1. Tunefox.com
    2. ›
  2. Banjo songs
    3. ›
  3. Bill Cheatum
Back

Banjo tablatures for Bill Cheatum

Traditional

Recomended level: Beginner

Tags: #up-tempo, #fiddle tune, #old time

Bill Cheatum is known under many names, some include "Cheatum," "Cheat 'Em," "Old Bill Cheatum." This fiddle tune is common throughout the southern part of the country, which is where it found its origin. The name “Old Bill Cheatum”, was first heard in the Ozarks mountains and was compiled by musicologist/folklorist Vance Randolph. It was published in 1954 by Randolph. The earliest recording of the tune was done by Texas fiddler Eck Robertson in 1922 and it was part of his “Brilliancy Medley”. Other versions includes “Cheat Em” by the Allen brothers and "Fiddlin' Arthur Smith" from Tennessee did his own rendition in 1940. “Bill Cheatum” has no doubt experienced a long bout of popularity and bluegrass and old-time music and is a staple at fiddler's conventions and jam sessions.

  • Banjo Bill Cheatum Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    The chords fly by in the B section, and the melody is directly based on different inversions of these chords. Take it slow to get the Bill Cheatum melody clean.

    Banjo Bill Cheatum Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Bill Cheatum Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    This is a classic fiddle tune with lots of great options for improvisation in the A section. Check out the variations!

    Banjo Bill Cheatum Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Bill Cheatum Backup

    Backup

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      gDGBD

    A good guideline for Bill Cheatum to keep in mind when playing backup is to roll when a fiddle player is soloing and vamp when a guitar or mandolinist is soloing.

    Banjo Bill Cheatum Backup
    Learn



Practicing Tips

The learning resource 'Bill Cheatum' provides bluegrass banjo tablatures in varying styles like Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup suitable for beginners. The key elements of this old-time, up-tempo fiddle tune are explained in a user-friendly manner.


This course highly recommends the use of the Lick Switcher feature of Tunefox. This feature helps you bring in more variety by letting you change licks within the song, thereby adding novel interpretations. By tapping the measure, you discover what licks lie beneath.


The Arrange slider is another potent tool that helps customize your learning. Sliding to the left removes some filler notes, revealing a simplified version of the song, while sliding to the right brings in all additional notes for a complete arrangement.


Don't forget to use the tempo slider for regulating the speed of the song. Altering the tempo as per your preference will help you master the tune at your own pace.


Enjoy playing along with backing tracks. Dedicate yourself to mastering select measures through repetition. The 'Speed Up' function that gradually increases the tempo encourages progressive mastery at higher speeds. Starting at a comfortable speed, you will find that with each playback of the song, 'Speed Up' slightly increases the tempo, helping you improve your speed and fluency.


As general advice, remember, practice is key. Take your time, be patient with the learning process, and enjoy the beautiful journey of mastering the 'Bill Cheatum' song.