Requesting Mike Johnson Intro on Bonnie Prince Billy Album

[Mark Hershey]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjwN5byVawY

Would appreciate any help or insight on how to play this incredible intro.

[Mark Hershey]

I think I have this figured out some what.

It's in the key of C but it starts on the E note. You run up the scale a full octave and end on an E.

Repeat but second time you it repeats on the D and E.

I'm doing this with single notes. This is where I could use some help, is he harmonizing these at all if so what scale form should I use? Also, is there any pedal action in this?

[John Sluszny]

Also, is there any pedal action in this?

Yes,most probably,and there is a Franklin Pedal Change at 08''

[Tucker Jackson]

It's an odd chord progression. Key of D, but it leans on a D# to start every phrase.

First two lines of the intro:

D# - Am - C
D# - Am - D

[Mark Hershey]

It's an odd chord progression. Key of D, but it leans on a D# to start every phrase.

First two lines of the intro:

D# - Am - C
D# - Am - D

I think I saw that you posted earlier that you had a near complete version. you want to send it to my inbox? I'll give it a look over and see if I can help.

Many thanks!

[Tucker Jackson]

This will get you in the neighborhood.



A few comments:
In measures 1 and 3: the A+F position in Fret 2 can also be played in Fret 4 using E-lower lever. I probably should have written it that way because some may find it easier to play (you can ignore the comment at the bottom of the tab with regard to the 6th string lower for these measures -- you're not even hitting 6).

If your guitar doesn't have a whole-step raise on string 1, you'll have to play Measure 2 differently: just leave out the 8th string and hit 1 and slide the bar up two frets (that note on stg8 is so soft it's hardly there). Or... leave the bar in fret 8 and grab the 1st string with your fingers behind the bar and yank it up to pitch.

If your steel doesn't have a whole-tone lower on string 6, you'll have to leave that note out of Measure 4.

Let me know if this tab doesn't sound right. Pay attention to Mike's beautiful vibrato in those spots where it kicks in. It really brings some simple notes to life.

[Mark Hershey]

This will get you in the neighborhood.



A few comments:
In measures 1 and 3: the A+F position in Fret 2 can also be played in Fret 4 using E-lower lever. I probably should have written it that way because some may find it easier to play (you can ignore the comment at the bottom of the tab with regard to the 6th string lower for these measures -- you're not even hitting 6).

If your guitar doesn't have a whole-step raise on string 1, you'll have to play Measure 2 differently: just leave out the 8th string and hit 1 and slide the bar up two frets (that note on stg8 is so soft it's hardly there). Or... leave the bar in fret 8 and grab the 1st string with your fingers behind the bar and yank it up to pitch.

If your steel doesn't have a whole-tone lower on string 6, you'll have to leave that note out of Measure 4.

Let me know if this tab doesn't sound right. Pay attention to Mike's beautiful vibrato in those spots where it kicks in. It really brings some simple notes to life.

Tucker, thank you so much. This definitely got me in the neighborhood. I don't have a lot of the levers on my steel but it still sounds great. You are correct about his vibrato, it's unbelievable playing and a great intro!

[John Sluszny]

Thank you Tucker.The Franklin Pedal Change I was mentionning in my previous post is at bar #4 instead of the "L"
Nice job tho'.Thanks !

[Mark Hershey]

Thank you Tucker.The Franklin Pedal Change I was mentionning in my previous post is at bar #4 instead of the "L"
Nice job tho'.Thanks !

I looked up Mike Johnson's copedent he does have the Franklin Pedal. and he doesn't have the lever change that lowers 6th string G to F#. Still Tyler's tab is amazing, It gets you in the ball park and Tyler's ear was right on catching that F#.

As the old saying goes don't look the gift horse in the mouth, this is an awesome tab.

[John Sluszny]

Tyler ???

[Tucker Jackson]

Franklin Pedal it is. Thanks, John.

[Nathan Emerson]

THANKS GUYS! I can't wait to try this one out myself. Huge fan of Will Oldham and was lucky enough to do an interview with him a few years ago ...even after the book that was written so he'd never have to do another interview ha! Great guy and such a creative mind.

We talked steel guitar but not enough to include much in the article. Cheers!

[Jeff Rady]

Very Cool.