Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: All Other Styles Forum Feed

First time post, newbie questions

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 03:56:11 CST

First off, I love this site. I am an early riseer and spend at least an hour on here before work. I am amazed at the tallent and dedication of BHO members. I have been listening to bluegrass for many years and can never get enough. I used to play guitar when I was younger, but playing the banjo is where I would like to be. I will be purchasing a used westminster today. I know its a cheep banjo, but practice time is limited especially with my 2nd son due in less than a month. I am unsure of what style I would like to persue, claw or scruggs. Any suggestions. How do you know which is right for you? Thank you for your time. Jason

Performance at New Music Festival

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:45:24 CST

Hi all, For anyone interested in recent classical compositions and/or those close to Boston: I'm performing at the Boston Conservatory's New Music Festival in two concerts on consecutive days. I playing tenor banjo for a performance of Terry Riley's piece "In C" on Friday (11/13). For those unfamiliar with it, "In C" is considered to be one of the seminal minimalist works -- it's for a large ensemble (flexible instrumentation -- I'm playing banjo at the behest of the conductor) I'm also playing in a performance of john Adams' Gnarly Buttons (chamber ensemble with clarinet solo) on Saturday the 14th. It has banjo (5 string) in the 1st movement (my part also has mandolin in the 2nd movement and guitar in the 3rd.) It's a fine piece -- challenging mostly because of the shift of instruments from one movement to the next without time to really adjust technique (finger picks for the banjo, flat pick with a fair amount of tremolo for the mandolin and fingernails [i.e. standard classical technique] for the guitar). The details are as follows: Friday (11/13) at 8 pm (In C) Saturday (11/14) at 8 pm (Gnarly Buttons) Seully Hall The Boston Conservatory 8 The Fenway Boston MA Jim Dalton Jim Dalton

Hi, need some help.

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:14:31 CST

Hello, I am very new to the banjo and am really enjoying it. I have been playing/ learning from the Earl Scruggs banjo book, which is really great. But I am in need of some help. I am taking a theory class at college. This is the first theory I have ever been exposed to, (I am a guitar player) and for our end of the year project we have to write a piece of music with at least two parts. Well I have been working on the guitar part, and I would like to have banjo as the second part. The guitar part is really slow and bluesy sounding (at least to my ears it is), and would really not sound very good with a fast bluegrass sounding banjo. I was wondering if anyone could tell me some chord shapes that would be more bluesy/ rock I suppose, or any other tips for achieving this sound. I have heared it before, I will have to go through my ITUNES to find some examples. Oh, and this will be my first time ever writing a banjo part, so anyother advice would be awesome. Thanks for taking the time to help. Best wishes.

Melodic banjo book. question

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:07:31 CST

Melodic has always been my favorite style. Has anyone tried tony trischa's melodic book? thanks, Kirby

Stanley Style Tabs?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 16:11:47 CST

Hi, I Would like to know if anyone has put together a tab book of Ralph Stanley Style banjo picking. I have a tab book which is like a BNL magazine printled in 1988. This all I could find. Thanks Ron

Amping song and banjo sound

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:58:03 CST

When I try to sing and play? I feel as if I have to almost have the mic in my mouth. When I watch Utube and TV the preformers don't seem to have to do this. Also I have trouble hearing myself? Any help> I'm playing thru a prim 60watt amp and a phonic mic.[:(]

Minstrel Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:09:29 CST

I picked up the book "Birth of the Banjo" on Joel Walker Sweeney and his minstrel career and his additions to the banjo. I just ordered a book on this style of banjo, but I haven't received it yet,so i have a few questions: 1.What is the tuning for a minsterl banjo? 2.Do I need to buy a minstrel banjo or will my Vega work? 3.If I do need to purchase a minstel banjo, who do you recommend? 4.Is this style of picking close to clawhammer? Thanks "Just smash your piano, and invoke the glory-beaming banjo!" - Mark Twain, 1865

Chords to Tom Hanways CELTIC and Irish Book

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:58:04 CST

Any way to get the chords to his 5 string Irish banjo book? Any not-so-popular song that I learn, I need to try to figure out the chords to play it with anybody (if they don't know the song already, which they typically don't). There are also songs like Blackberry Blossom that have some really cool sounding stuff in the B part, but if you just play the "normal" Blackberry Blossom chords, it's not there...the guitar player behind his banjo on the cd must be thowing some other chords in there to make it sound the way it does. I know I'm being a bit lazy here not sitting down and figuring out the chords behind the melody myself, but I only have so much time to play... Zach

Classical on the Banjo teacher in Denver?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:07:53 CST

Anyone know a good banjo teacher in Denver metro who teaches classical music on the banjo along with the other music and picking styles? Is it better to learn playing classical music on the guitar first b4 the banjo? Thanks. Rockyjo

Pickon On Series

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:40:19 CST

So has anyone heard of the pickin on' series...they take alot of well known songs and put a bluegrass spin on them quit amazing!!

