Clifton Hicks - I'm Dying, Mother - Clawhammer Banjo

[@kentuckyreenactment]

I recently got a banjo and want to start, anyone on here happen to have any tips?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Check out the Banjo Heritage online course at BanjoHeritage.com

[@kentuckyreenactment]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thank you so much. Huge fan of yours. Keep up the great work!

[@ernestmitchell7088]

This is a song that hits me hard 😔 my health is not so good, but I know my home is in Heaven with my Lord and Savor Jesus Christ. I’m improving tho.

[@snuffman5497]

i completely understand i was recently diagnosed withstage 2 copd which according to my doctors and my own research is a progrssive though slowly and ultimately terminal illness

[@Yallquietendown]

I think this is a great song it just needs another verse at the end, where the young man repents. It’s never too late to get right with God. The message of this song is still right on if that young man had died suddenly without any chance to repent

[@Braedan-dv5gm]

The good Lord will save

[@marygrimes5807]

I thought I knew old time music, but you have opened my eyes. Your music moves me to the depths of my soul. Please put out a CD.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Mary, thank you for those kind words! I have one album still in-stock here: cliftonhicks.bandcamp.com and you might also join our group discussions here: patreon.com/cliftonhicks Thanks again--CF Hicks

[@marygrimes5807]

I found and bought two!! Lucky me. I do think I have discovered a small but very interesting difference in types of old time that you were probably more aware of than me. Mine comes from a strict Southern heritage, whereas, I think yours is more varied. I must confess I flinch at "Johnny Reb", but I am a die hard fan none the less, there may be a few good yankees. Hey, how about doing "I'm Good Ol' Rebel"

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

My family is spread all over from Indiana to Florida and all points in between, however, we are predominantly southern. For example, my great-great grandfathers fought on both sides during the Civil War and at least four of them were present at Gettysburg (one U.S. and three Confederate).

[@joeyj6808]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo My grandfathers fought on opposing sides of WW One. So, yeah. They became Americans too. And oddly enough, never much liked each other.

[@amandajohn96]

This is a great rendition of this song. Because so often it comes out 1 of two ways. That being someone singing an old song, and someone actually singing this song and who gets the words. Amazing. This song is so bitter sweet and beautiful.

[@TheeMikeForce]

Clifton Hicks is my working class hero.

[@jessestewart169]

You can't beat the haunting sound of a Bango.

[@TheeMikeForce]

In a really weird turn of events- “Quare” as my ancestors would say… This song has become my anthem for beginning of my Dialysis adventure.

[@Weymann63]

This is outstanding. Raw, honest and powerful. Very real.

[@rcg5317]

Of course I like it. Miserable man sings sad tune to a happy dance beat. That is Old Time traditional music. Makes my wife crazy. LOL!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I know what you mean. My wife goes out-of-town for a couple days and, lo and behold, I am up at midnight drinking red wine and recording... THIS. "L.O.L." indeed, sir!

[@whitey0o5]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo thank goodness.

[@jamesjohnston1132]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo can she go outta town again? we need another banger

[@thomashumphries3519]

Listen everyday cliff..sharpening the ole lawn mower blades and cleaning up garage...hot outside...the banjo is keeping me going

[@toadeepants]

Love this! Never heard it before. Thanks so much Clifton, and thanks for always posting the tunings, too!

[@adambutton7622]

I was just listening to Bert Hare play this tune. Great version Cliff.

[@DanDDirges]

WoW! What a great song! Spellbinding performance! Out of all your great music this one is right close to the very top!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks, Dan. I fell in love with this piece when I first heard it on Rosenbaum's "Art of Field Recording" a couple of weeks ago. The words and tempo are somewhat unusual and were difficult to smooth out. I'd liked to have practiced another day or two before uploading but, as often happens, the "Spirit" moved me to record this right then and there: half drunk and at midnight.

[@DanDDirges]

Dylan recorded a whole album one night half crocked on wine and it turned out to be one of his masterpieces! This here really is fantastic! A little wine kind of keeps things loose. This is right up there with your great Cumberland Gap, Goin` Across The Mountain and Drunkards Lone Child performances!

