A question re. clawhammer
Does anyone besides me have this problem? I find it more "iffy" to pluck the first string with my index finger than pluck the others. By that, I mean sometimes when I "pluck" the first string it...
View ArticleAbigail Washburn Playing Style
I was wondering whether anyone could tell me whether its clawhammer or normal picking (2 finger/3 finger) on City of Refuge? I reckon its probably clawhammer, but not entirely sure......
View Articlespeed up suggestions
I started with clawhammer about two months ago and am doing OK, little by little - about 6 songs so far but slow/ I was wondering what to spend more time on in attempting to play faster and faster...
View ArticleLike Columbus, I've made a world-shaping discovery
Sorry, I couldn't resist the temptation to be overly dramatic. I tuned my 5th string down, in G tuning, from GDGBD to get DDGBD. It makes an interesting variation for some tunes, e.g. "Bound To...
View ArticleCan anyone tell me how he's playing?
This is a link to "Bound To Ride", played by Clifton Hicks, who, I think, is also a BHO member. The video's bad, but I sure do love the way he plays this. Is he up-picking? To me it sounds like he's...
View ArticleGauge for CH strings?
Guys, Just thinking about trying some different strings than the usual budget ones I get from my local store. Any recommendations on what gauges I should try bearing in mind I'm a novice o probably...
View ArticleQuestion(s) after seeing my first Jam
So I went to a Jam session yesterday, it was supposed to be a folk Jam but there was all sorts of music played there and everybody seemed ok with that. Something that I didn't fully understand I'd...
View Articlejust spent a week with Dwight Diller
some of you may remember me asking about Dwight and his Banjo Retreat in the spring. do a search to find those posts. something before i do my short review of the week. i respectfully ask everyone to...
View Articlebasic melody question
I attended my first ot jam on Sunday. So far, I've been learning chord backup to folky stuff, along with picking a few ot tunes. Well, I could barely function:) I ended up picking a note or two out of...
View ArticleCreepy Clawhammer
After 110-degree Texas summer days, I'm anxiously awaiting Fall. Halloween's a favorite time of mine, so I was hoping to get some ideas on some spooky/eerie/creepy banjo tunes to learn in preparation...
View ArticleSteel strings on an old banjo?
I really don't care for nylon strings, which I have on my old ( ca 1900 - 1920) Lyon&Healey "Professional" banjo. But I'm wondering it it's safe to put steel strings on it? I love the banjo, and I...
View ArticleOctober Round Peak Banjo workshop with Riley Baugus in Galax, VA
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts in Galax, Virginia is hosting a Round Peak Weekend Intermediate Fiddle with Kirk Sutphin Intermediate Banjo with Riley Baugus Friday, October 5 – Sunday, October 7...
View ArticleUsing finger picks or not?
Hey everyone, Im new to banjo playing and this forum, and would just like to say what a great and informative site! Iv'e started playing about a month ago and my question is what is your thoughts on...
View ArticleGeorge Gibson and his OT playing
I was watching the short youtube video last night, by George Gibson. He was explaining his view of how to play OT banjo. My understanding is that he gets a lot of the fluidity in his playing, as well...
View Articlefinger memory, can it be trusted?
having played the scale up and down a "zillion" times, i have embarked on my first tunes! i was wondering if i should try to "pre think" the fretboard fingering whilst practicing my tunes, or should i...
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Would you have a listen and tell me how I'm doing?
I'd appreciate your opinions, they're all I have to steer me in the right direction. This is my first foray into mixing clawhammer and up picking ( so-called Seeger style). As long as you don't call...
View ArticleMaking music
Well after 2 weeks of Bum- Ditty, and hours of hitting one string at a time, learning the d7 chord and being able to hit it without looking. I can play something that sounds like music, all be it Skip...
View ArticleTOTW 09/07/12 - Walking in the Parlor
I’ve chosen “Walking in the Parlor”, said to have been revered West Virginia fiddler French Carpenter’s (b 1899) favorite tune, for this installment of TOTW. The Fiddler’s Companion says WITP is...
View Articlebook/dvd
Can anyone recommend a good clawhammer or frailing book or dvd. I am looking for good beginner exercises and have not found anything free on the net yet. I have never played an instrument so I mean...
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