Learn to Play "Boil Them Cabbage Down" on Banjo

"Boil Them Cabbage Down" is a catchy old-time banjo tune that's perfect for beginner banjo players. It's short and sweet, has a great rhythm and, if you ever attend an old time jam session - this song is pretty likely to be played.

In this guide, we'll explore a beginner banjo arrangement of "Boil Them Cabbage Down", break down how to play it on banjo for beginners, and provide some easy free tablature to get you started. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your clawhammer skills, this is the resource for you.

The Tab

If this looks like gibberish to you, or you just want to get into the nitty gritty of Boil Them Cabbage Down, can I suggest my totally free 90 minute Boil Them Cabbage Down video course? Even if you can't tell your bum from a bum-ditty right now, it will get you playing Boil Them Cabbage Down.

Some tips for playing

1. Start slow, use a metronome. You'll be flying before you know it. 
2. Practice hitting and emphasising the melody notes. They should ring out clear and carry the song. I like to think of it as the brush strokes providing backup. 
3. Simple doesn't mean boring! This arrangement sounds great on its own, but you can always dress it up. Sing loud, stomp your foot, have some fun with it!

Speaking of singing. This arrangement sounds great as a vocal backup. There are so many different verses and chorus to Boil Them Cabbage Down. In fact, the words are often interchangeable with Old Joe Clark as the songs have a similar feel.

Here are the words I use. Feel free to find your own, or make some up!

Chorus:

Boil them cabbage down
Bake them biscuits brown
The only song that I can sing
Is Boil Them Cabbage Down

Verses
Went up on the mountain
To strum my old banjo
Thought I heard my true love say
Look at my man go

Possum in a 'simmon tree
Racoon on the ground
Racoon said you son of a gun
Shake them 'simmons down

Love her in the summertime
Love her in the fall
If I can't have my own true love
I don't want none at all

A quick Google search will give you all sorts of alternatives. Don't be afraid to mix it up and have fun. One of the things I love about al these songs is that they're traditional, and passed down. That means that you are always free to put your own spin on it. The spirit of the song is what matters. 

Continue Your Banjo Journey

I hope you enjoy learning Boil Them Cabbage Down!  Let me know if you have any other favorite old-time songs you'd like to see free tabs for in the future. And, check out the free course if you're just getting started and want to play Boil Them Cabbage Down