Picking along ...

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Posted by wannabepicker on Tuesday, April 21, 2009

After months of seemingly not going anywhere, it seems like out of nowhere my picking is a little better these days. I still struggle memorizing stuff quickly ... it just doesn't happen. I have to repeat, repeat, repeat. That's easy to say "That's what you have to do," until you actually experience being a person who can get bored quickly.

I like to be challenged and like trying new things. Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken banjo up at age 38. My aspirations are still simple ... I went to play for myself, family and friends and with others. No delusions of a band, but that does seem like it would be fun.

I am mostly stammered by backup. I keep looking for the elusive answer that no one seems to be able to provide.

What is the "formula" for backup?

In other words, how do you know what to do when? You buy books and they show backup for specific songs. You ask a great picker and they say, "Well you do this." You ask how do you figure that out, what is the roadmap? No one seems to be able to give an answer.

I have about decided then that it must be about "feel" and experience and that you just don't get it until you get it.

2 comments on “Picking along ...”

PyrPups Says:
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 @3:51:11 PM

Great back up is an "art" that is developed by allowing your banjo to "sing" the tune in such a manner that it embellishes the overall sound without detracting from the lead at the time. Sometimes, actually most times, simple vamping is the key giving rise to "Less is More". A simple lick, played subdued with impeccable timing adds nicely to the overall sound without taking anything away from the lead. Earl was a master at this. Listen closely to Earl's picking and you can tell his favorite licks. The ability to place those licks where they bolster and support the song rather than draw attention away is what to strive for. It will also put far more emphasis on the banjo break. The reason it is so hard to put down in black and white is that it really has to do with living and feeling the song you are playing. Start simple and then progressively add a little flare here and there and before long, it flows from "rote" memory without much thought. You can concentrate more on the break that way. Of the touring bands today, two guys really stand out with great backup and that, to me, is Aaron McDaris and Bobby Lundy with Dan Paisley and the Southern Grass. Wish I had a "formula" for you but engrossing yourself in the song as you are waiting your turn to "showcase" will allow your banjer to sing for you.