Clinch Mountain Backstep is played in G-modal tuning , sometimes called mountain modal or sawmill tuning). The modal sound is often described as haunting, or sad. It definitely does have a minor quality.
This tune is often played with the banjo or guitar capoed on the 2nd fret ( which puts it in A-modal, I guess).
It would seem that the standard is to back it up with the chords A major and E. So, those are the chords that I’ve laid out below in the tab. Although, I like it with an Am chord.
Try it both ways and see what you like.
Clinch Mountain Backstep is is in 4/4 time and has a bar of 2/4 time thrown in. Don’t let it worry you, just listen to the sound file as you learn it. It all fits just fine.
Listen to Clinch Mountain Backstep for Mandolin:
Here’s a slower version at 100 bpm.
Download:
Tablature and Notation
Just the Dots
Just the Tab
[wpedon id=”1851″ align=”left”]
If you feel you can help support this site with the donation of a dollar or two, it would be very much appreciated…
If you don’t wish to donate at this time, that’s OK too! – Enjoy!
ABC (click in the textbox to copy)
If any downloads or images are missing, please let me know. I’ll get on it as soon as I can.
