Building a Traditional Tune Repertoire

 Seneca Squaredance

 (Key of G)

The Tune:

Seneca Squaredance, is a popular Old-Time fiddle tune that is also known as (a.k.a.) Waiting For (or Running from) The Federales or Shelby’s Mules. These names suggest that they may have influences & origins from the name of the Seneca First Nations tribe and the town of Seneca, Missouri as well as the American Civil War. This tune is called a Breakdown, & in a typical jam situation could be played up to 185-200 bpm (beats-per-minute).

Listen to the Midi: 120 | 160 | 190 bpm

Techniques:

• Overview of Tune: This tune contains a combination of half, quarter, eighth notes, with a bit of syncopated rhythm for added interest.


• Chords: With research, you will find many different variations of chord changes for Seneca Squaredance - here's the way I like to play it: Parts A & B both start with 2 measures of G (I) & end with 3 measures of G|D|G (I|V|I); the difference between Parts A & B consists of 2 measures of C (IV): in Part A these come Before the extra G (I) chord, & in Part B After the extra G (I). When playing the melody, make use of open G & D strings to create chords at the beginning of some measures.

        Part A:   ||: G | G | C | C | G | G | D | G :||
  
        Part B:   ||: G | G | G | C | C | G | D | G :||
  
  

• Pick Strokes & Fingering: Pick all 1/2 & 1/4 notes with Downstrokes. Pick all paired 1/8 notes with Down/Upstrokes. The syncopated rhythm is created by following a tied 1/4 + 1/8 note (Downstroke the 1/4 note, which is held for the duration of an additional 1/8 beat), then picking the following 1/8 note on the Upbeat.