THE COO-COO (Double C Tuning)

I learned to play the Coo-coo fairly early on in my banjo playing, maybe 45 years ago or so, loosely based on Clarence Ashley's classic version from the 1920s. Over time I've reorganized the verses, added verses, and revised most of them to suit me. More recently, in the last few years, I've experimented in using different tunings to develop a version more distinctly my own. This seems to be my definitive personal version -- at least for now -- few things I do ever really get locked in to any single version forever. There's always a new idea just over the horizon.
This song is usually played, as Clarence Ashley did, in "sawmill" tuning (gDGCD). This version uses "double C" tuning (gCGCD).

[@cathyenglish7124]

Gorgeous, thank you!

[@marcnerenberg1]

Cathy English Thank you very much!

[@jimsatterfield8748]

That was fantastic. Man, you got a lot of soul.

[@marcnerenberg1]

Thanks very much!

[@thecommongoodtube]

I’ve come to the conclusion that this man makes no mistakes…truly envious skills.

[@marcnerenberg1]

Ha ha! I just don’t post the ones with mistakes - but thank you so much!

[@banjoboy01]

here's my compliment...listened to the entire thang

[@rogerbeaird3320]

It says 6 years ago I really en the melody I pray your still playing and your voice rings out again about the co Co I heard you say she has no name of her own and feeds her babies great song brother shalom to all

[@marcnerenberg1]

Thanks very much! (Actually, I say she has no “nest” of her own - which is true of coo-coos, they lay their eggs in other bird’s nests, to be fed and raised by them!)

[@libbylamarr]

Hi Marc, this is the best version of the song I've heard. I would love to play like this. Thank you for sharing x

[@Matersoup]

Thanks for sharing, Marc.

[@trishapope7645]

This is really a great setting for this song. Thank you!

[@guywolff]

Wonderful tone Marc . Glad to hear this . great subtext & wonderful attack . Yours Guy

[@StevePlaysBanjo]

I love this so much.

[@bisbonian1183]

One of my absolute favorite songs. I play it in G modal, but need to try this out, too.

[@bisbonian1183]

BTW, ever talk to Marc on the BHO? Neat guy.

[@BrandonsEnvironments]

Gorgeous tune, and fantastic playing! Love the tone you get around :36 seconds.

[@jacksonniall7943]

This is awesome

[@robconnor9384]

Great stuff.....

[@jasonpiatt2744]

Dope.

[@marcnerenberg1]

Thank you!