A couple of years ago, after a trip to Ireland, I bought a 17-fret tenor banjo and messed around with it for about a month, not getting much satisfaction out of the sound.

Last night I heard a local musician who is a fine penny whistle player and is just starting on banjo. He seems to really have the right sound/technique - with triplets on almost everything.

I came home and did a little research on the net and found an Irish Banjo site where they briefly discussed picking, but not to my enlightenment. What is the pattern for that style - Down - up, down, up - or Down, down, up, down, or what ? And what are the triplets played on - the next notes of the chord the melody note is in, or just any handy adjacent drone string ??

Also, on the banjo site there was mention of using a plastic "thimble" and a diagram, but not a very clear explanation of how it was used.

Can anyone out there start me down the right path to that unique sound ?? I play guitar, mandolin, and 5-string banjo, so I understand some things, but not this !! Thanks.