The Little Beggarman

This tune is a great example of the evolution of American folk music. Originally played in Ireland as long ago as the 18th century, it was known as "Little Beggar Man", and had many vocal verses. The Irish immigrants brought the song to America, but in the folk process, the vocals were eliminated and the melody took on more of a bluegrass feel. Compare the two versions and see what you think:

Little Beggar Man http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5o8XlucwpQ
Red Haired Boy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR2HxhWuQEk

These are the audio files for The Little Beggarman - Basic Melody

The Little Beggarman Basic Melody 100 bpm The Little Beggarman Basic Melody 120 bpm The Little Beggarman Basic Melody 140 bpm

These are the audio files for The Little Beggarman - Solo Break 1

The Little Beggarman Solo 1 80 bpm The Little Beggarman Solo 1 100 bpm The Little Beggarman Solo 1 120 bpm The Little Beggarman Solo 1 140 bpm

Please note that the curved lines above the notes mean that you should "hammer on" or "pull off" the following note, as applicable.

These are the audio files for The Little Beggarman - Solo Break 2

The Little Beggarman Solo 2 80 bpm The Little Beggarman Solo 2 100 bpm The Little Beggarman Solo 2 120 bpm The Little Beggarman Solo 2 140 bpm

The triplets (three notes) that have curved lines above them are hammer-on/pull-off combinations.

These are the audio files for The Little Beggarman - Chords

The Little Beggarman Chords 80 bpm The Little Beggarman Chords 100 bpm The Little Beggarman Chords 120 bpm The Little Beggarman Chords 140 bpm