Panhandle Rag, Part 1: Melody

from: Western Swing Fiddle with Chad Manning

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

Get immediate access to this lesson and all of the lessons in this course when you subscribe.

Start Course
Browse Courses

About This Course

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.

Try a Sample Lesson

“Sugar Moon” Solo

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

Try a sample lesson

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
New lessons added every month
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

$20/Month For One Course

Additional courses only $10/month each! • Save 20% with an annual subscription

Start Course

Get started now!
Use promo code ChadLand at checkout

and get your first month free or $20 off an annual subscription.

Panhandle Rag

Panhandle Rag, Part 1: Melody

Panhandle Rag, Part 2: Melody Play-Along Track

Panhandle Rag, Part 3: Johnny Gimble Solo

Panhandle Rag, Part 4: Johnny Gimble Solo Play-Along Track

Panhandle Rag, Part 5: Rhythm Play-Along Track

Panhandle Rag, Part 1: Melody

The western swing instrumental classic “Panhandle Rag” was written by steel guitar legend Leon McAuliffe and first recorded by Leon McAuliffe and His Western Swing Band in 1949. It has been played in a few different keys, but the original key was E, so that’s where you’ll learn it in this lesson. In this video, you’ll learn the melody, with and without double stops.

“Panhandle Rag” Notation (Available to subscribers)

Previous Lesson

← Chord Comping, Part 5: Play-Along Track

Next Lesson

Panhandle Rag, Part 2: Melody Play-Along Track →

Previous Lesson

← Chord Comping, Part 5: Play-Along Track

Next Lesson

Panhandle Rag, Part 2: Melody Play-Along Track →

Previous Lesson

← Chord Comping, Part 5: Play-Along Track

Next Lesson

Panhandle Rag, Part 2: Melody Play-Along Track →

Fiddle Articles

Peghead Nation's 10th Anniversary Party and Showcase!

We're celebrating our first decade of teaching the world to play on Wednesday, November 13 in downtown San Rafael, California. Email to get on the RSVP list.

John Mailander and Brittany Haas: “Road to Columbus”

Fiddle duet on Bill Monroe’s classic tune.

Panhandle Rag, Part 1: Melody

About This Course

Fiddle Articles

Fiddle Videos