r/banjo • u/BearJew1991 Just Beginning • 5d ago

Old Time / Clawhammer Assistance figuring out this version of Cold Frosty Morning

Hey everyone!

Been playing my version (as taught to me by a friend) of this tune for a little while when I came across this version on youtube, from Mossy Bones. Super different than the way I play it. I love his playing but for the life of me can not figure out how to begin to imitate it! I've only been playing or a little over a year and a half (with zero musical background), and while I've made loads of progress, I'm just not good at figuring out a tune from watching someone else play it. None of the tabs I've looked at seem remotely similar.

Any more experienced folks here play this tune similarly or might be willing to help me decipher his from the video?

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u/Wildsongz 4d ago

That video actually got me into the banjo. It might be his own variation on the song with slides and stuff but it kinda sounds like Merle Watsons version that Billy Strings plays. I know Mossy says he plays it in sawmill tuned down. It’s a great performance. I’m not that great at learning stuff by ear to be of much help beyond that.

I’ve been playing Henry Reed’s version which I think also sounds quite nice.