fredgold52 - Posted - 05/13/2009:  13:34:01

Terribly ignorant Noobie here. I've been playing guitar for many years and dearly love the instrument. I've had my banjo up and working for a week or so now and I'm having a great time with it also.

I've spent a bunch of time work with frailing, and the Scruggs type bluegrass style. But I usually come back to using a pick. I'm actually pretty good with a pick, no Doc Watson for sure but not bad.

My question is,am I stunting my growth with the banjo by usinf a pick? Should I put allmy picks away and focus strictly on CH or Scruggs?

Whatever I'm doing, I'm having a great time doing it.

Really should know better


Larrivee Rosewood Dreadnought
Whechter Elite Jumbo
Strat made in ''78
Ibanez Artcore Jazz box
Beanie Blossom BB100 Beginner Banjo

youdye - Posted - 05/13/2009:  13:40:45

Are you using just one flat pick or three finger picks? If you want to play Scruggs get used to having the two fingerpicks and thumbpick and practice, practice, practice. Eventually you will get used to having those on your fingers. Hope you are having fun! Welcome!

Mike Montgomery

4+1=Hootnanny!
O==''={::}

Banjoman - Posted - 05/13/2009:  13:40:49

Do you mean a flat pick because you use two finger picks and a thumb pick playing "Scruggs Style"?

Now, a flat pick won't do if you're wanting to play one of the Clawhammer Styles or any of the finger pick styles.

Hugh
Picking since 1964

“...Bobby Thompson? He is the future! He has this whole new style-you can hear the melody! ''Hard Hearted'' ''Dixie Hoedown!'' Oh my!”--- John Updike

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Edited by - Banjoman on 05/13/2009 13:41:36

guitdawg - Posted - 05/13/2009:  14:22:39

Although... Tut Taylor did pretty well on a dobro with a flat pick. Different animal I know,but nonetheless. I don't think a true Bluegrass sound can be achieved (easily at least) with a flat pick on a banjo, but I am firmly in the camp that it could be a tool in the toolbox. If you are playing with one as a "crutch" , then it is a hindrance. If you are playing with one as a choice, then it is a decision.

That said, with three digits, you can play three distinct notes faster than you can with one plectrum.

Learn all the rules so you know when to break 'em!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You make my words, I''m gonna get my grade ten!" - Ricky

~ guitdawg ~ Apple Latch Un = mountains ; Apple Layshun = drinks

fredgold52 - Posted - 05/13/2009:  14:49:43

I should have been more clear. I'm talking about a single flat pick.

I have a couple set of finger picks for practicing bluegrass style. Honestly, CH gives me the most trouble because I keep my nails short. I am experimenting with metal finger picks worn backwards. I think it has some promise.

I'll settle on a main style after more messing around.

I have seen some awesome videos of plectrum banjo on youtube, but I really don't want to go that way.

Really should know better


Larrivee Rosewood Dreadnought
Whechter Elite Jumbo
Strat made in ''78
Ibanez Artcore Jazz box
Beanie Blossom BB100 Beginner Banjo

jdog - Posted - 05/13/2009:  16:29:16

Depends on what you want to do. If you play by and for your self, do what feels right. Also, there are some good choices for clawhammer picks out there. You have to get used to them. There are also some good frailers with short nails. I tend to believe there are NO hard rules.

RJFreeman - Posted - 05/13/2009:  19:38:26

You might want to consider plectrum or tenor style, if you wish to flatpick.

Lots of popular rock and country banjo players are flatpicking these days. You might want to consider a 6 string banjo, playing just like you do a guitar.

Edited by - RJFreeman on 05/13/2009 19:41:34