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Banjo tablatures for Man of Constant Sorrow

The Stanley Brothers

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #bluesy, #vocal song, #medium-tempo, #old time

When people think Bluegrass, this is often the first tune that comes to mind. It's gonna be best to start simple here. Check out the Scruggs or the Backup version. This will set you up to be able to take the lead or supporting role in a ham situation. After getting the basics down try some licks. Work one lick on its own over and over until it's easy for you, then try to incorporate it into the song. If you're feeling adventurous, try out the Bluesy arrangement for a Ron Block style break to this tune.

  • Banjo Man of Constant Sorrow Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      100 bpm
    • Tuning
      aDGBD

    A simple, yet bluesy version of Man of Constant Sorrow that teaches using leaving out the "3rd" of the G and A chords.

    Banjo Man of Constant Sorrow Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Man of Constant Sorrow Bluesy Style

    Bluesy Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      100 bpm
    • Tuning
      aDGBD

    A Ron Block-style take on this classic traditional tune Man of Constant Sorrow. Ron uses a lot of bluesy slides and pull-offs on the 2nd string.

    Banjo Man of Constant Sorrow Bluesy Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Man of Constant Sorrow Backup

    Backup

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      100 bpm
    • Tuning
      aDGBD

    A rolling and bluesy backup version of Man of Constant Sorrow to demonstrate filling in-between vocal lines.

    Banjo Man of Constant Sorrow Backup
    Learn



Practicing Tips

'Man of Constant Sorrow' invites learners to delve into the world of Bluegrass, exploring its intricacies through banjo tablatures. Especially designed for beginners, this course in Scruggs, Bluesy, and Backup Styles not only offers a rhythmic exploration of this medium-tempo, old-time vocal song but also paints a vivid picture of the bluesy undertones that encapsulate its mood.


At its core, the learning content offers a comprehensive guide to mastering Bluegrass banjo, made possible by the interactive tools of Tunefox's platform. The intuitive user interface enhances your learning experience through the revolutionary Lickswitcher tool. The interchangeable licks embedded inside individual measures foster a flexible and innovative learning approach, igniting creativity and boosting technical skills.


Further complementing the learning experience, the 'Arrange' slider acts as a personal guide. Whether you are a novice or an intermediate, this tool aids the learner in adjusting the song's difficulty to match their musical capability. Moreover, it allows for fine-tuning the tone to resonate more firmly with the learner's musical tastes, fostering a personalized learning environment.


Equally significant is the 'Hide notes' feature, an ideal support tool for auditory learners. By enabling learners to hide individual notes, this tool encourages them to learn the tune by ear. In this manner, the 'Hide notes' feature serves as a catalyst for strengthening ear training. It improves musical intuition and aids memory, propelling learners towards an enhanced cognitive understanding of the music.


When practicing ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’, remember to take time and not rush through the learning process. Repetition is key to mastering any musical piece, so rehearse at your pace. Embrace the freedom of making mistakes and learning from them as it would refine your musical skills. Regularly using Tunefox's innovative tools will also enhance your learning experience, resulting in an authentic and satisfying musical journey.


Man of Constant Sorrow lyrics

I am a man of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to old Kentucky
The state where I was borned and raised



For six long years I've been in trouble
No pleasure here on earth I find
For in this world I'm bound to ramble
I have no friends to help me now



It's fare thee well my own true lover
I never expect to see you again
For I'm bound to ride that northern railroad
Perhaps I'll die upon this train



You can bury me in some deep valley
For many years where I may lay
Then you may learn to love another
While I am sleeping in my grave



It's fare you well to a native country
The places I have loved so well
For I have seen all kinds of trouble
In this cruel world, no tongue can tell



Maybe your friends think I'm just a stranger
My face you'll never see no more
But there is one promise that is given
I'll meet you on God's golden shore