Cluck Old Hen Banjo Tab - Learn the Classic Old-Time Jam Tune

Cluck Old Hen is a classic banjo tune that's been passed down for generations in old-time Appalachian music. This is such a fun song to play because it sounds great basic and loud or you can get a little fancy with it. The catchy, repetitive melody is easy to improvise on while the steady rhythm keeps you locked in.

This traditional folk song dates back to the late 1800s and was likely played at community dances in the Appalachian South. The fun barnyard lyrics and clucking sounds wonderfully capture the spirit of rural life. Over the decades it became a favorite on the banjo for beginners and pros alike.

Now it's your turn to learn!! The best way to play it on banjo is in the fun, retro-sounding sawmill tuning.

Play Cluck Old Hen in Sawmill Tuning

Sawmill tuning is a classic open banjo tuning that gives Cluck Old Hen its signature old-timey sound. It works by turning that open G chord into a Gsus4. That gives your tune a haunted, ethereal quality that just sounds so good on the banjo. Start by getting your banjo into standard tuning. Then you're just going to raise the 2nd string from a B to a C, so you have:

• 5th string: G
• 4th string: D
• 3rd string: G
• 2nd string: C
• 1st string: D

This is such a unique tuning and once you adjust to it, you'll want to reach for it every time you're looking for that mountain, vintage folk sound. 

Ready to start playing? Grab the free tabs below to get jamming on Cluck Old Hen in sawmill tuning right away. Have fun!

Free Banjo Tabs for Cluck Old Hen

To help you start learning Cluck Old Hen on banjo, here are some free printable tablature downloads:

• Basic Cluck Old Hen Melody Tab - Just the core melody notes to get you started
• Cluck Old Hen Beginner Tab - Add some fun clawhammer stuff to the melody and start getting a feel for the song
• Intermediate Cluck Old Hen Tab - A more intricate arrangement for developing players

Tips for Learning from the Tabs

When learning Cluck Old Hen using these free banjo tabs:

• Go slow and be patient as you get the fingerings  and rhythm down
• Listen to recordings to hear how it should sound when played properly - but recognise that folks put their own unique spin on songs when they play - no need to be robotic!
• Once comfortable, try playing along with the recordings
• Joining a jam or finding others to play with makes learning more fun!

Bonus Tip

Cluck Old Hen has such a fantastic rhythm that just makes you want to stomp your feet. So do it! Stomping your foot in time to the song just takes it to that next level and really drives it. Don't be afraid to add elements like this to your playing. 

Continue Your Banjo Journey

I hope you enjoy learning to play Cluck Old Hen on the banjo! Let me know if you have any other favorite old-time songs you'd like to see free tabs for in the future. And, did you know I'm working on a comprehensive banjo course? Drop your email below to stay in the loop with new tabs, resources and news about the course.