Just Because, Part 1: Melody

from: Western Swing Fiddle with Chad Manning

This lesson is part of the course Western Swing Fiddle with Chad Manning.

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Learn to play classic western swing melodies and solos from western swing fiddle greats like Johnny Gimble, Joe Holley, and others. For each song, you’ll learn the melody and a solo, along with tips on western swing fiddle technique, phrasing, improvisation.

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“Sugar Moon” Solo

Chad walks you through Joe Holley’s solo in this video.

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The Western Swing Fiddle Subscription Includes:

Melodies to western swing classics from Bob Wills, Asleep at the Wheel, and more Transcriptions of classic solos by Johnny Gimble, Joe Holley, and other western swing fiddle greats
Advice on western swing–style soloing and improvising
Chord and arpeggio theory and practice exercises for each song
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High-quality video with multiple camera angles so you can see close-ups of both hands in action
Detailed notation for each lesson
Play-Along Track videos and audio downloads so you can play along with Chad

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Just Because

Just Because, Part 1: Melody

Just Because, Part 2: Melody with Double Stops

Just Because, Part 3: Cliff Bruner Solo

Just Because, Part 4: Johnny Gimble Solo

Just Because, Part 5: Solo Play-Along Track

Just Because, Part 6: Rhythm Play-Along Track

Just Because, Part 1: Melody

"Just Because” is a song from the late 1920s that was first recorded by Nelstone’s Hawaiians. It soon became a favorite of western swing bands, with recordings by both the Prairie Ramblers and the Lone Star Cowboys in 1935. You’ll learn the melody in the key of Bb as well as a solo from Johnny Gimble’s recording of “Just Because”: half a chorus from fiddler Cliff Bruner and the second half from Johnny Gimble. In this video, you’ll learn a version of the melody based on the way Johnny Gimble played it.

"Just Because” Notation (Available to subscribers)

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Just Because, Part 2: Melody with Double Stops →

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← I’m Satisfied with You, Part 5: Rhythm Play-Along Track

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Just Because, Part 2: Melody with Double Stops →

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← I’m Satisfied with You, Part 5: Rhythm Play-Along Track

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