The Old Home Town

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:53:36 CST

Question ? Does any one know the melodic lick, that Ben Eldrige ( Seldom Scene) throwes in at the end of his break, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGH_ZOCr8EU I know its In A 2nd fret then, -----------0------0------------ ---------------------------- ---------------------------- --6------------------6-------- -----4-----------------0----- from there I cant figure it out

ain't no grave

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:35:21 CST

i am kinda behind in what's been coming down the pike, like the crooked still band this song 'ain't no grave' is a good banjo song. any one on this forum have a wack at it??? to me it's a bill monroe type tune, i don't mind the extra notes, not that's necessay it's lone some so for me it's blue grass

a simple blues tab?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:31:06 CST

Hey guys. Can anyone suggest and/or point me to a relatively simple bluesy-sounding tab? I've been picking up little blues licks here and there and I'd love to be able to play a blues-type breakdown or whole tune, but I don't know where to begin. Also, a guy on a night road crew ground down the edges of a bottle neck for me the other day so I have a slide. Are the any tabs for a tune that uses the slide? I just love the sound of a bottleneck slide with lots of string-bends, etc. Thanks, amigos. ____________________________ Am I the only banjo player in India?

watched old time Blues Vidio

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:00:00 CST

Recently I've watched some old time Blues vidios which I found very intersting. 1 they seemed to play banjo guitar (Pete Segger) style and added Drums and Flutes wonderfull sounds. When I first started banjo I tried scrubs style and clawhammer but seemed to be wanting the old style. Why is everybody trying Bluegrass??? and Is anyone recording some of the OLD style Blues? Banjo, drums flutes, mandolin, and guy bucket[?][V]

Ragtime Triplets

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:31:17 CST

Hey all: I love ragtime banjo (Ossman/Van Eps) and after a "spark" from a fellow banjoist a few days ago, I've been playing a lot of it. I'm doing fairly well, except for my triplets, which I am having trouble with. I am playing on my one all-purpose banjo (set up for bluegrass), which is strung with typical wire strings; could lack of gut strings have anything to do with it? And while I'm doing pretty good on three fingered triplets (i.e. on the first or fifth/first strings), when I use two fingers (down on the inside strings) I have a hard time getting up to speed. Thanks! 73, Brennen Bill Monroe (to Don Reno): Where's your capo, Don? Don (to Bill): Where's yours?

noise when releasing a barre

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:46:58 CST

hey all, so i'm working on Coal Creek March, Pete Seeger's arrangement. I'm having trouble, when releasing the barre chords, not getting a sound from the strings upon release. could this be because my action is too high? i'm not having use too much effort to fret the strings, it's just on the release that i get the swooshing of my finger coming off. driving me crazy. anything i can do to minimize this? thanks! what an awesome piece. french

Strumming patterns with DRUM HIT?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:36:33 CST

Are there some sound or video samples of banjo strumming patterns which incorporate the intentional hit to the banjo head? The search of flamenco (or flamenca) rumba on youtube reveals plenty of patterns where the player hits the guitar - is there something similar on banjo? Mirek _________________________________________________________________ Conversion of 5-string banjo tunings to fingerstyle tenor banjo (omit 2nd string): Open G tuning gDGBD or Sawmill tuning gDGCD => DGdg tuning of tenor banjo Classic C tuning gCGBD or Double C tuning gCGCD => CGdg tuning of tenor banjo http://www.mirekpatek.com http://www.youtube.com/user/mirekpatek Handout for workshops at Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival: http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=157944

