Bob Carlin in Gainseville, FL
Hey, Anyone realize that Bob Carlin will be doing workshops in Gainesville, FL this coming weekend? Saturday Dec 17 Beginners 9-11 AM - $50 per person Inter/Adv two sessions: Noon to 2:30 and 3 to...
View ArticleClawdan in Sacramento
Hey Folks, Looking at workshops up in Sacramento this coming March. Email me if you are interested. Play Nice Clawdan
View ArticleGoat Rodeo Tune?
Is anyone out there familiar with a tune called “Here and Heaven” on the Goat Rodeo album by Yoyo Ma? There is a nice little clawhammer bit at the beginning and I’m trying to figure what key it’s in....
View ArticleHedy West
I'm searching for a recording of Hedy West doing "Cotton Mill Girls". Can anyone send me in the right direction? There's nothing on youtube or itunes.
View ArticleSoutheastern Ohio band looking for an Old-Time Fiddler
Hi folks, I know this is a long shot but thought I'd try it anyway. I play mandolin in a band called The Wayfarers. We are located in Ohio, 45 minutes from Columbus in a town called Zanesville. Our...
View ArticleThis ever happen to you?
I try to play for an hour or so each day. Yesterday I picked up the banjo and first time played a tune without a hitch... no sloppiness, clear tone correct rhythm etc. Today, no matter what I do,...
View ArticleStrings for A scale banjo
I have two banjo's. One is a G scale banjo and latterly I have an A scale banjo. Do I need to use different strings for the A scale banjo or will the same ones do both. Info will be appreciated for...
View ArticleGive me the Finger :)
Totally new to old time banjo Which finger do you recommend for frailling , the middle or first? And why? Thanks in advance! Aaron
View ArticleA perplexing question, at least for me
We think the old timers didn't have or use much, if any, knowledge of music theory. Probably true to a great extent, but they must have had a lot of intuitive knowledge of the subject. Otherwise, how...
View ArticleTune of the Week, 12/16/2011, Old Mother Logo
This week, I picked Old Mother Logo as the Tune of the Week. I can't find a lot of background on this tune; there doesn't seem to be much history available, at least on line. The fiddler's companion...
View ArticleBreathing While Playing - Or Lack There Of
I have developed this habit, god only know why, of holding my breath for longer and longer intervals as I play a song. It seems to br correlated to the length of time i play any one song. As i...
View Articlebeginning tune suggestions
Some tunes seem to be more satisfying for a beginner. Having the right combination of difficulty but not so much you want to give up. What tunes do you folk recall as your most satifying when starting...
View ArticleOntario clawhammer banjo workshop and concert in January
Arnie Naiman & Chris Coole are at it again. Check my blog page & reserve - space is limited.
View ArticleHow to play with others?
During lessons with my instructor, he will try to join in when I’m playing. My immediate response is to stop and listen to him. I’ve also been trying to play along with mp3s but I can’t seem to hear...
View ArticleNew Introductory material for Rocket Science Banjo
It is in rough format right now and will need considerable work (your comments will help me edit it later) but the new introduction to the 2nd edition of RSB is up on my blog right now...
View ArticleSteve Martin on 30 rock
Steve Martin was on 30 rock ( interview show) tonight with his banjo. It was a small victory for the clawhammer player. Instead of bringing a bluegrass banjo he brought an open back ( a Deering...
View ArticleOT Cuckoo's Nest Key?
In what key is Cuckoo's Nest typically played in within the OT tradition? I learned it in A but from what I can tell it seems to be more often played in D. Pity - it fits the banjo nicely in A!
View ArticlePlaying Harmonics please help!
I'm trying to learn Lost Gander from Mike Seeger's Southern Banjo Styles DVD and am having a bit of trouble with the harmonics. I have light gauge strings and was wondering if it might be easier with...
View ArticleFretless technique
Howdy folks. I have a new fretless banjo, a locally made 'White Swallow', made here in South Australia, by Allan Funk, a beautiful instrument. I didn't realise that fretless technique was so vastly...
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