Author: Mary Jane Duford

  • How to call a song in a jam

    How to call a song in a jam

    Master the art of leading a song in a bluegrass jam. Uncover unwritten rules, etiquette, and strategies to shine while maintaining group harmony.

  • Bluegrass instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass)

    Bluegrass instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass)

    Dive into the world of bluegrass music, uncovering its history and essential instruments. Learn how banjos to fiddles shape this unique genre’s sound.

  • Early bluegrass musicians

    Early bluegrass musicians

    Discover the rich history of bluegrass music, tracing its roots to early bluegrass musicians like Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs. Dive in now!

  • White Freightliner Blues

    White Freightliner Blues

    Let’s learn the song White Freightliner Blues! White Freightliner Blues White Freightliner Blues is a popular jam tune written by Townes Van Zandt. Key Signature White Freightliner Blues is commonly played in the key of C Major. Other popular keys for this song include E Major. Chorus:I’m goin’ out on the highway, listen to them…

  • Will the Circle be Unbroken

    Will the Circle be Unbroken

    Will the Circle be Unbroken is a standard bluegrass tune. This folk hymn was originally written in 1907 by Ada R. Habershon and Charles H. Gabriel. Key signature Will the Circle be Unbroken is generally played in the key of G Major. Alternate keys include A Major and Bb Major. Melody Here is the basic melody…

  • I’ll Fly Away

    I’ll Fly Away

    I’ll Fly Away is a standard bluegrass tune. Composer This gospel hymn was originally written in 1929 by Albert E. Brumley and published in 1932. Brumley was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in 1972 – the year the Hall of Fame was established. Key signature I’ll Fly Away is generally played in the key…

  • Golden Slippers

    Golden Slippers

    Let’s learn the tune Golden Slippers! Golden Slippers Golden Slippers is a bluegrass standard song. James A. Bland wrote Golden Slippers as “Oh, Dem Golden Slippers” in around 1879. This song was originally called Dem Golden Slippers (or Oh, Dem Golden Slippers), and it was written as a parody of a spiritual song called Golden…

  • The Blackest Crow

    The Blackest Crow

    Let’s learn the song The Blackest Crow! The Blackest Crow The Blackest Crow is an American Civil War-era tune. Lyrics As time draws near my dearest dear, when you and I must part,How little you know of the grief and woe in my poor aching heart.Each night I suffer for your sake, you’re the girl…

  • Rove Riley Rove

    Rove Riley Rove

    Let’s learn the song Rove Riley Rove! Rove Riley Rove Rove Riley Rove is a traditional American Appalachian tune. Lyrics I went up on a mountain,Gave my horn a blow,Thought I hear my true love say,Yonder comes by beau. Chorus:Rove Riley, rove,Rove Riley, rove,Rove Riley, poor boy,Ain’t got nowhere to go. Mama give me meat,Mother…

  • Lazy John

    Lazy John

    Let’s learn the song, Lazy John! Lazy John Lazy John is an old bluegrass standard. It’s certainly not the most common on the list, but it does get played now and then. Key signature The song Lazy John is commonly played in the key of G Major and also often played in A Major. Lyrics…