discouraged

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:07:53 CST

Hi everyone, I was wondering if I could ask a few of you some beginner questions? I am having no problem learning rolls, my right hand is happy! I have never played an instrument before and I am getting very discouraged at learning chords, especially at changing chords while playing. How long does it take to get used to it? I've been practicing every day for at least 45 minutes and I feel stuck. There is not a banjo teacher within 100 miles of my town so I am relying on DVD's. Funny thing is, I tuned a guitar like a banjo and can do a lot better on it. It seems like the strings on the banjo are harder to hold down. Any advice? Will my fingers ever be able to stretch enough to do a D chord? I am a woman with fairly small hands. when I tried the scale exersizes on the Wisdom of the Wood DVD I started crying. I can't put a finger between each fret four in a row like Mickey shows it. I know I must be doing something wrong because I've seen people with smaller hands play a full size banjo quite well.

Classical Banjo Datesman book

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:06:37 CST

I acquired this book months ago and finally picked it up and started looking through it seriously. Since there is no recording I am having trouble figuring out the pieces. Since it is classical and transcribed from lute music I would find it likely that the tunes would be in C but nothing in the book speaks to tunings. Has anyone worked with this book? Can you tell me if all the tunes are in G or C or what? Thanks, Kate Schaumann

The Most Newbie Question Ever

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 16:55:49 CST

Guys, I am completely uneducated in the banjo, but have always wanted to learn to play. I really like Irish music, especially the bouncier "drinking songs" and the way the banjo sounds in those. So where do I start? Equipment, lessons, etc??? I'm eager, but completely lost. Can't wait for the day I can actually play something...

Banjeaurine - modified Ozark - video

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 03:10:59 CST

I always thought the Ozark banjeaurine was a terrible instrument, and it is, but I got my daughter's one modified by Andy Banjo, and suddenly it is a wonderful instrument - I can't put it down! I've added a video here, but here is a direct link [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hK6ZPXPYTU&feature=player_profilepage [/url] I'll probably put gut strings on it eventually, but just now it has plain nylon with a wound 4th. www.ClassicBanjoRM.com

What "non-standard" tunings do you use?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 6 Oct 2009 07:01:15 CST

I've been doing a lot with what is essentially same as "standard" G, but tuned down to D, Eb, or E. Hartfod used to do a lot with it and I find it works nicely for some of my original songs. I don't really know about other tunings for banjo - maybe I should be asking in the Old Time forum - I know OT folks use some modal tunings. What tunings do you use? And not just the name, but the string notes so's we can experiment. Any links for videos or basic lessons on weird tunings would be cool too. Thankin' youse in advance... [img=left]http://www.thirdline.com/nyetbot/bho/right-tool.jpg[/img=left] The Sage reveals: "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About BHO Photos" http://bho.thirdline.com/

gordon lightfoot tunes on da banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 6 Oct 2009 06:37:51 CST

Inspired by the Bob Dylan topic (http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=151787) - what Gordon Lightfoot tunes to you like on the banjo? I'm working with:

Summertime Dream (a natural for the banjo)
Albert Bound (another natural)
Don Quixote (a semi-natural)
Protocol (not natural a'tall but challengin')

[img=left]http://www.thirdline.com/nyetbot/bho/right-tool.jpg[/img=left] The Sage reveals: "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About BHO Photos" http://bho.thirdline.com/

Jazz Banjo Lessons in Nashville

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 10:27:21 CST

I'm planning on moving to Nashville in March and thought it would be a good idea to take lessons. Jazz banjo on the 5 string really interests me, but I know absolutely nothing about playing jazz. Does anyone know someone that gives jazz banjo lessons in Nashville? Zachary Dale Almaguer

Ragtime

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:36:03 CST

Hi Guy's Is it possible to play ragtime on the 5 String ? Regards Tam Picking a Fender FB 58 and PROUD to describe myself as a Student of the Murphy Method

Bela Fleck & The Original Flecktones

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 3 Oct 2009 01:17:13 CST

Blue Note di Milano - Bela Fleck & The Original Flecktones - Venerdì 13 e Sabato 14 Novembre

