Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Styles Forum Feed

capo and retuning question

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:40 CST

Problem.....when I capo up to A or D I need to retune even when I was in tune before I put the capo on. Then when I take it off, I need to retune again. Is that normal??? Any advice would be appreciated!

Complete Novice!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:34:34 CST

Well, My name is Tony, I'm 37 and currently live in Cambridge, UK. I've recently picked up a banjo for the first time. The back story of it is that it was owned by my step dad (Ken) who sadly passed away from cancer a couple of years ago. We had a pretty rough upbringing and unfortunately my mums marriage with Ken didn't last long, but thankfully I always stayed close to him and often spent time at his when I was on leave from the Army. I'm not serving any more, but I used to love sitting and listening to Ken playing and always knew I was finally on leave when I walked up the garden path and could hear him "pickin' at the five string" in the kitchen :) My brother inherited the banjo but as he often moves around he was worried about it getting damaged so entrusted it to me for safekeeping. It sat under my bed for the best part of a year with only four of the five strings on it and seriously out of tune on those four!! I bought a tuner, new strings and "The beginners guide to banjo", restrung it and started to see if I could make head and tail of this great instrument. So far, I'm getting OK at basic rolls and can just about do Tom Dooley without any mistakes but playing the same old tune is getting a bit repetetive (but thats what practice is - right!). I'd like to know if there are any simple tunes that have tabs where it's simple picking, but that rolls can be added into to make a tune. The Tom Dooley in the book I have is a fine example and it feels good that I can almost turn something into a tune now!! All I know about the Banjo is that it is a five string with resonator. It has Gibson at the very top of the neck, just above the nut, Epiphone inlaid into the head, some nice inlay work on the neck and Masterbuilt across the very bottom fret. My brother seems to recall it costing about 2500 GBP which worries me being a beginner with such a great instrument! The worst thing about losing my step dad wasn't his actual passing. It was seeing him in hospital in the final weeks and him saying that he just wished he had the strength to sit up and play the banjo just a few more times. I guess me missing the sound of it playing is one reason I'd like to get better at it, reminds me of the good times :) Tony

Chords With Different Tuning

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:48:21 CST

I purchased the Tony Trischka Fiddle Tune Book. For once I thought I would do the right thing and start from the front no matter how basic it is. I ran through all the basic scales and rolls in the G turning as written. When I come to the first song, it is written in C tuning and the 2nd version in D tuning without using capo. I think I am OK with this as I play Reuben in D tuning. My question is that if somebody else takes the lead and I want to play backup, all the time I've taken to learn the chords up and down the neck in G tuning is suddenly not of any use. I've never ran into a chord chart other than for G tuning. Do I now have to learn all new left hand positions to play backup chords in the different tunings??

Hello Everybody

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:45:01 CST

I got a Banjo (Johnson JB100) now where do I start? Very confused on were to start I don't know any body that plays so any help would be appreciated. What book or DVD should I start with? An also I am left handed. Thank You Jim

Wish they made #10 gauge picks

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:55:49 CST

Found I play much better with the lightest picks, #13. Any one having some problem or another might just consider it for a change....you may have just grabbed some and never thought of the weight.

Help...Playing in F

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:28:28 CST

Howdy, Just wondering if anyone could tell me what Jen's banjo is tuned to in this awesome video? Thanks alot for the help. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5YmR9Tjdh8

Great Back up Example

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:25:24 CST

There was a post Regarding Charlie Cushman playing on David Peterson and 1946 CD "Mountain Tops to Roam" I wanted to share this with everyone because this CD comes the closest to anything I have heard that captures the authentic Bluegrass sound as played in 1946( hence the name of the band). I sell this CD to students as an example of great banjo back up. Here is the post that I read yesterday. I figured that if it was listed as" back up" a lot more of you would check it out and maybe benefit from such a fine example of Back Up. Not to mention that the CD contains the elite bluegrass studio musicians in Nashville. Here is the post: Just listened to David Peterson's "In the Mountaintops to Roam". Charlie Cushman provides all the banjo work and his playing is nothing short of stunning! Cushman is creative & inventive, yet, somehow stays inside the style. To boot, the recording features some very rich bluegrass classics that are good for anyone to know. Peterson's originals stand up well alongside. I recommend this cd highly! To hear sample of the tracks go to: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/petersond5 Beware the triple fiddles! Players include: DAVID PETERSON CHARLIE CUSHMAN MIKE COMPTON KENT BLANTON BUDDY SPICHER STUART DUNCAN MICHAEL CLEVELAND MICKEY BOLES AUBREY HAYNIE LARRY MARRS CASEY DRIESSEN AARON TILL ROB ICKES SHELTON FEAZELL

