Topic: "Easy Rider" by Sam McGee?

[outfidel]

Does anyone have tab for McGee's "Easy Rider"? His version on Document is in C & he plays it on a guitjo/banjar, but I'm thinking that it will sound good on my 00-18CTN. Well, good for me anyway. Thanks.

[Johnm]

Hi Outfidel,
Why don't you try figuring it out by ear?  You already know what position Sam played it out of.  I bet you can do it.  It's a common Ragtime progression.  Good luck!
All best,
Johnm

[thumbstyle]

Why don't you try figuring it out by ear?? You already know what position Sam played it out of.? I bet you can do it.? It's a common Ragtime progression.? Good luck!

Great advice John! It's great to learn a new tune, but it feels even better when you work it out for yourself. And it'll give you better chops for learning more tunes in the future.

So go for it, Out! Good luck.

Dave

[thumbstyle]

From the Quote Generator Oracle  :

"So they get part of the tune. Then they flag it and get frustrated. Damn, be happy! You got part of the tune. That doesn't stop you... it's not being complacent, it's being realistic. You can't just go through every CD you have and every tune that you like say 'Why can't I play that?' Or 'Why can't I play it as well as that?'" - Jerry Ricks, PT 97

[Richard]

Having not played for that long, working out whole tune is bit ambitious for me, but I''ll work out the odd lick or whatever and it's the achievement that counts, so Outfidel go for!

[outfidel]

Oh c'mon, fellas! I was expecting an easy ride for "Easy Rider". 

Sheesh, ya make me do all the "work". 

[uncle bud]

Why not post your progress here (not tab necessarily, but general playing details and chords), and we can comment or help out if you're stuck on a part. Although I myself don't have Sam doing this tune and would need to hear it...

[frankie]

Why don't you try figuring it out by ear?

The more you do it, the better you'll get at it.  The sooner you start doing it, the sooner you'll get good at it.  Learning by ear is a powerful thing for anyone who plays vernacular music of any style - you can apply it to any musical situation!

[outfidel]

Although I myself don't have Sam doing this tune and would need to hear it...

Sam's version is on the terrific collection, Old-Time Mountain Blues, whose liner notes include extensive commentary by a Mr. John Miller.

Okay, I'll take shot at figuring out this song out by ear.

[uncle bud]

Although I myself don't have Sam doing this tune and would need to hear it...

Sam's version is on the terrific collection, Old-Time Mountain Blues, whose liner notes include extensive commentary by a Mr. John Miller.

Okay, I'll take shot at figuring out this song out by ear.

I didn't know about this one. Looks great. I have  Old-Time Mountain Guitar, which is also tremendous.

[frankie]

Okay, I'll take shot at figuring out this song out by ear.

That's the spirit!  I found an mp3 of this tune in my virtual pile of mp3s...

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[Richard]

Well, in the jazz world we know that as Salty Dog - for which the basic chords immediately to hand are shown as, a bar of each -
E     A     D     G
E     A     D     G

Any help?

[outfidel]

Well, in the jazz world we know that as Salty Dog - for which the basic chords immediately to hand are shown as, a bar of each -
E A?D?G
E?A?D?G

Any help?

Circle of 4ths?

C-F-Bb-Eb? ?

[frankie]

Circle of 4ths?

C-F-Bb-Eb?

[waxwing]

Hey Out,
As someone who has been greatly encouraged by members of this board, let me further encourage you to work out this song. It is an excellent early step toward freeing yourself from tab.
Circle of 4ths is really just a circle of 5ths backwards and is common in rags. You've got the actual chords worked out, but you need to look at capoing to find the guitar chords. One hint is that high C note he hits all the time. Another hint is that the first chord does have that raggy C sound so what other chord has a similar structure and sound, and how far would you have to capo it up for it to actually be a C. Once you think you've found the capo position, work out the bass line with that little walk down to see how it fits. Then add the "chick" to the "boom". All that's left is the treble, the fun part. Breaking it down into small pieces really makes it seem easy.
If you're looking for some slow down software, I would reccommend you check out Transcribe!. It has a graphic display of the sound that is very easy to use, (mark beats, grab loops and such) and has good sound quality at slow speeds. It has helped my progress in training these old ears.
Hope this helps.
All for now.
John C.