Watch Ray Franklin Back Say Ole Man

This is a popular tune across the United States. In some areas, the tune is played in Em, in others, certain parts are played in Em, in Texas, the Em approach is uncommon. The common theme captured here features E7 as well as E69.

This album features both Royce and Ray Franklin on guitar. It is truly a gem of an album and really shows off some regional Texas fiddling. Add the Texas Fiddle Album album to your collection then watch Ray Franklin lay down some groove to Say Ole Man.

More from Texas Style Guitar Backup Blog:

Ray Franklin Transcription of Lady Be Good

Listen to Omega Burden, innovator of backup guitar

10 Texas Style Guitar Workouts

Texas State Guitar Accompanist Contest

Katie Glassman (fiddle) and Jacob Johnson (guitar)

 perform during the Accompanist Division.

Every April down in the little Texas town of Hallettsville, hundreds gather to revel in the sounds of the Texas fiddle. Well into its 45th year, this event is one of the oldest in the United States. Down here, Texas fiddling is rewarded with praise, hollering and cash money. On Saturday, the out of state contestants give their best shot at the top prize of more than $1000, while the Top 20 are guaranteed at least $200. Sunday, the Texas residents play for the top prize of $1500 with a payout to the Top 20. This year, the best Accompanist was awarded $500 with a payout to the Top Ten.  

Judges Joel Whittinghill (left) and Tom Weisgerber (right) listen to 

Jim Reina (guitar) back Wes Westmoreland (fiddle) in the Accompanist Division.

Many fiddle contests do not award an accompanist division, and most that do, award the accompanist who appears most times on stage. This makes sense as those accompanists who work that hard should certainly be recognized! At Hallettsville, they do things differently. Here, the Accompanist Division is a judged division. Accompanists are asked to grab a fiddler and play a tune in front of accomplished guitar judges. This year, the judges were Kentucky native, Joel Whittinghill and Minnesota native, Tom Weisgerber. Both are well respected musicians and accompanists. They were tasked with awarding the top Texas style accompanist.

Tom Weisgerber

This year, Texas native, Anthony Mature was awarded top prize. Anthony has been backing fiddlers for a loong time! He has learned from some of the earliest players and backed some of the finest fiddlers in the country. Here are the complete final standings from the Texas State Accompanist Contest:

Congratulations Anthony!

More from Texas Style Guitar Backup Blog: 

Texas Fiddle Backup: 1922 

Fiddlers Frolics Texas State Fiddle Championships  

10 Texas Style Guitar Workouts

Ray Franklin - Texas Guitar Hero

Ray Franklin is a legend among Texas backup players. Having learned at the knee of Omega Burden, Ray and his brother Royce had tremendous shoulders from which to launch their own ideas from the very beginning. Not to mention, their father, legendary Texas fiddler, Major Franklin kept them busy backing him on back porches and living rooms throughout Texas and the surrounding area. For a great sample of their guitar work, I recommend purchasing Texas Fiddle Album which features their nephew, Larry Franklin playing a selection of 10 tunes with Royce and Ray on guitar and Steve Williams on bass. What a rhythm section!

Watch this video of Ray playing backup to the popular tune, Lady Be Good. This is a simple swing tune that is popular in the area. If you are interested, I have provided a full transcription of the backup part below. But first, the video:

How about that for some rhythm! Whew! Did you see any chords you recognized? Not to worry, here is a sample of my transcription.

Purchase the whole 17 page transcription below. It is a great study on the Ray Franklin backup style.

More Texas Style Guitar Posts:

Free Chord Diagram from Omega Burden playing Billy in the Lowground

Dale Morris Jr - A Texas Fiddle Legend

Kentucky Waltz - A Beginning Guitar Lesson

Listen to Texas Fiddle Legend Dale Morris Jr.

There are several legendary Texas fiddle families, the Morris family would certainly be one of the first called when speaking of great fiddling ability. We will focus on other members of this family later on this blog, but today, watch Dale Morris, Jr. Having learned by watching his Dad and Uncle jam with other area fiddlers such as Benny Thomasson, the Solomons and the Franklins, Dale, Jr. had quite the shoulders to stand on! His musical career has taken him all over the world having performed with Marty Stuart, Ray Price and many others. Listen to Dale, Jr. play the old tune, Dusty Miller.

Download the 2006 Grand Master Fiddler Championships Album which features one of Dale, Jr.'s rounds below.

More from Texas Style Guitar Backup Blog:

Kentucky Waltz Chords Video Lesson

Earliest Texas Fiddle Recording Ever

Sally Johnson Free Chord Diagram

A Video Companion to Kentucky Waltz as presented in 10 Texas Style Guitar Workouts

Here is a basic walk through of Kentucky Waltz as presented in 10 Texas Style Guitar Workouts. If you do not have the book, it is available for download on this site. Below the video, you will find a Buy Now link where you can go ahead and order yours. In the meantime, here is a free video lesson for a popular waltz that will get your fingers warmed up and prepared for some more advanced ideas. Let's pick!

To order your download, simply click the Buy Now button below. Purchase your copy today for only $19.99 and you will receive a free Eldon Shamblin transcription of the western swing standard, "Take Me Back to Tulsa" AND a free 30 minute Skype session with me. Come on, I said it once, I'll say it again, let's pick!

More from Texas Style Guitar Blog:

Downloadable Ray Franklin Transcription with video

Listen to Texas fiddle legend, Dale Morris, Jr.

Texas Fiddle Sounds from 1922

Cotton Eyed Joe - a Texas fiddle anthem

Bob Wills would be 110 today. Born on March 6, 1905 in Kosse, TX, the Kin of Western Swing still lives in the hearts and ears of many. In fact, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel just released their millionth tribute to Bob Wills album, Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. It is currently being featured as the Texas Style Guitar Backup Blog Featured Album above. Check it out if you haven't already!


In honor of Bob's birthday, we take a look at what is considered by many, a true Texas anthem. That's right, Cotton Eyed Joe! This tune is played by many across the US and in different ways, naturally. You may be familiar with the pop-country mega hit, "Where Did You Come From Cotton Eyed Joe"... Listen to how Bob Wills plays the tune. Bob was an old time fiddler who grew up about an hour and 45 minutes south of Dallas, TX. Here, his band, the Texas Playboys back him on the tune. The backup is simple, yet driving and played on electric guitar. But don't let that fool you. The groove is excellent, danceable, with appropriate runs pleasing to the ear. Not too much, but not too little... Enjoy this Texas anthem and Happy Birthday, Bob! May you forever rest in peace.

Thanks to the following sources:

Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org

MrHellvis69 - youtube.com/user/MrHellvis69