EEB - Posted - 07/13/2026:  09:58:54

A positive addition to the playing styles section - and the banjo community - would be specific reference to and home for fingerstyle players.



Currently a very small - but active - interest area compared to Bluegrass and clawhammer. But surely warranting specific mention in one of the other sections, even if it does not have a section to itself.



There are a wide range of questions that would be catered for and easily findable by this inclusion: history, vintage banjo repair, style-specific set-up and playing guidance. It might even encourage fingerstyle players to share recordings and notation.



Contextually fingerstyle is the major predecessor banjo culture from which grew today’s banjo activity. Yet the casual visitor to the Hangout today will see no specific top-level mention or signpost  -or active support and encouragement - for this beautiful playing style. 

Edited by - EEB on 07/13/2026 10:06:32

Texasbanjo - Posted - 07/13/2026:  11:11:44

I doubt there would be enough interest to warrant a forum of its own, but I could be wrong. Let's see how many, if any, agree with you.

Old Hickory - Posted - 07/13/2026:  11:33:05

quote:

---

Originally posted by EEB

But surely warranting specific mention in one of the other sections, even if it does not have a section to itself.



There are a wide range of questions that would be catered for and easily findable by this inclusion: history, vintage banjo repair, style-specific set-up and playing guidance. It might even encourage fingerstyle players to share recordings and notation.

---

If by "finger style" you're referring to the three-finger "classic" era and canon that came just before the public debut of Earl Scruggs (and which he must have heard on the radio), seems to me if it's not clear enough that people can discuss it here in the All Other Styles forum (as you're doing), then certainly adding appropriate words to the description on the Forums home page would do the trick.

Words such as "Classic era" or ""late 19th-early 20th centuries finger style" might work.  The description under All Other Styles already says "classical," but of course that's not the same thing.

Perhaps you could post specific wording in the Banjo Hangout Website /Improvements and Suggestions forum or send a request directly to Eric.

I think All Other Styles is the best place for discussions of playing this genre or canon.

As to vintage instrument repair, no. That's already covered in the Banjo Building, Setup and Repair section. There's nothing in that forum's title or description that suggests discussion of vintage instruments doesn't belong there.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 07/13/2026:  11:44:13

I believe this has been proposed before in the past.

"Old time banjo" has various "styles" of plucking strings with fingers, often with rules as to the number of fingers and which finger one must always start with. These come up often in the "old time banjo" section of the website.

If the OP "fingerstyle" is, as Old Hickory asked, reference to what was called "guitar style" but is now called "classic banjo" then I believe there is not enough support or active posting participants to merit a specific classification.

EEB - Posted - 07/13/2026:  12:12:12

quote:

---

Originally posted by Old Hickory

If by "finger style" you're referring to the three-finger "classic" era and canon that came just before the public debut of Earl Scruggs (and which he must have heard on the radio), seems to me if it's not clear enough that people can discuss it here in the All Other Styles forum (as you're doing), then certainly adding appropriate words to the description on the Forums home page would do the trick.

---

You understand me perfectly. I agree that numbers of active fingerstyle players doesn't warrant a standalone section.

But 'All Other styles' with the relative banjo tumbleweeds of '6-string' (Guit-Jo), 'Classical' and 'Rock' mentioned and mention of fingerstyle omitted is completely neglectful of the formative cultural influence that fingerstyle represents. At the barest minimum a style that has been popularly known and referenced since the early 1850's  and for over a century of far greater trans-Atlantic commonality even than modern Old-Time or Bluegrass.

I believe passionately that conscious acknowledgement is the basis of respect. And if the Hangout has one fundamental ethos it is love and respect for banjo in all it's forms.

Edited by - EEB on 07/13/2026 12:16:55

EEB - Posted - 07/13/2026:  12:47:57

Personally, though I use the term ‘finger-style’ the alternative ‘guitar style’ is appropriate too.



My issue with ‘classic’ is based on also playing 6 (5+1)and 7 (6+1)-string banjos using exactly the same playing technique. Classic enthusiasts have directly expressed the vehement opinion that 6 and 7- string are not part of the ‘classic’ canon. If we take the 1950’s U.S. origin of the ‘classic’ label it’s possible to see where this exclusivity derives.



