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)

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)

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)