3 2016 Slow Jam Book
3 2016 Slow Jam Book
3 2016 Slow Jam Book
operated by the
Sundog Acoustic Music Society
This songbook was originally compiled by Stephen Maltby, Bob Hayes and
Thane Phillips for use at the Yukon Bluegrass Music Society slow jam sessions
and annual bluegrass music camp. In August 2010 the book underwent an
extensive revision by Jan Tulloch, Jan Milner and Scott Wilson.
Over time, most of these songs have developed other forms, verses and/or
chord changes. The particular versions in this book are only one example, and
the name under the title of each song is the artist who performed the version
used in this book (not necessarily the composer). To learn the melody you
can search YouTube, iTunes, or your favourite music-streaming website for
examples of these songs.
With this system the scale notes of a major scale, for example, C Major; C-D-E-
F-G-A-B-C, are changed to numbers. The C Major scale using the Nashville
Number System would be 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8.
Key and Chord Numbers: The same system can be used for keys of songs and
the chord progressions of those songs. Here are the chords that fit each key
use the same numbering system (#1 is the key of the song). Most bluegrass
songs use the 1, 4, and 5 chords. Sometimes the 2m, 3m or 6m are played, but
not often. This is country music, remember!
Key (1) 2 3 4 5 6 7
G A B C D E F#
A B C# D E F# G#
D E F# G A B C#
C D E F G A B
Using a Capo
You can change the key of any song and still play familiar chord forms on the
guitar or banjo by using a capo.
Place the capo at (just above) the second fret and not too tight. By shortening
the strings, the playing length and sound frequency of the strings are changed.
Now strum a G-shape chord. The capo has changed the sound frequencies to
now play an A chord. All other chords follow the same pattern change.
For example, placing the capo at (just above) the second fret changes the C
chord (or 4 chord in the G scale) to a D chord. The D-shape chord (or 5 chord
in the G scale) becomes an E chord. Place the capo at (just above) the third fret
and the same G-shape chord sounds like a Bb chord, and so on.
The chart below shows you what happens to the chord sounds when you place
the capo at the first five frets (from the nut or head of the guitar). Learn this
and you will be playing in most keys in bluegrass. Bluegrass guitarists love
playing in the G-form because it has a great bass root and broad and bright
strum sound.
Chord no capo 1st fret 2nd fret 3rd fret 4th fret 5th fret
G G Ab A Bb B C
A A Bb B C C# D
D D Eb E F F# G
C C C# D Eb E F
Slow Jams and Jam Etiquette
Jam Goals: The purpose of the bluegrass jam is to allow people to come together, enjoy and
participate in a musical journey; and, hopefully, help participants improve their musicianship.
Our bluegrass slow jam is a group effort at making music, learning repertoire and improving our
jamming skills. The musicians sit in a circle and we go around the circle, everyone getting a
chance to lead a song or take a solo during a song - you can also “pass”.
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Banks of the Ohio
(Tony Rice)
CHORUS
Was walking [1] home between twelve and [5] one
Thinking of what I had [1] done
I killed the girl I love, you [4] see
Because she [1] would not [5] marry [1] me
CHORUS
The very next [1] morn’ about half past [5] four
The sheriff’s men knocked at my [1] door
Sayin’ now young man, come now and [4] go
Down to the [1] banks [5] of the Ohi- [1] o
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Blue Moon Of Kentucky
(Bill Monroe)
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Blue Ridge Cabin Home
(The Bluegrass Album Band)
CHORUS
I re- [1] turn to that old mountain [4] home with the sigh
I've been [5] longing for days gone [1] by
When I die won't you bury me on this [4] old mountain side
Make my [5] resting place upon the hill so [1] high
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Bury Me Beneath The Weeping Willow
(Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice)
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Can’t You Hear Me Callin’
(Bill Monroe)
The days are [1] long the nights are lonely
Since you [4] left me all a- [1] lone
I’m worried [4] so my little [1] darling
I’m worried s--[4] [5]--o since you've been [1] gone
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Cora is Gone
( The Bluegrass Album Band)
The [1] ring that she wears I bought for her finger
Purchased her raiment so [5] fine
[1] Gave her my last green back dollar
And now she's [5] left me [1] behind
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Don't Give Your Heart to a Rambler
(Tony Rice)
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Don’t This Road Look Rough And Rocky
(The Bluegrass Album Band)
[1] Can’t you hear the [4] night birds [1] crying