Use of ‘fingerstyle’ or 'guitar-style' simply side-steps dogma and opinion and incorporates early 5, 6 and 7-string playing, zither banjo, the 5-string finger-style heyday of Ossman, Van Eps, Morley and Grimshaw et al, and the various non-genre forms of finger-style playing up to the present day. Either are a neutral, non-contentious term based on technique alone.

Edited by - EEB on 07/13/2026 12:55:35

banjoboyd - Posted - 07/13/2026:  17:30:49

I am with EEB - I do not necessarily need to see a dedicated "classic" section on BHO but would still appreciate something more defined than "all other styles." I don't see an issue with a "fingerstyle" section being inclusive of classic banjo, 3-finger OT picking, and whatever else. What I'm less sure of (as Ken mentions) is whether it should be defined historically (i.e., pre-bluegrass) or left open-ended.

Who knows, maybe the existence of the section would stimulate some activity? If it introduces people to something new (because they otherwise would never browse the murky "all other styles"), then there is at least some benefit. 

Edited by - banjoboyd on 07/13/2026 17:31:23

banjoboyd - Posted - 07/13/2026:  18:05:25

I also wanted to add... It would seem to me that by virtue of having grown to be the main banjo website with considerable traffic from around the world, BHO as an entity has some responsibility toward properly informed outreach, education, representation, and such. The fact that (as it stands) relatively few users are interested in classic fingerstyle and related practices -- practices that were absolutely fundamental to the development of the instrument we all know and love -- does not abdicate BHO's responsibility to at least encourage/facilitate (but not promote, as most content is user-generated) discussion in that area. The creation of an appropriate forum section, regardless of its anticipated traffic, is really the bare minimum action in this regard. 

EEB - Posted - 07/13/2026:  23:49:32

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjoboyd

What I'm less sure of (as Ken mentions) is whether it should be defined historically (i.e., pre-bluegrass) or left open-ended.

---

Musically I would question why a playing technique would be defined historically when it is simply an available option? 

A consequence of the 'classic' designation has (inadvertently) been to fix the technique in aspic like a suspended and flightless Jurassic mosquito. People engaging with and gaining pleasure from 're-enactment' type activity has its place whether that is replicating the superficial conduct of Gettysburg or the agricultural and entertainment applications of steam traction engines. But that retrospective focus  slips into illusion if we lose sight that there is an unbridgeable social and cultural separation that exists in time. A playing technique is both its history and its potential. To respect and enable potential the historical interest focus has to come under the 'umbrella' of the technique and not vice versa. Music is flight.

Edited by - EEB on 07/14/2026 00:04:00

EEB - Posted - 07/14/2026:  00:18:41

I meant to say ‘amber’ not ‘aspic’ but too late to edit.

In regard to the wider relevance of finger-style and non-genre playing, it is a very practical approach for musicians looking to play a huge range of popular repertoire from Irving Berlin to Beatles and Gershwin to Grunge. The chordal possibilities open up an extraordinary flexibility for the banjo free of the straight-jacket of rigid genre-related style.

Edited by - EEB on 07/14/2026 00:32:58

banjoboyd - Posted - 07/14/2026:  03:56:24

The "pre-bluegrass" thing is just a convenient (if overly simple) way of describing a lot of the classic and OT 3-finger repertoire. It's a useful framing for people coming from bluegrass or mainstream OT (95% of BHO) and looking backward to see what preceded those styles. The risk is that, yes, it has the effect of arbitrarily stuffing everything into a historical box.



I honestly don't have a good sense of how many people out there are playing original/contemporary fingerstyle banjo. There are certainly people playing decidedly non-bluegrass/OT music on the 5-string, but the majority seem to use a bluegrass setup (steel strings and fingerpicks). But again, maybe if there was a dedicated place for them, those contemporary fingerstylists (?) would appear.

