“Blue Moon of Kentucky” Lyrics and Chords
If you had to choose one song for Bill Monroe’s Hall of Fame plaque, “Blue Moon of Kentucky” would be it.
Erik Rolfsen
“Sitting On Top Of The World” Lyrics and Chords
“Sitting on Top of the World”—or “sittin’” if you prefer—is a staple of American roots music that’s been played in just about every style since it was first recorded by the Mississippi Sheiks in 1930. That version, written by Lonnie Chatman and Walter Vinson, is in the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry. Howlin’ Wolf’s … Read more
“Nine Pound Hammer” Lyrics and Chords
You’ll find no shortage of prison songs and railroad songs in the bluegrass canon, and sometimes you’ll find songs that cover both. “Nine Pound Hammer” is all about swinging a big hammer, and its lyrics come from the laborers and chain gangs that worked on railroads in the post-Civil War era. Fiddlin’ Charlie Bowman from … Read more
“Bury Me Beneath the Willow” Lyrics and Chords
This song about being abandoned by a lover goes way back. It was first documented in a 1909 compilation of songs by the Missouri Folklore Society, but had clearly been well established as a local favorite for years before that. The composer is unknown. In early versions the narrator is a woman, but the genders … Read more
Bluegrass Jam Etiquette: What You Need to Know
Knowing how to play in a bluegrass jam can make you more confident heading into your first jam, so here’s a primer on bluegrass jam etiquette.
How to Keep Your Guitar Pick from Slipping
If you jam outside during the summer, you know all about sweaty fingers and slippery guitar picks. Here’s how to keep your guitar pick from slipping.
3 Keys to Playing Faster Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar
Playing fast bluegrass rhythm guitar can be tricky, especially if you try to play it the same way you always play it. Here’s what to do instead.
The 7 Best Bluegrass Jamming Towns in America
We understand the draw of a town where it’s easy to find people to pick with. Here are the best bluegrass jamming towns in America.
How to Get That Cigarette Smell Out of Your Guitar
You bought a used acoustic guitar online and it has arrived smelling like cigarettes. Here’s how to get that cigarette smell out of your guitar and case.
Sitka vs. Adirondack Spruce as a Guitar Top Tonewood
Spend enough time among flatpickers, and you’ll soon learn that everyone has an opinion about whether Sitka or Adirondack spruce makes the best guitar top.