Doc Watson

Note-by-note, line-by-line, run-through of the popular traditional (public domain) fiddle tune "Whiskey Before Breakfast" (also known as "Whiskey For Breakfast." This is my version, inspired by the great Norman Blake (I highly recommend his album by the same name) and my guitar hero, Doc Watson. It's probably different from the version you're used to (whatever that may be); if that's the case, then work on the version you like better, use this as a second version, or best of all, come up with a version of your own. Additional capo notes: The capo is on the second fret and is treated here as the zero fret. The chord notations later in the video (starting at 17:20) are listed as both "real" chords (i.e. the chords as they would be played with no capo) and "capo chord shapes" (i.e., the shapes the chords take with the capo on) in parentheses. For example, and D chord has a shape with no capo, like the one in the book, but with the capo on, it "looks" like a C chord but is "really" a D chord. Quick rant: If you play with a capo like I do, learn what key you're REALLY in. Don't say things like, "I'm in C capoed on 2." The bass player, fiddler, mandolinist, may not know what you're talking about. Just say, "I'm in D" and everybody will be on the same page. Thanks. Lyrics as I remember them: Early one morn when the sun wouldn't shine I was walking down the street not feeling too fine I saw two old men with a bottle in between 'em And this was the song that I heard 'em singing (Chorus) Saints preserve us, Lord protect us, We've been drinking whiskey for breakfast (repeat) Well I stopped by the steps where they was sittin' And I couldn't believe how drunk they were gettin' I said "old men, have you been drinkin' long?" They said "jus' long enough to be a-singin' this song" (Chorus) Well they passed me the bottle and I took a little sip And it felt so good I just couldn't quit I drank a little more and the next thing I knew There were three of us a-sittin' there singin' this tune (Chorus) One by one everybody in the town They heard our ruckus and they all come around And pretty soon all of the streets were ringin' With the sound of the whole town a'laughing and a'singing (Chorus) This tune is traditional and in the public domain. I make no claims as to copyright or otherwise. This video is presented for instructional purposes only. Hope you enjoy!

• published: 05 Sep 2016
• views: 1993