Black Mountain Rag

intermediate

Doc Watson · Key of A · 4/4 time

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Tablature

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Key

Tempo

152 BPM

Speed

Fast

Tuning

Standard

About This Tune

Doc Watson's signature flatpicking showcase. Fast single-note runs up and down the neck build speed, accuracy, and confidence.

History & Background

Originally a fiddle tune, Black Mountain Rag was transformed into a flatpicking tour de force by Doc Watson in the early 1960s. His version on the 1963 album 'Doc Watson' essentially launched the modern flatpicking movement. The tune requires navigating between open position and closed positions up the neck, making it a technical milestone for developing players.

doc watsoninstrumentalspeedclassic

Practice Metronome

152

BPM

Black Mountain Rag default: 152 BPM · Adjust tempo for practice

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Quick Reference

Difficulty: intermediate
Key: A
Tempo: Fast (152 BPM)
Time Signature: 4/4
Tuning: Standard

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