Jim Bottorff's Banjo Page
 Beginner's Songs
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TUNING
Pick below to get in tune:
All strings are played first, then each string is played individually.
 
Plectrum Banjo: CGBD,   5-String Banjo: gDGBD,   Tenor Banjo: CGDA
Banjo with Guitar or Baritone Ukulele tuning: DGBE,   Guitar: EADGBE
Ukulele: GCEA,   Mandolin: GDAE,   Bass: EADG
 
Individual Notes:
Each note is played in 4 octaves.
 
A    A#/Bb    B    C    C#/Db   D    D#/Eb    E    F    F#/Gb    G    G#/Ab
 

 
The following songs have chord structures that should be easy for Beginner's to follow.  The melodies vary from easy to difficult.  
Lots of 4 and 5 string banjo players have learned to play from these songs.  Have fun and start pickin' and strummin'.
  


Beginner's Songs:
 
INDEX:
A B  C D  E  F G  H I  J K L  M N  O P  Q  R S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
 
Click the "Song Name" to listen or "Chords" for the play-along Chord Chart page.
 
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A-B
ALLEY CAT  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
ALL THE GOOD TIMES ARE PAST AND GONE  -  Key of  G, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
ALPHABET SONG, THE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
ALOHA OE  -  Key of G with Verse - Chords & Lyrics
AMAZING GRACE  -  Key of  G, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
ARKANSAS TRAVELER  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
BAA! BAA! BLACK SHEEP  -  Keys of  G and C - Chords & Lyrics
BABY ELEPHANT WALK  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
BANJO BOOGIE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics plus 5-String, Plectrum, and Tenor Tablature
BANJO BOY  -  Key of G with Verse - Chords & Lyrics
BANJO IN THE HOLLOW  -  Key of  G - Chords and 5-String Tablature
BANJO SOLO, A  -  Key of  G - Chords and 5-String Tablature
BANJO SONG  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords
BANKS OF THE OHIO  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
BARN DANCE / RUSTIC DANCE  -  Key of  C and F - Advanced Chords
BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
BEAUMONT RAG  -  Key of  C - Chords
BEAUTIFUL BROWN EYES  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
BEAUTIFUL DREAMER  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
BELL BOTTOM TROUSERS  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics..
BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN, THE  -  Key of  C with Verse - Chords & Lyrics
BILE THAT CABBAGE DOWN  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
BILLY BOY  -  Key of  C - Chords, Lyrics & Sound Clip
BILLY IN THE LOWGROUND  -  Key of  G - Chords and 5-String Tablature
BLACKBERRY BLOSSOM  -  Key of  G - Chords & 5-String Tab
BLACK MOUNTAIN RAG  -  Key of  G - Chords & 5-String Tab
BLOWIN' IN THE WIND  -  Key of  D - Chords, Lyrics
BLUESY BANJO  -  Key of  G - Chords and 5-String Tablature
BOLL WEEVIL  -  Key of  G - Chords and Lyrics
BUFFALO GALS  -  Key of  C - Chords, Lyrics & Sound Clip
BUNNY HOP  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
BURY ME BENEATH THE WILLOW  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
 
C-D
CAMPTOWN RACES  -  Key of  C - Chords, Lyrics, Lead-Sheet
CARELESS LOVE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
CARNIVAL OF VENICE  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
CASEY JONES  -  Key of  C with Verse - Chords & Lyrics
CHICKEN DANCE, THE  -  Key of  C with Verse - Chords & Lyrics
CINDY  -  Key of  G - Chords, Lyrics & Tablature
CLARINET POLKA  -  Verse in Bb, Chorus in Eb - Chords
CLINCH MOUNTAIN BACKSTEP  -  Key of  G - Chords, Lyrics
COLUMBUS STOCKADE BLUES  -  Key of  G - Chords, Lyrics
COTTON-EYED JOE  -  Key of  G - Chords, Lyrics
COTTON FIELDS  -  Key of  G - Chords, Lyrics
CRADLE SONG (BRAHMS LULLABY)  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
CRIPPLE CREEK  -  Key of  G - Chords, Lyrics & Sound Clip
CUMBERLAND GAP  -  Key of  G - Chords, Lyrics and 5-String Tablature
DARLING COREY  -  Key of  G - Chords, Lyrics
DARLING NELLIE GRAY  -  Key of  D - Chords, Lyrics
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS  -  Key of  F - Chords, Lyrics
DEVIL'S DREAM  -  Key of  G - Chords & 5-String Tablature
DIXIE  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW, THAT  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
DON'T LET THE STARS GET IN YOUR EYES  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
DOOLEY  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE  -  Key of  F - Chords, Lyrics
DOWN IN THE VALLEY  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
DUELING BANJOS  -  Key of  G - Chords
 
E
EDDIE CUCHA CATCHA CAMMA SONG  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
EIGHT MORE MILES TO LOUISVILLE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
EIGHTH OF JANUARY  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
EL CONDOR PASA  -  Key of  Em - Chords & Lyrics
 
