Chris Eldridge

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Nine Pound Hammer


Teaching the Song and Rhythm Guitar Breakdown

Chris Eldridge Lesson >

Nine Pound Hammer > Teaching the Song and Rhythm Guitar Breakdown

This week we're starting in on a new song, "Nine Pound Hammer." This might be the most iconic flatpicking song there is (a song being music with words). It has been recorded by pretty much all of the flatpicking greats at various times in their careers. This month we're going to look at versions by Norman Blake, Tony Rice, and Doc Watson. Also, we'll look at a subtle but very effective way to break up Jimmy Martin-style rhythm guitar playing.

Enjoy!

Chris

 

 

 

Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Bluegrass
Chris Eldridge
Jimmy Martin
Tony Rice
Norman Blake
Doc Watson
Nine Pound Hammer

Print Print Chords & Tab

Loop 0:00 Run-Through of Nine Pound Hammer

 

This nine pound hammer is a little too heavy

For my size, Buddy for my size

 

   Roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow

   How can I roll, when the wheels won't roll

 

I'm going to the mountain, just to see my baby

And I ain't coming back, no I ain't coming back

 

There ain't one hammer, down in this tunnel

That can ring like mine, that can ring like mine

 

   Rings like silver, shines like gold

   Rings like silver, shines like gold

 

This old hammer, it killed John Henry

Ain't gonna kill me, ain't gonna kill me

 

It's a long way to Harlan, and a long way to Hazard

Just to get a little booze, just to get a little booze

 

Buddy when I'm log gone, won't you make my tombstone

Out of number nine coal, out of number nine coal 

 

Loop 3:28 Introduction to the Series

Loop 4:19 Breakdown of Chords 

Loop 8:10 Practice Loop of Rhythm

 

Download the Sheet Music PDF

 

Loop 12:13 Closing Thoughts and Outro

 

 

 

Comments

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Darren
Darren May 31, 2018

that lick you start at 2:47 is so greasy I love it!

Chris Eldridge
Chris Eldridge Jun 07, 2018

Ha, thanks Darren! I was hanging on for dear life!

Rémy
Rémy Jul 26, 2017

Hi,

Great great video !!! Thanks Chris !!! 
Is it possible to get the intro tab ?


Thanks :)

Chris Eldridge
Chris Eldridge Jul 31, 2017

Hi Remy, 

I teach it here, in the final lesson of the series: http://www.sonicjunction.com/chris-eldridge/nine-pound-hammer-syncopations-double-stops-and-triplets-oh-my

Enjoy!

Rémy
Rémy Jul 31, 2017

Oups thanks and sorry, it's the only video i didn't check since the title seemed too complex for my skills level.

Thank you :)

Mike Caren
Mike Caren Jun 17, 2016

We've updated the sheet music to capture the details of Chris's practice loop example.  Enjoy.

Clint Radcliff
Clint Radcliff Jun 17, 2016

I love the videos and the commentary on how and when to add in each element of the song. 

Jeff Caldwell
Jeff Caldwell Jun 12, 2016

Dynamite.  Love it when you crack yourself up on the breaks.

Kip Marchetti
Kip Marchetti Jun 11, 2016

Chris - 

My goodness ... it's worth the subscription price just to watch you play that.

Kip

Chris Eldridge
Chris Eldridge Jun 11, 2016

Thank you Kip!

 
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