JanetB Says:
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @5:49:14 AM

I haven't listened to your music yet. Very pretty--do you play with a pick?

banjo24f Says:
Thursday, January 16, 2014 @8:22:11 AM

no I play with fingers picks ( I don't know the exact word for it )
I played before on 4 string banjo with a pick and when I learned that I could play on it with plastic nails I tried on 5 string banjo that I played before in claw hammer or scrugg style.
The result was a sound near from tenor banjo but with the avantages of 5 string.
I just recently discover that people as Tom Hanway had soon discover this way of playing and also Dave Hum.
Claw hammer give an inimitable sound but it's hard to play every tune.

JanetB Says:
Saturday, January 18, 2014 @12:03:20 PM

I can imagine your techniques coming from your varied background. It makes your music unique and enjoyable to hear.

banjo24f Says:
Saturday, January 18, 2014 @10:53:33 PM

Thank you for your sympathic comments !
effectively , I first learned guitar searching how to play with friends, beginig by classic and folk.
The first banjo I bougth was a banjo-guitar and I got the book american favorite ballads by pete seeger.
In France, banjo was not a very well known instrument in 1970.
Later I bougth an old time english banjo and learned claw hammer with a good banjoist I was happy to play this.
I played 2 years with a folk group and after when I was married, I take a job and had not many time to play. I had to sell my banjo for some money, but later my wife found for me a little tenor banjo and I played Irish music.
In 2010 I bought a 5 string banjo and now I'm retired and since two years, I'm trying to create arrangements of this beautifull music.

JanetB Says:
Sunday, January 19, 2014 @7:32:58 PM

As Paul Roberts told me, "Music has an inexhaustible capacity to reach the human spirit in myriad positive life transforming ways." He's got a way with words, doesn't he! It's good to hear your story about the banjo being a constant in your life for a long while. The banjo is a good friend.

banjo24f Says:
Monday, January 20, 2014 @8:49:11 AM

I think so !