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Reuben Banjo Tabs

Earl Scruggs

Reuben Banjo Tablature: One Song, Many Styles

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #d tuning, #bluesy, #instrumental

Learn how to play Reuben on Banjo with this selection of tablatures:

  • Banjo Reuben Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      f#DF#AD

    A classic Earl Scruggs arrangement of Reuben from the "Foggy Mountain Banjo" record. Keep in mind that a train tune, so it should be driving forward like a train!

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  • Banjo Reuben Jim Mills Style

    Jim Mills Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      115 bpm
    • Tuning
      fDFAD

    Jim Mills was one of the best to ever play the 5 string banjo. Period. He brought so much life to and had so many interesting takes on Scruggs style banjo. Pay attention to the pick ...

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  • Banjo Reuben Jim Mills Style - 2

    Jim Mills Style - 2

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      115 bpm
    • Tuning
      fDFAD

    More Jim Mills Style Reuben! This one uses some really cool harmonics for the 2nd half of the break. Again, pay attention to those fret and pick hand fingerings!

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  • Banjo Reuben Melodic Style

    Melodic Style

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      f#DF#AD

    This is an advanced bluesy arrangement of Reuben inspired by Bela Fleck's tune, "The Legend." It features descending blues scale patterns that work great over the chord changes!

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  • Banjo Reuben Backup

    Backup

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      D
    • Tempo
      120 bpm
    • Tuning
      f#DF#AD

    This backup arrangement of Reuben demonstrates what Earl is doing on the original recording of Reuben behind the dobro player, Josh Graves.

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Practicing Tips

Learning Overview
Dive into the hearty realm of bluegrass with 'Reuben.' This learning resource presents expertly tailored banjo tablatures in Scruggs, Melodic, and Backup Styles for intermediate players. 'Reuben' poses a unique blend of challenges with its d tuning specificity, bluesy undertones, and instrumental complexity. It further allows you to experiment with varied musical interpretations through easy-to-follow tabs and a host of interactive features on the Tunefox platform.


Practice Tips: Harnessing the Power of Lick Switcher
One of the essential elements in your learning journey is Tunefox's Lick Switcher. This amusing feature imbues your repertoire with a myriad of alternate licks, shedding 'Reuben' in a whole new light. Each measure conceals a trove of potential variations. Simply tap a measure to unravel its hidden licks and modify them to suit your style and learning pace.


Arranging Difficulty with the Arrange Slider
The Arrange slider is your key to a personalized learning experience. Shift it to the left to simplify the arrangement into a stripped-down, core melody - ideal for beginners. Slide it to the right to reinstate the fill-in notes and indulge in the song's full richness. Changing difficulty levels was never more introduction or effortless.


Perfect Your Tempo with the Tempo Slider
Master the rhythm of 'Reuben' with Tunefox's Tempo Slider. Alter the tempo to match your skill level. Begin at a slower pace and gradually escalate to faster tempos as your skills improve, reinforcing your learning curve.


Get Jam-Ready with Backing Tracks
Get into the bluegrass groove with Tunefox's 'in-app' backing tracks. Play along with these tracks and experience the thrill of a live jamming session. You can select measures, repeat them, and benefit from the 'Speed Up' function to gradually boost the playback tempo. Start comfortably, and let the speed increase, reinforcing your rhythm and fluency.


Final Note
At the end of the day, learning 'Reuben' is all about enjoyment and exploration. Don't hesitate to experiment with the tips above and make each practice session a fun musical adventure. Remember, patience and regular practice are vital to mastering any musical number. Happy playing!