Sailor's Hornpipe - traditional version on guitar

I think this one is a finger twister no matter what instrument you play! Some musicians have strayed from the actual original run to make the fingering easier but I'm trying to be as true to the traditional tune as I can. I've seen guitarists completely straighten out the wonderfully bouncy run that ends each part which is what makes the tune so great (and challenging). My ITM friends tell me it's not actually a hornpipe and I'll just take their word for that:-) I get all that stuff mixed up.
It's a popular misconception that this is Popeye's theme song. Although this song was in Popeye cartoons, his theme song goes "I'm Popeye the sailor man (toot toot) x2 I yam what I yam etc.

UPDATE - At a recent Irish session I found out this tune is normally played in G, not D as I'm doing here. (well excuuuse me!! ) If you're playing it solo any key you like will do but if you want to play it in a session with others you might find them playing it in G. I haven't tried it that way yet myself. Another Update: Hey it works well in G!!! And that tricky run that makes this tune so great might even be easier in G. I still need some practice but I'll post a G version some day. Have fun and keep picking!!!!!

Dec 20 2010 - I just uploaded a new video of this in G. Actually it is drop d with capo on the 5th fret. If you are just learning it, I recommend you check out how I play it now. Playing in the D shape is easier and works better in a session than the C shape I'm using here.

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[ElectricGuitarManPL]

like that ol' country rhythm!

[SW94929]

@ElectricGuitarManPL Me too! thanks to EGM from AGM :)

[journalwriter]

aww My dad and I were watching this and I told him this reminds me of him playing. And he says, "No way! I wish I could play the way he plays!" Awww, y'all are so adorable! <3

[SW94929]

@journalwriter What a sweet comment! Thank you.

[DrOrphious79]

I looked through your vids and i cant find the updated version, did you remove it or am i being blind?

[SW94929]

@DrOrphious79 No you're right I took that down to redo it. Sorry about that. It's on my to do list. Thanks for stopping by!!

[DrOrphious79]

@SW94929 Cool ill have to keep an eye out for that.

would you consider doing a tutorial for it or, do you have any tabs available in G i could get.

Thanks

Ed

[DrOrphious79]

That did look tricky

Good job :)

[chica476]

YOU FUCKED IT UP!!!

[SW94929]

@RichardVanWagner Thanks Ricky!!! But beware that in sessions this tune is played in G! I found that out the hard way.