My guitar playing has been most profoundly influenced by Bruce Cockburn and Leo Kottke. The independent (alternating root / 5) thumb thing I got from Bruce, and much of the right hand percussion I got from Leo. Both players are unique with quite different melodic sensibilities, but both have a similar capacity to make the guitar the “whole band” which is why it is sometimes disappointing to see them perform with others – the magic of the “band in a box” is lost.
See video below.
Drumheller Circle was written after seeing Leo Kottke perform live at the West End Cultural Center in Winnipeg. It’s a small, funky theater which seats perhaps 250 max and hosts the most amazing concerts. I already knew a lot of Leo’s material and was looking forward to discovering what crazy tunings and techniques he used to get his outrageous melodies, chords and unique percussiveness. I was quite surprised to discover that most of his material was written and played in standard or simple alternate tunings (drop D); Theme from “The Rick and Bob Report” (My Father’s Face/ 1989) is a particular example. Leo seems determined to wring every possibility out of these two familiar tunings.
At the time I was experimenting with all sorts of tunings to rescue myself from going to the same old places musically. But I went home that night with a renewed appreciation for the carrying capacity of standard and drop D tunings, determined to wrestle a few more tunes out of them. Drumheller Circle was the result of that determination.
When I first started to play the song publicly I didn’t have a title for it, but found myself telling the story of my early guitar days as a boy in Drumheller, Alberta. My father was a prison chaplain at the federal penitentiary in Drumheller and the inmates used the chapel Saturday afternoons to have jam sessions. Occasionally I was allowed to go in, sit in the corner and watch the guys play – some were quite exceptional. But I was quite eager to learn to play, myself, and when the inmates discovered this, they invited me to join their circle.
Not having a guitar of my own, I joined the Jr. Sales Club of Canada and started selling Christmas Cards to get the money to buy a guitar – Dad told me he’d match me dollar for dollar and I had my eye on a Hofner Acoustic ($120 w/hardshell case, strap and pick – ooooo!) After several months I had 60 bucks, Dad matched it and I started showing up every Saturday afternoon to sit in a circle with Canada’s most unwanted men who taught me to play the guitar. I was eight, I was in heaven and to this day adore those men for taking me seriously and investing in me.
Several months after I started performing this song, and telling this story, my manager Dave finally suggested I call it Drumheller Circle and I have ever since.
A few years ago I was invited back to Drumheller prison to perform a concert for the inmates in the same chapel I learned to play in. Obviously, for sentimental reasons, I was eager to go back and play there. It never occurred to me I’d know anyone, or that anyone would remember me after all those years. But I did. It was so very wonderful and so very sad to see old friends after all those years. It was the first time the awful reality of “life sentence” hit me. Is this really the best our “gospel” imagination is capable of?
Anyway - for those of you guitar players who want to take a stab at playing this song, click on the button at the top of the page to download the guitar tab (music notation). It’s perhaps easier to play than it sounds – you’ll notice the basic chord shapes are D, G, and A (in drop D tuning). Most of the song revolves around those three chord shapes. The greatest difficulty you’ll have is the thumb independence. If you have any questions just post them in the comments below – I’m not much of a teacher but I’ll try to be of help if you’re having trouble.
Posted on April 6th
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Posted on March 2nd
Hi Steve;
The “Kindness” excerpt is wonderful….so looking forward to seeing you at eh Winspear (EDM). We’re bringing some close friends. Any chance of meeting you personally?
I know this is a frequent request, and many ask. If it is a possibility, it would be wonderful
Posted on February 23rd
I took my son to one of your concerts in Calgary a couple of years ago, then again a year ago. His passion is guitar and music and he has quietly followed you since then. Drumheller Circle is one of his favorites. I appreciate where you come from as a Christian and as an artist. You have made an impact on a young man who struggles with lifes many questions, as we all do! Thanks for sharing your heart through your music.
DC
Posted on March 25th
Listening to one of your cd’s while recuperating at home. Drumheller Circle intro came on while I was reading this article.God is great!!! I am blessed often by the ministry that you provide through Christ in your music.
Don’t stop doing what He has called you todo!!!
Cal
Posted on February 21st
I have never learned a finger picking song before, but I’m working on this, and I’m very excited how it is coming so far. Thanks for sharing this with us Steve. And yes, if you would ever consider tabbing out more of your songs, I would be on the purchaser list right away!!
Posted on December 9th
Steve,
Firstly – thanks for posting this tab. It’s alway’s really interesting to have a glimpse into the nuances of another guitarist’s style.
Cockburn’s style has influenced my playing also; for that matter, your own style has influenced (fairly profoundly) my playing.
More than a decade ago – when I was in my mid-teens, I recall attending one of your concerts – it was (I think) in the little town of Neuanlage, near Saskatoon. What still stands out in my mind is that post-concert, in response to questions from a couple of beginning guitarist’s (myself and a friend) you graciously took the time to step aside with us and give an impromptu guitar lesson. I remember that was a huge encouragement to me in my pursuit of learning the instrument – so, years later – thank you.
A final thought (maybe some of the other guitarists that read this post could speak up regarding this idea): If you would consider publishing more tab, I would certainly be willing to (and would) purchase it. I wonder if there are others out there who might be thinking along the same lines?
If I had a wish list, it might include a lot of the songs of of your “Feast of Seasons” album; maybe also “High above the Fray” and “Fresh and Green” and the hymn medley instrumental from your “Simple Songs” album, and “The Wellspring.” Just thoughts, anyway . . .
All the best,
-Brendan Winter
Posted on December 1st
How can I get the tab for this neat song? I don’t see the “music notation” button on the top of the page….???
Posted on September 13th
I, for one, would welcome more Steve Bell tab. I admired your “band in a box” guitar style since I first saw you play in BC about ten years ago. Now that I’m (perhaps) your only fan in Botswana, I feel a kind of responsibility to play a song of yours whenever I get a gig.
Posted on September 10th
Hey – I was at that concert! Kottke totally knocked me over. I had been struggling through some tabs, notably songs from My Father’s Face, and to watch Leo play so effortlessly was a joy (and a sadness, as I knew I couldn’t play liek that). When I first heard Drumheller Circle I loved it. It’s always been one of my favorite songs of yours Steve. Can’t wait to check out the tab – thanks for your generosity. Robert Johnson used to play withhis back to the wall so that other players couldn’t see what he was doing. Where as you give a blueprint. So nice.
Cheers.
Posted on September 9th
RE: both have a similar capacity to make the guitar the “whole band” which is why it is sometimes disappointing to see them perform with others…
Ironically, I’ve have the same experience with your concerts. Yes, your bandmates are fantastic players and the “new” versions of the songs sound great. But still… there’s always something special about your solo events.
Posted on September 9th
Thanks so very much. I’ve loved this song-and the story. Tried to figure it out on my on with limited success and this is like an early Christmas present!
Posted on September 9th
Steve,
Thanks so much for the guitar tab for Drumheller Circle. It has been a favorite of mine for some time.
My question is about the capo. On an instrumental, how do you decide to use a capo? Is it just the pitch you want to change or some other reason?
Thanks,
Ron
P.S. Another favorite I’d like to learn is Down the Way!
Posted on September 9th
Steve, thank you so much for posting the sheet music to this wonderful song! I have been playing it by ear for a couple of years now (and putting my own unique and weird twists on it here and there, please forgive me!). It is often the simplest of things that result in the most beautiful art. This song is no exception! Thanks again and I thank God for your wonderful gift!