sgonyo - Posted - 07/29/2024:  11:57:36

I would like to take lessons from someone on Old Time backup guitar in central Virginia. I play OT banjo and want to learn from another OT player vs taking lessons from someone who does not play this style. Does anyone know who offers lessons in the Richmond area or close by?

Jimmy Sutton - Posted - 07/30/2024:  02:24:55

If you are unable to find a teacher I would recommend that you buy the book by John Schwab "Old Time Backup Guitar". It includes a CD with a large number of recordings played by "masters" all played at three different speeds, plus tabs and much information and photographs.
I have no personal interest in promoting this book but I can honestly say it is THE way to go for folks like me who do not aspire to be a lead player.
You can check out John's own capability on various YouTube tracks an on disc with such players as Bruce Molsky, Paul Brown etc.

Alvin Conder - Posted - 07/30/2024:  05:12:17

Listen to old 78’s. Especially reissues of Skillet Licker Albums, and most especially guitar player Riley Puckett.

You get that down, and you are at the top of the heap for backup.

It’s all about timing and the rhythm. Back up guitar in old time is just that, back up. Lay down a solid bass and a rock solid rhythm.

Best practice you can do is take a metronome, set it to the beat you want, and hit a rock solid 1-2 beat with the metronome. 90% of the guitar back up on the early recordings is just that with a random simple bass run here and there.

It’s traditional guitar playing - Less is more. - way less is way better- if that makes sense.

Those old guys, they didn’t take lessons, they watched, listened and played.

sgonyo - Posted - 07/30/2024:  07:51:36

Thank you for the responses. I am planning on getting the John Schwab book.

Natomas - Posted - 07/30/2024:  09:36:45

Carl Jones has Zoom classes and some free videos on Youtube (the ones with 'back up guitar' in the title).

youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGl...wOeHQHs8Y
dittyville.com/