This is Bob Hempker with today’s newsletter which is the last one before Christmas. We will be closed on Christmas Eve so there won’t be a newsletter on Monday.<\/p>\n
We sometimes forget the newer players that read this newsletter as I was reminded when I was asked the following question.<\/p>\n
What are the essential songs I need to learn before I join a country band?<\/p>\n
Usually when you start playing, clubs are your first venture out into the public arena. There are some standard country dance songs that you need to learn. I’ll also suggest you learn them in several different keys in order to play them with different singers.<\/p>\n
There are several standard 4\/4 shuffles almost everybody plays. These are a good starting point for your repertoire.<\/p>\n
Crazy Arms by Ray Price
\nHeartaches By The Number by Ray Price
\nBig City by Merle Haggard<\/p>\n
You need to learn a few waltz tunes. The Tennessee Waltz works great, especially if you have an older crowd. Here are some more.<\/p>\n
I Always Get Lucky With You by George Jones
\nYou Look So Good In Love by George Strait
\nThere Goes My Everything by Jack Green
\nRose Colored Glasses by John Conlee
\nWaltz Across Texas by Ernest Tubb
\nHello Darlin’ by Conway Twitty<\/p>\n
You need to learn a few slow country ballads.<\/p>\n
Today I Started Loving You Again by Merle Haggard
\nYour Cheatin’ Heart by Hank Williams
\nCold, Cold Heart by Hank Williams
\nAmarillo By Mornin’ by George Strait
\nMake The World Go Away by Eddy Arnold
\nDon’t Close Your Eyes by Keith Whitley
\nTogether Again by Buck Owens
\nBehind Closed Doors by Charlie Rich
\nSilver Wings by Merle Haggard<\/p>\n
Somebody in just about every crowd is going to want to hear some Johnny Cash. Folsom Prison Blues and Ring Of Fire are the two most requested ones.<\/p>\n
You need a few pop\/crossover tunes under your belt.<\/p>\n
Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry
\nKansas City by Wilbert Harrison
\nMustang Sally by Wilson Pickett
\nSweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
\nGimme Three Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd<\/p>\n
A lot of country bands hate those songs but will play them for someone who puts money in the tip jar.<\/p>\n
You need up-tempo songs for the dancers in the crowd.<\/p>\n
Jambalaya by Hank Williams Sr.
\nWorkin’ Man Blues by Merle Haggard
\nBoot Scootin’ Boogie by Brooks and Dunn
\nLiza Jane by Vince Gill
\nTulsa Time by Don Williams
\nThe Fireman by George Strait
\nUnwound by George Strait
\nGuitars, Cadillacs and Hillbilly Music by Dwight Yoakam
\nRainy Day Woman by Waylon Jennings
\nGood Hearted Woman by Waylon Jennings
\nAre You Sure Hank Done It This Way by Waylon Jennings
\nAct Naturally by Buck Owens
\nI Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink by Merle Haggard
\nOh Lonesome Me by Don Gibson<\/p>\n
You want a few swing tunes in the mix.<\/p>\n
The South’s Gonna Do It Again by Charlie Daniels
\nRoute 66 by Asleep At The Wheel
\nSan Antonio Rose by Bob Wills<\/p>\n
A couple of cha-cha type tunes often requested are Neon Moon by Brooks and Dunn and Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet.<\/p>\n
Bluesy type things like Night Life by Ray Price are often requested.<\/p>\n
It’s pretty much mandatory to be able to play You Never Even Called Me By My Name by David Allan Coe even though I hate the song personally.<\/p>\n
I would encourage you also to categorize songs by artists because so often you’ll hear somebody in the audience yell out, “Play some Jones!” So here’s a quick list of requested artists.<\/p>\n
George Jones, Hank Williams Sr., Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Conway Twitty, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Don Gibson, Tom T. Hall, Ronnie Milsap, Don Williams, Johnny Paycheck, Johnny Cash, Vern Gosdin, Alan Jackson, Alabama, Garth Brooks and Charlie Rich.<\/p>\n
This list if meant to apply to a classic country bar band which is the type of band most likely to employ you. If this isn’t enough to get your started, then send me an email after you learn all of these songs and I’ll give you some more!<\/p>\n
In the meantime, let me insert this blatant plug for the Tascam GB-10<\/a> to help you learn these songs. Follow the link and you’ll find out all the ways it can help you.<\/p>\n We also put up a video on YouTube so you can see it in action.<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=bkje1we7G2g&list=UUk5k2BOJjxzLt6QQkhYVZaQ&index=5<\/a><\/p>\n Check out our Christmas specials at www.steelguitar.net\/christmasspecials.html<\/a><\/p>\n www.steelguitar.net<\/a> Listen To Steel Guitar Music Streaming 24 Hours A Day!<\/a><\/p>\n Steel Guitar Nashville This is Bob Hempker with today’s newsletter which is the last one before Christmas. We will be closed on Christmas Eve so there won’t be a newsletter on Monday. We sometimes forget the newer players that read this newsletter as … Continue reading
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