Edited by - banjoboyd on 07/14/2026 03:57:18

EEB - Posted - 07/14/2026:  03:57:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjoboyd

I also wanted to add... It would seem to me that by virtue of having grown to be the main banjo website with considerable traffic from around the world, BHO as an entity has some responsibility toward properly informed outreach, education, representation, and such. The fact that (as it stands) relatively few users are interested in classic fingerstyle and related practices -- practices that were absolutely fundamental to the development of the instrument we all know and love -- does not abdicate BHO's responsibility to at least encourage/facilitate (but not promote, as most content is user-generated) discussion in that area. The creation of an appropriate forum section, regardless of its anticipated traffic, is really the bare minimum action in this regard. 

---

Very well set-out. I agree 100%. I nearly 'clipped' a section of your post to quote, but I realised that it deserves to be read in its full context.

As banjo players we will all quite naturally follow our interest. Inclusion and presence is not promotion. But omission is a form of neglect that can function to passively distort.

Edited by - EEB on 07/14/2026 03:58:55

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 07/14/2026:  04:22:26

When I post a video of a Beatles song (or in fact, any ballad) I am forced to categorize it either as Scruggs or Other. Both feel unsatisfying and I would welcome a ‘finger style’ option, as a more accurate description of what I’m doing. But it wouldn’t occur to me to trace my technique back to the 1850’s,more an attempt to render a melody on the fly.
I suppose this is my long winded way of saying - is finger style just one thing, or is it a more nebulous umbrella term?

Joel Hooks - Posted - 07/14/2026:  05:43:52

Regarding "reenactors", I know of no reenactor or "living historian" (as they like to call themselves) that is playing classic banjo.



In fact, VERY few even attempt any level of historically informed stroke style or "banjo style".



The vast majority of "living historians" default to the post war form of "old time" with the minimum effort (if any) of using a "period like" smooth arm banjo. They thrive in the historical vagueness of "folk music".



Gentle recommendations of perusing historically informed music accompanied with easily accessible source material is often taken as a personal insult.

Edited by - Joel Hooks on 07/14/2026 05:45:26

Joel Hooks - Posted - 07/14/2026:  05:44:48

Okay, I'm convinced and on board with the ambiguous "fingerstyle" designation getting a place here.

EEB - Posted - 07/14/2026:  07:17:39

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

When I post a video of a Beatles song (or in fact, any ballad) I am forced to categorize it either as Scruggs or Other. Both feel unsatisfying and I would welcome a ‘finger style’ option, as a more accurate description of what I’m doing. But it wouldn’t occur to me to trace my technique back to the 1850’s,more an attempt to render a melody on the fly.

I suppose this is my long winded way of saying - is finger style just one thing, or is it a more nebulous umbrella term?

---

I'm as interested as you to read player's opinions on this.

I'm probably very conventional in that I play with three fingers and thumb. Pads of fingers rather than the nails. Rectified nylon or gut strings. 

But there is surely a lot of latitude. Frank Lawes or 'Fifthless Frank' as he was known, dispensed with the fifth string which clearly influenced his sound, yet was without doubt a finger-style player. Rolling patterns occur, but typically not to the extent that they form a consistent underlying basis from which melody notes are emphasised as happens with Scruggs-style.

I'd much rather be surprised by innovation and creativity than confine my thinking to an overly narrow definition. If our finger-style predecessors had one stand-out attribute above all, it is that they were creative innovators. I'll be fascinated to read other's take on this.

Edited by - EEB on 07/14/2026 07:27:16

banjopaolo - Posted - 07/14/2026:  08:17:10

I often post video playing with three fingers but not in the bluegrass/Scruggs style nor in the old time picking style… it could be figerstyle of course anyway I use the ‘other’ option…

csacwp - Posted - 07/14/2026:  09:23:17

I think the ambiguity of "fingerstyle" further obscures what we call classic style banjo, though I agree with Mike that the latter is an unfortunate moniker. I also agree with Mike that labeling the way of playing as "historic" ossifies what is, in fact, a living tradition with near-boundless potential.

That said, I suppose that a "fingerstyle" forum would be better than nothing, so long as it excludes bluegrass and "old-time three finger" playing (both of those styles already have dedicated forums).

