Best site to get 1920s string band chords and tabs (for ukulele)

Fred Ukestone · Jun 16, 2014

Hi All,

I recently came across an amazing band from New Orleans called 'Yes Ma'am' who play upbeat 1920's string band music. Does anyone out there know where I can get ukulele chords and tabs for this type of 1920s music?

Here's a link to their website:
http://yesmaam.bandcamp.com/album/stirrin-da-mudd

kypfer · Jun 16, 2014

Not quite my style to listen to, but no doubt a lot of fun to play with a group of like-minded individuals

In the UK at least, a lot of old sheet-music turns up on eBay for literally pennies, some of which lists "ukulele" as a suitable instrument. One of the local junk-shops (pre-used emporiums) has a suit-case full of the stuff, though I doubt any of it would include "tabs" ... little chord-shapes if you're lucky, but who knows what lurks in the big black box !!

mm stan · Jun 16, 2014

Intresting....some songs have different lyrics but the music tempo and beat is noticable like in newer songs...
One is Operator, same name just this one althought different lyrics, but music sounds similar to Jim Croce Operator

Ukuleleblues · Jun 16, 2014

http://www.ianchadwick.com/essays/musicbooks.htm

river_driver · Jun 16, 2014

Thanks for sharing the link. This is a pretty cool band! I'd never heard of them.

I don't think it's necessarily the best resource, but I like this one for old blues & stringband-type songs:
http://www.humpnightthumpers.com/assembled/songs.html
It gives you the general chord structures, and you can fake the rest (or in my case, feebly attempt to fake the rest).

wrestlingmatt51 · Jun 17, 2014

I haven't used this book, but I've heard them play some of the songs in it and it's really good.
http://quietamericanmusic.com/storestore/jug-band-and-pre-war-blues-songbook
Not sure if it's exactly the sound you're looking for, but hopefully you like it. Here's a video of one of their songs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU1mZ0-xA9M

Fred Ukestone · Jun 17, 2014

That's a cool website Matt, thank you.

Fred

Fred Ukestone · Jun 17, 2014

Hi river_diver. It's great to find a kindred spirit. Thanks for the information. There appears to be a whole network of string bands playing in New Orleans at the moment. The wonderful washboard player named 'Izzy' plays in several of these bands.

Best site to get 1920s string band chords and tabs (for ukulele)

Fred Ukestone

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kypfer

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mm stan

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Ukuleleblues

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river_driver

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Fred Ukestone

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Fred Ukestone

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