Spring is here in Sussex - bright birdsong, green buds everywhere, lots of sunshine, though still a nip in the air. The old, old tune "The Oak And The Ash" - also known as "The North Country Maid" - slipped into my mind as I walked in the garden this morning. So I got out the Martin and played a few choruses, just for fun.

I've put it in dropped D tuning and capo'ed up to the 3rd fret to give it some lightness. When sung, the verse is usually followed by a chorus consisting of the melody from the 2nd half of the verse - a repeat of the phrase - but I've omitted this chorus from my arrangement, which is purely instrumental.

I dug out my old Sony Minidisc recorder and Sony condenser mic to record this one - just for a change.

Tabs for my arrangement can be downloaded from:

http://www.willflyguitar.com/tablatures.html

Just checked my watch - the sun's over the yardarm - time for a little something to drink in the sunshine...