Clawhammer Tune of the Week: “Game of Thrones”

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“…and your joy will turn into ashes in your mouth.”

– Tyrion Lannister

First came Star Wars.

Then it was Lord of the Rings.

And now comes the third entry in our series of banjo adaptations of sci-fi / fantasy cultural juggernaut theme music. This time we’re venturing into the dark, brutal, and morally ambiguous world created by George R. Martin: “Game of Thrones.”

And with it, we’ve completed what heretofore shall be known as the Banjo Geek Trifecta.

Fans of the series will appreciate the surprise ending, which the opening quote places in appropriate context.

The Tabs

In the “double banjo” version in the video, the two banjos trade off playing the lead role (part of the reason for including the gourd banjo in this recording was to help recreate the lower register from in the original version).

The first tab below is for solo banjo, as I imagine most of you won’t have the fortune of having a virtual clone or gourd wielding ally nearby.

For the lucky few of you that do, I’ve also included the arrangements for double banjos (“modern” banjo tuned to gCGCD, and gourd banjo tuned an octave lower to cGCD#C (C minor tuning)).

Also make note of the 3:4, or waltz, time signature, which means you’re underlying rhythmic structure is “bum-ditty-ditty, bum-ditty-ditty,..”

(UPDATE: A recording of the solo rendition can now be heard by clicking here.)

Game of Thrones (solo banjo)

gCGCD tuning, Brainjo level 3-4

 

Notes on the Tab

Notes in parentheses are “skip” notes. To learn more about these, check out my video lesson on the subject.

For more on reading tabs in general, check out this complete guide to reading banjo tabs.

[RELATED: Level 2 arrangements and video demos for the Tune (and Song!) of the Week tunes are now available as part of the Breakthrough Banjo course. Learn more about it here.]

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DOUBLE BANJO VERSION

Game of Thrones, Banjo #1 (modern banjo)

gCGCD tuning, Brainjo level 3-4

Game of Thrones, Banjo #2 (gourd banjo)

cGCD#G tuning, Brainjo level 3-4

 

Notes on the Tab

Notes in parentheses are “skip” notes. To learn more about these, check out my video lesson on the subject.

For more on reading tabs in general, check out this complete guide to reading banjo tabs.

Level 2 arrangements and video demos for the Tune (and Song!) of the Week tunes are now available as part of the Breakthrough Banjo course. Learn more about it here.

Click here for a current list of all the clawhammer songs and tunes currently available inside of The Vault