Bluegrass Banjo Tutorial: 'Man of Constant Sorrow.'

Hear this tune played with guitar rhythm backup (slow, medium, fast) starting at 11:13. Guitar chords are provided on-screen.

By request, this is an instructional tutorial 5-string bluegrass banjo lesson teaching my version of the popular folk song "Man of Constant Sorrow" in regular open G tuning.

From Wikipedia: "Man of Constant Sorrow" (also known as "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow") is a traditional American folk song first published by Dick Burnett, a partially blind fiddler from Kentucky. The song was originally titled "Farewell Song" in a songbook by Burnett dated to around 1913. An early version was recorded by Emry Arthur in 1928, which gave the song its current titles."

On this video I teach the tune lick by lick, phrase by phrase, using on-screen tablature, then I put it together -- slowly at first, then faster toward the end, adding rhythm guitar audio overlay and on-screen chord prompts.

I have posted this teaching video for instructional purposes only and, in my opinion, it constitutes fair use:

"The fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright."

Hope you enjoy.

[geraldharper]

Probably best teacher I ever heard on here

[TimDonk]

There's a lot of good instruction on YouTube, but you have to find the right person for your learning style...I just found my instructor!!

[rangertommy]

Thank you SO MUCH for having taken the time to post this for free! What a great tune, and a great version of it, as well. I am so appreciative that you'd go through all the trouble of both creating this, and sharing this with the public.

[masong]

10:14 Play through with sheet music! This was the part that helped me most, just got a banjo and was looking for a clear tutorial on a simple song to play - thanks for the great video!

[MadManiacGamer]

I kind of put away my banjo for a while but I’m these time I have been able to pick it back up a move forward learning from people like you.

[mes]

Really like your style of teaching in these videos. Thanks so much !

[matthewguzda]

I came here to testify. I been playing drums for decades but I've owned a banjo now for 2 weeks and I'm loving it. Ultimate goal is to sing lead in my own band doing country and country gospel.
This is a great video, I subscribed. I'm already keeping the forward roll in time but index finger, 2nd string 1st fret muffled 1st string.thanks and cheers

[rogerhazlewood]

thank god, best video, most guys show you a front picture of playing , not a good side view!! best ive seen to help me learn, thanks

[daytoneman]

You are my only teacher Bill. You’re methods are simple and concise and easy to learn with a lot of practise. Thank you from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧

[larryrobeson]

Enjoy immensely learning from you, Bill. Methodical, detailed and patient. You know your stuff and a excellent teacher.

[paulmcmillan]

best bluegrass banjo instruction from a great teacher...iv now learned several songs thanks to your lessons..

[NightingaleHMP]

Thank you so much, I have only just found this absolutely brilliant tutorial.
I must make a habit of looking in far more often. Best wishes from over the pond (Staffordshire UK) what an inspiration.

[TracyTeague-nmbq]

Your the man Bill! Thanks for the knowledge youve taught me so much

[bubbabundesliga]

These are great thanks heaps mate, finally picked up a banjo after 42 years to have something to clear my head and I am loving it bigtime. Thanks again mate.

[thomasjohns]

Thanks so much Bill. Your method is direct, easy and effective. Another great lesson and song to learn...I have to play more to keep up! Where's my Deering....

[JoseloGomezEA]

Hi Bill, Thanks a lot!!, great lesson, very simple and direct as always, you are a REAL PROFESOR!!. I am very happy with my new banjo Deering Calico 5 strings, the only one shure in Argentina, hahaha!!, Big Hug and thanks for you job, you most far pupil, a boy of 73 year old, JL, (José Luis), Sorry for my bad english, I was study in de secundary school, (far away a long ago), hahaha!!!, God Bless You mi Friend!!.

[reclinerreflections]

I'm really liking your style of teaching in these videos. This one is broken down where anyone should be able to pick up on the song without much effort. I'm anxious to get to the point where I can play this at the speed you show at the end, but for now I'm good with just getting through the whole song. Speed will come later. Thanks for posting and keep on pickin'!!!!

[elijahwheeler]

Thanks for the lesson, Bill! Much appreciated!

[mikeep]

I have just started learning the banjo and this tune, right here, is gonna be my goal for first tune mastered.

[armondseretti]

I'm sitting here ripping Dueling Banjos because of your instruction. While this looks quite a bit easier I can't wait to play it. Thanks!