TOTW: Cumberland Gap
This is a version of Cumberland Gap inspired by Stephen Slottow, a truly great old-time banjoist whom I met in Cleveland, Ohio, circa 1980. Steve first illustrated the tune by playing it as...
View Articlelaugh with me not at me
I play several different stringed instruments, and was a full time stringed instrument repairman, for over 40 years. I have a problem when playing banjo, that I have not experienced with any of the...
View ArticleChords in C minor?
I hate to own up to it, but I no longer remember how to find the "main" ( triad ) chords in minor keys. I want to know what they are for C minor, can you help please?
View ArticleWhat's Your "Go To" Clawhammer Technique?
I've been playing Clawhammer for about four years. A couple of years ago I even tried Scruggs style also and quickly found that a 1st and 5th string "pinch" was my most commonly used, "Go To"...
View ArticleEar Training for the Traditional Musician
Does anyone know of any books or DVDs to help with Ear Training for the Traditional Musician? To help with the playing of Old-time, fiddle tunes and Irish jigs/reels/hornpipes. Thanks.
View ArticleElbow or wrist?
I'm sure this topic has been brought up before many times before, but some themes never get old... I find it easier to play using my wrist, however I think I get a better sound making the clawhammer...
View Articleanyone know
Or can anyone suggest what tuning Clifton Hicks uses for his song "Bound To Ride"? I love the sound of that, and would like to try it myself.
View ArticleThe Bosso
I just heard the Gypsy fiddle tune The Basso. WOW! Here is a (slow) Youtube rendition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b5r8kDbxCk&feature=related . Does anyone know this clawhammer bajno style...
View ArticleAny advice for helping a slow student?
I've been teaching an elderly lady to play clawhammer. She's very committed and passionate about wanting to play, but her progress after several lessons is barely there. She's a rank beginner, so the...
View ArticleNO right hand nail -- still possible to play ClawHammer style
My daughter has expressed a desire to play ClawHammer style banjo. I want to support this, of course! However, I am concerned that she doesn't have the right hand finger nail for it. She works...
View ArticleGROOVE
What exactly is groove? Is it the predominance of melody among all those other notes? Is this achieved by striking the melody note slightly harder? If I do that, the song seems to swing more, but the...
View Articleopen back for occasional bluegrass playing?
Forgive me if this topic has been covered. so, i'm getting on very well with Dan's "from scratch" book (all tunes are in double d tuning) and i've decided to keep my goldtone w/l tuned to double"D"....
View ArticleImprovising Fiddle Tunes in DblD
Hey guys, Is there a trick to improvising fiddle tunes in Double D tuning, or does it just come with time/hard work. I've been playing clawhammer banjo for just under 3 years and I can hold my own and...
View ArticleI'm out of here for a while - perhaps forever.
I'm sick of having my posts "edited" by people who apparently want the level of discourse around here to stay at the nice safe "My Little Pony" stage. I never have suffered fools gladly and now I find...
View ArticleChord Change Help..
Ok I am looking for tips/ tricks to help with my chord changes, yes I know practice. But are there any suggestions to get the most out of my practice? I play along hit all the strings but then ......
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TOTW 10/12/12 Quail is a Pretty Bird
Hello everyone- up this week is Quail is a Pretty Bird. When I first chose this tune, I didn’t realize that it wasn’t a real “old-time” tune. It appears to have been written by John Hartford. I’ve...
View ArticleHow much sound difference in a heavier guage string?
Hi all, I have been reading with interest the threads about banjo strings, and as mine are needing a change, i thought i'd try a different guage. I would like a warmer sound with more bass. I was...
View ArticleThe Best Banjo Book
Howdy folks. I have been a fan of this site for about 7 years now. It has been a great source for my learning, especially the tabs section! I recently published a book on clawhammer banjo and I...
View ArticleOld-time sound and technique
Hello to Banjo Hangout! I've been looking at your site for the past month while I have started to learn to play the banjo. As it is the most recent instrument on a rather large list(started 10 years...
View ArticleThe Banjo Players Songbook....By Tim Jumper
I recently bought a Deering Vega Little Wonder that was made in 2002. It was being sold by a very nice fellow helping a friend. The owner of the banjo became ill shortly after purchasing it and was...
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