Raglan Road Long Neck Banjo Lesson 

Thanks again John

+Mark English Would I just need to down-tune the low D string, and play it as you've demonstrated, without a capo?

+Mark English Yes Mark, you are correct if you tune the low D string down to C and then you can play along with me in the key of C. Luke Kelly sang it in D to my knowledge as my voice is getting slightly deeper as I get older. In public performances, I usually play it in C#. Once you get it clean and flowing, you choose the best key for your voice and use the capo accordingly. Thank you for your interest. Slainte, Pat

I'll try that ASAP...I assume along the lines of Luke's version?

That would be perfect thanks

The banjo is tuned in C tuning G, C, G, B, D. E. Chords use are C, F, G7 and (G occasionally) Example Chord C at 3.16 Example Chord F at 3.29 Example Chord G7 at 3.53 Example Chord G at 5.18

Thank you very much! :)

That's a good question. I haven't tried as of yet, but one could surely work out a similar finger-picking lick I would think.

Hi Stephen. Not sure about double C. I doubt it, but I could be wrong. I don't think that there is any source of his style. I can easily mimic his thumb and three fingers style, but not as fluently as my thumb and two fingers style. I think his style was inherited from the guy that taught him in England. His style would resemble typical guitar thumb and three fingers folk style and possibly his right hand style that he was taught may have been influenced by English classic 5 string banjo playing.

agree@@patkelleheririshfolksinger these chord formations that Luke plays are definitely standard C, not double C

Yes Richard, to my knowledge as well as the slow verses of Paddy On The Railway. There may be a few more.

Of course, I forgot about "Paddy Works on the Railroad" - a great version by the Dubliners - thanks.....

Hi Stephen, without being smart, it takes practice and time. If you haven't played another instrument before (e.g. guitar), it will take time...a metronome of some sort will definitely help...Good luck!

+longneckmusic the picking pattern in video shows you picking the 4 string!! is the sequence 321512321542

+f6rider1 My note sequence was incorrect. I've edited it. I must have copied and pasted. Thanks for highlighting. Your suggestion is different also. Here it is: 321512421512

+longneckmusic thanks for reply great video's

Hi Shane, it's horses for courses really. Luke played the long neck (25 frets) 5 string for almost his entire career. On e can play most of his material depending on the key that suits your voice on a standard scale (22 frets) 5 string banjo. New long neck banjos range in price from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars/euro. Here are links to a few examples of long necks. Nearly all long neck offerings out there are normally good to play once the set up is good.There are loads of standard scale 5 strings out there used and new. Google for more. www.hobgoblin.com/local/sales/products/SORLO23428/heartwood-long-neck-5string-banjo-open-back-tone-ring-no-bag-/ www.eaglemusicshop.com/search.asp?q=long+neck Regards, Pat www.longneckmusic.com

Thanks for the heads up...I edited that error before, but it must have reverted back....did it there again.

It is in C tuning....bear this in mind....G, C, G, B, D starting at 5th string. , C chord is index finger on 2nd String at 1st fret and ring finger on 1st string on 2nd fret. G7 chord is 2nd finger on 4th string at 2nd fret and "pinky" finger on 1st string at 3rd fret.. F chord is index finger on 2nd string at 1st fret, middle finger on 3rd string at 2nd fret and "pinky" finger on 1st string at 3rd fret. Strings start with 1st from bottom to top. C F C F C On Raglan Road of an autumn day I saw her first and knew F C G7 That her dark hair would weave a snare that I might one day rue; F C G7 I saw the danger, and I passed along the enchanted way, C F D F C And I said, let grief be a fallen leaf at the dawning of the day. C F C F G On Grafton Street in November we tripped lightly along the ledge F C G7 Of the deep ravine where can be seen the worth of passion's pledge, F C G7 The Queen of Hearts still making tarts and I not making hay - C F C F C Oh I loved too much and by such by such is happiness thrown away.

I've always hard a hard time hearing the timing of this. Are you hearing it/singing it in 4/4/ and overlaying the 12-note rolls? And if yes, do the rolls land in a different place in the bar each time?

I play by ear weejoep with a bit of instinct and improvisation thrown in for good measure...pardon the pun. As far as I can make out, what you are suggesting is correct. Because of the lyrics and especially the melody and chord changes, yes you do not get to finish the entire lick sequence on occasions throughout.

No, this would be considered loosely as folk banjo style using a lick" or "roll" pattern which is basically a series of notes played in a particular sequence. Here is a link to an example of what would be deemed to be bluegrass style. However, there are many forms of this bluegrass style depending on the tempo of the tunes/songs as well as variations including melodic bluegrass etc. Hope this helps and doesn't confuse!

Thanks