How to Play Buffalo Gals on Banjo - Clawhammer Tab & Lesson
About This Song
Buffalo Gals is one of those songs that almost everyone recognizes, even if they don't know the title. You might remember it from the classic film It's a Wonderful Life. The song goes all the way back to 1844, and performers used to change the city name to match wherever they were playing. The Buffalo version is the one that stuck.
For banjo players, this is a perfect beginner tune. It uses just three chords (G, D7, and C), has a melody that's easy to remember, and has a cheerful, bouncy feel that's a blast to play. It's also a great tune for practicing your song-building skills: start with the chords, then layer in the melody and embellishments.
Buffalo Gals Clawhammer Banjo Tab
Get 10 Free Clawhammer Banjo Tabs
Liked this lesson? Get 10 more free clawhammer banjo tabs delivered straight to your inbox. Classic old-time songs, ready to learn.
How to Play Buffalo Gals - Step by Step
Get the Chord Progression Down
We’re in standard open G tuning (gDGBD) for this one. Buffalo Gals uses three chords: G, D7, and C. Check the chord diagrams at the top of the tab for the exact shapes.
The song has two sections: a verse and a chorus. The D7 chord might be new to you. It’s similar to a regular D chord but with a slightly different voicing that creates a nice pull back to G. Practice strumming through the chords with a basic bum-ditty pattern until the changes feel natural.
Learn the Verse Melody
The verse melody sits mostly on the G chord with moves to D7. It’s a simple, singable melody that most people will recognize right away. Play through the first four lines of the tab slowly, one measure at a time.
The melody uses a lot of open strings and notes in first position, so your fretting hand doesn’t have to work too hard. Focus on getting the melody notes to ring out clearly against the bum-ditty rhythm. If you can hum the melody while you play, you know you’ve got it.
Learn the Chorus Melody
The chorus is where the C chord comes in. This section has a slightly different feel from the verse, with the melody moving between C and G before resolving through D7 back to G.
The chord progression for the chorus repeats, so once you learn the first pass through, you’ve essentially learned the whole thing. The melody in this section is just as straightforward as the verse.
Connect the Two Sections
Once both sections feel comfortable on their own, play through the whole song: verse into chorus. The transition between the two is smooth since you’re moving from G at the end of the verse into C at the start of the chorus.
Play through the complete song a few times at a slow, steady tempo. Use a metronome if that helps you stay consistent. The goal at this stage is to play the whole tune from start to finish without stopping.
Think About Feel
Buffalo Gals is a happy, bouncy song. Once the notes are under your fingers, start thinking about how to bring out that character. Accent beat one of each measure with a slightly stronger strike. Keep your rhythm steady and upbeat. The song should make you want to tap your foot.
Make It Your Own
This arrangement gives you a solid, clean version of Buffalo Gals. From here, you can start experimenting. Try adding slides, hammer-ons, or pull-offs where they feel natural. Listen to different recordings of the song and steal ideas you like. The beauty of a simple tune like this is that it gives you room to play around without getting lost. The melody is your safety net, so have fun with it.
Practice Tips
- 1
Start by learning the chord progression and strumming through it with a basic bum-ditty before adding the melody. The chords are G, D7, and C, and the changes are predictable.
- 2
The melody of Buffalo Gals is one most people already know, so hum it to yourself and let your ear guide your fingers. If a note sounds wrong, it probably is.
- 3
Pay attention to the difference between the verse and chorus sections. The verse sits mostly on G and D7, while the chorus brings in the C chord. Knowing where you are in the song structure helps you stay on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tuning is Buffalo Gals played in?
Buffalo Gals is played in standard open G tuning (gDGBD). No alternate tuning or capo needed.
Is Buffalo Gals hard to play on banjo?
Not at all. Buffalo Gals is a great beginner tune. It uses three simple chords (G, D7, and C), the melody is familiar and singable, and the arrangement stays in first position the whole time. If you can play a basic bum-ditty, you can play this song.
What chords are used in Buffalo Gals?
Three chords: G, D7, and C. The G chord is your home base, D7 creates the tension, and C adds a little variety in the chorus section. All three shapes are shown in the chord diagrams at the top of the tab.
What's the difference between D and D7?
D7 is a D chord with an added note that gives it a slightly more tense, unresolved sound. It pulls your ear back toward the G chord, which is why it works so well right before a G. The shape is simple and shown in the tab's chord diagram.
How can I make Buffalo Gals sound less basic?
Once you have the basic melody down, try adding embellishments like slides, hammer-ons, or pull-offs in spots where they feel natural. You can also experiment with different brush stroke patterns or add emphasis to certain beats. Start simple and layer things in one at a time.