[@ungivenfame1]

I love how you can take a classic song, make it sound old but originial at the same time. You are an inspiration. Keep up it man I love your banjo videos. - from TN

[@thomasperry9147]

Thanks for the videos I feel like I can no longer say I don’t (besides myself) know anyone else who plays he banjo. The discussions and songs are great

[@DrVonChilla]

Never heard this tune before.....simple but oh-so-lovely ripple in that drop thumb. Thanks for sharing, bud...!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Look up "Bert Hare I'm Dying Mother" for the original, which is much finer.

[@allenbuck5589]

Thank you sir

[@Deletedaccount-i5w]

One of the top jams. DAMN

[@thomashumphries3519]

I play this song others of yours.at work everyday, cliff...you are among the greats man

[@justsomeyeti5814]

I'm so glad I have finally had time to sit and do a deeper dive through your videos. Some of there really bring back some memories

[@oreneiland643]

A new old tune to love. Thanks for sharing!

[@camshock2867]

thank you

[@uncommonsensewithpastormar2913]

No better banjo song than a sad banjo song.

[@minamcvinnie4629]

It's hard to decide which I like better, your normal songs or your Old Leatherstocking ones. They're both neat, and I love this kind of music. I can dig bluegrass and this kind of stuff, old-school western stuff, etc. It's just newer country I can't get into.

[@moffphc9864]

Cliff I'm hooked on this song it's so hypnotising

[@garethdavies8416]

I bought my first banjo a few months ago and have devoted most of the lockdown to playing it, or more accurately trying to learn how to play it. Have listened to loads of players on KZbin and have increasingly been drawn to your stuff, Clifton, for the variety of playing styles, the strong link to the roots and the sheer quality. It’s fantastic! I wondered: do you use thicker gauge strings to go with the lower pitch of the banjo tuning? When I tune down it feels like I should.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Yes. Although they aren't the best strings, I use Aquila nylgut strings because they buzz less with lower tunings.

[@lassaadlabidi5813]

Like all the way from Tunisia

[@timallenfanclubofficial]

Sounds wonderful, please share more

[@millshenderson2144]

I've been waiting for someone to do this song for years. I never dreamed it would be on banjo (only thing I actually play) thank you sir. All your other stuff is great too truly. Have you made a book yet? I'd pay top dollor. I've got both art rosenbaulm books on old time mountain music but all the different tunings discouraged me. Are all your videos in open g?

[@michaelharvey5138]

This one's new to me, but beautifully played and sung, as always !...

[@jeremyreagan9085]

Glad you fell in love with this song Clifton it is one i heard a few years ago. I heard it on guitar tuned to Opening it sounds better on the old Banjo though to me.

[@jeremyreagan9085]

Clifton I play this tune as well but, I use D tuning of D A G flat D G flat I taught myself by accident I was just fooling around in the tuning and heard the melody of this tune come out of the Banjo it was creepy. I swear I sometimes believe the Banjo is re-calling a passed life I had as a lonely searching soul. It is the most joy in playing music i had in playing the 5 string banjo. Melodies just to come out of it like water.

[@BobrLovr]

because all old time tunes are just pentatonic lol

[@joshuawallerful]

Awesome

[@tholmichael6032]

Awesome!

[@juliand3581]

If you ever get around to a tuition video for this song, that would be fantastic

[@Dd-ke1ob]

204/0 - thanks, discerning people. Thanks, Clifton Hicks.

[@patrickcampbell2616]

I would love to see a discussion on this tune one day

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Will do.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

It's actually pretty straight forward I think. Same chords as I use for Hills of Mexico, Drunkard's Doom, Silver Dagger, Cumberland Gap etc. I actually learned this tuning and those chords from Matt Kinman.

[@patrickcampbell2616]

Clifton Hicks Looked familiar but wasn't for sure, I think I can figure it out

[@warrensampson7986]

Great stuff!!!