New gut-strung classic-style banjo and first video

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 1 Oct 2009 13:48:53 CST

Just got my new gut-strung banjo by the Canadian luthier, Luke Mercier. I'm totally blown away by it and will write a review in a month or so when I've had more time to reflect. If I wrote the review right now I'd sound like a delirious idiot... The banjo arrived two days ago, and today I made its first video - see videos page on this site, or go to [url]www.ClassicBanjoRM.com [/url] The banjo is a copy of an early Fairbanks but with a Dobson tone ring - both designs from the 1880s, and the music is also from that decade, by Frank Converse. The video doesn't do it justice, but I'm still getting used to it. It is a very subtle instrument indeed. Not, maybe, for an in your face ragtime orchestra, but definitely for playing in your parlor...should you have one. It can be incredibly mellow for a banjo, but has strength as well. I feel it has a lot more depth and colours than I tapped into in the video. It's a sound I haven't really heard before from a banjo, but it's all meticulously researched - construction, strings, technique. I'd like to think that, for a while, after the minstrel period and before the orchestra/ragtime craze, this is what the homely parlor instrument sounded like. Just thought I'd get my early enthusiasm down on 'paper'. www.ClassicBanjoRM.com

Interview with Bela and D'Gary and Toumani and ..

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:28:15 CST

The best article about his African tour I've ever read: http://www.afropop.org/multi/interview/ID/155/Bela+Fleck+and+The+Africa+Project:+2009 It's not just Bela Fleck in this interview, it's with many of the musicians he played with, and how they view him. Very cool.

Looking for tapping on youtube

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:10:15 CST

There's been a link to an awesome banjo tapping video posted on here in years past.. and I can't seem to find it.. a guy on stage.. used to be a drummer I guess.. plays several acoustic instruments.. but in the video I'm looking for, he plays a frailing / tapping song that is pretty darn impressive.. I want to show it to some friends... anyone know what I'm talkin' about? -RayHoLiO Makin' grass grow in Joplin, MO www.joplingreenscape.com Want a bail out plan that actually works?? www.fairtax.org

Paddy Rielly's in NYC

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:18:44 CST

Has anyone gone there for a sunday music session, is there much banjo there? any comments about the set up there BobK

Take 5 for 5 string

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:43:32 CST

I'm posting a few videos ... Breaking down this classic Brubeck tune ... for those with an interest in such things. part 1 Intro http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/videos.asp?m=d&catID=0&id=3114&genreID=0&styleID=0 The Pearce Family Bluegrass Band www.pearcemusic.com

a strange but lovely sound

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:33:42 CST

I was playing around with Bach's Minuet (sp?) in G the other day and wasn't all that impressed with how it sounded on my open back (medium gauge strings). Later, when I had put a fiddle mute (cut in half to fit) on the bridge to give my neighbors a break, I tried the minuet again and noticed it sounded rather pleasant. Picking closer to the neck, it began sounding a bit like a classical guitar through an old ribbon mic. I'm pretty much a beginner, so if this is an old topic, my apologies. But if not, has anyone else noticed this about a bridge mute? I have to retune in and odd fashion (some up, some down) when the bridge is on, but I do like the sound -- not for regular playing, obviously, just mucking about with the classical stuff...and I do mean mucking about, because my fingers really don't want to pick without bluegrass roll patterns! ____________________________ Am I the only banjo player in India?

What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul???

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:03:10 CST

quote:
Brother afar from the Savior today Risking your soul for the things that decay Oh if today God should call you away What would you give in exchange for your soul Chorus What would you give (in exchange) What would you give (in exchange) What would you give in exchange for your soul Oh if today God should call you away What would you give in exchange for your soul Mercy is calling you, won't you give heed Must the dear Savior still tenderly plead Risk not your soul, it is precious indeed What would you give in exchange for your soul More than the silver and gold of the earth More than all jewels thy spirit is worth God the creator has given it birth What would you give in exchange for your soul

anyone on this forum play this one? they say its played in f? what key you playing it in? also said monroe bros. recorded it 3 times any one else have a good version?

Beginning on technique

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:34:38 CST

Hi all, simple(possiby silly) question from a noob here. what kind of advice would you give to a beginner who wants to learn more than one style of playing? i.e learning old time and scruggs. would you say its better to learn both at the same time or pick up a style and then advance to the next later on?

Bela Fleck Workshop in Denver

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:21:45 CST

Bela is giveing a workshop on African banjo songs at Swallow Hill in Denver... pricey though Here's a link: [url]http://www.swallowhill.com/newsroom/2009/09/08.htm[/url] Dooley Denver, CO

minor success!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:53:44 CST

I'm a newbie banjo picker, but something happened the other day I just have to share. In the past, when I would pick up my banjo to practice the wife and youngens would complain. the other night, I was playing the three tunes I knew pretty well and then started to learn the first few measures of the Wildwood Flower tab in the current Banjo Newsletter. After hearing that, my wife said "that sounds pretty good!". Finally, progress!!

