TOTW (OT) 9 MAY 2014, COME BACK BOYS, LET'S FEED THE HORSES
I’m going to tackle “Come Back Boys, And Let’s Feed The Horses.” It’s one of those tunes, to use BHO member Bill Long’s apt phrase, that becomes hypnotic when played and can lead a banjoist to...
View ArticleWillie Watson playing "Mexican Cowboy" (percussion sound...?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N49k4KkshAsI really like the percussive sound he gets from the banjo. Is it all from the thumb hitting the head or does he also hit the head with the other fingers...
View ArticleBHO keeping me going.
With comments like "Breaking out of the chord ghetto" and "leave the four string chord brushes to the campfire sing-along banjo players" I love this place. Still very new, still finding my feet. I...
View ArticleAvoiding Other Tunings
I can play songs in various tunings (mostly open G) but must keep a paper list of which songs go with which tunings.So, I am only sticking with open G songs.Is there a way to recall which tuning goes...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Just starting and I hvae a ton of questions.
Answer as many as you want. First, a background; I've played classical guitar for about 20 years now. I have a bachelors degree in music and I also teach music (Guitar). My left hand technique is...
View ArticlePete Seeger teaches the banjo, 1954
Found this on youtube. He is using the uppicking style that I use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rrfs2uaGQag
View ArticleThumb lead book?
Has anyone else seen this book Old Time String Band Banjo Styles? It has sections on both index and thumb lead styles and has a bit near the end called "Building a Thumb-Lead Style Backup." I have a...
View ArticleCapo or just re-tune?
I'm been faithfully following Dan Levenson's book - A guide for the clawless. As instructed I didn't peek further ahead and focussed on each single page at a time. So I got to the point where I...
View ArticleJohn Hartford Banjo
Hi I was just wondering if anyone out there,has a John Hartford banjo with removeable resonator,and plays both Bluegrass and Oldtime on it?...
View ArticleNeck width, what do you prefer?
As a Banjo player I like necks with a wide nut around 1" 3/8 , so I make most of my banjo with a wide neck, I found that some people prefer narrow necks, I started to build a fretless banjo with a 1"...
View ArticleCall for TOTW Volunteers
It's time to put together the Summer 2014 TOTW schedule, so just contact me through the Hangout if you would like to post a tune sometime in June, July, or August (and maybe September, depending upon...
View ArticleA quick workshop on embellishing clawhammer tunes. beginner/intermediate
Hey folks: A quick workshop on embellishing clawhammer tunes. beginner/intermediate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPcQBaGMy_E Click here for the tab for the lesson:...
View ArticleAnchoring hand on head?
I got the Murphy Method Clawhammer DVD in the mail yesterday and put in in the machine for a quick look. I probably only watched about ten mins because I was short on time but the woman - Lynn...
View ArticleCarpal Tunnel Syndrome and the banjo.
Hi All, I began playing about nine months ago. I am developing what my hand surgeon describes as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms (pain, swelling, tingling, numbness) in both hands but, mostly my...
View ArticleClik here to view.
TOTW Cabin Creek
This week’s tune is Cabin Creek. I first heard an Ed Haley version by Mac Benford, who devoted an entire, excellent clawhammer CD to his fiddling, entitled “Half Past Four.” I learned it by...
View ArticleBeen Playing Foggy Mountain Breakdown using Clawhammer Style
I actually like it much better than Earl's technique. I wonder if Stringbean had a different style if Earl would would have gotten a job?
View ArticleSuper Tin Tin question
Hi everyone, I just purchased Super Tin Tin, so I can record my Skype lessons. I thought it might be a useful tool to record myself playing then I can sit back to watch and listen from a different...
View ArticleBeginner Boos
Hello Folks,My first 5 string open back arrives today (Deering Vega Little Wonder) and I am looking for a really, really simple book with slow easy to fret songs to play. I would love a simple version...
View ArticleDrop thumb: when and where?
Ok all you experts out there- I need some advice. I decided I want to play clawhammer. I play by ear and pick things up easily, but how do you know when to use drop thumb if you are just listening to a...
View ArticleSydney Australia clawhammer
Hiis their any clawhammer banjo players in the Sydne y region. I would be interested in meeting up and going from there cheers mike perry
View Article