Why fret the first string on the 5th fret when an open 5th string gets the same note. seems like overkill. seems like there should be a reason???
John Henry question
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@jimjudymac, In guitar, the first string 5th fret is two octaves higher than the open 5th string note. You get high pitched sound.
It’s about emphasising the G note. In Scruggs style you’ll often play two strings back to back emphasising a melody note.
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I don’t know how to play John Henry so I’m not familiar with the exact situation that occurs in that song that you’re referring to, but perhaps it’s when the note is being played. There will be times it will fit better in your roll, etc. to play it on the 1st string. Or like Archie said, it’s also a way to emphasize that note.
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There is a definite different tone between the two notes, and as @Archie said, they’re often played either together for emphasis or sequentially in a roll.
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