I've been picking away at the Classic banjo style! Working on Joe Morley's A DESERT TRAIL, of which I only have twelve or so measures. The classic technique has really improved everything else that I do fingerpicking-wise; the hand position is so concise. The numbered chords are a great way to simplify the music, and very different from the individual approach to traditional mountain country picking. I'm learning a composition, not picking out a tune that I know by ear...it takes me back to the Ud, and trying to pluck away at Makams.
I'm a great admirer of banjoist WM. J. Ball...what an incredible musician, and sadly largely unknown. Unfortunateley, other than Ianthereallyniceman, and the BHO's own Mike Moss, classic banjo lies hidden from most pickers.
Loving the path!
Clayton
http://www.claytonology.weebly.com
2 comments on “Classic Banjo pickins”
Mike Moss Says:
Thursday, July 12, 2012 @4:32:41 AM
Hey mate, glad to hear you're making progress with Desert Trail! The learning curve's a bit steep but I can totally relate to what you're describing... learning difficult tunes really forces us to pick up new skills. I think my recording of Poet and Peasant sounds pretty crappy, but tackling that beast of a tune felt like taking a course in rapid fingering.
I also really love the chord position markers... I feel they "flow" a lot better than tab, if that makes any sense. They sort of give me the general feel of where my hand is going to be and what it's going to look like.
Whenever you feel ready to record the tune I can play the backup (2nd banjo) part for you to play along with it.
Mike
Coonskin Says:
Thursday, July 12, 2012 @10:39:20 AM
A mighty fine offer...but don't hold your breath! :) It's slow going. Classic banjo is a complete retooling for me; fortunately I started Scruggs picking last year, so I have the pinky anchor set and the basic pose was somewhat in place...and I say "somewhat" with an exclamation point. The high point is hearing the sounds coming, after having listened to the William Ball recording so many times...a long road.
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