My seven year old great niece came to visit recently and as it happened i was on the porch playing a little clawhammer banjo. She sat all bright eyed and watched intently. When i finished the tune she asked in all seriousness, Uncle Wayne, How do you do that? Is that Magic?!!! She made my day.
In a way, it is magic. Whether you are a beginner with only a tune or two under your belt or a seasoned veteran, something magical happens when you pick up a banjo. It's called joy.
Yes, we all have to practice. We all want to improve our skill level. We sometimes get caught up in technicalities. But my sweet little niece reminded me why I've been trying to coax a tune out of a banjo for the past fifty plus years, and why i still play most every day. It's fun and it's joyous and when you get "Liberty" sounding just right, and that old banjo is ringing and talking to you soul, Its magic! Abracadabra!!