Adding a string:

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 6 Sep 2009 18:11:43 CST

Hey Gang, 'First post here. Been playing Pedal Steel and guitar for 30+ years and just got the Banjo bug. I strung up an extra 6 string acoustic guitar like a Banjo, and have been practicing 5 string bluegrass on that. I have since borrowed a 5 string banjo ('61 Vega FR-5), 'till I get my own instrument. So here is my question. Someone showed me that you can tune the 5th string High-G down to E, when playing songs in Em ("Vamp in the Middle", and "Land of the Navahoe" specifically). I really like the chromatic/meldoc sound that rolls have when using that high E in there... sounds great when playing C and D chords. So anyway... I strung up the 6 string with a High-E in the string 5 position, and the High-G in the 6th string position. This sounds great to me. Does anyone else do this???... g, e, D, G, B, D

Fred Van Eps is Alive

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 21:36:37 CST

http://saggyrecordcabinet.blogspot.com/2009/02/fred-van-eps-1952.html#comments I'm currently having my mind blown listening to the above, Fred Van Eps recordings from the nineteen fifties. All the original recordings I've previously heard by Eps sounded horrible, but this is amazing beyond belief. I am not entirely sure how I am managing to type this, as my fingers have been gelatinised by the power of awesome. Enjoy, how could you not? If you ain't right, get right.

More : Contemporary music availability, etc

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 11:05:05 CST

I typically do not & have not (historically) listened to bluegrass music. Today I listen to oldies & contemporary country music..... there is a dearth of banjo tabs for that kind of music. I bet there are a lot of banjo players like me that have different preferences of music that falls outside the traditional bluegrass music mix. For instance my favorite XM radio stations is not the bluegrass one (14, I think), but prefer channel 5 & 6 (50's & 60's era), and Prime Country (I think 17). I love the banjo instrument, and love learning, & I love the sound of the instrument, BUT the traditional bluegrass is never gonna completely work for me because I just don't like it well enough. My lessons are almost all bluegrass and I am doing that to build skill and expertise, but the songs don't stick in my head and probably never will..... Like I said, I bet there are a lot more like me out there.....

What style of banjo do I play??

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 2 Sep 2009 19:57:05 CST

Hey there everyone. First time posting, but I come to this forum occasionally. I was wondering if anybody could classify my style of music. I've been playing banjo for a couple years and never learned much bluegrass. I've taught myself everything, never had any lessons. Nor do I personally know anyone who plays banjo. I first learned a simple roll, then learned chords. The rest I just kind of figured out. I know only a couple bluegrass songs and I'm not very good at playing Scruggs-style. I pick with my thumb, index, and middle, but use no fingerpicks. To help you understand what I sound like, I will include a couple links at the bottom of me playing. So enough rambling, my question is what would you classify my music as (check links at the bottom)? This first one I wrote about a year ago and just recently finished it and taught my friend how to play it. Titled, "Dosed". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UscEeGPFVVk The second video is a rather rough version of a song I've been playing on and off for a few months. Most of the lyrics are off the top of my head, and there's not much picking, just strumming (because I had to sing and had no rhythm player). It's titled, "Miles Away From Anger". (few curse words in lyrics) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKhOVYfIpE0

I finally played slide out in public.

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 2 Sep 2009 14:42:03 CST

It was a first for me. I've been dabbling with bottle neck for years on guitar and more recently on banjo. We had an afternoon outdoor gig today, and it was a little windy. There were bikers giving rides and just a nicely laid back atmospere to try something new. So when we came to the song "He's in the Jailhouse Now", I got my home made bottle neck slide out of my pocket, and played the whole song with it. it caught our lead guitar player by suprise (he didn't know I was going to do it) and he LOVED it and wants a lot more in the future. I plan on just that now that I've broke the ice in my brain[:p] Now this whole banjo thing sort of swept me off my feet and has been rushing me down the river ever since day one... and not being any kind of goal oriented person (I just do my best with the day I'm in)... but playing slide out in public has always been one of my closet dreams. Maybe not a big deal to most of you'all, but it sure made today a good one for me[:)] Dean

