Meredith Moon - Cumberland Gap (Clawhammer Banjo)

My take on this classic Appalachian tune.
Tuning is double c - gCGCD.
Capo on second position, so the key of D - aDADE.

[@spqa2004]

The banjo is an underrated and underappreciated instrument. American folk music is sorely missing out in the popularity that is so richly deserves.

[@YourLocalR3NecK]

I agree! The banjo and folk are both super underrated and underappreciated. Although, I feel if it were super popular today, it would slowly be ruined and end up how country has become.

[@barneyboyle6933]

I’d pay money for a tutorial if this version. It’s the best version I’ve ever heard

[@clevelandcorncob]

You'll get a real old time banjo lesson if you just learn from watching/listening to her!

[@commanderty94]

She has referenced Clifton Hicks in other videos and I believe she usually plays in the d range ( aDADE). Clifton Hicks is a fantastic teacher and has very helpful instructional videos. Including Cumberland Gap.

[@digitaldemocracyai-rob]

​@@clevelandcorncobit's complex for us beginners

[@meredithmoon]

@@commanderty94 i've actually never heard anything by Clifton Hicks or referenced him? But this version is more or less from the Lotus Wight version off his album "Ode to the Banjo". I like to change my versions around so as not to sound exactly the same as any version, but I highly recommend checking out Lotus Wight.

[@meredithmoon]

@@commanderty94 I have always figured tunes out by ear by listening to them on record - but yes there are many helpful instructional videos for tunes like this one here on KZbin.

[@UNC3345]

I was in an airport from Turkey to the Ukraine when I first heard you sing this song. A long way from North Carolina. This really made me emotional.

[@joshaquatic]

I haven't been home to NC in.....actually this month makes 4 years. My KZbin history is quickly filling up with songs like this. Playing stuff like this on my cello or ukulele, along with fish fries and pulled pork helps in missing one of the most beautiful places on earth.

[@brucetoo3294]

music come out of the ground--eh? A johnny Cash song made me cry in Switzerland--didn't know what homesick--or evn maybe "home" meant....

[@michaelsongs]

That is some phenomenal banjo playing!❤

[@roryboyes2307]

This one is pure class. I come back to it often. Pure rolling. Magic.

[@timthompsondp]

WHAT. This is insane. I think this is my favorite version I've heard of Cumberland Gap.

[@giuseppemontego8479]

Love the performance...and love the "FILM COPS" note too.

[@johnlashbaugh6194]

Damn gal, this is one of the few that brings me back and long for the real music. Thank you!

[@richardddeath]

Sweet as a Kentucky whippoorwill on a smokey mountain breeze, could be a hundred years old on a front porch or totally up to date, you made my day and helped me to make the decision to cast away the finger picks and play in the way that feels right. Beautiful Meredith Moon.

[@TwoCatsUp]

Love the down-to-earth, old-timey genuinness of this sound, so faithful to the music and a joy to listen to. Love the version of Cumberland Gap, never heard anything like it.

[@meredithmoon]

Thanks!

[@kevinhoelzeman1032]

I've watched this video quite a few times and it's just beautiful. It makes me think of happier times in life at the creeks and hollers wondering through the great outdoors. It may not be as happy right now but I'll never give up. Great playing. Have a great day

[@brianchaplin9085BEC.]

Meredith you are my clawhammer banjo idol.

[@jordanstrayer7199]

Fur real tho

[@skypausebgp2615]

I have listened to this version of this song every morning for the past week and it gets better every time I hear it. It’s just great.

[@banjobearhuman4166]

Well, I guess I just spent 3 months learning Scruggs style only to realize frailing is the way. I have not heard this much soul in a bluegrass-style banjo playing style and I don't think you could.

[@Vlatheron]

I had the same thing happen to me lol If you’re looking for clawhammer resources, I totally recommend clifton hicks Also, if you haven’t heard of Rising Appalachia, you should check out their album wider circles

[@rbdavisphoto]

Clifton Hick teaches Clawhammer as well 2-finger thumb lead style which gives another sound, more of a Virginia mountain style.

[@goodoleme747]

Learn both...You're limiting the tone of the banjo if you play one style.

[@phildf6922]

clawhammer explores the percussive nature of the instrument, fingerpicking feels like trying to play it as a 5 string guitar

[@bonniehill9518]

Same!!!!! 3 months in at Scruggs to find this.....my next mission learning clawhammer

[@0713mas]

What a performance, made my hair stand up!!! All the sudden I'm seeing all these fantastic banjoists coming out of the wood work❤ fantastic singer too! 👏

[@meattooth]

I think I watch this video weekly lol. Whatever you're doing today, just know that you have inspired, and stirred a soul. Thank you.

