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Banjo tablatures for Dooley

The Dillards

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #vocal song, #up-tempo

Dooley was a good ol' man he lived below the mill...The song is a traditional bluegrass tune, but it is also considered to be a string band classic. It will keep your feet tapping and is popular among bluegrass pickers all over the world. It's best to get down the Scruggs style and backup first before tackling the melodic version, but if that's what you are interested in, go for it!



The Scruggs version features a great roll that sounds awesome and is a really good workout for your thumb. The Backup arrangement has some standard Scruggs fare and features some great walks that help lead the ear from one chord change to another. The Melodic arrangement is pretty flashy and includes a bit of single string style mixed in as well. If you like that melodic sound and are up for a challenge, then this one is for you!

  • Banjo Dooley Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    Dooley is a fantastic beginner/intermediate tune that helps teach the MTMT roll pattern. The thumb drops down to the second string a lot. This roll sounds great and is really good th...

    Banjo Dooley Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Dooley Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    This melodic version of Dooley has lots of long strings of notes and is great for working on your melodic style flow. Practice slow with backing tracks to get it clean.

    Banjo Dooley Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Dooley Backup Style

    Backup Style

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

    This is a straightforward backup arrangement of Dooley that gives you lots to work with down-the-neck. Swap out licks for cool variation!

    Banjo Dooley Backup Style
    Learn



Practicing Tips

Dooley is a cutting-edge educational tool designed to help intermediate players master bluegrass banjo tabs using Scruggs, Melodic, Backup Styles. This up-tempo vocal song is presented through an interactive learning platform, the Tunefox, enhancing the overall learning experience.


A key feature of this tool is the creative learning tools: the Lick Switcher and the Arrange Slider. The Lick Switcher is indispensable, allowing users to add new licks to create a different view of the song. Offering multiple variations, it personalizes the arrangement for students, enabling them to develop fresh interpretations of the tune.


The Arrange slider is another innovative tool provided. This tool enables learners to adjust the difficulty level and tone of the song, making the learning process customizable to individual learning needs and preferences.


Dooley offers a variety of practical tools designed to support your practice sessions. These include the ability to adjust the tempo, use backing tracks to play along with the music, a Speed Up Function for enhancing your playing speed, and a Hide notes feature for training your ear. Each of these tools is tailored to enhance your learning experience and ensure you get the most out of your practice sessions.


Besides, here are some general tips to make sure your practice is effective and enjoyable. Start slowly and prioritize accuracy over speed. As your confidence and skills build up, gradually increase the pace. Happy practicing!


Dooley lyrics

Dooley was a good ol' man he lived below the mill
Dooley had two daughters and a 40 gallon still
One gal watched the boiler the other watched the spout
Mama'd cork the bottles when ol' Dooley fetched them out

Ch.
Dooley slippin' up the holler...Dooley tryin' to make a dollar
Dooley give me a swaller and I'll pay you back some day

The revenuers came for him slippin through the woods
Dooley kept behind them all and never lost his goods
Now Dooley was a trader when into town he'd come
Sugar by the bushel and molasses by the ton

I remember very well the day ol Dooley died
The women folk looked sorry and the men sat around and cried
Now Dooley's on the mountain he lies there all alone
They put a jug beside his head and a barrel for a stone