Far across the deep blue [5] sea
[1] While of others [4] you are [1] thinking
[5] Won’t you sometimes think of [1] me
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A B Bb C D E Eb F
4 C Db D E Eb F G A Ab Bb
5 D Eb E F# F G A B Bb C
Don’t You Call My Name
(Del McCoury)
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
East Virginia Blues
(Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys)
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
The Graveyard Shift
(Steve Earle and The Del McCoury Band)
When the [1] sun goes down and the moon is gone
Is when I come around don’t you think I won’t
On the [4] graveyard shift, stay up all night [1] long
Wake up some [5] day, and find you’re good gal [1] gone
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
How Mountain Girls Can Love
(The Stanley Brothers)
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
I Am a Pilgrim
(Doc Watson)
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
I Still Carry You Around
(Steve Earle)
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
3 B C C# D D# E F# G G# A
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
I’ll Fly Away
(Alison Krause and Gillian Welch)
[1] Some bright morning when this life is o'er, [4] I’ll fly a- [1] way
To a home on God's celestial shore, I’--[5]--ll fly a- [1] way
[1] When the shadows of this life have gone, [4] I’ll fly a- [1] way
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly, I’--[5]--ll fly a- [1] way
CHORUS
[1] Oh how glad and happy when we meet, [4] I’ll fly a- [1] way
No more cold iron shackles on my feet, I’--[5]--ll fly a- [1] way
CHORUS
[1] Just a few more weary days and then, [4] I’ll fly a- [1] way
To a land where joys will never end, I’--[5]--ll fly a- [1] way
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B Bb C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E Eb F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# F G A Bb B C
I’ll Stay Around
(Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs)
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
I'm Waiting To Hear You Call Me Darling
(The Bluegrass Album Band)
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
If You’re Ever Going To Love Me
(The White Brothers)
If you’re ever going to [1] love me, what I want to [5] know is
There’s just one way that you can [1] show it
If you don’t start treating me better you [4] see
I’m a’goin’ to [5] do away with [1] me
I’m gonna go [1] down, where the water’s a little [5] deeper
I’m takin no chance and now you [1] see
If you don’t start treating me a little bit [5] better
I’m a’goin to do away with [1] me
CHORUS
Oh won’t you [1] tell me, how you feel a- [5] bout it
Your runnin’ me crazy can’t you [1] see
If you don’t start treating me a little bit [5] better
I’m a’goin to do away with [1] me
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Keep$On$The$Sunny$Side$
(The%Whites)%
%
There's%a%[1]%dark%and%a%[4]%troubled%side%of%[1]%life%
But%there's%a%bright%and%a%sunny%side%[5]%too%
Though%you%meet%with%the%darkness%and%[1]%strife%
The%[5]%sunny%side%you%also%may%[1]%view%
%
[1]%Keep%on%the%sunny%side%
[4]%Always%on%the%[1]%sunny%side%
Keep%on%the%sunny%side%of%[5]%life%
It%will%[1]%help%us%every%day%
It%will%[4]%brighten%all%the%[1]%way%
If%we%[1]%keep%[4]%on%the%[1]%sunny%[5]%side%of%[1]%life%
%
Oh,%the%[1]%storm%and%its%[4]%furies%raged%toG%[1]%day%
Crushing%hope%that%we%cherish%so%[5]%dear%
The%cloud%and%storm%will%in%time%pass%aG%[1]%way%
And%the%[5]%sun%again%will%shine%bright%and%[1]%clear%
%
CHORUS%
%
Let%us%[1]%greet%with%a%[4]%song%of%hope%each%[1]%day%
Though%the%moment%be%cloudy%or%[5]%fair%
And%let%us%trust%in%our%Savior%alG%[1]%ways%
Who%[5]%keep%us%every%one%in%His%[1]%care%
%
CHORUS%
%
1$ G% Ab% A% Bb$ B% C% D% Eb% E% F%
4$ C% Db% D% Eb$ E% F% G% Ab% A% Bb%
5$ D% Eb% E% F$ F#% G% A% Bb% B% C%
%
To [1] night I'm all alone with [4] out you my [1] dear
It seems there's a longing for you [5] still
All I [1] have to do now is [4] sit alone and [1] cry
In our little cabin [5] home on the [1] hill
I [1] hope you are happy to- [4] night as you [1] are
But in my heart there's a longing for you [5] still
I'll just [1] keep it there so [4] I won't be a- [1] lone
In our little cabin [5] home on the [1] hill
CHORUS
Now [1] when you have come to the [4] end of the [1] way
And find there's no more happiness for [5] you
Just [1] let your thoughts turn back once [4] more if you [1] will
In our little cabin [5] home on the [1] hill
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Long Black Veil – Rosanna Cash
She [4] walks these [1] hills, in a [4] long black [1] veil
She [4] visits my [1] grave, when the [4] night winds [1] wail
Nobody knows, [4] nobody [1] sees
[4] Nobody [5] knows but [1] me
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Making Plans
(Here Today)
