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Ducks on the Millpond, Part 1


This lesson is part of the course Clawhammer Banjo with Evie Ladin.
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About This Course

 
Learn old-time clawhammer banjo from the beginning, with basic clawhammer technique exercises and lots of great old-time and traditional songs to play.
 
 
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Shady Grove
 
There are several versions of the traditional favorite “Shady Grove.” This one is in G modal tuning, the same tuning as “Cluck Old Hen.” Once again, to get into this tuning you simply raise your second string up a half step to C. “Shady Grove” is a one part tune, and you’ll mostly play the melody, not chords, whether you’re playing the melody by itself or singing the song. Evie starts by playing through the whole tune and singing the song, so you can get the melody in your head before you start finding it on the banjo. Then she walks you through the melody, phrase by phrase, showing you how the words of the song match the melody. You’ll also learn some variations to the basic melody, including more hammer-ons and drop thumbing.
 
 
 
The Clawhammer Banjo Subscription Includes:
  • More than 75 in-depth Clawhammer Banjo video lessons
  • Tablature for every lesson
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  • Play-Along Tracks so you can practice what you’ve learned.
 
 
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Ducks on the Millpond  
 
Ducks on the Millpond  
 
Ducks on the Millpond, Part 1
Ducks on the Millpond, Part 1
 
The great old-time fiddle and banjo tune “Ducks on the Millpond” comes from the Round Peak area of North Carolina and was often played by old-time masters Tommy Jarrell, Fred Cockerham, and others. It’s in the key of D, in double-C tuning with the capo at the second fret and the fifth string tuned up to A. The tune starts by breaking the standard clawhammer pattern and puts the fifth string on the downbeat for the first phrase. Evie walks you through each phrase of “Ducks on the Millpond,” playing each phrase a few times so you can play along with her. She also shows you some variations, including some good drop-thumbing practice.

  "Ducks on the Millpond" (Available to subscribers)
 
 
 

Banjo Articles

 
article: Meet the Banjo
 

Peghead Nation banjo instructor Bill Evans on everything you need to know to get started with the banjo.

Banjo Videos

 
video: Bill Evans, Riley Baugus, Ryan Cavanaugh: “June Apple/Salt Creek”
 

Peghead Nation banjo instructor Bill Evans plays two bluegrass classics backstage during the CA Banjo Extravaganza with guests Riley Baugus and Ryan Cavanaugh.
 
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    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
Peghead Nation logo
 
© Copyright 2024 PegheadNation.com