Omie Wise

 

Composer: Traditional

Arranger: Lindsay Straw

Key: Fm (Em w/ capo 1)

Tuning: Standard

 

It's probably safe to say that Doc Watson is the best known for recording this American murder ballad, but I came to it first by way of Bert Jansch and the Pentangle, and it's Bert's inimitable playing and singing style I've always been trying to emulate when I play it. I threw in a little nod to Doc's straightforward approach in the verse after the instrumental, too.

The real-life murder of Naomi Wise took place in 1807 in North Carolina.

Learn via Flat.io (playback options, download TAB only, etc.)


Alternate version in Am