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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Will Keys 2-finger player


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/409036

janolov - Posted - 06/14/2026:  11:46:36


Will Keys name is sometimes mentioned here when discussing 2-finger style. Here is an example of his playing: youtu.be/zFRJAzMNOB4


Edited by - janolov on 06/14/2026 12:27:06

hayesdt - Posted - 06/14/2026:  12:46:50


And of course Will Keys was a MAJOR influence on one of our own Banjo Hangout member-players, the Index Lead Two-Finger player Chip Arnold, whose style is demonstrated on several tunes on the Hangout he posted several years back. Chip is one of my favorite banjo players.



Check out on YouTube "The Old Oaken Bucket" as played by Will Keys and friends and Chip Arnold's version (also on YouTube) on a banjo he made.  Both versions feature the Index Lead Two-Finger style


Edited by - hayesdt on 06/14/2026 12:59:32

banjo bill-e - Posted - 06/15/2026:  05:18:33


Is Chip still among us here? He has not posted in a long time now. I always enjoyed his contributions.

hayesdt - Posted - 06/15/2026:  07:21:38


Doesn't post much here on the Banjo Hangout anymore but he frequently posts on Facebook.

Bob Buckingham - Posted - 06/15/2026:  08:03:03


Chip is not playing anymore due to a tremor in his hands. Will and I used to play banjos together at a festival many years ago and as a result we had many good times together. We took Chip to meet Will at his house many years ago now. A friend who went along recorded the ensuing jam and some of the conversation. Will played many songs he never played on his recordings or in public. He played Johnny Cash, Steppenwolf, and even a Beatles song. He would play along in the house with his son's band when they practiced in the garage. We took he and his wife, Lola to his favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel for supper before heading home. Will was a gem among men and one mighty fine banjo player.

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