"basis of all Banjo pieces"

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Minstrel Banjo

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For those interested in Minstrel Banjo.

132 Members, Created 11/14/2011 -

Administrators: banjosnapper (owner)

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From dewbanjo on 11/15/2011 6:54:54 AM

In Joe Weidlich's book "The Early Minstrel Banjo" (page 24) he says according to Tom Briggs there are five principal movements, or rhythmic patterns, which form the "basis of all Banjo pieces" (tab on page 65, Example #4-1

So, the question is for a "new" Minstrel player is this a good place to start? (I've been playing Clawhammer style now for about 6 years).

I figure this would be a GREAT place to get my answers instead of posting on the clawhammer site or cruising the internet.

8 Comments
	banjosnapper says: 11/15/2011 7:12:10 AM It is a good place to start. In my opinion, an even better place to start is with the Phil Rice instructions. It is a better breakdown and explanation of the right hand movements. They result in the Briggs' "movements" as well as the Converse "combinations" described much larer. I will link the material I have on this.
	dewbanjo says: 11/15/2011 7:53:39 AM Thanks banjosnapper. I've gone to the link, printed off the "Briggs 1855 Tab" part, and started to practice the Brigg's Movements. The first 3 I can do ok...I'll have to view more of the videos for the 4,5 examples. Again thanks for your support!! Don
	banjosnapper says: 11/15/2011 8:08:26 AM keep me posted...i hope it works out
	dewbanjo says: 11/15/2011 8:19:59 AM Hope I am not jumping on here too much... I am using my Deering Goodtime (only can afford what I have for now...maybe in the future a nice fretless. My banjo is setup with a no-knot tail piece, black diamond light strings, rennasiance head, and a moon bridge. My question is what type of strings should I switch to, and about what tension should I have the head?? Of course now I am getting a tin-nie sound and wonder if I could switch strings to help.
	banjosnapper says: 11/15/2011 8:26:58 AM i'll beg off on that question, as i only own regular fretless low tuned instruments. i know others will have comments.
	weetmans says: 11/15/2011 9:58:26 AM Before acquiring the Boucher reproduction, I was using an old Buckbee fretless. I had replaced the skin head on this with a Renaissance head, and, as an experiment, tried Aquila Nylgut "minstrel" strings, tuned a 5th below (first string tuned to A). The sound wasn't too bad, as it turned out. Those lower strings really brought out the best in the instrument. Of course, Aquila Nylguts are quite a bit more expensive than Black Diamond, but you could always get the gauges from the description on the Elderly site, then find a cheaper nylon (or even fishing line) alternative. I think you might be pleasantly surprised. You'll have to learn how to tie a bowline knot to attach the strings to the tailpiece. Check Zepp's site for instruction on this if you don't know how.
	weetmans says: 11/16/2011 2:43:05 AM Just to add to my last comment, I'd suggest the following gauges for Nylon strings: 028", .032", .036", .032"W, .028
	dewbanjo says: 11/16/2011 5:14:05 AM Thanks weetmans for the information for strings... I think I got way off the original post. I've been practing the "Briggs Movements" and about ready to go with the first tune Juba.
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