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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/381130
UncleClawhammer - Posted - 02/06/2022: 20:47:26
I've often encountered references to Henry Whitter (of Grayson and Whitter) as an "unpredictable" or "good, but very idiosyncratic" guitar player. What, exactly, made his playing so idiosyncratic, and are there any records to listen to in particular that highlight his idiosyncratic unpredictability?
The only specific comment I've heard about Whitter's playing was a comment on tape from Mike Seeger that Whitter used the "thumb G" or "scissor G" (bass string third fret, high E third fret) but didn't mute the A string and you could often hear him striking it.
Chris Berry - Posted - 02/16/2022: 14:40:38
Personally I think he's an excellent backup guitarist for Grayson, and those are the recordings I'd recommend listening to. Some of his traits that are often considered unusual by modern standards but not that unusual in the early days of old time recordings:
He often stays on the I chord where other guitarists might change to the IV or V
He often alternates bass notes in a G chord between the G bass note and the E on the second fret of the 4th string
He also plays 4/4 a lot as boom-chick-chick-chick instead of as boom-chick-boom-chick (players like Ernest Stoneman did this a lot as well)
Those are some of the big things.
Chris
Bob Buckingham - Posted - 02/17/2022: 07:34:36
Whittier is a strong guitar player of that there is not doubt. He follows a precept that I learned a long time ago. Don't use a chord when a note will do. The guitar provides a counterpoint and rhythm at the same time. It takes more effort than folks think. Backup guitar is often mediocre. A great guitar player like Whittier would always lift the whole of the sound.
Emiel - Posted - 02/17/2022: 08:34:51
quote:
Originally posted by Chris Berry
He often stays on the I chord where other guitarists might change to the IV or V
I've always liked that in old-time recordings.
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