Just noticed an old archived topic about Doug's Clinch Mtn Backstep. I must say it is the 2nd most enjoyable piece of banjo music I have ever heard, second only to Earl's Sally Goodin on the Live at Kansas State album.
On the old archived post folks were wondering how Doug played this. I have been listening and playing this tune since 1975 and first i must say that the guitar should accompany with no capo in the key of A. In both parts when you expect an E chord it actually goes to a C, hence the reason for the guitar being uncappoed. It also goes to the 4 and 5 chords toward the end of each part (D and E).
Doug definitely has a different way of playing it than Dr. Ralph; the difference in sound is not just in his right hand attack. The power "snap" you hear in first part is, in my opinion, a pull-off on the third string from the 5th to third fret that is extremely accented.
In the 2nd part he does not do a forward/backward roll at the 2nd string 1st fret/3rd sting 3rd fret position. He is doing a a forward roll (5-3-1) freting the third string at the 5th fret and then the 3rd string 3rd fret. The second string is not involved. Then he again does the power "snap" toward the end of the second part like he did in the first part.
Does anyone else hear this as I? Would like to hear other ideas to try to duplicate Doug's sound.
Hope this helps those who were wondering about this.