Playing in D

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:39:25 CST

I have a friend who wants to get together and play. He plays guitar and stated he does most of the tunes in D. This presents a problem for me. It exposes my limits as a "capo" player. G, A, B, C are fine, but I've never played in D. I know I can capo to A and play from the C formation. But then again, most of the licks I know are based on a open first chord. Any advice, hints or ridicule is welcome.[:)] -Jimmy

Ron Block/Sierra Hull--- Clinch Mountain Backstep

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:07:19 CST

I was watching this clip on YouTube today... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_reIGI2I6o and I was just thinking about how much I really liked how the Ron Block and Sierra Hull played this song... Nothing against Dr. Ralph, but I really liked maybe the emphasis on the backbeat, maybe it was that the timing seemed dead-on to me. Sierra soloed to a point where I was not sure she was going to be able to bring it back, but she did. thoughts?

"Crazy Love" by Rhonda Vincent

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:34:12 CST

We have started working on this song....I happen to really like Rhonda's remake of this old classic from I think "Poco".....The rhythm and timing is tough though....If anyone has tried messing with this can you give any incite on what timing this is in? Also, chord changes during the chorus.... Here is the youtube link if it helps.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNGlvKIxyKM

HELP WITH TABLATURE

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:02:41 CST

I'm a beginner with the banjo and found this tablature for Chicken Reel at http://easybluegrassbanjo.wordpress...hicken-reel/ Mr Chapman, the author, placed Xs and Os on the 5th string. I understand that an O means the string is struck open, but what does and X mean? My email address is fcabarle@comcast.net. Thanks for any help.

Charlie Cushman on David Peterson cd

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:43:50 CST

I realize this post may appear more in line with shopping advice, but I am posting it here with the idea that this should be recommended listening for banjo learners. Just listened to David Peterson's "In the Mountaintops to Roam". Charlie Cushman provides all the banjo work and his playing is nothing short of stunning! Cushman is creative & inventive, yet, somehow stays inside the style. To boot, the recording features some very rich bluegrass classics that are good for anyone to know. Peterson's originals stand up well alongside. I recommend this cd highly! Beware the triple fiddles! Players include: DAVID PETERSON CHARLIE CUSHMAN MIKE COMPTON KENT BLANTON BUDDY SPICHER STUART DUNCAN MICHAEL CLEVELAND MICKEY BOLES AUBREY HAYNIE LARRY MARRS CASEY DRIESSEN AARON TILL ROB ICKES SHELTON FEAZELL Chris Quinn www.foggyhogtownboys.com

Origins of Earl Scruggs Rolls

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:27:50 CST

Hi, did Scruggs developed , or created the Rolls ,on his own, or they existed in some " primitive" form. Thanks.

Tuning question.

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:57:42 CST

When you have your 5 string banjo tuned for open G, and you strum it, should an electronic tuner attached to the head show "G?" Tim

Bela tag lick

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:14:15 CST

I just learned a Bela Fleck tag lick I really dig, had to share: -5-------3--------3------0---------0 -------0--------5------------1------/ ----3---------------------------3---0 -------------------------------------/ --------------0-------0--------- I make the 1st and 4th notes just a bit louder than the rest( for emphasis.) Does anyone else have any Bela fleck licks they can tab out????

Band in a Box Bluegrass Tracks

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:15:18 CST

Hi there, I just got Band in a Box, and I really like it. I made some backup tracks with acoustic guitar parts, and it feels like I'm really practicing a song, instead on just repeating the solo over and over. Instead, I can switch from soloing to backup, just like at a real jam. However, I am having a problem getting the bluegrass instruments to play in the program. I tried calling the help line, but they're only open while I'm at work, so I don't know when I'll be able to talk to someone. Their email response wasn't particularly helpful, so I thought I'd post it here, on the off chance that someone on BHO has had the same problem. I bought the bluegrass deluxe edition, but when I open up my real tracks, styles and solos in the dialogue, none of the bluegrass instruments show up. And when I located the real tracks and solos folders in my Applications folder, they were empty. BIAB has a bluegrass demo on their site, and all the main instruments are included, and they sound like live players. Unfortunately, all I have now are the midi tracks, which are a poor substitute. The BIAB contact person replied to my email and told me to reinstall the program, but that didn't help. Is it possible that I'm missing another CD that should have the tracks? Of that the tracks are just missing from my installation disk? Have other people who have the bluegrass edition gotten everything to work OK? thanks in advance, Mike