Old Hickory - Posted - 07/14/2026:  11:16:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

When I post a video of a Beatles song (or in fact, any ballad) I am forced to categorize it either as Scruggs or Other. Both feel unsatisfying and I would welcome a ‘finger style’ option, as a more accurate description of what I’m doing . . . an attempt to render a melody on the fly.

---

It's been so long since I posted my two show tune videos, I had to look to see how I categorized them. I chose "Bluegrass (Scruggs)" for the style and Popular for the genre. Have to agree with Laurence that Bluegrass (Scruggs) doesn't really describe the technique. Yes, there are recognizable rolls. But not every phrase. Yes, there are occasional slides, hammers, or pull-offs. But mostly as a way to articulate a note without having to pick it. Not for any bluegrassy sound.  I'm simply calling on the technique I know to render a melody (with harmony and self-accompaniment). But never on the fly! More like pulling teeth.

I guess "Other" would have been a better choice, and "Fingerstyle" even better were it available.

And to tell the truth, when I describe to friends or others what I've been trying to do the past past decade, I say it's playing popular, non-bluegrass, pieces much in the way a fingestyle guitarist might.

My repertoire of this Great American Songbook (or adjacent) material is only seven pieces so far, not all of them fully realized.

EEB - Posted - 07/14/2026:  13:52:13

It’s interesting to note that in 20th century British banjo publications, where there was a need to distinguish an arrangement from plectrum style, the use of ‘finger-style’ was the convention. That long/time precedent does reinforce that it’s not a random modern description.

banjoboyd - Posted - 07/14/2026:  19:14:33

Point of clarification: Are we treating non-bluegrass music played with fingerpicks as fingerstyle?

EEB - Posted - 07/14/2026:  23:29:14

Suggestion posted:

banjohangout.org/topic/409454

EEB - Posted - 07/14/2026:  23:53:38

quote:

---

Originally posted by csacwp

I think the ambiguity of "fingerstyle" further obscures what we call classic style banjo, though I agree with Mike that the latter is an unfortunate moniker. I also agree with Mike that labeling the way of playing as "historic" ossifies what is, in fact, a living tradition with near-boundless potential.



That said, I suppose that a "fingerstyle" forum would be better than nothing, so long as it excludes bluegrass and "old-time three finger" playing (both of those styles already have dedicated forums).

---

A designated home for finger-style technique would actually provide a signposted space (that doesn't currently exist on BHO) in which specific interest in playing and players from the heyday of 5-string fingerstyle and early recording can be shared and enjoyed. 

The key difference being that rather than seen in isolation this extraordinarily rich period would be seen as part of a continuum.

That inclusion and relevance, far from 'obscuring', actively highlights the connection to, and sits side-by-side with, contemporary finger-style playing and possibly contemporary composition. That inclusion and connection has a fundamental bearing on the potential of finger-style playing that is being discussed here.

 

Edited by - EEB on 07/14/2026 23:57:15

csacwp - Posted - 07/15/2026:  06:37:30

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjoboyd

Point of clarification: Are we treating non-bluegrass music played with fingerpicks as fingerstyle?

---

This is the key question. So much non-bluegrass music played with fingerpicks falls under "progressive bluegrass" or "classical" (i.e., what Fleck and Bullard do). Maybe it's best to exclude it unless it's played on gut/nylon strings a la Carey or Spaulding.

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 07/15/2026:  09:40:08

What about spoons - they’ve been in use since 1900 haven’t they?
Steel strings yes/no?
You will have a helluva time coming up with an airtight definition.

I think your best chance of success would be to have a single term like finger style and see where the center of gravity lands. You will get a few strays, but over time you might be able to crowd them out. The content would define the space, instead of the other way around.

I don’t mean to sound negative about this. It’s not my style but I think it could make for some fascinating reading.
Good luck.

EEB - Posted - 07/15/2026:  09:57:54

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

I think your best chance of success would be to have a single term like finger style and see where the center of gravity lands. You will get a few strays, but over time you might be able to crowd them out. The content would define the space, instead of the other way around.



I don’t mean to sound negative about this. It’s not my style but I think it could make for some fascinating reading.

Good luck.

