Well, folk, the banjo journey is ever ongoing, but lately I've been playing more guitar. There is a reason for that. When I go to a jam session and there are three or four other banjo players present, well, I do nothing to contribute to the jam by pulling out another banjo.

The way I see it, you can't have too much rhythm guitar going in old-time music, but too much banjo can be a little, well, too much.

So I have acquired a few guitars the last few months and been having fun with them, self-teaching myself , but always seeking out pointers from friends who are well versed in flat picking.

Now, I will always be a clawhammer banjo player at heart, and will continue to play banjo when our old-time string band has gigs, but there's nothing wrong with challenging yourself. And that is what I am doing with guitar.

Besides, my wife, aka the little general, finds the guitar somewhat more tolerable.

I've noticed that many of my friends in old-time music circles play multiple instruments, so that is what I am striving for, too.

So there you have it. Who knows, one day I might just be sawing away on a fiddle. Best of luck to you all.