Tennessee Waltz

[Jordan S.]

What's the traditional key this tune is played in?

[JeffD]

I have played it mostly in D.

[CarlM]

In the jams I have gone to it is usually been played in G but as a vocal song it depends on the singer.

[George R. Lane]

I also play it in D, but I have heard it played in C.

[Tobin]

I believe C is the traditional key for it, but folks around here play it in G. They play everything in G.

[JeffD]

Yes I did play it in C once at an open mike with a house band. That is the key the house band knew it in.

[Jordan S.]

Sounds like I need to learn it in multiple keys - thanks everyone!

[George R. Lane]

If you want to learn the ultimate version try this;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU1cWO_38Bw

[tkdboyd]

If you want to learn the ultimate version try this;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU1cWO_38Bw

Mr. Jordan Ramsey transcribed this piece a month or so back, and it is posted here

[ralph johansson]

I believe Redd Stewart sang it in a on the original recording. If I were to sing it it would have to be in D. I like to play it as part of a medley: Tennessee Waltz in F, Missouri Waltz in D, and Kentucky Waltz in Eb.

[Stickid]

I am fairly new to the mandolin but have been working hard at it so I can play some songs in my band. So far doing okay with Ho Hey and now trying to play Tennessee Waltz in the Eva Cassidy version. I am wondering if someone has some advise or links to a mandolin version of her take on the song. I have about 4- 5 dyas to pull it together.
Thanks in advance
Br

[DavidKOS]

I also play it in D, but I have heard it played in C.

I believe C is the traditional key for it, but folks around here play it in G. They play everything in G.

Yes I did play it in C once at an open mike with a house band. That is the key the house band knew it in.

I'm another that's played it in C, the first bands I learned it with played it in C. Sounds good in any key.

[Bill McCall]

i believe the original sheet music was in G.

[Jess L.]

I am fairly new to the mandolin but have been working hard at it so I can play some songs in my band. ... trying to play Tennessee Waltz in the Eva Cassidy version. I am wondering if someone has some advise or links to a mandolin version of her take on the song. I have about 4- 5 dyas to pull it together.

Not sure about Eva Cassidy version, but there are a bunch of really nice sweet-sounding mandolin versions (and tenor guitar etc) over at the MandolinCafe Song-a-Week (Week 157), definitely worth a listen to all the videos there if you're looking for inspiration as to how to approach the song on mandolin.

[David Lewis]

why not listen to the Monroe version?

[Jess L.]

why not listen to the Monroe version?

Good suggestion, but don't know if Stickid's band plays bluegrass, might be a different style/genre of band, they might be aiming for a different type of sound. ??? Lots of variables...

[David Lewis]

Good suggestion, but don't know if Stickid's band plays bluegrass, might be a different style/genre of band, they might be aiming for a different type of sound. ??? Lots of variables...

Oh, for sure, but it would get you started. Stickid might reject it altogether, but if you're after mandolin parts, it's a good place to start. But you're not wrong there.

[Stickid]

Thanks for all the responses.. yes the band is a classic rock dance band and we are doing a wedding where they requested this song. We also do Ho Hey and I play mandolin on that one. I am actually the drummer and that is my original instrument. I started messing around with fiddle because I also grew up playing in bands with fiddle and we did a lot of old time, jigs etc.
I love bluegrass but am not quite up to that yet although I try. i got the mandolin because it is so close to fiddle but has frets and I thought it would only help with the fiddle. The reason for the Eva Cassidy version is that is the key our singer wants to do it in and she really liked that version.
I will definitely go look at the videos and also find the Bill Monroe version, you're right, I can't go wrong with anything of his. I also like Sierra Hull,Chris Thile and the Dawg. There are so many good players and a lot of good stuff on this forum. Thanks again to all.