Level: 2/3
Tuning: Standard

Played in the key of G. This popular instrumental follows a ragtime progression. It was written by Kennedy Jones but when Travis recorded it he received the writer's credit. Kennedy greatly influenced the Kentucky Muhlenberg County pickers. Your goal is to play this very fast, but do it slow while learning. For best effect muffle the bass strings with the heel of your palm. The last section, with the bass runs, is the easiest to finger but the hardest to play right. You have to play the chords at the beginning of every other measure - just for the first beat - and then muffle the strings immediately. This is hard to do. And then open it all up for the final cadence. Cannonball Rag is a must for a thumbpicker's repertoire.