The 4th measure in Boil that Cabbage Down is labeled as a Dm (D major chord). In the G and C chords the 1st note of their measures start w/ the Root but for the D, the 1st note is an A , follwed by a C, then D (open D4), and finally G4.
The Chord is D,F#,A.
Also, the other measures have 3 distinct notes/pitches but the D measure uses 4 notes( this fact is less confusing, I guess)
What am I missing?
Thanks for your help!!
Hey @vea1960!
When we’re rolling banjo, we often are playing notes that aren’t in the chord, but don’t clash too hard and sound fine when rolling at a good speed. I’m guessing that the G note in the D chord you’re talking about is an open 5th string. We can’t really fret this easily to make it be a note in the D chord, but we still want to play it to keep the roll pattern steadily going. Often, we find that that’s more important than playing all the “correct” notes.
The C note you’re referring to makes the D chord a D7 chord, actually. This adds to the tension of the D chord and makes it want to resolve back to G stronger. It’s basically a way to modify your chord to make it point somewhere even more eagerly!
Also, which version of Boil Them Cabbage Down are you referring to? I can’t seem to find one on the site where the G and C chords both start with their root notes. In the normal (index lead) version, the G chord starts on a B note.
Not sure if you can open the PDF.
Hi @vea1960 Victor.
Measure 4 in this TAB arrangement by Eli Gilbert is a D7 chord position. It’s not uncommon to substitute a D7 for a D chord. Teachers often use the D7 when teaching beginner tunes such as Bile them Cabbage Down.
A Dm D minor chord looks like this and is found in much darker melodies usually associated with death.
Here is Marcel Arendsen playing Don Stovers arrangement of Black Diamond which uses the Dm D minor Chord. Black Diamond in this case refers to coal. The death of a coal mine and a tribute to the miners who lost their livelihood with the closure of the mine.
Hi @vea1960 Victor
You may find it easier to follow @BanjoBen 's Lessons
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/basic-major-banjo-chords-banjo