Dojo and slide

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 2 Sep 2009 05:02:52 CST

Anyone have any input/information on playing a Dojo with a slide?? much like a regular Dobro,,,, thanks

Cord shapes for classical banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:21:45 CST

Hi there, A few queries here. I'm wondering if any classical banjo players out there know a link to some cord shapes and possibly various common scales for this style and the classical banjo tuning. So far I've found out the classical banjo is mainly tuned to G C G B D. That's as far as I've gone. I'd also like to know if there is any links to free [I'm only on a pension] classical banjo pieces. I'm not too worried about TAB as I'm used to sight-reading and it's just a matter of working out where the notes are on the banjo for this tuning. Worst case scenario is that I have to work out and write out the cords and scales myself but I'm hoping to save myself the effort! I'm also wondering about technique. Do classical players use 'rest strokes' as in classical guitar technique? I originally learnt classical guitar and rest strokes were part of it so I'm comfortable with rest strokes for bringing out the melody. I have a nice old 5 string English Weaver 12" strung with Nylgut and I'd love to get into some classical as an aside to the clawhammer I'm learning.

Getting the right rolls

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:35:23 CST

Someone asked me today how would people choose which rolls that would suit chords for different songs,(as an example knocking on heavens door, by Guns n Roses). I had no idea as i am no where near this stage in my learning but i too began thinking. Can anyone enlighten me? Dan

Bowed banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:18:32 CST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKPAdLok56o&feature=email

Long Neck

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:45:41 CST

As you may know, I have been blessed with a handmade "Dana Fligg" long neck, Vega type, banjo and it has been the joy of my life. (Well, beside my Lord, my wife and family). BUT...and if you know me I have a big but..no pun intended. What is the purpose of a long neck? I mean, I love it, although I always capo up three and tune it Chicago style. I want to use the extra frets for something. I know I admired, for some strange reason, the length of the instrument Pete plays and Tommy Makem used to play, but, and this probably sounds pretty stupid...........why a long neck? And where did that style come from? "Keep it small." - Pete Seeger

rock banjo on new TV Mike album

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:41:05 CST

Click on the link below to download the new TV Mike & the Scarecrowes record, Spittin' in Cursive. [url]http://www.mediafire.com/?0ytzmw2mify[/url] I play some banjo on it. you can find more info on our upcoming shows in Norcal and other things banjo and not banjo at [url]http://www.tobyoler.blogspot.com [/url]

end of summer tunes/songs for the banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:11:17 CST

here in north america the summer's nearly done they have a song (foot prints in the snow), the singer tells of how he met his true love 'when the snow lay on the ground' what songs do you pick lamenting about the end of the summer me first, it's not over popular banjo number, but its doable

quote:
"The Last Rose Of Summer" 'Tis the last rose of summer left blooming alone All her lovely companions are faded and gone No flower of her kindred, no rosebud is nigh To reflect back her blushes and give sigh for sigh I'll not leave thee, thou lone one, to pine on the stem Since the lovely are sleeping, go sleep thou with them Thus kindly I scatter thy leaves o'er the bed Where thy mates of the garden lie scentless and dead So soon may I follow when friendships decay And from love's shining circle the gems drop away When true hearts lie withered and fond ones are flown Oh who would inhabit this bleak world alone? This bleak world alone

quote:
summertime done come and gone my oh my
--jerry garcia's u.s. blues

Murphy Method DVD's

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:35:39 CST

Hi all, noticed the post about the Murphy DVD sale. As I'm just getting into the banjo world, I wonder if any folks out there have some thoughts on these videos. Until I get my first (banjo) axe, I'm familiarizing myself with chord shapes, basic rolls and strums on my Larrivee flatop tuned to 'G' for banjo. Haven't settled on strictly bluegrass or clawhammer, both are uniquely interesting and challenging. So if you've spent any time with the Murphy girls I'd like to know what you think. Cheers - William

CONTEMPORARY banjo music.

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:49:42 CST

Anyone have any tabs (or websites with tabs) for contemporary folk/indie/rock music? Bon Iver, Go! Team, Beirut, Belle and Sebastian, Feist, Great Lake Swimmers, etc. Alternativebanjo is good but rather limited. Let me know if you have any idea. Cheers! Emma