---

This is exactly how I see it working. Content defines what is appropriate. As you already identify - discussion threads of a formative style are likely to be of interest to a much wider group of members who don't play finger-style. Pretty much how the rest of the Hangout functions. If mods see a misplaced post it's moved where it is more suitable.

My opinion - and that's all it is - if someone pops up who plays finger-style on steel strings he or she is absolutely welcome - and of interest. It's a two-way process; the poster also chooses whether it's a space to stay or move elsewhere.

The element that excites me is the opportunity for a single designated space where discussion and examples of historic finger-style repertoire (original cylinder and shellac recordings and member's own MP3 or video playing of that historical repertoire) sit side-by-side with contemporary fingerstyle and possibly new compositions and varied repertoire. In my view that cross-fertilisation has the potential to breathe life and be very inspiring.

Edited by - EEB on 07/15/2026 10:07:02

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 07/15/2026:  11:49:26

Build it and they will come?

The bluegrass and old-time forums also look back (sometimes fixedly) on the progenitors of the style, then present a contemporary interpretation.
It’s a formula that works. All you need is enough interest and engagement.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 07/15/2026:  14:03:26

Speaking historically (which, as I understand is not exactly the idea here), I can easily give examples of people playing fingerstyle on wire strings. And not just zither banjos.

A. J. Weidt, a very prevalent composer for banjo, guitar, mandolin and tenor banjo with scads of high quality (and playable) compositions converted to wire strings for regular banjo in the 20s.

But Weidt lived on a houseboat in New Jersey and humidity would have been pretty hard on gut or silk.

Dean T - Posted - 07/15/2026:  15:25:50

… so, a guy grows up finger picking guitar, 3 or even 4 finger + thumb… then later in life picks up a banjo and keeps right on playing like he always has, adapting his guitar skills to work on banjo.

Is that what you all are talking about? Or is “finger style” banjo some historical style that’s actually a thing? If it’s the above, I’m game, that’s what I’ve always done anyways. If it’s a defined historical thing, I’m not really interested.

EEB - Posted - 07/15/2026:  16:17:56

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dean T

… so, a guy grows up finger picking guitar, 3 or even 4 finger + thumb… then later in life picks up a banjo and keeps right on playing like he always has, adapting his guitar skills to work on banjo.



Is that what you all are talking about? Or is “finger style” banjo some historical style that’s actually a thing? If it’s the above, I’m game, that’s what I’ve always done anyways. If it’s a defined historical thing, I’m not really interested.

---

Great post. You hit on the exact purpose of a home for finger-style. Finger-style has a long history. But it isn't bound to or restricted by it's history. 

What you describe sounds like it is very much a part of finger-style. Many of the early banjo players also adapted their guitar finger picking to banjo.

Edited by - EEB on 07/15/2026 16:21:08

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 07/15/2026:  19:31:54

So I could finally find a home for this?
Based on so-called Travis style guitar picking which was in turn based on stride piano rocking bass.

VIDEO: Leicester Square
(click to view)

 

EEB - Posted - 07/17/2026:  00:51:01

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

So I could finally find a home for this?

Based on so-called Travis style guitar picking which was in turn based on stride piano rocking bass.

---

Beautiful playing. More of this please!

There are numerous rich seams; some to be rediscovered, some yet to be found. One example is the relationship between banjo and the fox-trot craze between the two world wars. Sounds dull? That assumption only shuts-off access to great banjo playing. Finger-style was in at the start of that craze, and even as professional dance band banjoists converted to plectrum style the tunes themselves were very often published as finger-style or plectrum arrangements. An extension of the work of player/composers such as Emile Grimshaw, Bert Bassett and Alfred Kirby that is denied by the neglect of finger-style.

Edited by - EEB on 07/17/2026 00:58:16

EEB - Posted - 07/17/2026:  03:16:36

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

So I could finally find a home for this?

Based on so-called Travis style guitar picking which was in turn based on stride piano rocking bass.

---

Are you playing with a floating r/h? My screen cuts off the lower half of your banjo so I can't see. Just curious.

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 07/17/2026:  09:22:42

quote:

---

Originally posted by EEB

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

So I could finally find a home for this?

