Big Mon: Mandolin Tab
Mandolin tab and sheet music with synced audio · Bill Monroe · Key of G · 120 BPM · 4/4 time · Bluegrass · Beginner
Chords used in this arrangement: G, F, D.
The title "Big Mon" is literally Monroe's own nickname. While the outside world called him that, Del McCoury has said on his radio show that inside the band, the Bluegrass Boys actually called Monroe "Chief." So Monroe named this tune after the nickname his fans knew him by, not the one his own bandmates used. The tune itself was first recorded in 1965, later than many of his classics.
Monroe didn't lay it down until 1965, later than a lot of his better-known pieces, but it became a staple fast. In G it sits right in the mandolin's sweet spot, and the driving melody really shows off that percussive Monroe attack. You should dig in with authority on the downstrokes rather than playing it too politely. It's a great one to internalize early, because you'll hear it called at jams constantly.
This page includes mandolin tablature, standard music notation, and a chord chart, printable as PDF and playable in sync with the original recording. Change the key, slow the tempo down, and loop the bars you want to practise. Download the Big Mon PDF.
Big Mon: questions and answers
What key is Big Mon in?
Big Mon is in G major. The transpose control on this page moves the tab, notation and chords to any other key.
What chords are used in Big Mon?
The chords in this arrangement are G, F, D. The chord chart on this page shows each shape and highlights the current chord as the tune plays.
How fast is Big Mon played?
This recording is at 120 BPM in 4/4 time. Use the speed control to slow it down without changing the pitch, then work back up to full tempo.
Is Big Mon a good tune for beginners?
Yes. Big Mon is rated beginner, so it suits players who are still learning their first tunes.
Can I download Big Mon as sheet music?
Yes. A printable PDF with the mandolin tab and standard notation is free at /tab/big-mon.pdf, and there is a download button on this page.
Related tunes
More in G
- Flower's of Edinburgh (G, 120 BPM)
- The Girl I Left Behind Me (G, 120 BPM)
- When My Cat Came Back (Harry S. Miller, G, 120 BPM)
- Colored Aristocracy (G, 120 BPM)
- Battering Ram (G, 120 BPM)
- Away in a Manger (G, 120 BPM)
- Big Sciota (G, 120 BPM)
- Blue Moon of Kentucky (Bill Monroe, G, 120 BPM)
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