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Banjo tablatures for Cluck Old Hen

Traditional

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #bluesy, #old time, #fiddle tune, #medium-tempo

This is a popular Appalachian fiddle and banjo tune in the Mixolydian or Dorian mode (as in the score below which is in A Dorian). In short, it is regarded as an Appalachian American fiddle tune. The song comes in two versions; the instrumental or lyrical version. Depending on the artist, it can be played either way. As is the case with other ancient fiddlers tune, the earliest transcribed version of this tune emerged in 1886. This tune was published in 1922. In 1923, John Carson did a recording of the tune. As a comical old tune, it evokes funny images in the mind which inspire laughter. For example, it chronicles the experience of the persona who is an older woman in the pursuit of an aging hen. The aging hen in question has put a stop to egg-laying. The older woman switches between sweet-talking the hen to warning it. In most bluegrass and old-time circles, the “Cluck Old Hen” is played as a lively instrumental as opposed to the lyrical version. This is because it started as a fiddle instrumental tune whose lyrics were added later on.

  • Banjo Cluck Old Hen Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    Traditionally known as an old-time tune, Cluck Old Hen is a fun bluesy song that sounds great with just banjo and fiddle!

    Banjo Cluck Old Hen Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Cluck Old Hen Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    This arrangement demonstrates how to play Cluck Old Hen using more open strings than in the Scruggs arrangement.

    Banjo Cluck Old Hen Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Cluck Old Hen Backup

    Backup

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

    A bluesy backup arrangement of Cluck Old Hen that will teach you how to change chords with rolls in a fluid way, especially in the B section.

    Banjo Cluck Old Hen Backup
    Learn



Practicing Tips

This learning resource for 'Cluck Old Hen' is filled with an array of bluegrass banjo tablatures, featuring styles like Scruggs, Melodic and Backup Styles, ideal for intermediate level players. The key components of this fiddle tune are its bluesy, old-time, medium-tempo rhythm that makes it a truly enjoyable learning experience.


One of the core learning strategies for Tunefox's Lick Switcher, which allows learners to explore a variety of variations for each song. This tool provides the freedom to add new lick vocabulary and alter the licks for individual measures. In this way, you can reinterpret and personalize the song's arrangement to your preferences.


The Arrange slider is another interactive feature that allows you to determine your own difficulty level accurately. Move it to the left, and you'll see a more basic arrangement. Conversely, sliding it to the right fills the tablature with extra notes, revealing the full song arrangement.


One effective technique to master this tune involves using the tempo slider to adjust the song's speed. Playing along with backing tracks and repeating selected measures can significantly improve your performance. The 'Speed Up' tool, which enhances the playback tempo progressively, is an excellent feature for gradually increasing your playing speed.


Starting at a comfortable pace and having the 'Speed Up' feature increase the tempo each time you go through the song ensures a steady learning progression. This learning resource also recommends incorporating other general practicing and learning strategies to further enhance your experience when learning 'Cluck Old Hen'.