I readily admit that for the time I've been interested in five string banjo and clawhammer in particular, I'm woefully deficient in any measurement of expertise.
I can play all the tunes I learned in "G" with what I think is melodic accuracy, at least I like them.
But, I've embarked upon some songs in "C" and "D" and I just cannot seem to develop that "lilt" that makes the tunes so nice. My playing sounds plodding and wooden. The timing is good, but mechanical and that little something extra that lends so much character to any particular song is lacking.
Also, cannot get them up to speed, no where even approaching 100 beats / minute.
Is one born with it?
And if not, can it be developed?
I just cannot seem to make Soldier's Joy, Spotted Pony or Arkansas Traveler sound the way it does on every CD or MP-3 I listen to.
Maybe I should stick to slower tunes.
Am I brain dead re' this music?
Charlie Noyes