Introduction

This lesson is your guided, confidence-building introduction to Cumberland Gap, one of the most iconic old-time banjo tunes, presented in a way that’s clear, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable for Hiker-level players. We work step by step in standard Open G tuning—no retuning, no capos—breaking down what might look like a “scary” tab into something logical, playable, and adaptable to your current skill level.

By the end of this lesson - You’ll learn how to understand and memorise the tune, lock in solid rhythm, extract the core melody, and gradually add colour with techniques like drop thumbs, hammer-ons, and pull-offs when you’re ready. We’re not just copying notes—you’ll have a tune you can actually play, remember, and own, along with a deeper understanding of how real banjo music is built, setting you up with skills and confidence that carry forward into every tune that follows.

DOWNLOAD THE TAB HERE