[@37BE01Red]

I think you are the the greatest banjo player I have heard in recent times. Are any of your recordings available on CD.

[@Matt85ism]

well done!

[@tilmar120]

Wow this is brilliant.

[@BlackBearSixTV]

Well Done!

[@jessestewart169]

Nice vocals son.

[@Robthebanks]

I just looked at your comment about other songs in kinman tuning and realised I missed this vid! Beautiful, lovin the bells!

[@garycrockett]

I am SO loving this tune and that great 'cumberland gap' tuning Clifton - keep it up mate!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks, Gary. There really is something about this piece of music and the poetry that I find uncommonly beautiful. The version I learned it from was played on guitar so this tuning was the best I could come up with. Thanks again.

[@garycrockett]

Appreciate your reply - I also love the odd structure of the words running over the lines - your treatment of it is really touching, without losing the starkness. Cheers.

[@bearshield7138]

another job nice

[@mikeedwards2384]

Could you please tell the background story of the instruments hanging on the wall ? That was great never heard that song before

[@juliand3581]

Is there a tab for this?

[@banjerman7067]

i got those la bella strings you recommended i love how they sound but they are a lot quieter than i had figured. i think i need to change the nut atleast cause i was getting a lot of buzzing. the 5th string broke when i got the rest of the strings to the pitch i wanted them. how do you get so much volume out of yours?

[@BartAnderson_writer]

The tambourine adds another dimensions - really fits in. Can I ask who is playing it? Need to give credit where it is due!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks. I was playing the tambourine with my own left foot there.

[@BartAnderson_writer]

For some reason the gay rhythm is just right for the grim lyrics and haunting tune. As they say in literature, add a little light when it's all dark; add a little dark when it's all light. I wonder if old-time banjo players did things like this?

[@stanamilanovich3956]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo How??? Are you just tapping it while it's on the ground? This is great stuff by the way but the foot tambourine is kinda a revelation.

[@dylanc5821]

@@stanamilanovich3956 look up a group called shovels and rope you can see micheal trent play it with his foot

[@banjerman7067]

how do you get passed nervousness or whatever it is when recording youself on camera. i have practiced a song for weeks now, got the lyrics memorized can play through it multiple times and get it right each time but as soon as that camera comes on its like all that dissapears even if im not feeling nervous. ive spent multiple hours each day for the last three days trying to get even a passable recording and have come up with nothing

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Keep trying.

[@stephenbacon8239]

Love this Clifton. Just love it. Sorry to disagree but your version is better than Berts. And his is great. Thank you. Uk Steve

[@aleshamelder8084]

What guitar chords would you use for this song?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

My banjo is tuned (relatively) to fDGCD and, I think, I am making C chord and F chord in there as well? Hope this helps.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Also, find the original recording by Bert Hare--he plays it on guitar.

[@milesraife9648]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thank you Clifton for this song. I been listening to the Art of field recording for years and this is one of my favorite tunes, always wanted the lyrics. You are a blessing.

[@JohnyG29]

How did you play the tambourine whilst playing? Was it tied to your foot?

[@natalieengleman2753]

He was playing it with his left foot

[@AHMW5541]

What is your relative tuning for this piece?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

That is fDGCD. Will have a lesson & tab coming up for this soon.

[@AHMW5541]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thank you, I look forward to the lesson!

[@c.robespierre8479]

I was going to say this guy has perfect time, but he’s using a click… sounds great, best version of this

[@Mason_Courtney]

That one downvote is from somebody who ain't got a momma.

[@TheeMikeForce]

I’m going to commit myself to using FOLLY in my regular communication. TAKE WARNING

[@shotgunhobo1776]

💪🪕👍

[@cathywright6558]

I would ❤ to subscribe but I can't afford that. Maybe you can sing at my funeral.

[@thomastwilley8202]

Yeah this is cool if you don't this your a fool lol

[@TamponTea]

#69

[@TheeMikeForce]

No disrespect but if you change DYING with SMOKING… the song is just as good