Cajun Fiddle Tablature

Cajun Fiddle Tablature

Given plenty of instructional tapes, CDs and DVDs, I never could find tablature on Cajun fiddle playing. I had always thought this method of learning would benefit those like me who prefer to learn by seeing the tab positions, the same way a lot of guitar players do. Therefore, as I learn each song, I have done my best to transcribe the songs I know well, mostly in the style of Rufus Thibodeaux, Dick Richard, Jamie Bearb and Travis Matte during his early fiddle years. Use these PDF and TEF files as accompaniments to lessons.

Generally, songs in G are played with a D diatonic accordion. Songs in F are played with a C diatonic accordion. Depending on the key of the accordion used, some music tabs are easier to play than others.

· Each tablature was created with TablEdit software (shareware). TEF is a file format supported by TablEdit and allows users to create and playback tabs using the software with MIDI sound cards.

· Each file assumes the fiddle is tuned EADG

The notation used follows the finger pattern below:

Scott Playboy Special

The following riff is played during the song. The tab below is meant to repeat. The first 3 notes are an intro to the solo played before the beginning of the first measure.

· Scott Playboy Special in Key of G (PDF) (TEF)

· Scott Playboy Special in Key of F (PDF) (TEF)

I Went To The Dance (J'ai Ete Au Bal)

The following riff is played during the song. The tab below is meant to repeat. The first 3 notes are an intro to the solo played before the beginning of the first measure.

· I Went To The Dance (J’ai Ete Au Bal) in Key of G (PDF) (TEF)

Perrodin Two Step

The following riff is played during the song. The tab below is meant to repeat. The song contains 2 parts. Each part repeats twice.

· Perrodin Two Step in Key of D - Part A (PDF) (TEF)

· Perrodin Two Step in Key of D - Part B (PDF) (TEF)

Kaplan Waltz