Irish Clawhammer Banjo- "California Roll" Triplets - O'Carolan's Morgan Megan - Steve Baughman

This is Turlough O'Carolan's great classic, Morgan Megan, on clawhammer banjo using some of the "gongs and whistles" that I teach on the Zen Banjo DVD (DVD download available at https://gumroad.com/l/zenbanjo ) The triplets are what I call "California Rolls" and they involve a quick up-pick motion that should not interfere with the bum-ditty groove. IF YOU WANT THE TAB, IT JUST CAME OUT IN THE MARCH 2021 BANJO NEWSLETTER, METICULOUSLY DETAILED BY KEN PERLMAN ALONG WITH A SHORT ARTICLE BY ME EXPLAINING THE CALIFORNIA ROLL AND THE BASIC ARRANGEMENT. You can get it from them at https://banjonews.com/banjotab.html

(ADDED 8/13/17.) Given the good questions folks have asked about the technique I am using, I will add some info here.

Yes, I “invented” the "California Roll" that I demonstrate in the first few seconds (although for all I know others may have done it before me. If you know, please let me know. I am interested in its history.) I discuss the technique in detail on the Zen Banjo DVD, but it is basically "down/thumb/up/down" played in rapid succession without changing the groove. On one of your UPward motions in the bum-ditty motion just move your finger in a bit and catch the string instead of bypassing it. Presto!!! It's simple but tricky at first.

Throughout the tune (except during the California Roll ornament) I am just using the basic old-time clawhammer banjo "Bum Ditty" pattern. Quite a few other players are doing Irish tunes on clawhammer banjo. Their approaches tend to heavily emphasize the individual notes of the tune. What is different with my approach is that I emphasize the groove, and if I miss or muffle a note here and there I don't worry as long as the groove goes on.

I call this the "Jesus approach" to clawhammer banjo. "What profiteth thou to gaineth a note but loseth the groove?" 😉

Thanks for your interest. Feel free to send me questions.

Banjo by Hugh Hunter
Index fingerpick by Fred Kelly
Key Card by Loch Lomond Marina