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Playing banjo with missing or nonfunctional fingers

Sunday, March 10, 2024

The March Issue of "Bluegrass Unlimited" magazine features an article about the bluegrass background of Grateful Dead rocker Jerry Garcia. What struck me about the cover is that the painting of the young Jerry seems to show that he has all five fingers on his right hand. Actually, Jerry lost most of his middle finder due to a childhood hatchet mishap. So he learned to play bluegrass banjo with his thumb, index, and ring fingers. 

He is one of a group of professional banjo players who have overcome challenges of missing or non-functional fingers to have or continue successful musical careers.  Many have developed unique styles because of their handicap and have added to the rich tapestry of bluegrass music.

I have played the banjo for a long time, but as I have moved into my 80’s, arthritis in my hands has threatened to limit my playing of the music that I love. As a result, my list of banjo heroes has adjusted to include banjo pickers succeeding to work through obstacles.  These folks should be recognized for their contribution to bluegrass and their inspiration to folks like me who are dealing with their own issues.

My banjo heroes list includes Jerry Garcia, of course, but also Nick Hornbuckle, Tom Adams, Eddie Adcock, Dave Hum, Barry Abernathy, and Emory Martin (one armed banjo player touring with Uncle Dave Macon).  I am sure there are many others.

These folks should be recognized for their contribution to bluegrass and their inspiration to folks like me who are dealing with their own issues.

 

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Newest Music

Genre: Bluegrass
Playing Style: Bluegrass (Scruggs)

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Playing Since: 1963
Experience Level: Purty Good

Interests:
[Jamming]

Occupation: Retired

Gender: Male
Age: 81

My Instruments:
2015 Deering Sierra, 2010 Deering Eagle II, 80's era Vega Tubaphone, 1927 Bacon & Day with an Ode long-neck, Gold Tone Dojo, Savannah short-scale banjo, Yamaha Guitar, lap-dulcimer.

Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Folk music players first got me interested in the banjo and I suspect they influenced many others in the North in the 60's. These include Dave Guard (Kingston Trio), Alex Hassilev (Limeliters), and obviously, Pete Seeger. Banjo teachers who have been a godsend for us self-taught pickers: Janet Davis, Tony Trischka, Murphy/Casey Henry and Pete Wernick. Bluegrass favorites of mine: Curtis McPeake, Carl Jackson, Alan Munde, Butch Robbins, Eric Weissberg and, of course, Earl. Bruce Springsteen along with his Seeger Sessions Band with Greg Liszt on banjo for getting me interested in the banjo again after a 20 year layoff. Steve Ivey and Diamond Rio for showing how the bluegrass style can be applied to contemporary Christian music. Chris Cairns, banjo instructor extaordinaire at the 2008 Door County Bluegrass Camp.

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Created 9/10/2008
Last Visit 11/27/2024

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