Based on so-called Travis style guitar picking which was in turn based on stride piano rocking bass.

---

Are you playing with a floating r/h? My screen cuts off the lower half of your banjo so I can't see. Just curious.

---

No , I always anchor my little finger. But there's no reason why floating would not work. What did the old methods recommend?

Joel Hooks - Posted - 07/17/2026:  10:14:20

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

quote:

---

Originally posted by EEB

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

So I could finally find a home for this?

Based on so-called Travis style guitar picking which was in turn based on stride piano rocking bass.

---

Are you playing with a floating r/h? My screen cuts off the lower half of your banjo so I can't see. Just curious.

---

No , I always anchor my little finger. But there's no reason why floating would not work. What did the old methods recommend?

---

The vast majority stated to anchor.  A few notable exceptions are (in America) Frank B. Converse, Albert Baur and William Foden.

For England, Joe Morley taught floating.

EEB - Posted - 07/17/2026:  11:56:08

Here are the ‘Right Hand’ sections of two finger-style tutors separated by almost a quarter of a century.



Some players did, some didn’t. The absence of emphasis in these British tutor books reflects that choice. In the late 19th century it would be a stretch to claim the ‘precedent’ was the Spanish guitar, as for many players banjo was their first instrument. Certainly the modern precedent for 'planting' the little finger set by Scruggs-style was of course yet to come.



Personally I began with 'planting' and then close study of the Bath group (Morley, Tarrant Bailey Snr and J.P. Cuninghame) inclined me to try out a 'floating' hand. To my surprise ‘floating’ came easily with no practice or adapting time at all. But though my ears can usually discern the differences in bridge tone, I hear no difference whatsoever whether my finger is 'planted' or my right hand is 'floating'. I prefer to keep the skin tension tight so maybe this reduces the pressure effect of 'planting' compared to that on a looser tension skin?

Edited by - EEB on 07/17/2026 12:01:36

Metzler (1877) p.9

Metzler (1877) p.8

Ellis Advanced School (1901) p.10

 

EEB - Posted - 07/17/2026:  12:03:26

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

quote:

---

Originally posted by EEB

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

So I could finally find a home for this?

Based on so-called Travis style guitar picking which was in turn based on stride piano rocking bass.

---

Are you playing with a floating r/h? My screen cuts off the lower half of your banjo so I can't see. Just curious.

---

No , I always anchor my little finger. But there's no reason why floating would not work. What did the old methods recommend?

---

Also, I'm not familiar with the tune 'Leicester Square'. Is it your original composition?

EEB - Posted - 07/17/2026:  12:49:30

I’m delighted to see that today, the largest single collection of finger-style notation, organised as a download tune library, has gone live on finger-style player Russ Chandler’s website.



classic-banjo-library.russchan...usic.com/



Sharing and, importantly, making easily accessible, resources that are our collective banjo heritage is a true gift of altruism to all present and future finger-style players.



My warmest thanks and appreciation to Russ Chandler and the anonymous (but known to many) collector.

Edited by - EEB on 07/17/2026 12:52:46

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 07/17/2026:  13:38:36

quote:

---

Originally posted by EEB

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

quote:

---

Originally posted by EEB

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

So I could finally find a home for this?

Based on so-called Travis style guitar picking which was in turn based on stride piano rocking bass.

---

Are you playing with a floating r/h? My screen cuts off the lower half of your banjo so I can't see. Just curious.

---

No , I always anchor my little finger. But there's no reason why floating would not work. What did the old methods recommend?

---

Also, I'm not familiar with the tune 'Leicester Square'. Is it your original composition?

---

Yes, that's one of mine.

I wonder if you ever came across the name Don Strike in your research? He would have been a professional banjo player in London in the 1930's so perhaps too recent for your area of study.  Don had a music shop in Westbourne Arcade and I used to hang out there in the 1970's and hear his stories. He was quite a character!

