How To Play Auld Lang Syne On Clawhammer Banjo For Beginners
Written By Ben Dorning
Banjo Teacher and Creator Of
www.banjoadventures.com
If you're new to the banjo, you might enjoy my Complete Beginner’s Guide to Learning Banjo, where I walk through everything you need to know to start your banjo adventure.
Hello and welcome to Banjo Adventures. My name is Ben Dorning, I’ve been playing the banjo for a while now and although I am no expert, I love to teach and explain things that I have learned with you wonderful people. In this video lesson I show you how to play the well known song Auld Lang Syne using my SIMPLY SONGS method which strips down complex tunes into their most basic of ingredients: Rhythm - Chords - Melody - Lyrics
Click or tap on any image to purchase the SIMPLY SONGS + TAB Bundle
Auld Lang Syne — CLAWHAMMER BANJO TAB PDF
With its flowing 4/4 rhythm and warm, recognisable melody, Auld Lang Syne is a rewarding tune to play on clawhammer banjo. This clawhammer banjo tab offers two progressive arrangements: an approachable SIMPLY SONGS version for complete beginners and a fuller Standard TAB for confident beginners. Start by finding the essential melody using only open strings and second-fret notes, then develop the tune with chordal accompaniment, fifth-string drone notes and a pull-off.
Arrangement details
Style: Clawhammer banjo
Tuning: Open G — gDGBD
Key: G major
Time signature: 4/4
SIMPLY SONGS difficulty: Complete beginner
Standard TAB difficulty: Confident beginner
SIMPLY SONGS techniques: Single-note melody using open strings and second-fret notes
Standard TAB techniques: Melody playing, chordal brushes, fifth-string drone notes and a pull-off
Chords: G, D7, C and Em
Lyrics included: Yes
Digital format: Digital PDF download
Length: 4 PDF pages across both arrangements
Learning guidance
Begin with the SIMPLY SONGS arrangement and concentrate on keeping the melody steady as the harmony moves through G, D7, C and Em. The melody uses a small number of open and second-fret notes, allowing you to focus on its phrasing and 4/4 pulse. The Standard TAB preserves the recognisable melody while adding fuller chord sounds, regular fifth-string accompaniment and a pull-off. Build these elements into the tune gradually, keeping the melody clear as the texture becomes richer.
Two arrangements included
Start with the SIMPLY SONGS version—a clear, approachable and easy-to-read banjo tab with larger notation and a simplified arrangement. It is designed for beginners, visual learners and players who find traditional banjo tablature difficult to read.
When ready for an extra challenge, progress to the Standard TAB, which provides a more complete clawhammer banjo arrangement with additional notes, techniques and musical detail.
Together, the two versions provide a clear path from understanding and playing the essential tune to developing a richer arrangement.
Your digital download includes:
One easy-to-read SIMPLY SONGS banjo tab
One complete Standard clawhammer banjo tab
Both arrangements supplied as a digital PDF download
Banjo tabs suitable for complete beginners through confident beginners
Your PDF download will be emailed automatically after purchase. Please double-check that your email address is spelled correctly before completing your order.
How to ply Auld Lang Syne on clawhammer banjo
