Finally, a new tune. Things have been a bit crazy around here lately (and at work - can you say audit? Ugh!), and while I have several "irons in the fire" for Fiddler's Folly, nothing was "up to temperature" until now! lol.Big Eyed Rabbit is one of those tunes that is just a LOT of fun to play. It also seems nearly impossible to find a familiar fiddle version of it online. There is plenty of banjo tab, but nothing for fiddle. That really surprised me, so a long overdue remedy was in order. I think this simple version of Big Eyed Rabbit will be a great addition to Folly's online library.
This particular version is in the Key of A so you'll want to cross tune your fiddle to AEAE (also known as sawmill tuning). With sawmill tuning, there are many ways to add variety to your tunes. Remember, anything that you can play on the top/higher two strings you can play on the bottom/lower two strings.
Additionally, as much of the melody is actually carried along on the A string, you can also vary your drone between the adjacent low or high E strings to your heart's desire. In my drone version, I have suggested one way to do just that, but I don't always play it that way myself. As I have come to accept (which is very difficult for an OCD accountant-type brain such as mine), the only rule in fiddling is that there aren't any rules and there are many paths to the same destination - each with a slightly different view along the way.
Bowing is also, for the most part, purely subjective as I have come to reluctantly accept (but in the end, wholeheartedly appreciate). There is some variation in classical as well, but in an orchestra you come to one consensus and EVERYONE bows that one way EVERY time. So, take my bowings as a mere suggestion. If they aren't right for you, work out your own. No problem. It's all good. lol.
Lastly, this is another tune that is great for getting your shuffle in gear. If you've got a reluctant shuffle, play this tune a few times through to get it going. You may even find a few more spots to work in even more shuffle!
Enjoy. And if you like this version, please let me know. If you don't, well...lol.
I just found your spot today. Very nice. I don't fiddle but play dulcimer, and fiddle notation works for me. Been looking for notation (that I can use) to Big Eyed Rabbit! Thanks!
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