schlange - Posted - 07/07/2014:  08:20:57

Played in the key of D in double D tuning aDADE (double C – gCGCD – capo 2)

In this, Tunetorial number 7, Dan "Clawdan" Levenson teaches The Merry Blacksmith. This is a wonderful tune but is not often played at old time sessions due to it’s more Celtic roots. Gene Goforth and John Hartford list it as Eminence Breakdown and both of them have great fiddle recordings of it.  I do urge you to get hold of some those to listen to if  you can. 

In this and all of the Tutorials, Dan plays the tune three times through up to speed then slow starting with a basic version and building to an advanced one. Then Dan plays the basic version and breaks it down phrase by phrase. Same with the advanced.

This is tabbed out in Dan's newest book "Old-Time Favorites for Clawhammer Banjo" (MelBay 30224). Tab and standard notation with 2 cds of banjo and fiddle audio tracks.

A little different! 

You can purchase the video lesson (for unlimited streaming and download) here on the Banjo Hangout for $6. Get it here >

Dan and I would love to hear any feedback you have on these videos, so feel free to post or email us. Our goal here is provide a steady, affordable way for people to learn a new clawhammer tune weekly (or as often as they'd like).

If you're working on the tune, record yourself and post it below--we'd love to hear your progress!

LyleK - Posted - 07/08/2014:  10:52:28

quote:

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Originally posted by schlange

If you're working on the tune, record yourself and post it below--we'd love to hear your progress!

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I wouldn't exactly say I'm "working" on it now as this was posted to BHO in 2007.  I posted it as "Corkonian Reel" (following Ryan's Mammoth Collection, see tunearch.org/wiki/Corkonian), but it is the "Merry Blacksmith" all the same.  I posted the tab for this at BHO in 2010 (banjohangout.org/tab/browse.as...p;v=13302).

Corkonian Reel

jmabus - Posted - 07/08/2014:  11:22:06

Another popular American name for this tune is Paddy on the Railroad. (NOT "turnpike") I recorded it under the Paddy name for The Banjo Monologues back in '07 where I paired it with another Irish tune, Reel with the Beryl.

Also called The Peeler's Cap by some in Irish sessions.

Great reel, nice and notey.

Joel Mabus

whyteman - Posted - 07/08/2014:  13:54:30

This tune does actually get played a fair amount in Missouri due to the Goforth(and Hartford) influence on Mo. fiddling. Dan L. is a great source as well.

Eminence is the county seat of Shannon County which is in the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways which includes the Federally protected(from dams and developement) Current and Jack's Fork rivers. The stunning beauty of the area adds romance and charm to an already great tune.

Don