Chicago/NWI

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:46:19 CST

Anyone up here in the Chicagoland or Northwest Indiana areas? Any open mics/bluegrass jams locally? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Best recordings for a beginner to learn with?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:24:59 CST

Hello. Noobie here, first post on the BHO. I’ve been learning bluegrass banjo for about a year now but before starting I never really listened to any banjo music other than Bela. Since starting, on the advice of my teacher I’ve picked up The Essential Earl Scruggs, Steve Martin’s The Crow, Fiddle Tunes for Banjo (Trischka, Keith and Fleck), and Double Bluegrass Banjo Spectacular (Trischka). All these CDs are great to listen to and give me something to strive for but since they’re light years beyond what I’m capable of playing they don’t really work well as learning aids. I’m looking for CDs (preferably available as MP3s) that I can use to learn with. Something I can hear and say “I can learn to play that!” Ideally they will feature a single banjo (so as not to confuse me with multiple banjo tracks) played at a reasonable speed and be traditional tunes that might be commonly played at jams or available in tablature books. Bonus points for key of G with standard tuning that I could play along to without re-tuning. Non-banjo tracks that are fun to play along to are also welcome. Any good suggestions? Again, Bela is great and gives me a long term goal (ha!) but I don’t see myself learning his stuff any time soon. Thanks! Jim

LOTW-bloopers

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:58:12 CST

I had a few requests to show bloopers,outtakes and vids that didnt make it to air. Ok, here's one that I decided not to post..........[:p] oppsss...: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/videos.asp

Reno-style Chord Slide

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:08:50 CST

I'm trying to figure out how Don did those chord slides at the end of tunes such as his Rural Rhythm recordings of Limehouse Blues. I'd appreciate some help! Thanks, 73, Brennen Bill Monroe (to Don Reno): Where's your capo, Don? Don (to Bill): Where's yours?

Songs

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:34:34 CST

After 3 months on the Janet Davis book, I've learned Boil them Cabbage and the old Grey goose. I really don't think they are songs but sound more like exercises. Now I'm on Good Night ladies and it actually sounds like a song. My wfe can even tell what I'm playing !! Should I practice it to "perfection" or move on to the next,,& Next, etc., going back to buff them up as I go. How hung up on timing should I be at this stage. I guess I'm looking for a game plan. I work on 5 basic rolls every day but do well until I put them into a song, then timing takes a beating. Songs ?? Rolls ?? Perfection ?? Timing ?? Whats a guy to do ? Best time to Go fish'in or Play your Banjo is now !!

Banjo Weight

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:40:00 CST

I'm fairly new to playing the banjo. I started with a Deering Goodtime and a few days ago had the chance to buy a Deering Sierra at a tempting price with my Goodtime in part exchange. I bought the Sierra and I now find that I am having difficulties with the Sierra because it is very heavy, obviously due to the metal tone ring. I play in the sitting position and playing for just half an hour causes pain in my back and legs because of the weight iof the banjo. Is this a common problem or is it just me? Is the weight somethijg you just get used to? Any views would be appreciated.

Pain when and after picking

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:33:10 CST

I'm not a newbie picker, but I have recently developed pain in my right forarm when picking which will last for several hours too a couple of days afterward. Also pain in the little bony projection on top of the elbow. Doc says I have tennis elbow from picking, gave me some exercises to do which are just as painful as picking. Anyone experienced this and how did you deal with it. I tried resting it for two weeks ( no picking) then played three tunes and the pain returned. I really don't won't to give up picking forever but this is more painful than most can imagine. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Right hand positioning for a beginner

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:35:19 CST

First, I want to say hey to everyone! Looks like a very good site for beginners like me. Actually, I was made aware of the site last night when we went to a concert with Bill Emerson, and several people had t-shirts with the website on them. Good advertising! Anyway, I am a VERY new beginner. Wanted to learn the banjo for most of my life but just never felt like I had the time to do it right. Well, now I'm retired and ready to go! I have already purchased a Gold Tone BG-250F and have a good teacher. We started lessons last week, so all I can do now is few rolls. I'm not is big hurry, anyway. I am comitted to give this the time it deserves. I do have a question about something that is giving me some concern.... How to place the right hand?? I have been told to get the fingers as close to perpendicular to the strings. When I do that, I'm having a hard time keeping the two fingers on the head, and get the picks to the right string. It seems like I am a lot more comfortable with my hand at a tilt, just under 45 degrees. As a beginner, I just don't know how important all this is, and am I "learning" it the wrong way. I haven't asked the teacher about this yet, but I thought I would get as many opinions as possible. Thanks for the very nice website!

