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Banjo tablatures for Sweet Sunny South

Traditional

Recomended level: Intermediate

Tags: #vocal song, #old time

Indulge in the melodic charm of "Sweet Sunny South" for Banjo - a classic old-time vocal song perfectly suited for banjo enthusiasts of all skill levels. With its heartwarming tunes and evocative lyrics, the song takes you on a profound journey filled with vivid rural imagery and soulful simplicity, unifying any room with the wholesome harmonies of the good old South. This is an exceptional addition to any banjo lover's repertoire, offering exquisite sounds that will transport you back in time, every time.



Starting with the melody is always a good idea. If you want to play it a little closer to how you might sing it, then check out the syllabic melody. If you get the basics for either of these down make sure to check out some licks to see how embellishing a melody with rolls and slurs can lead us to that classic bluegrass banjo sound.



There's several Scruggs style versions of this available. None of them are super easy. You'll definitely need some experience in the style and you might need to really lean on your Tunefox tools to learn in a way that's not overwhelming, is efficient, and fits your skill level. The difficulty slider will dial out extra notes. The tempo slider will help you practice at a speed you can handle. The Focus feature will let you practice a measure, or more, at a time, and this is great to make learning a new tune less overwhelming.

  • Banjo Sweet Sunny South Melody

    Melody

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

    This simplified melody is based on the way Bobby Osborne sang it with The Osborne Brothers. Make listening with Tunefox, and to the original recording, a part of your regular practi...

    Banjo Sweet Sunny South Melody
    Learn
  • Banjo Sweet Sunny South Melody - Syllabic

    Melody - Syllabic

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

    This melody is based closely on Tony Rice's vocal performance with the Bluegrass Album band. The timing it tough! You will need to practice listening, maybe more than playing at firs...

    Banjo Sweet Sunny South Melody - Syllabic
    Learn
  • Banjo Sweet Sunny South Osborne Style

    Osborne Style

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

    This version is a transcription of Sonny Osborne's playing with The Osborne Brothers. That means it is pretty much note-for-note exactly how he played it. If you are a serious stude...

    Banjo Sweet Sunny South Osborne Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Sweet Sunny South Scruggs Style

    Scruggs Style

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

    This is a Scruggs Style kickoff based on the banjo playing of Larry Wallace on the recording made by Alan Sibley and the Magnolia Ramblers. Make listening to the original recording, ...

    Banjo Sweet Sunny South Scruggs Style
    Learn
  • Banjo Sweet Sunny South Reno Style

    Reno Style

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

    This is a Reno style version based on the banjo playing by Larry Wallace from Alan Sibley and The Magnolia Ramblers' version of this tune. Reno style, as in Don Reno, is a challengin...

    Banjo Sweet Sunny South Reno Style
    Learn

Sweet Sunny South lyrics

Take me back to the place where I first saw the light

To the sweet sunny south, take me home

Where the mockingbirds sing me to rest every night

Oh, why was I tempted to roam?



And I think with regret of the dear home I left

Of the warm hearts that sheltered me there

Of wife and of dear ones, of whom I'm bereft

For the old place again do I sigh?



Take me back to the place where the orange trees grow

To my plot in the evergreen shade

Where the flowers from the river's green margins did grow

And spread their sweet scent through the glade



Oh, the path to our cottage, they say, has grown green

And the place is quite lonely around

I know that the smiles and the forms I have seen

Now lie in the dark mossy ground



Take me back, let me see what is left that I knew

Can it be that the old house is gone?

Dear friends of my childhood indeed must be few

And I must face death all alone



But yet I'll return to the place of my birth

The children have played round the door

Where they gathered wild blossoms that grow round the path

They'll echo our footsteps no more



Take me back to the place where my little ones sleep

Poor Massa lies buried close by

By the graves of my loved ones, I long for to weep

And among them to rest when I die



Take me back to the place where I first saw the light

To the sweet sunny south, take me home

Where the mockingbirds sing me to rest every night

Oh, why was I tempted to roam?