Cajun Shuffle, I saw some simple demos but I'm curious about selecting notes for the slide. I would assume you always slide to a chord tone. Liek for a D chord could be E->F# on the D string. A chord could be D->E on the D string. Do you always start two notes below or on a note on the scale of the tune? Like a C chord in the key of G. Could you slide to a C? If so, from what note? A->C or Bb->C? Any rules to follow or suggestions for notes to slide in the other common chords?
I don't play Cajun style, although I like it. Since nobody is answering I'll give some general advice. Use your ear and try to play what you hear in the tune you're trying to play. I do play slides quite a bit in old time and bluegrass tunes and would say there aren't rules about it. Both a whole step and half step slide can sound great. As well as greater than and less than that. The point is to use it to add color and feeling. Definitely land solid on the note you're aiming for. I'd say don't worry about it other than that.
Ken,
Do you have a particular tune you are talking about? Have you been learning stuff from Mitch Reed? He's the Cajun guru.
I learned to tune a 2nd fiddle for Cajun C, because so many squeezeboxes are geared for C. (Learnt from Mitch)
For me, there's two things that make it sound Cajun: Basically a Nashville shuffle with the right hand. Combine that with a hammer-on and/or pull-off.
Before the Cops get here, let me clarify: a typical hammer-on would make a sound by hammering your finger down on the string to the fingerboard. Same with a pull-off. But in this instance the noting finger doesn't create a tone any more than any finger(s) playing a scale. Some would call two or three notes on one bow would be a slur.
It's tuff to make a video that catches everything as it happens. Because as you're watching the left hand you may be able to see the bow tip change direction but, as I said it's difficult.
Lastly, as far as sliding. I associate slides with a Blues feel. That doesn't mean you can't make a Cajun Blues thing. Listen to some Blues with lyrics. Listen to Hank Williams as he bends his voice. Listen to Jimmy Rodgers Blues. As his voice goes, so the fiddle note goes. A Blue yodel bends then bends back. John Hartford drove his wives nuts for awhile, because he was over using the 'bowing and sliding as one would enunciate' method.
Edited by - farmerjones on 07/17/2026 16:50:10
youtu.be/ncOQACVViyk?is=haF0TK0jkY8zSIc-
The leftmost fellow is sliding. Yes indeed.
I can't tell nothin without a fiddle in my hands.
Sorta sounds like Buffalo Gals?
Here's one of my Playlists (Cajun Playlist)
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfv_FurnuuJfhk0PjXo45i0ISWj21kNpo&si=6OhR0FImq31awwyh
Edited by - farmerjones on 07/17/2026 17:39:15
Common slides are the 2-3, 3-5, 5-6, 6-8 of the scale of the chord you’re on
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