Clawhammer Banjo: Tune (and Tab) of the Week - 'Sugar Hill'

This week we have another old-time stalwart from the Round Peak tradition: "Sugar Hill". I thought it was another tune well suited to the gourd banjo, so I'm tuned down here to c#F#C#F#G# instead of the typical aDADE tuning I'd typically play it in.

If you have any questions about this tune, the tab, or how to play clawhammer banjo in general, please post it in the comments. I'm happy to reply in text or video, if needed.

[DanDDirges]

Oh my goodness! Another masterpiece! You`re the best and that saying something because there are so many great banjo players on YouTube and elsewhere.

[tbut]

Love it, great job! Sounds very similar to Angelina Baker

[domeniccarson]

I've been at it a year now. You've taught me as much as anybody. I first saw you doing "mountain dew." It was the first song I learned to play (after maybe around 15 or 20 hours of practicing the strum over the course of 4 or 5 days, a very arduous but necessary step).

I couldn't read the tab if I tried but I watched your hands in the video and they shared the story. Thank you for your help. Oh and I love your style. Is the word I'm looking for syncopation? I think that's what you might call one of the more distinctive aspects of your drive.

[tedoxholm]

I think this might be your best so far. The tone is really great. 

[zenbanjo]

Very nice. Some cool subtleties in their also.

[Cjsings]

Great Job!!! I have been waiting for this one: so long I ended up hammering out my own version.... but your rendition should make it obvious to all we need Emergency Gourd banjos everywhere, just like AED's, someone is in a crisis, break out the Emergency Banjo!!!! Thanks again Doc!!!

[tilmar]

Sounds Great. Smooth vocals and top playing.

[Banjo_Dave]

This is LOVELY! It's much more mellow than the version I know. By the way how can I tune my banjo to this? I've just tried c#F#C#F#G# and now my banjo wants to kill me.

[khazmodan]

Hey, that's an awesome tune! Well played too!
I can't seem to get the TAB (tried to follow in 0.5 timing but still can't figure some parts out :), it seems that the link is outdated. Could you please update it or send it to me please? Much appreciated!

[Plafintarr]

Great tone, agreed! So beautiful. Did you make the gourd banjo yourself? Love the production of the sound with the bit of reverb and such. The B section of this tune sounds A LOT like the one in Angeline the Baker. To me at least!

[BRIAN_IVERSON_]

When clicking the button on the webpage to get the tab I get a 404 :(

[HollandHorvath]

doesn't look like the link to the tab works anymore. i know this is an old video, but does anyone have the tab still?

[TronpointOh]

I didn't know you were in Salt Lake. Do you play anywhere around town?

[markbullen]

What tuning are you playing in I have the tab from you and that says it’s in D baffled

[sethjacobs]

Dumb question, how are the tabs accessed? Thanks for all your doings, you have really turned me on to this style

Seth