fun song to learn and play. Remember to lower your fourth string from D to C for Standard C tuning. I used MIDI for the bass, drums, keyboard and piano. I'm using a real audio loop for the shaker and tambourine. I use MixCraft Pro Studio to make all my backing tracks, which is very user friendly software. I really like this DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “The Big Old Tree”

I did something different for this song. I was searching for banjo music on YouTube and I found this song, which was artificially generated. Yes, A.I. It didn't take me but a moment to realize that this wasn't a real banjo, because it lacks the beautiful resonance and overtones that a real physical banjo produces. And also, that the individual song lacked a title and attribution to a human musician was a give away clue. Albeit, the tune's chord progression moved me musically, so I made a backing track in the keys of G and A. I've included a link to the song (the first one in the video), so you can hear what the A.I. played. I just named the tune, “The Big Old Tree.” These A.I. generated unknown songs provide good backing tracts to enhance your chord knowledge, which is what I did with this tune.

• The Big Old Tree (normal, key of A)
• The Big Old Tree (slower, key of A)
• The Big Old Tree (slow, key of A)
• The Big Old Tree (normal, key of G)
• The Big Old Tree (slower, key of G)
• The Big Old Tree (slow, key of G)

I used MIDI for the bass, drums, keyboard and piano. I'm using a real audio loop for the tambourine. I use MixCraft Studio Pro to make all my backing tracks.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “All The Good Times Are Past And Gone”

Here's a traditional old Waltz from the 1800s called, “All The Good Times Are Past And Gone,” played in standard tuning (gDGBD). The tune was popularized in 1937 by The Monroe Brothers (Bill Monroe), and has been covered by Earl Scruggs and The Kingston Trio to name but a couple artists. Dave Hum didn't record this song, but I'm sure if he had more time would have. I've made backing tracks in the keys of G and A for your preference. Enjoy!

• All The Good Times (Bill Nesbitt explains how to play this song)
• All The Good Times (normal, key of A)
• All The Good Times (slower, key of A)
• All The Good Times (slow, key of A)
• All The Good Times (very slow, key of A)
• All The Good Times (normal, key of G)
• All The Good Times (slower, key of G)
• All The Good Times (slow, key of G)
• All The Good Times (very slow, key of G)

I used MIDI for the bass, drums and keyboard. I use MixCraft Studio Pro to make all my backing tracks. I'm playing a Cort 6-string acoustic guitar and Eastman 505CC mandolin.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

New 'Dave Hum Style Backing Tracks' YouTube Channel

I wanted to upload all of my hard work to the internet, just in case something happens to me, to preserve my hard work for others. I have uploaded 309 backing tracks that I've diligently spent several hundreds of hours making over the past few years, which I want to share freely with everyone. They're not copyrighted (although the original song may be), so you can use them freely as you desire. I made this music blog and these backing tracks as a tribute to Dave Hum, whose music has greatly inspired me as a musician and brought much joy into my life. Enjoy! ...

Dave Hum Style Backing Tracks

I will continue to upload a new backing track every Friday throughout 2026 and into 2027, which are already scheduled to upload once a week, but I just went ahead and uploaded everything I have to YouTube, so you can have them all now if you'd like. I enjoy making backing tracks as much as I enjoy playing along with my 5-string banjo. I have earnestly tried to make these tracks simple and uncluttered, in true Dave Hum style.

I also encourage you to take advantage of YouTube's helpful tools by clicking on the 'settings' icon down in the right corner of each video. In 'settings' you can change the speed of the song as slow as you need to learn it. Therefore, I have only uploaded the normal tempo of each song, and you can adjust each song accordingly as needed. I have tried to upload backing tracks in G and A for standard tuning, and C and D for Double C tuning.

And also, here is a FREE transpose extension for your browser that allows you to change the key of any YouTube video. So if you need a different key not available on YouTube, you might be interested in installing this feature for free. I use it often.

I thank God for music and musical instruments. I love all stringed instruments. My first musical love will always be the pedal steel guitar and Hawaiian music on the lap steel, but I also love the 5-string banjo.

And finally, I don't make a single penny from any of this. I did this for fun and the love of music. But I do kindly encourage you to purchase Dave's original backing tracks, albums and tabs from his family, which are superior to mine. I am not one fifth the musician as Dave, but as Dave himself said, music is not a competition. So many tunes, so little time! I love this guy!

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)

A New Backing Track For “Lark In The Morning”

This is a popular Irish Jig called, “The Lark in the Morning,” played by Dave Hum on the 5-string banjo in standard tuning (gDGBD); capo 2nd fret and 5th string capo at the 7th for key of E. Usually this tune has four parts, but Dave is only playing the first two parts, adding a D flat minor variation. I used Dave's recording as a template to make this backing track. This tune is also known as “Ha'penny Bridge” and “Father Kelly's” and “Kelso Races.” I've made backing tracks at various speeds in the keys of G and A for your preference. I also tabbed out the main parts of the tune as Dave played it. Enjoy!

• Tablature For Lark In The Morning (PDF | TEF)
• Lark In The Morning (normal, key of A)
• Lark In The Morning (slower, key of A)
• Lark In The Morning (slow, key of A)
• Lark In The Morning (very slow, key of A)
• Lark In The Morning (woodshed, key of A)
• Lark In The Morning (normal, key of G)
• Lark In The Morning (slower, key of G)
• Lark In The Morning (slow, key of G)
• Lark In The Morning (very slow, key of G)
• Lark In The Morning (woodshed, key of G)

I used MIDI for the bass, drums, keyboard and piano. I used real audio loops for the tambourine, cymbal and shaker. As always, I use MixCraft Studio Pro to make all my backing tracks, which is very affordable and easy to use. The software company is located in Germany. I've had no technical issues with the software over the years.

Surprisingly, if you search online for quality Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), MixCraft doesn't show up in a search engine, which amazes me. For a fraction of what more expensive DAWs cost, you cannot beat MixCraft for about $149 for their pro version. I've tried numerous different DAWs. Each has it's own pros and cons, but I am very content using MixCraft. The program comes with over 5,000 real audio loops to work with, and there's tons more for free or purchase online. I've only scratched the tip of the iceberg.

Please download all of these backing tracks I've made. I made them for YOU dear friend, meaning everybody who wants them. You can do whatever you want with all of these backing tracks. Nothing is copyrighted. I just made them for the love and fun of making music. Backing tracks are invaluable tools to learn and play songs. Dave Hum inspired me by making his own backing tracks, which I have diligently tried to recreate for other banjo enthusiasts. If you have a song that I haven't done yet, I'll be glad to freely make a backing track for it. Just send me an email request and include a link to the original song, so I can use it as a template.

God bless you and thanks for your continued interest in my music blog.

Dave Hum

(April 11, 1966 - November 14, 2012)