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Banjo tablatures for Don't Let Your Deal Go Down

Flatt & Scruggs

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #vocal song, #swing music, #jazz, #medium tempo

The song was nothing about the non-casino games. It was recorded in 1925 by Charlie Poole and the fellows from The North Carolina Ramblers and had many meanings attached to it. Some said the game mentioned in the lyrics is Cooncan and others said Conquain. But whatever the name of the game, it doesn't matter. The song was referred to in one of the books of Kimmy Rorrer, titled Rambling Blues-the life and songs of Charlie Poole. Having learned the song by heart, the song was taught to Poole by in 1911 by a guitarist, and Poole having known the tune flowed smoothly along. Some of the lyrics of the song like You better let the deal go down, For the skin, game's coming' to a close ... This refers to a skin game where Harper Perennial describes as the Georgia skin game. She said that any number of pickers could lay it and added all the kinks and detail to know about the game. The rules of the game are confusing, but you can learn to play the syncopations. Most importantly, the song has many recordings, and they span from 1927 to around the 1940s.

  • Banjo Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    This is a really fun tune to play because the chord changes are so unique. Earl does a great job interpreting the melody in this arrangement of Don't Let Your Deal Go Down.

    Banjo Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Scruggs Style
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  • Banjo Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Scruggs Style-2

    Scruggs Style-2

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      C
    • Tempo
      110 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDGBD

    It's not likely someone will play this tune in a key other than the way Flatt & Scruggs recorded it, but you never know. Always be prepared.

    Banjo Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Scruggs Style-2
    Learn
  • Banjo Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    This melodic arrangement of Don't Let Your Deal Go Down focuses heavily on scale patterns. Listen to how the banjo fluidly moves from one chord to another using these patterns.

    Banjo Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Melodic Style
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  • Banjo Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Backup

    Backup

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

    This is an example of exactly what Earl Scruggs would play. The chords are a little strange for bluegrass, but are fun to improvise over.

    Banjo Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Backup
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Practicing Tips

Learning Overview

Delve into the world of bluegrass banjo with the 'Don't Let Your Deal Go Down' learning resource. Featuring tablatures in Scruggs, Scruggs-2, Melodic, and Backup Styles, this course is tailor-made for intermediate level players. The song bridges the genres of vocal music and swing jazz while navigating at a medium tempo. Utilizing the innovative features of the Tunefox platform, enrich your musical journey by exploring various licks and arrangements intriguingly hidden within the song's structure.


Practice Tips

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this song is by employing the Lick Switcher feature of Tunefox. The freedom to alter the licks for individual measures means you get to experiment with a myriad of variations. By tapping the measure, you unveil the potential licks lying underneath, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tune.


Another indispensable tool is the Arrange slider which fine-tunes the song's difficulty to your comfortability level. Swipe left to simplify the arrangement or move right to hear the lush, full version of the song. You have the power to personalize the arrangement and master the beauty of 'Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down'.


Remember, practicing at a bearable pace is key. Use the tempo slider to modify the song's speed to your liking. Additionally, take full advantage of the real-sounding backing tracks for a more enjoyable practice. Experimenting with different styles and techniques is integral to the rich multifaceted genre of bluegrass.


Remember that repetition is the mother of learning. Concentrate on selected bars and repeat them until you nail them. The ‘Speed Up' function is your best friend here. It gradually turns up the tempo each time you play through the song, helping you smoothly transition to higher speeds. Begin where you feel at ease and let the 'Speed Up' guide you to mastery slowly but surely.


Most importantly, have fun while learning. Music is a form of expression, so let your individuality shine through as you play your personal rendition of 'Don't Let Your Deal Go Down'.


Don't Let Your Deal Go Down lyrics

Gladys Certain, Louise Stacey

Well, I've been all around this whole wide world
Been down to sunny Alabam
My mama always told me, Son
Never let your deal go down

Don't let your deal go down
Don't let your deal go down
Don't let your deal go down
Till your last gold dollar is gone

Well, the last time I seen that gal of mine
She was standing in the door
She said Honey I'll be a long time gone
You'll never see your gal no more

* Refrain

Well, I'm going sown the railroad track
Gonna take my rocking chair
If there doggone blues don't leave my mind
I'm gonna run away from here

* Refrain