Jimmy Martin banjo picker?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:42:48 CST

Who played banjo on Jimmy Martin's "Greatest Bluegrass Hits" album on 1. Widow Maker 2. Honey, you don't know my Mind 3. White Dove 4. Uncle Pen 5. Rollin in my sweet baby's Arms 6. Sally Good 7. Freeborn Man 8. Sunny side of the Mtn. 9. Blue Moon of KY 10. Goodbye old Pal 11. Big Country Thanks, John Lewis

I don't like my tuners....

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:22:45 CST

The only thing I don't like a lot on my Dean is my tuners. They work okay-- but when I tune it seems like I go over or under my key pitch a lot when the tuner is on. I'll be flat, flat, flat... and then way sharp and have to go back down a bit, and repeat. I'd like tuners that are a bit more... i dunno... precise? hold pitch better? finer adjustment? I'm not out of tune often, but when I am, it can be a bit of a do to get back in. How hard is it to replace tuners-- especially on the 5th? Shawn Clever Albuquerque We are the Banjo. You will be picked.

Steve Martins "Hoedown at Alices"

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:44:07 CST

I have been trying to learn Steve Martin's "Hoedown at Alice's, from "The Crow", I have the tab book. I need some help with the D and E parts, specifically the left hand fingering. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Brad

Fingering on double 'shave & a haircut' ending

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:44:54 CST

A tab I've got doubles up the first part of the shave & a haircut ending, like so: 9-----------| 9-----------| 11c---8-----|11c---8------| --------9-7-| --------9-7-| ------------| ------------| ----0-------| ----0-------| what fingering works best for you to get that D note on the 3rd string in bar one, while still being able to get to the second bar smoothly? slide the whole shape up and back down so you can use the middle? use the index for the D? something else?

pull-off help needed

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:39:43 CST

Hey folks. I am currently learning Train 45 variation II (pg 41 in Mel Bay's You can Teach Yourself the Banjo). I am having difficulty getting a clear note on the 2-3 pull-off located in the 3rd measure. Does anyone have any advice on how to improve on this? Are the any advantages/disadvantages to using a push-off instead of a pull-off?[:I] Thanks, Elizabeth

jammin again

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:38:28 CST

I went to a jam session tonight and from the beginning I did not feel right. There were no other banjo players, and they weren't playing any bluegrass. I passed several times and then literally forced myself to start a song. I had a feeling it would not go very well, and sure enough it didn't. Then I thought maybe I should just pass from then on. But I decided to force myself again, and each time it got a little better. I don't think I played very well, but I wound up having a great time, as usual. It's usually hard to get myself to go in the first place, because it's easier to stay home and play with the metronome. Then after I get there, sometimes I start thinking I'm no good, I should just give up, the others are talented and I am not, etc., etc. And I have learned to ignore my negative thoughts and have fun. Even if I am not happy with my playing that's ok. It's much harder to concentrate when playing with others. But I am gradually getting over nervousness and self-consciousness. Another person told me I have a beautiful voice this time, which is incredible because I never was told that in my life. I have been practicing singing loud and now I can hear myself sing when I'm playing the banjo, and I could not before. I was a guitar player, and always played and sang alone, so I didn't learn to sing loud. Well once again I am inspired to keep working at music and never give up. Some people will like my playing and others won't, and I try not to worry too much about that. pcfive

Vega style arm rest - Uncomfortable?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:13:56 CST

Hello all. After years of playing fingerpick guitar, I recently signed up for a beginning banjo class. I purchased a Deering Goodtime as a starter banjo. My question is that to me the Vega style armrest that my banjo has is pretty uncomfortable. It's perhaps an inch off the head, and it pretty thin. I am thinking of replacing it with another rest from Stewart MacDonald. I suspect the wider replacement will be more confortable, but will also sit closer to the head. My normal position in guitar is to rest the heel of my hand on the bridge, but am pretty sure I want my hand to "float" on the banjo. Correct? Do you think the wider, lower-sitting arm rest is a good idea, or should I just get used to the one I have? Thanks - Dickson

Dunlops scraping

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:04:26 CST

I got a free set of picks when I ordered Ross Nickersons banjo encyclopedia. They scrape the strings no matter how I bend them over the fingers. shouldIi bend the sides too or what. Ive written down the names of some of the picks suggested under the post of cobalt picks and might try buying them if I cant get a decent sound out of these. Maybe I'm picking wrong but the old ones seem to work fine.