F-G
FEELIN' BAD  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
FIREBALL MAIL  -  Key of  G - Chords and 5-String Tablature
FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN  -  Key of  G - Chords and 5-String Tablature
FIVE HUNDRED MILES -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREAKDOWN  -  Key of  G - Chords and 5-String Tablature
FOGGY MOUNTAIN SPECIAL  -  Key of  G - Chords
FOGGY MOUNTAIN TOP, THE  -  Key of  G - Chords
FOR HE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW  -  Key of  G, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
FRANKIE AND JOHNNY  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
FREIGHT TRAIN  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
FRERE JACQUES  -  Keys of  G, C, F - Chords & Lyrics
FROGGY WENT A-COURTIN'  -  Keys of  G and C - Chords & Lyrics
GIRL I LEFT BEHIND, THE  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
GOIN' DOWN THE ROAD FEELIN' BAD  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
GOLDEN SLIPPERS -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
GOOBER PEAS MARCH  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
GOOD BYE, MY LOVER GOOD BYE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
GOODNIGHT IRENE  -  Key of  G, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
GOOD NIGHT LADIES  -  Keys of  G and C, - Chords & Lyrics
GO TELL AUNT RHODY  -  Keys of  G and C - Chords & Lyrics
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
GOTTA TRAVEL ON  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
GRANDFATHER'S CLOCK  -  Key of  G - Chords, Lyrics
GREENSLEEVES  -  Key of  Em, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
 
H-I
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU  -  Key of  G, 3/4 time - Chords, Lyrics
HAPPY WANDERER, THE  -  Key of  C - Chords, Lyrics
HARD, AIN'T IT HARD, IT'S  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
HARD TRAVELIN'  -  Key of  C - Chords, Lyrics
HEY, MR. BANJO  -  Key of  C - Chords, Lyrics & Sound Clip
HOME ON THE RANGE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
HOME SWEET HOME  -  Key of  D - Chords & Lyrics
HOT CORN, COLD CORN  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
HOW GREAT THOU ART  -  Key of  C - Chords, Lyrics
I LIKE BANJO MUSIC  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
I LIKE MOUNTAIN MUSIC  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
I RIDE AN OLD PAINT  -  Key of  G, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
I SAW THE LIGHT  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
I WALK THE LINE  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
IF I HAD A HAMMER  -  Key of  F - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
IRISH WASHER WOMAN  -  Key of  G, 6/8 time - Chords
I'LL FLY AWAY  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
I'M GOING BACK TO DIXIE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
IT'S A SMALL WORLD  -  Key of  F with Verse - Chords & Lyrics
IT'S HARD, AIN'T IT HARD  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THE RAILROAD  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
 
J-K-L
JAMAICA FAREWELL  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
JAMBALAYA  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
JESSE JAMES  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
JOHN HARDY  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
JOHN HENRY  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
JUBILEE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
JINGLE BELLS  -  Key of  G - Chords and 5-String Tab & Lyrics
JUST A LITTLE WHILE TO STAY HERE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
LA CUCARACHA  -  Key of  F with Verse - Chords & Lyrics
LIBERTY  -  Key of  D - Chords, 5-String Tab, & Sound Clip
LINCOLN AND LIBERTY  -  Key of  F, 3/4 time - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
LISTEN TO THE MOCKING BIRD  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
LITTLE ANNIE ROONEY  -  Key of  F, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
LITTLE BROWN CHURCH IN THE VALE, THE  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
LITTLE BROWN JUG  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
LITTLE DARLING, PAL OF MINE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
LITTLE LIZA JANE (Li'l Liza Jane)  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
LITTLE MAGGIE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
LOCH LOMOND  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
LONESOME ROAD, THE  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
LONESOME ROAD BLUES, THE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
LONESOME VALLEY  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
LOONEY TUNES THEME, THE  -  Key of  C - Chords & Sound Clip
L.O.V.E.  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
 
M-N
MAN OF CONSTANT SORROW  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
MARCHING TO PRETORIA  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
MARIANNE  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB  -  Keys of  G and C - Chords & Lyrics
MATILDA  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
MISTER BANJO  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
MOCKIN' BIRD HILL  -  Key of G with Verse, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
MOLLY AND TENBROOKS  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
MOUNTAIN DEW  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
MY BONNIE -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
MY CABIN IN CAROLINE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
NASHVILLE BLUES  -  Key of  Dm - Chords
NELLIE BLY  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
NEVER ON SUNDAY  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
NEW RIVER TRAIN  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
NINE POUND HAMMER  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
 
