"Big Iron" Banjo Lesson (Marty Robbins)

Published on April 2, 2026
Duration: 13:25

This video provides a beginner-friendly banjo lesson on how to play Marty Robbins' "Big Iron." The instructor breaks down the song into manageable phrases, demonstrating specific finger placements and techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs. The lesson emphasizes playing within a single octave and suggests resources for further banjo learning.

Quick Summary

This beginner banjo lesson teaches Marty Robbins' "Big Iron" using simple phrases played within a single octave. Key techniques include hammer-ons, pull-offs, and specific chord shapes, with recommendations for further learning on Clifton Hicks' YouTube channel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Song Context
  2. 00:30Banjo Lesson Introduction
  3. 01:26First Phrase Tutorial
  4. 02:04Second Phrase Tutorial
  5. 02:30Third Phrase Tutorial
  6. 03:11Ending Chord/Intro Position
  7. 03:40Picking Pattern Explanation
  8. 04:01Next Phrase Tutorial
  9. 04:48Phrase Tutorial Continued
  10. 05:31Ending Chord Reminder
  11. 05:56Next Section Tutorial
  12. 06:36Stranger Among Them Section
  13. 07:06Big Iron Phrase
  14. 07:13On His Hip Phrase
  15. 07:41Big Iron on His Hip Variation
  16. 08:00On His Hip Variation 2
  17. 08:12Verse Recap
  18. 09:08End Section Variation
  19. 09:19End Phrase Tutorial
  20. 09:42Second End Phrase Tutorial
  21. 10:09Song Ending
  22. 10:18Playing Style Variations
  23. 11:07Drop Thumb Pattern
  24. 11:44Final Big Iron
  25. 12:08Simplifying the Song
  26. 13:18Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What banjo tuning is used for "Big Iron" in this lesson?

The instructor mentions their banjo is tuned in relative standard tuning, likely open G, but tuned down slightly to match their voice. This means it might not be in standard tune with other banjos.

What are the key techniques used to play "Big Iron" on the banjo in this tutorial?

This tutorial focuses on basic phrases using open strings, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and specific chord shapes. It emphasizes playing within a single octave and uses techniques like 'boomchucka' and a double brush for the ending.

Where can I learn more about advanced banjo playing styles like clawhammer?

The instructor recommends Clifton Hicks' YouTube channel for learning advanced banjo techniques such as overhand picking, clawhammer, or two-finger/three-finger picking.

What are the main finger positions needed to play "Big Iron" on the banjo?

The notes for this version of "Big Iron" are found on the open strings and specific frets: second fret of the fourth string, second fret of the third string, third fret of the second string, and second fret of the first string.

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