Pete Martin

Billy In The Lowground

Music for this workshop

Billy in the Lowground is a timeless classic tune in most old-time fiddle styles and Texas is no exception. This version comes mostly from legendary fiddler Benny Thomasson, slightly modified for the mandolin.

He plays so many great variations on this tune that we'll look at some here and more in the next issue. He plays an outstanding version on the CD The Weiser Reunion from Voyager Records.

We start out measure one with a triplet. Hammer-on (h in the music) to the A and B notes, the second and fourth frets on the G-string. You'll see the same triplet in measures nine and 14. Execute it the same way. Other options are to pick all of the notes, or pick the G-note (open string), hammer-on the A note (second fret) and pick the B note (fourth fret). Execute the triplet in measure 20 the same way.

Also note there are many seventh fret notes played with the pinky finger on the left hand. Over the music these are marked with a "4" to indicate the fourth finger. That is the pinky (yes even to you pianists out there).

In measures 7, 17, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31, I like to play the D-sharp note (sixth fret on the A-string) with the pinky. In measures 23 and 31, slide this note to the seventh fret, indicated by "sl" in the music. This tune, like many of the past tunes in this column, is great for the pinky. Practice these phrases SLOWLY and EXECUTE clearly! In a couple of months your pinky will improve dramatically.

A cheerful winter thought. As you play this tune, think of a hot summer day at a festival, pickin' with friends and having a beverage of your choice. I can see the hills of Weiser right now...

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