BanjoSampler - Posted - 09/30/2009:  20:16:40

Hey. I've been out of the banjo scene for a couple decades, raising a family.

When I learned banjo in the 1970's, there was a definite distinction between Scrugg's style and Melodic style.

How is that viewed today? Is the Melodic style rolled (no pun intended) into Scrugg's style and a part of that style, or is there still a distinction amongst banjo players?

Just curious...much obliged.

The KIDD - Posted - 09/30/2009:  20:51:46

In my travels, its depended on what part of the country Im playin as to how this is viewed. Here in appalacha, most over 50 dont wanna hear them mixed.Now ya go N,
and its perfectly normal to play full blown melodic breaks to Bill C, Dusty M,Big Mon,New Camptown , Red Wing, etc. and vocal backup and breaks.You might get fit for a rope around here for that kinda pickin. I played with a female vocal for a while and did alotta melodic backup to her ballads that some may have called for a more scruggsy approach. There again, the mix was totally acceptable areas N and W of here...I had to be able to whistle The battle hymn and Dixie with equal enthusiasm. Depends on the exp. level too. Most of the cats up N I pick with its ALL banjo playing no matter if we're playin Sweet GA Brown, Sledd Ride, or Sailors HP.


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Texasbanjo - Posted - 10/01/2009:  06:03:13

There's not as much of a distinction as there used to be, at least not in my part of the world. We incorporate melodic into Scruggs and think it sounds good.

Let's Pick!
Texas Banjo

Joe Larson - Posted - 10/01/2009:  06:42:53

Same here. I don't think melodic style has that aura around it anymore. Back in the day I think the Scruggsers were a little jealous of the melodic guys who could play the fiddle tunes note for note. But nowadays almost any banjo player knows a couple of melodic riffs he can throw into FMB or Ground Speed.

j

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There's more to life than playing the banjo, but not a lot more.