[@drussthelegend3919]

Been watchkng this clip for almost 2 decades. The best in my book.

[@dylangaffney954]

This is the definition of taking an old time song and making it uniquely yours, beautiful!

[@beakerman40]

Can't stop listening and watching this. Still watching. Can't stop Help!

[@DavidSSabb]

I love this song, your rendition of it, how badass your banjo looks, and the art on your walls.

[@BornByMoonlight]

My grandpa used to sing this to me when I was little.. here I sit in the hospital hoping he pulls through playing this for him. I'd love to be able to play it for him myself. He played clawhammer.♡

[@BornByMoonlight]

Note: I lost my popaw on September 1st 2023.. if anyone sees this & would do a tutorial how to play it please tag me.♡ I'd love to play it in his memory.

[@Matersoup]

Thank you for always showing your tuning it's a great help for us beginner banjoists! I'm a huge fan.

[@z_dog7739]

I actually played Cumberland Gap in the Cumberland Gap and now I'm at home 70 miles from there looking and seeing how others play it

[@mistyautumnwoods]

Just back here again to remind you that this is still the best version of this song on KZbin!!!

[@weaviestevie8867]

This just makes me grin .... Simply THE best banjo vid I’ve watched in 12 months of learning to play clawhammer ... thank you ... eat dust Mr Costello! Amazing ...

[@gregwojaczynski7185]

By far my favorite version of this very old song

[@spikel984]

Geez I'm glad i discovered you on you tube. You've inspired me to blow the dust off my banjo and learn to play.(finally). Its great to hear the banjo played the way you do,( & sing), I love it, thanks for sharing.

[@calvb8349]

Beautiful music! Amazing how much a simple foot tap can do to a song too. Loved it, thank you.

[@KenBilderback]

I like the sign on your refrigerator. I grew up in Detroit listening in the 1960s listening to your dad's music. "Black Day in July," "Canadian Railroad Trilogy," and "Don Quixote" are the songs that stick with me. Music can awaken people. BTW: You are beyond incredible. Thank you.

[@leeadams996]

I cannot stop watching this! Beautiful sound and voice! Very inspiring!

[@badandy880]

I love how freely you play. There's some fuckin soul in that voice! Thanks for sharing.

[@lazysax9987]

Discovered this video 3 days ago... have watched it at least a couple dozen times

[@tobiaswieczorek6040]

Wow absolutely loving it. What a voice!! Great version of this song

[@norternredneck]

1st time hearing this lady , I was not disappointed

[@margotstern2645]

Gosh I wanna see you live!! I LOVE YOUR MUSICCC

[@uriahromero6182]

gorgeous instrument

[@MatthewHoffman-sg1lo]

that was fire i love to sing and play to!!

[@AnnLippert1]

Finally. Banjo's looking bad ass

[@mrgildons]

Never heard "Cumberland Gap" played this way! Great!

[@Stray1One]

Brilliant,I’m gonna try this one,banjo Jen taught me claw hammer style,Hope I learn this from you,cheers.

[@michaelmaddux5447]

I love your styling on this tune. Thanks again. I could listen for hours...and I may just do that.

[@scottearnest182]

Listening to you keeps motivating me to keep practicing! Cheers!

[@kennethfrancis782]

My wife and I just bought a banjo...learning to play together...she played me this video the other day...bucket list goal of mine now to pick it apart and learn to play it exactly like this.

[@S3Moto]

I just started learning 2 finger banjo, and my brain just can't comprehend how you can get that kind of sound playing claw hammer! It's absolutely amazing.

[@alanhenager50]

Lots of soul in this rendition. Definitely subscribing!

[@atillion79]

I love how the foot fills out the 1 and the 3, where clawhammer hits the 2 and 4 so good.. great job.

[@krisrod99]

Amazing. I am just beginning to learn clawhammer. Thank you for posting.

[@digitaldemocracyai-rob]

Awesome. Great tune, playing and voice. Loved it

[@Pinecone246]

Positively excellent playing great playing and vocals

[@theoliviaarchives4794]

Love your videos. They have been a great inspiration in my own learning.

[@kayrogers4022]

That...was...INCREDIBLE. Thank u!

[@42VS42]

Seriously, hearing/seeing this rendition of this song was life changing.

[@sebastianmelmoth9100]

Marvelous, stunning, full of feeling and beauty and emotion. Love it.

[@rogerjon1841]

awesome! love it. best version I have ever heard. well done ma'am

[@edhynes2628]

obsessed with this ...so catchy !

[@billybudd45]

I have watched this video at least 10 times today

[@rbdavisphoto]

I've listened to a lot of versions, and this is the best by far... Meredith's enthusiasm makes it even better.

