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Banjo tablatures for Handsome Molly

The Stanley Brothers

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #vocal song, #irish music, #medium-tempo, #celtic

Handsome Molly is a popular banjo and fiddle song common to virtually all old country musicians of the nineteenth century. In 1918, Molly appeared in the collection of Cecil Sharp and was recorded on Victor records by Grayson and Whitter in 1929, but was probably a pretty old tune even then. The track is a "Courting Ballad" that is believed to date back to popular Irish ballads, comparable to "Lovely Molly" and "Dark-eyed Molly." It also shares similar lyrics with "Farewell Bally Cash" and "Irish Woman." Fiddler G.B. Grayson and guitar player Henry Whitter recorded a pre-bluegrass version of relevance in 1927. "Train 45" was the A-side of this album, and "Handsome Molly" was the B-side. These tracks would become bluegrass classics. The Stanley Brothers learned his song and performed it live throughout the 1950s, more than likely because of the Grayson recording. Stanley Brothers album with Ralph Mayo and Curley Lambert in 1956. It is a "Live" performance in front of a single Mic as a result of an impromptu session in a house. The Country Gentlemen recorded the song in 1961, which was included on the album "Sing & Play Folk Songs and Bluegrass." Their arrangement is much more "Old-time" and can be heard on the album "Old Time Music at Clarence Ashley's" or on the compilation album "The Essential Doc Watson." Bob Dylan, Ian and Sylvia Tyson and even Mick Jagger covered the song as well.

  • Banjo Handsome Molly Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    This is a fun tune! Great melody and lyrics. In this version of Handsome Molly try to really bring out those melody notes.

    Banjo Handsome Molly Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Handsome Molly Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

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

    A technical up-the-neck break to Handsome Molly that stays true to the melody while giving you some options for spicing up your playing.

    Banjo Handsome Molly Melodic Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Handsome Molly Backup

    Backup

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

    This backup version of Handsome Molly shows you how to play behind a vocalist in a way that doesn't get in the way of his/her singing.

    Banjo Handsome Molly Backup
    Learn



Practicing Tips

Learning Overview: 'Handsome Molly' is an appealing blend of bluegrass banjo tablatures and Irish music. This unique combination offers a wonderful learning experience for intermediate players seeking to deepen their musical abilities. The song's medium-tempo offers the right pace for players to develop their skills. Crafted in the Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup Styles, this vocal song provides a delightful platform for musicians to broaden their musical horizons. The learning resources have been carefully designed with interactive tools like the Lick Switcher and the Arrange Slider to help learners engage more profoundly with their practice sessions.


Practice Tips: Utilize the Lick Switcher feature. It will help you grasp the song in a new light by adding a fresh lick vocabulary. The freedom to alter individual licks gives you the liberty to experiment with numerous song variations. Express your creativity by personalizing the arrangement according to your preferences and enjoy exploring new interpretations of the tune.


The Arrange slider will guide you in adjusting the difficulty level according to your comfort. If you slide it to the left, you will observe a simple, core arrangement in the tablature. If you sway it to the right, the arrangement will reveal the full song with extra notes. Changing the tempo using the tempo slider will be beneficial in developing your pace.


One of the best ways to enjoy your learning process is by practicing with backing tracks. This hands-on experience will prepare you for real-life jam sessions. Try focusing on selected measures and repeating them. Make the best use of the 'Speed Up' function to gradually amplify the playback tempo. Starting slow and then speeding up gradually will help you gain confidence and enhance your skill set.


While practicing 'Handsome Molly,' remember that learning is a process that requires time and patience. Keep your practice sessions consistent and enjoy the journey more than the destination. Embrace the challenges and remember, each stumbling block is a stepping stone towards becoming a better musician.


Handsome Molly lyrics

Well I wish was in London
Or some other seaport town
Set my foot in a steamboat
Sail the Ocean Round

Refrain:
Saling round the ocean
Sailin' round the sea
I think of Handsome Molly
Wherever she may be

Well I saw her at church last Sunday
She passed me on by
I knew her mind was changin'
By the rovin' of her eye

* Refrain

Now do you remember Molly
When you give me your right hand
Said if you ever married
That I would be the man

* Refrain