Learning rolls + tips for beginner

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:16:34 CST

Hey, so I've been just pickin and messin around for a couple years and never learned all the rolls. I've mastered the alternating rolls and reverse rolls and can play some forward rolls (not that fast) I've just been doing my own thing and having fun but now I want to get serious. I bought Tony Trischkas Practicing techniques dvd, anybody have experience with that? Think it will improve my knowledge of all the rolls I need? I'm just having some issues, it seems like different books show different fingerings of rolls and give different examples of what a particular roll should be. I know there are variations, so should I learn them all? I recently bought the scruggs book, mel bay's "you can teach yourself the banjo", I have a greg cahill beginning bluegrass banjo dvd vol 2. My goal is to become as proficient and knowledgable as possible on banjo. I've been slackin' for years and its time to buckle down. Lately I've been learning licks and things and im making good progress pretty quickly. Even though I've been playing for years I'm still very much a beginner. Any advice for me? Any necessary readings I should own? I know the scruggs book is like the bible, but is there anything as groundbreaking I should get? I'm very determined now and willing to spend a lot of time on my learning. any advice would be greatly appreciated Thanks, Dan

thumpick help

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:04:29 CST

hi is there any way to keep a steel thum pick from spining on your thum help bluegrass 22 OLDER THAN DIRT

Need advice on Chimes or Harmonics

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:54:45 CST

I have tried to search this as I am sure there is plenty of advice somewhere on here, but I can't seem to make the search meachanism for anything! I am looking for some "sound" advice on how to get the harmonics/chimes to really ring. I am having a hard time being consistent. Then I tried playing Reuben in D tuning and it seemed like everything changed. Any help would be appreciated.

Just Starting

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:32:50 CST

Hello all!!! I have been lurking and reading for just a little bit. One of the things that I have always wanted to do was to learn the Banjo, but life always seemed to get in the way. After finding a couple of friendly pickers in my area who encouraged me, I took the plunge and purchased my first 5 string banjo (from Banjo Hut). Its a Mastercraft and seems like a good beginners banjo. Came with a electronic tuner, book, DVD, bag, picks. The folks at Banjo Hut set up for me and all I had to do was unpack it, tune it and I am on my way. Been practicing for a few weeks now, and I seem to be getting a little better. This is the first stringed instrument I have ever played and I love it, having loads of fun. I have gotten some good information from this site and enjoy reading all to posts every day. I have to say this is about the friendliest forum I have ever seen. Everybody willing to help others. Just wanted to introduce myself and say hello to everyone. Blessings to all.

5th string tuner

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:52:04 CST

I am thinking of changing my friction tuner, with a geared one. My Mastertone is a 63, and still 100% original. I hate to get away from the original look, but my tuner is giving me fits. I tried to tighten it up, but as I play it flattens out. Which tuner would work better? The straight one, or the 90 degree one?

How do you hold the banjo while sitting?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:49:03 CST

I know this is a silly question but I thought I'd ask. How do you hold the banjo while sitting down? The only method that seems to work for me is this: Put on the strap (over my head), sit on the edge of a chair or a stool, and basically let the thing hang over my junk in between my legs. Not only does this look awkward, but is not even possible to do if I sit on the floor or my bed. Is there another way I should be holding this thing? I was watching John Hartford play on Glen Campbell's Goodtime Hour ( here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNHqG9lPcaE ) and he's sitting down, but it looks like he's got the banjo resting on his right leg as he plays, kind of like a guitar or bass. This looks way cooler and potentially more comfortable, only I'm not sure how he's doing this. When I try to do this, the banjo neck starts to slide down toward the ground and I end up holding the banjo up a bit with my left hand, which makes fretting notes difficult. I can't get the thing to balance because the neck is heavier than the pot, and because the pot is round and not grooved like a guitar body, it doesn't have a "groove" to use while resting on my leg. How's he doing this?

