In this melodic banjo lesson, we’ll take a look at O’Carolan #174, written by the blind Irish harpist Turlough O’Carolan in the 17th century. The title, devoid of a specific name, reflects the historical convention of cataloging O’Carolan’s vast repertoire by number. #174 captivates with its intricate harmonies and emotive nuances, and this arrangement takes the beautiful melody and sets it on the banjo in a melodic style, very much creating a ‘harp’ like sound, well suited to the intermediate melodic picker. In the lesson, we’ll break down the techniques and rhythmic structure to help you play this wonderful tune.

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3