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Clawhammer banjo tablatures for Wayfaring Stranger

Traditional

Recomended level: Beginner

Tags: #clawhammer, #drop thumb, #banjo, #melodic

Wayfaring Stranger is a classic American folk song often played on a Clawhammer banjo. This version includes four different arrangements: a traditional Clawhammer arrangement, a version that goes up the neck, one with Minor Tuning, and a Sawmill Tuning version. All of these arrangements add depth and complexity to this timeless song, creating a unique and captivating sound.

  • Clawhammer banjo Wayfaring Stranger Clawhammer

    Clawhammer

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      Cm
    • Tempo
      70 bpm
    • Tuning
      GCGCD

    This tune sounds great in Double C. We really get to use that low string in the melody on this one and it creates a very powerful sound.

    Clawhammer banjo Wayfaring Stranger Clawhammer
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  • Clawhammer banjo Wayfaring Stranger Up the Neck

    Up the Neck

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      Cm
    • Tempo
      70 bpm
    • Tuning
      GCGCD

    This arrangement uses melody mostly on the first string. Playing the melody on the higher strings sounds great, and really helps it stand out when playing with others. Check out the ...

    Clawhammer banjo Wayfaring Stranger Up the Neck
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  • Clawhammer banjo Wayfaring Stranger Minor Tuning

    Minor Tuning

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      Gm
    • Tempo
      70 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDGAD

    This song is often played in A minor. Tune your open strings to gDGBbD. Capo at the second fret. Spike your fifth string at the seventh fret. Do that, and you'll be ready to play thi...

    Clawhammer banjo Wayfaring Stranger Minor Tuning
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  • Clawhammer banjo Wayfaring Stranger Sawmill Tuning

    Sawmill Tuning

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      Gm
    • Tempo
      70 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDGCD

    Sawmill tuning is used all the time in old-time playing. It opens up some nice options for Wayfaring Stranger too. Check it out!

    Clawhammer banjo Wayfaring Stranger Sawmill Tuning
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Practicing Tips

Master the 'Wayfaring Stranger' by tuning into this versatile learning resource. Particularly designed for beginners, this portal features clawhammer banjo tablatures in Clawhammer, Up the Neck, Minor Tuning, and Sawmill Tuning Styles. The course revolves around keywords such as Clawhammer, Drop Thumb, Banjo, and Melodic for an immersive learning experience.


Ensure optimal use of the Tunefox platform by leveraging its features. Lick switcher, one of the platform's key features, introduces new lick vocabulary to your repertoire, thereby allowing you to perceive the song in fresh ways. By integrating changes in the licks for separate measures, you gain the ability to explore various interpretations of the song. To unveil hidden licks in a measure, simply tap on it.


With the Arrange slider, customizing the difficulty level becomes quick and accurate. When the slider is moved to the left, the tablature reflects a basic, stripped-down arrangement by eliminating many “fill-in” notes. Move it to the right, and the additional notes complete the full arrangement, unveiling the complete composition in your tablature. In addition to this, the tempo can be modified by moving the tempo slider.


To enjoy a play-along experience, engage with backing tracks by concentrating on chosen measures and repeating them. The 'Speed Up' feature is an effective measure to gradually increase the playback tempo, giving you the chance to comfortably transition to faster speeds. Commence at a pace that suits you, and allow the 'Speed Up' feature to incrementally quicken the tempo with each playthrough of the song.


Assimilating this song requires practice and following few generic tips can propel your learning journey. Ensure that you practice regularly, take it slow, and focus on the accuracy and precision of notes. Additionally, consider playing along with the backing tracks to understand the dynamics of the song better.


Wayfaring Stranger lyrics

I am a poor wayfaring stranger Traveling through this world of woe But there's no sickness, toil or danger In that great world to which I go I'm going there to see my Father I'm going there no more to roam I'm only goin' over Jordan I'm only goin' over home I know dark clouds will gather 'round me I know my way is rough and steep But beautious fields lie just before me Where God's redeemed there vigils keep I'm going there to see my Mother She said she'd meet me when I come I'm only goin' over Jordan I'm only goin' over home I'm going there to see my Father I'm going there no more to roam I'm only goin' over Jordan I'm only goin' over home I'm only goin' over home