Playing Since: 2011
Experience Level: Novice

Interests:
[Jamming] [Socializing]

Occupation: flooring installer and devoted picking student

Gender: Male
Age: 42

My Instruments:
Banjo and harmonica

Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Spinney Brothers, Steve Martin, Bela Fleck, Hillstomp, Seasick Steve, John Corcoran, Bob Log, John Schooley

Classified Rating: not rated
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Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 12/9/2012
Last Visit 12/22/2013

Hello all I am new to the banjo forum scene, and to pickin but I practice every day and have been told I am a lot further along than most people who have been playing for several years. I dont claim to be a pro but I am very impressed with my progress. I actually Built a banjo before I ever learned to play (made outa a tambourine and a dog food bowl. Kinda bass ackwards I kno. After many people requesting me to play the banjo I built I took it up. Having always loved the banjo sound but intimidated by the speed and complexity, so I thought, I decided what the heck I'll give it try. Well I have never played a stringed instrument before, I feel I have the upper hand on those who have. Old habbits die hard so I hear. Most of my friends play music so it only made sence for me to PICK something up. My intentions were to put some distortion on the banjo to fit in with the rest of my buddies but soon realized theres a reason you dont hear it too often. It doesnt work. No petal can pick (I've found) can pick up and properly distort that many high pitch notes. But either way it din't work. So I Pick Alone.... Yeaaaa! with nobody else. Since i have taught myself I became comfortable with my own style, which is far from the norm from what I understand. I lead with ring, follow with middle, and fill with thumb. I dont even use my Index. To me this seemed more comfortable and it has stuck and i can still hit the notes I've developed a weird muscle growth (not painful and not fluid) on my right hand from overworking my ring finger, I think. I was told not to change a thing by some old time pickers I was introduced to. I live next door to an old time barber shop that stays full of old timers who reminiss on the glory days. They are my only gateway into the Bluegrass/banjo world now so this is why I am joining the Hangout. I have only just begun to utilize the neck, I have gotten comfortable and comfident with my roll skills before I even considered using the neck. Hello All!