The New York Volunteer

“The New York Volunteer” is an old civil war song. It was suggested for the site by a mandolin player named Callum, from South East Hampshire, UK. I believe he had heard it on an old Bobby Horton album.

I was totally unfamiliar with the melody, and can’t recall ever hearing of it before. But, I found a few different recordings and thought I might give it a go.

The Tune

The melody actually comes from another old tune, ‘The Lincolnshire Poacher’. It’s an old English folk song that was (and still is) used in several different locales as a marching song. With a change of lyrics, the melody was used by some of the New York Regiments during the American Civil War and renamed ‘The New York Volunteer’.

This tune has been recorded by many different artists over the years. The following setting is in the key of G Major, with a 6/8 time signature (count 6 beats per measure). As a result, with emphasis on the 1st and 4th beat, you can get the feel for that marching rhythm.

I’ve tabbed out 3 slightly different versions. The first two are very similar to each other, with some slight variations in the second. Just for fun, the third version is played an octave higher and moves up the neck for a few bars.

I apologize in advance for the sound file. I’m recording it on my phone and the furnace keeps cutting in.

To save space, I’ve only included an image of the first version below. But, you’ll find all three versions in the download.

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, I totally understand – Enjoy!