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
2 A Bb B C C# D E F F# G
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Mr. Engineer
(Tony Rice)
Engi- [4] neer reach [5] up and pull the [1] whistle
Let me [4] hear that [5] lonesome [1] sound
For it [4] blends with the [5] feeling that’s [1] in me
The one I [4] love has [5] turned me [1] down
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
My Walkin’ Shoes
(Here Today)
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Nine Pound Hammer
(The Tony Rice Unit)
It’s a long way to [1] Harlan, it’s a long way to [4] Hazard
Just to get a little [1] brew, [5] just to get a little [1] brew
Well roll on [1] buddy, don't you roll so [4] slow
How can I [1] roll, [5] when the wheels won't [1] go
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Old Home Place
(J. D. Crowe and The New South)
It’s been [1] ten long [3] years since [4] I left my [1] home
In the holler where I was [5] born
Where the [1] cool fall [3] nights make the [4] wood smoke [1] rise
And the foxhunter [5] blows his [1] horn
I [1] fell in [3] love with a [4] girl from the [1] town
I thought that she would be [5] true
I [1] ran a- [3] way to [4] Charlottes- [1] ville
And worked in a [5] sawmill or [1] two
[5] What have you done to the [1] old home place
[2] Why did they tear it [5] down
And [1] why did I [3] leave the [4] plough in the [1] field
And look for a [5] job in the [1] town
Well the [1] girl ran [3] off with [4] somebody [1] else
The taverns took all my [5] pay
And [1] here I [3] stand at the [4] old home [1] place
Before they [5] took it [1] away
Now the [1] geese fly [3] south and the [4] cold wind [1] moans
As I stand here and hang my [5] head
I’ve [1] lost my [3] love, I’ve [4] lost my [1] home
And now I [5] wish that I was [1] dead
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
2 A Bb B C C# D E F F# G
3 B C C# D D# E F# G G# A
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
(Del McCoury)
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms
(Lester Flatt)
CHORUS
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
2 A Bb B C C# D E F F# G
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Stone Walls And Steel Bars
(The Stanley Brothers)
[1] Stone walls and steel bars a [4] love on my [1] mind
I'm a three time loser I'm [5] long gone this [1] time
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
There’s More Pretty Girls Than One
(Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice)
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
This Heart of Mine
(Noah and Irene Carver)
SOLO
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
6m Em Fm F#m Gm G#m Am Bm Cm C#m Dm
Way Downtown
(Tony Rice)
[4] Oh me [1] oh my
[5] What's gonna become of [1] me
[4] Been downtown [1] fooling around
[5] No one to cry for [1] me
Well [4] late last night when my [1] Willie came home
I [5] heard him a-rappin' at the [1] door
[4] Slippin' and a slidin' with his [1] new shoes on
[5] Willie don't you rap no [1] more
CHORUS
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
White Dove
(The Stanley Brothers)
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Who Will Sing For Me
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
2 A Bb B C C# D E F F# G
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
(Delmore Brothers)
CHORUS
CHORUS
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
You Don't Know My Mind
(Jimmy Martin)
Honey [1] you don't know my mind, I'm lonesome all the [4] time
[5] Born to lose, a drifter that's [1] me
You can tell her for so long, she makes a rambler’s heart go [4] wrong
[5] Baby you don't know my mind to- [1] day
Heard the [1] music of the rails, slept in every old dirty [4] jail
[5] Lord life's too short for you to worry [1] me
When I find I can't win, I’m checking out a- [4] gain
[5] Baby you don't know my mind to- [1] day
I've been a [1] hobo and a tramp, and my soul has done been [4] stamped
[5] Lord things I know I've learned the hard, hard [1] way
I'm not here to judge or plead, but just to give my poor heart [4] ease
[5] Baby you don't know my mind to- [1] day
Honey [1] you don't know my mind, I'm lonesome all the [4] time
[5] Born to lose, a drifter that's [1] me
Well say I'm sweet and kind, but I can love you a thousand [4] times
[5] Baby you don't know my mind to- [1] day
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
You Won’t Be Satisfied That Way
(The White Brothers)
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C
Your Love Is Like A Flower
(The Bluegrass Album Band)
CHORUS
It was [1] spring when you whispered these [4] words dear
The [1] flowers were all blooming so [5] fair
But to- [1] day as the snow falls a- [4] round us
I can [1] see that your [5] love is not [1] there
CHORUS
1 G Ab A Bb B C D Eb E F
4 C Db D Eb E F G Ab A Bb
5 D Eb E F F# G A Bb B C