Old Hickory - Posted - 07/17/2026:  14:29:48

Sorry to repeat myself on suggesting that location of this current discussion -- the Playing Adve: All Other Styles -- forum might be the appropriate home for discussions of finger style, but:

When I click on the forum name on the forums section home page, this is the only topic listed! Everything else is archived. The archived topic with the most recent activity (Nashville [high strung] tuning) saw its last comment 107 days ago! The most active topic to had any comments in the last year was Learning the Bano Using Notation (Egads!), with 41 posts, the last one 235 days ago. That's an outlier. Of the 25 archived topics that appear on the first page, more had zero response (8) than had 11 ore more (5)

The truth (as I see it) is there really aren't a whole lot of "other styles" that many Hangout members want to talk about. And some of the "styles" listed in the Other Styles forum description aren't styles at all:  "Discuss playing 6 string, classical, rock and other banjo styles which aren't related to a specific 'playing style.' "   Plenty of people play rock on banjo using three-finger, clawhammer and their own assortment of techniques. I've never heard of "rock banjo" as a identifiable style. Classical (not "classic") is a canon that I imagine people would play in fingerstyle. 6-string? OK, they can stay.

Finger style doesn't need a new home. "Other styles" needs a new sign. I'd say add finger style and maybe "worship" to the description. Delete rock and classical. Keep 6-string (though there's not a lot of activity there, either). All you folks who want a place to talk about finger style can mostly take over this generally unused space.

EEB - Posted - 07/17/2026:  15:17:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

quote:

---

Originally posted by EEB

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

quote:

---

Originally posted by EEB

quote:

---

Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

So I could finally find a home for this?

Based on so-called Travis style guitar picking which was in turn based on stride piano rocking bass.

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Are you playing with a floating r/h? My screen cuts off the lower half of your banjo so I can't see. Just curious.

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No , I always anchor my little finger. But there's no reason why floating would not work. What did the old methods recommend?

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Also, I'm not familiar with the tune 'Leicester Square'. Is it your original composition?

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Yes, that's one of mine.

I wonder if you ever came across the name Don Strike in your research? He would have been a professional banjo player in London in the 1930's so perhaps too recent for your area of study.  Don had a music shop in Westbourne Arcade and I used to hang out there in the 1970's and hear his stories. He was quite a character!

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An excellent composition that is right in the tradition of player-composers that is central to our banjo heritage. 

One recurrent thought I have whilst engaged in research is what I'm sure would be the puzzlement of the early banjoists at our relative inertia in regard to original composition. Maybe  greater awareness of the fundamental nature of that grassroots activity will begin to redress the balance between retrospection and creativity. 

Edited by - EEB on 07/17/2026 15:21:03

EEB - Posted - 07/17/2026:  15:37:55

quote:

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Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

I wonder if you ever came across the name Don Strike in your research? He would have been a professional banjo player in London in the 1930's so perhaps too recent for your area of study.  Don had a music shop in Westbourne Arcade and I used to hang out there in the 1970's and hear his stories. He was quite a character!

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Thank you for this reference to an English banjoist. The parameters of our research have extended, as is typical for initial plans when the extent of connections across and beyond original 'boundaries' come to light. The inter-war period is one of those areas now getting our attention. Don Strike is not currently on our radar, but with a name and location we can search rather than rely on details coming to light in primary sources.

banjoboyd - Posted - 07/17/2026:  19:33:04

Ken - As has been expressed, it's possible that more people would post if there was a dedicated space for it. We won't really know until it's tested out. There are most definitely people here, myself included, who primarily or even only play (what we are broadly defining as) fingerstyle banjo and who do not view their musical efforts as a miscellaneous "other." Is there really anyone here who only plays worship music (a genre) on banjo specifically or only plays 6-string (a different instrument entirely)? Are these really on the same categorical level as a roughly 175-year tradition with a massive body of published and recorded music behind it? 

EEB - Posted - 07/19/2026:  06:46:32

quote:

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Originally posted by banjoboyd

Ken - As has been expressed, it's possible that more people would post if there was a dedicated space for it. We won't really know until it's tested out. There are most definitely people here, myself included, who primarily or even only play (what we are broadly defining as) fingerstyle banjo and who do not view their musical efforts as a miscellaneous "other." Is there really anyone here who only plays worship music (a genre) on banjo specifically or only plays 6-string (a different instrument entirely)? Are these really on the same categorical level as a roughly 175-year tradition with a massive body of published and recorded music behind it? 

