Mexican Cowboy (Hills of Mexico) | Willie Watson Version | Clawhammer Banjo | Tablature Included

Get the tab: www.PlayBetterB...
Today I decided to do something a little different and share with y'all one of the "Behind the Banjo" series of videos that I regularly produce and share with my PlayBetterBanjo.com members.
In this session, you can follow along as I attempt to interpret Willie Watson's version of the classic folk ballad, "Mexican Cowboy".
These sessions are designed to give you some insight into my personal transcription/arranging process.
Hopefully you find this glimpse 'behind the banjo' edifying or, at the very least, entertaining.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
MEXICAN COWBOY (HILLS OF MEXICO)
Key: G*
Tuning: Open G Tuning (gDGBD)
Capo: n/a
Learn the basic banjo part using the free tab:
PlayBetterBanjo...
To learn about the All Access membership at PlayBetterBanjo.com along with all of the perks/live weekly sessions, courses lesson videos and more...come visit us at:
www.playbetter...

[@jeffheriot]

I can’t explain how grateful I am that you did this. I’ve been looking for the tablature of this version for years. It was amazing to watch the process. I put my banjo down years ago, but am gonna pick it up tonight that’s to this video. Much gratitude!

[@ryanspearman2620]

So glad to hear this video has inspired you to pick up that thang and to get back into the twang! Best of luck in your continued banjo journeying. Let me know if you have any questions along the way...

[@accousticlee9843]

I met Willy a few years back at one of his show. What a cool guy

[@maineguitarists]

Ryan you have minimized disappointment again! Love your playing and teaching. MT

[@PlayBetterBanjo]

I appreciate that! Thanks for the encouraging words, my friend.

[@tjeu2275]

Thanks for youre effort!

[@banjozx]

So interesting watching you figuring out this tune. This is terrific, Ryan

[@PlayBetterBanjo]

Glad you think so, James! Thanks for watchin'

[@davidokeefe643]

TY Ryan. Worked out a version but am happy to have this as reference. Always helpful to watch you work these arrangements. Much appreciated!

[@PlayBetterBanjo]

You betchya! Was fun to finally sit down with this one for an hour or so...

[@scubasteve4093]

Thanks for this. excited to pick through your channel, great content. keep it up

[@ryanspearman2620]

Thanks for watchin'!

[@zacharyprice5886]

Man this was an awesome watch! Thanks so much for taking us on the process. This is my Friday afternoon scream sing song barreling down I-75 after work. Gave me an interest in banjo (strum a bit of guitar) Glad I found you for when I spontaneously buy a ‘jo next time I’m at the guitar store 😎

[@PlayBetterBanjo]

Love to hear it. Everybody needs a good, cathartic post-work scream sing song in their repertoire. :)

[@user-ew9wo2lz4i]

This is a fantastic walk through. I have wanted to learn this tune for a long time. Thank you for making that happen. Can anyone tell me how to interpret measures 12 and 20? I'm not sure what that notation means.

[@PlayBetterBanjo]

The most practical explanation I can give is: Simply execute a downstroke/brush on beats 1 , 2, and 4 of the measure, letting the notes sounded on beat 2 ring out until you strike on beat 4. Hope that helps.

[@fungusandthebanjo9249]

Great video, another song willie does on the Banjo is dry bones, do you have any plans for that? Cheers

[@ryanspearman2620]

I'll check it out and maybe put it on the ole banjo todo list!

[@mikegager]

Willie has a really weird thumb lol

[@keithdickenson530]

Great stuff , l’ve learned some of it from the Meredith Moon version by slowing down on settings , but having the tab available with your version should give me the ammunition To finish it, and do some polishing up Sla’inte

[@PlayBetterBanjo]

Yes, indeed. Sounds like you have all of the makings of a completed and personalized version of this hear song...