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Banjo tablatures for Flop Eared Mule

Traditional

Recomended level: Intermediate

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

"Flop eared mule" is a melody which has no easily defined origin, though having all finger-pointing to Detroit, as Mark Wilson believes the tune to be a polka of probable central European origin. While Ford holds that the tune is derived from College Schottische which bears close similarity with. others point to an origin in Detroit. It has been given a number of descriptions. Lovett described it as Military Schottische/ barn dance. Bronner states that Northern United states fiddlers often mentioned to him that that the piece was an old-time tube for a Schottische dance also called barn dance, which was popular in New York before the Second world war. Paul Gifford However commented it seems reasonable to assume that the "flop-eared mule" was Detroit Schottische. A three-part melody was written and published in 1854, a dancing master who owned a music store in Detroit. The melody is often recorded in the 78 RPM era and has some 40 recordings. The earliest of these recordings were done by Kentucky-born William B. Houchens (1884-c.1955). some artist like the Kessinger Brothers (1929), and the Skillet Lickers (1930). Doc Roberts (1928), Arkansas "Arkie" Woodchopper (1940) had their own versions. ‘flatback’ was also linked to the first strain of ‘Flop-eared Mule” and “quadriller Champion 4eme partie’ also does the same thing.

  • Banjo Flop Eared Mule Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    A simple but fun Scruggs style arrangement of this classic fiddle tune. The first measure of the B part may be kind of tricky for you so make use of the looper and tempo slider to co...

    Banjo Flop Eared Mule Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Flop Eared Mule Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    Nothing too fancy here. Take your time and play for good tone and note connection. Remember when practicing: Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Earl Scruggs' goal was not to be the ...

    Banjo Flop Eared Mule Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Flop Eared Mule Backup

    Backup

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

    Just some simple backup that stays away from the melody notes. Notice how the roll patterns change near the end of the repeats. This helps the ear establish where the ending is-for t...

    Banjo Flop Eared Mule Backup
    Learn



Practicing Tips

Learning Overview:
Dive into the intricate world of bluegrass music with 'Flop Eared Mule,' a captivating fiddle tune that thrives on its instrumental, up-tempo, and old-time qualities. This resource offers detailed bluegrass banjo tablatures in Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup Styles, designed specifically for intermediate players. With this guide, you'll find assorted resources to assist you in mastering this alluring tune.


Practice tip 1: Utilize the Lick Switcher:
One of the most exceptional features of Tunefox is the Lick Switcher that lets you add new licks to your vocabulary and view the same song under a different light. This feature enables you to modify the licks for individual measures, providing you with the opportunity to explore a plethora of song variations. You can customize the arrangement suiting your preferences while learning innovative ways to interpret the tune. Get in the habit of tapping the measure to reveal hidden licks.


Practice tip 2: Use the Arrange Slider:
The Arrange Slider is an efficient tool that lets you personalize the difficulty level with precision. Sweeping it to the left simplifies the arrangement by eliminating multiple fill-in notes from the tablature. However, swiping it to the right enriches the arrangement by restoring these "fill-in" notes, ultimately revealing the whole song. Experiment with the slider to tune your learning to your comfort level.


Practice tip 3: Play along with backing tracks:
Playing alongside real-sounding backing tracks can enhance your learning experience. It encourages you to play the music and experiment, which is a vital part of bluegrass learning. Repeat selected measures and gradually increase the tempo using the 'Speed Up' function. Begin at a comfortable pace and let the 'Speed Up' feature gradually take you to higher rhythms each time you play through the song.


General Tips:
A common technique that aids learning and practicing is consistent repetition. By focusing on selected measures and consecutively repeating them, you can immensely improve your skills. Use a tempo slider for a flexible learning experience, and always start the 'Speed Up' function at a pace that suits you. Remember, practice is the key, and with Tunefox, you're set on the right path to mastering 'Flop Eared Mule.'