O-P
O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL  -  Key of G - Chords & Lyrics
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
OH, LONESOME ME  -  Key of  C - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
OH, MY DARLING CLEMENTINE  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
OH! SUSANNA  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
OH! THEM GOLDEN SLIPPERS -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
OLD CHISHOLM TRAIL, THE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
OLD DAN TUCKER  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
OLD GREY MARE, THE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
OLD JOE CLARK  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
OLD MacDONALD HAD A FARM -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
OLD TIME RELIGION  -  Keys of  G and C - Chords & Lyrics
ON TOP OF OLD SMOKEY  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords, Lyrics
OUR BOYS WILL SHINE TONIGHT  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
OVER THE WAVES  -  Key of  Bb, Eb, 3/4 time - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
PAPA JOE'S  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
PISTOL PACKIN' MAMA  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
PLAY A SIMPLE MELODY -  Key of  F, Two Parts - Chords & Lyrics
POLLY WOLLY DOODLE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
PRACTICE SONG, THE -  Keys of  Gand C - Chords & Lyrics
PRISONER'S SONG, THE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
PUTTING ON THE STYLE  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
 
R-S
RAMBLIN' ROSE  -  Key of  G - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
RED-HAIRED BOY  -  Key of  A - Chords
RED RIVER VALLEY  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
RED WING  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
RICKETT'S HORNPIPE  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
RIDIN' DOWN THE CANYON  -  Key of  G - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
RING, RING THE BANJO  -  Key of  C, Verse - Chords & Lyrics
ROCKY TOP  -  Key of  G - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
ROVING GAMBLER  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT  -  Keys of  G and C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
RUSTIC DANCE / BARN DANCE  -  Key of  C and F - Advanced Chords
RYE WHISKEY -  Key of  G, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
SAILOR'S HORNPIPE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
SALLY ANN  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
SALLY GOODIN'  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
SALT CREEK (SALT RIVER)  -  Key of  G - Chords
SALTY DOG  -  Key of  G - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
SANTA LUCIA  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
SCARBOROUGH FAIR  -  Key of  Dm, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
SEEING NELLIE HOME (Quilting Party)  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
SHADY GROVE  -  Key of  Em - Chords & Lyrics
SHE'LL BE COMIN' ROUND THE MOUNTAIN  -  Key of  G, Verse - Chords & Lyrics
SHENANDOAH  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
SHORTNIN' BREAD  -  Key of  C - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
SILENT NIGHT  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords and Lyrics
SILVER BELL  -  Verse in G, Chorus in C - Chords & Lyrics
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
SIOUX CITY SUE  -  Key of  F with Verse - Chords & Lyrics
SKIP TO MY LOU  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
SLOOP JOHN B  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
SOLDIER'S JOY  -  Key of  D - Chords and 5-String Tablature
SOMEBODY TOUCHED ME  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
SPANISH EYES  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
SPANISH TWO-STEP (NEW)  -  Key of  C - Chords, Lyrics
ST. ANNE'S REEL  -  Key of  D - Chords
ST. JAMES INFIRMARY  -  Key of  Dm - Chords & Lyrics
SWEET BETSY FROM PIKE  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
SWEET BY AND BY  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
 
T
TA-RA-RA BOOM-DER-'E  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
TENNESSEE WALTZ  -  Key of  C, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
THERE IS A TAVERN IN THE TOWN  -  Key of  C - Chords, Lyrics
THERE IS A TIME (aka Wayfaring Stranger)  -  Key of  Em - Chords & Lyrics
THERE'S A TEAR IN MY BEER  -  Key of  D - Chords & Lyrics
THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
THREE LITTLE FISHIES  -  Key of  F - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
TIAJUANA JAIL, THE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
TIE ME KANGAROO DOWN, SPORT  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
TOM DOOLEY  -  Keys of  G and C - Chords & Lyrics
TURKEY IN THE STRAW  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR  -  Keys of  C and F - Chords, Lyrics
 
U
UP ON THE HOUSETOP  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
 
W
WABASH CANNONBALL  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
WASHINGTON AND LEE SWING  -  Key of  C with Verse - Chords & Lyrics
WAY OUT WEST IN KANSAS  -  Key of  C - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
WAYFARING STRANGER (aka There Is A Time)  -  Key of  Em - Chords & Lyrics
WAYWARD WIND, THE  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN  -  Key of  F with Verse - Advanced Chords & Lyrics
WHERE HAS MY LITTLE DOG GONE?  -  Key of  G, 3/4 time - Chords & Lyrics
WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?  -  Key of  C - Chords & Lyrics
WHISKEY BEFORE BREAKFAST  -  Key of  D - Chords
WHOA! MULE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
WILDWOOD FLOWER  -  Key of  C - Chords and 5-String Tab & Lyrics
WORKING ON THE RAILROAD  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
WORRIED MAN BLUES  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
WRECK OF THE JOHN B  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
WRECK OF THE OLD 97  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
 
Y
YANKEE DOODLE  -  Keys of  G and F - Chords & Lyrics
YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS, THE  -  Key of  G - Chords & Lyrics
YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE  -  Key of  F - Chords & Lyrics
 
 
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