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Revisiting this thread I notice that it currently has 1108 views. Certainly the most traffic that this section has  seen in a long time. And we're not even posting finger-style content yet.

I'm laid back about possible format - as long as there's a technique-specific title that points to and identifies the space. I'm happy for those who may have more a specific spec request to suggest this to Eric.

Edited by - EEB on 07/19/2026 06:47:21

Tractor1 - Posted - 07/19/2026:  07:12:48

I venture to say when banjos came about and started being seen in horse and buggie days onward--folks would obtain one and start up picking with fingers--probably a much higher percentage of these folks --than those that got to be professionals or teachers/publishers--



many unknown players are mentioned in the newspapers from those days--they would possibly be doing a finger style-- no doubt to me-the styling varied--when I put my our own nostalgic slant on the surviving knowledge of one aspect and figure I have the whole picture -I feel,I am using "tunnel vision"

finger style --to me --would cover any and all players --that are using fingers to play-

we have this problem already with the term ''chord melody''--it is used to designate  a jazz category when it really is a description to me --of most lead sheet /arrangements outside of that

my opinion I ask no agreement

Edited by - Tractor1 on 07/19/2026 07:19:53

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 07/19/2026:  10:45:35

quote:

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Originally posted by EEB

quote:

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Originally posted by banjoboyd

Ken - As has been expressed, it's possible that more people would post if there was a dedicated space for it. We won't really know until it's tested out. There are most definitely people here, myself included, who primarily or even only play (what we are broadly defining as) fingerstyle banjo and who do not view their musical efforts as a miscellaneous "other." Is there really anyone here who only plays worship music (a genre) on banjo specifically or only plays 6-string (a different instrument entirely)? Are these really on the same categorical level as a roughly 175-year tradition with a massive body of published and recorded music behind it? 

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Revisiting this thread I notice that it currently has 1108 views. Certainly the most traffic that this section has  seen in a long time. And we're not even posting finger-style content yet.

I'm laid back about possible format - as long as there's a technique-specific title that points to and identifies the space. I'm happy for those who may have more a specific spec request to suggest this to Eric.

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A whole new forum is a heavy lift for Eric because it involves ongoing maintenance plus initial development. Perhaps an interim solution would be to make this post a "sticky". Then load it up with content, and let the numbers do the talking. 

Just an idea.

Tractor1 - Posted - 07/20/2026:  09:21:39

so here is one I ponder some times --There are great marches that fit the banjo, maybe with a key change--single line with picks or multi line in the classic style set up--
Tony T did a full album once but I never bought it (low funds}
I do stab at Siemper Fedelis and Brian Baru's with my picks on and single line

a lot of grassers hit under the double eagle
marches supposedly had a heyday in the late 1800s --on up --for a decade or two--of course marches would be better suited for playing on the banjo while stationary

EEB - Posted - 07/20/2026:  09:41:29

quote:

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Originally posted by Tractor1

so here is one I ponder some times --There are great marches that fit the banjo, maybe with a key change--single line with picks or multi line in the classic style set up--

Tony T did a full album once but I never bought it (low funds}

I do stab at Siemper Fedelis and Brian Baru's with my picks on and single line



a lot of grassers hit under the double eagle

marches supposedly had a heyday in the late 1800s --on up --for a decade or two--of course marches would be better suited for playing on the banjo while stationary

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Yes. Marches are a sizeable element of finger-style repertoire, numbering in the hundreds. 

Also an internal key change is very common to finger-style. Typically a tune structure that is AABB in one key and a Trio in a second key. The Trio being just another name for a C part. That offers more harmonic possibilities than in most banjo styles where tunes stay rigidly in one key.

Clawhammer has the odd tune that while categorised as in a single key, do modulate between keys e.g. Richmond Cotillion (A but modulates A-D) , Black Mountain Rag (D but modulates D-A). But these are rare exceptions.

Edited by - EEB on 07/20/2026 09:54:11

Joel Hooks - Posted - 07/20/2026:  10:13:01

Additionally, there is a strong focus on dynamics.