Big Sciota

Notes

“Big Sciota” (sometimes spelled Scioty) is a quintessential “crooked” reel from the West Virginia fiddle tradition, famously attributed to the Hammons family. It is named after the Scioto River in Ohio, and its popularity exploded in the 1990s after it was featured on the legendary Skip, Hop & Wobble album by Jerry Douglas, Russ Barenberg, and Edgar Meyer.

The tune is beloved for its “loping” feel—a relaxed but driving rhythm that sits somewhere between a traditional Appalachian breakdown and a modern bluegrass jam.

• The “Crooked” Structure: In its original form, the tune has an extra beat or two in the phrasing, which gives it a charming, unpredictable skip. Most modern versions have “straightened” it out slightly to fit a standard 4/4 count, but it still retains that distinctive mountain character.

• The Key: Played in G Major, it has a bright, pastoral sound that feels as wide and open as the river valley it’s named after.

• The B-Part Lift: The A-part is grounding and repetitive, but the B-part features a lovely melodic ascent that feels like a “release,” making it one of the most satisfying tunes to play in a group setting.