[@FinnBjerke]

This put a smile on my face....

[@johannesbroborn]

Lovely playing! You're amazing

[@niteowl365]

Bravo!!! This really makes me long for Cumberland Gap or as my Father-in-law would say; Polecat Holler which made me alittle afraid that you had some sort of wild mountain lions. Beautiful country, people, and music!

[@janfideplat752]

C'est vraiment la version que j'aime le lpus réécouter, merci encore 👏👏👏

[@TheMrgough]

GREAT claw-hammer GREAT singing GREAT rendering of this classic. 🙂

[@HillbillyMusings]

Love it.

[@NobleNoob356]

Fantastic. I remember this song when I was in school.

[@mikeryan4742]

I live 106 miles west of Cumberland gap. Beautiful song !

[@stadtleriv]

Love you and your music!!!! Thank you. I am forever your loyal fan. XO JS

[@BOB2ElECTRICBOOGALOO678]

The mods done on that deering goodtime banjo looks really cool. the black headstock, the custom scooped fretboard, the words on the bottom of the drum, all looks cool with the blonde neck, super unique.

[@blainechappell5383]

I think I've watched this about a dozen times now

[@bigal25938]

This gal is just good. Been watching her videos for a few years.

[@janfideplat752]

Quelle bonne voix et quel jeu joyeux ! J'adore, merci beaucoup 👍💚

[@fordsrestorations970]

Yes ma'am my people all through those mountains all along the Appalachians down in the Cumberland my grandpa also played banjo but most of my family played music

[@tbobmann229]

WOW!!! I LOVE IT!.. WHAT A TALENT!

[@kryptokoz7826]

YOU OWN IT GIRL!!!!!

[@TreeMusicForTheBirds]

Claw hammer and "film cops" on the fridge. I'm in love.

[@brandonsutton2988]

Absolutely love the sound and tone you get out of that banjo! Damn good job!

[@AllenGarvin]

I love watching your left-hand. That's great shifting, keeping the position of the hand rock-steady into the shift and then back to first position. That's something I still struggle with.

[@zentao858]

I've looked up a lot of versions of this tune and yours is by far my favourite... absolutely love your style of playing this tune... only been playing about a year myself so a long way to go but would be very interested in the tabs for it and if you ever thought of bringing out some teaching material I'd be right there...thanks for your inspiration :)

[@valentined2808]

this is such a stunning rendition !

[@rpeek]

So good I can listen all day

[@rickerson81]

I don't think I haven't seen one of her videos that I didn't like. She's amazing!

[@MrAlandrez]

You need to teach beginners like me cus your great at banjo

[@buckkshott6613]

Concur

[@GeorgeCampbell1964]

I absolutely love your style, both in singing and your picking. A friend of mine is making some nice gourd banjos now and I have my heart set on one of those. Ive played dobro (gbdgbd) so i should at least be able to make a little noise! Lol

[@alexhickey5633]

Fantastic version i must say. Very lively!

[@jackmcgarry9158]

What a talented family

[@brianboman9801]

I love this.

[@samuelmorgan9691]

I love that minor key change that you do for a few notes!

[@zuhairreza]

Very nice!

[@submarineradioman5535]

Sweet - Excellent thump... by the way Ms Moon, your “Obsidian” was haunting and beautiful. “The Highwayman” by Noyes came to my mind immediately. Honestly I’d buy a copy of that poem. You do excellent work. Maybe someday I’ll have a chance to hear you perform in person.

[@meredithmoon]

Thank you much! I deleted it, as I'd like to keep my poetry for live performances and my books - I feel maybe not for youtube. I very much appreciate your kind words. Take care.

[@jamesantkeegan83]

@@meredithmoon love your sound meredith! All the way from ireland!

[@frettedinstrumentsschool-g280]

Really great Meredith....Jack Baker NYC/NJ

[@erinworley1601]

I love your version. Awesome job! Gonna go home and learn it.

[@randyraeder2333]

I like when the drum head gets dark and dirty. Mine too.

[@StevePlaysBanjo]

Damn, that’s good. Love that little key change you throw in there.

[@user-lq7nl3no7o]

Incredible!! beautiful!!

[@olligator22]

Brilliant!! Outstanding!!

[@elgatogitano5468]

Me gusta tu manera de tocar el banjo, ya tengo maestra. Muchas gracias!

[@falsejaguar]

Excellent.

[@MultiCharliejames]

Super nice playing!

[@eamonnmulhern2332]

Jaysus h christ lads... I think I'm in love... excellent

[@mikelong3702]

Very nice. Love it

[@jamesbrown8303]

So good! Thank you!

[@cgm0826]

amazing.