Cumberland gap/left hand pinky

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:40:37 CST

Hi Folks,just started learning cumberland gap last night from a Janet Davis book,i am getting to grips with it(allbeit at a slow pace),what i am wondering is why in part 2 am i told to use my left hand pinky when it feels more comfortable using my ring finger?I can use the pinky as i am used to playing string instruments but is it more beneficial later in the learning process to do it this way or should you do what feels more comfortable?What do you more experienced players do? Paul

What's up with my 5th string?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:09:16 CST

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to Banjo - started playing last Friday night actually. I have a Fender FB-55, and my high G string is making this kinda constipated, farty, buzz when it's picked anything harder than lightly. I've tried adjusting the tailpiece, but that's about it at this point. Is this typically just a sign that I need to restring it? Here's a short clip of me fumbling around on Old Joe Clark. Forgive the (lack of) speed and general sloppiness - I started learning it last night. It's one of two songs I know at this point. [url]http://home.comcast.net/~trick420/ojc.mp3[/url] I think the rest of the strings sound fine - they seem to ring well, but the high G has all of these overtones that kinda choke the fundamental out. Any advice/analysis is appreciated. I'm open to new strings, tailpiece, bridge. I just hate the way the high G sounds right now. Regards, Jeff P.S. Oh, and forgive the poor audio quality - I recorded this with my iPhone voice recorder.

Foggy mountain roll question?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:03:24 CST

Hey guys, Just wondering if it is really necessary or important to play the foggy mountain roll with your thumb on the second string. I have been playing it index-middle index-middle rather then index-middle-thumb-middle. The first way is comfortable to me. Is it considered a bad habit to play it that way? Do all pickers generally play it with their thumb on the second? Is this going to foul me up in the long run if I continue to play it this way? Thanks, Dan

Cumberland Gap in D

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:50:14 CST

How does one play Cumberland gap in D??? I already know the Scruggs arrangement in G. Thanks. [:)] "There once was a picker named Bruno who said "If there's one thing I do know, guitars are fine, and mandolins devine, but banjos are numuro uno" Forever Bluegrass.

Deering golden Era Tailpiece

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:13:35 CST

I need some help with adjusting my tailpiece on my deering.At the moment the srew to loosen tighten it is in to the last and I cant get the tailpiee any closer to the head.Im not even sure if i have put the tailpiece back properly and feel its taken from the sound of my banjo,especially the top string!How does this screw work?Can somebody put a video up to explain its function.Im confused as I cant get it down anymore then what it is. Thanks. B Friel´s the name banjo´s the game

Pete Wernicks Soloing DVD?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:44:29 CST

Do you have any opinions on this? is it good? bad? ugly? Thanks, ad P.S. Have a Nice Day! http://www.brycecreative.com http://www.mandojam.com -- free practice tracks from me to you! http://www.studio467.com

Got me a Banjo instructor

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:11:22 CST

After a year of teaching myself I have now started Banjo lessions. I am glad I decided to start them. After a min or two of playing with the instructor he found out I had a timing issue and jumped right in and started correcting it. Its a good thing I started lessions because I would have never learned how bad my tiiming issue was. Average is as close to the bottom as the top!

Tendons tingling in hands and fingers

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:33:10 CST

I've been playing banjo (bluegrass) since 1964, and I've just incountered a problem. Both of my hands and my fingers develop fatigue and a tingling when I practice. I'm curious if anyone has encountered the same thing, and what they did about it? It's the same feeling as when your arm goes to sleep when it's been in the wrong position. DFO.

COUNTING

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:06:11 CST

When I am just practicing rolls there is no problem in keeping count with playing the roll. When I am fretting with the left hand it is almost imposible to keep count in order to do it have to really play at a slow speed. Is this something that I just to have to work on and with time it will come, anybody else have this problem any ideas will be welcome. Thanks , Gordie

Lick Of The Week-Nov 10 '09

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:58:42 CST

Here's part 3 of the adv bending series...[:)] http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/videos.asp

Playing in Key of D

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:25:36 CST

I am playing in a band that likes the Key of D quite a bit lol. I have never played in D. Can someone give me some tips and some links to some FREE resources on this topic? Thanks!

Metal Or Plastic

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:58:09 CST

What's your favorite, I've tried them both. I prefer plastic thumb and metal finger picks. Darrell Like a Dog, a Banjo just wants to be played with and cared for.