Free Cuckoo Bird Banjo Tab

We're continuing our exploration of sawmill tuning with Cuckoo Bird, also known as Coo-Coo Bird or,  simply, The Cuckoo. This song has roots going all the way back to the 13th century, but we're going to start a little more recently with Clarence Ashley. 

Clarence Ashley is an old time banjo player who is probably best known for releasing the first known recording of House of the Rising Sun. And he does a fantastic version of Cuckoo Bird:

Willie Watson also does a great modern version of the song.

Get Your Banjo into Sawmill Tuning

Sawmill tuning, also known as mountain minor, gives songs their haunting, old-timey vibe. Here's how to get your banjo into sawmill tuning:

• 5th string: G
• 4th string: D
• 3rd string: G
• 2nd string: Raise from B to C
• 1st string: D

If you haven't played much in sawmill, you're going to fall in love with its sound. And if you want to dive in a little further, check out this YouTube video I recorded. 

Syncopation Basics

You might notice that we go for a syncopated skip in the banjo solo. It keeps the song feeling fresh and adds a little drive. To play that skip, you're going to keep your clawhammer banjo stroke exactly the same. On the "bum" of the "bum-ditty", you're just going to miss the string and set your thumb on the open second string. Then pluck off with your thumb and continue as normal. 

If you want a more detailed demonstration, just check out the video at the top where I walk through the full song! 

Download the tab