Sorry all, life has been crazy.

It has been awfully hot here in Michigan. I haven't been able to finish the videos, because I am unable to stand the heat. I have air, but when I turn it on. it makes too much noise. I turn it off, and I have to open the windows. Every time I try to record, someone is cutting their grass, weed whacking or making some sort of noise, so, I am waiting for an opportunity.

Gryphon, thank your son for his service, and thanks for inspiring him to do so. Also, thank you for your concern for mine. Andrew is on a 50 cal gun in Helmand Province Afghanistan. His troop carrier hit an IED, and he was injured slightly, but his buddy was paralyzed and sent home. On the way out of the mess, his other friend stepped on an IED, and as a result, died a couple of days later. It is a hard thing for these young men to have to go through. This is a good generation of brave Marines we have here though. I am proud. They really hang together.

I have a gig this Saturday, and have cancelled everything else around it, so I will try, (weather permitting) to finish up a few things.

Take care all.

Rob,

I just want to add to the chorus of voices thanking you for this. As a long-time guitarist who just bought his first banjo last week, I spent my spare time on the weekend with your videos and have parts one and quite a ways past the first segue working quite well, if not quite up to speed (yet). I've never played a banjo before in my life and you have given me a method that has me picking up speed already.

The way you've broken it down into sections and take time to build up the speed just makes for easy learning. I also love the fact that you "testify" with a rollicking run through the song in the intro, letting us know right off the bat that you're not only a good teacher, you can back up what you're teaching with some very nice playing. I've had guitar teachers who could teach but couldn't play very well at all; it's refreshing that you're as good as you are at both playing and teaching.

You also have a very genuine way about you when you teach, and a soothing voice that makes it a pleasure to follow along.

I can't believe teaching of this quality is free! I'd have gladly paid for these videos.

So, thank you again for a really great series of videos. The fact that you took your time to do this for no compensation is a testament to your generosity, and it's very much appreciated. I'm looking forward to your other song lessons once I get FMB good and tight.

Thanks!

quote:

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Originally posted by Rob Bourassa
This is a good generation of brave Marines we have here though. I am proud. They really hang together.

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Well, it is hotter than blazes here. We had some rain, but it just made it muggy.

Thanks for the nice words Frick. I am glad you find the lessons helpful. I really don't consider myself much of a player anymore. I hit my peak at 19, and then, put the banjo down to play guitar. I used to pick all the time, but not practicing takes its toll. I do have some residual chops, and occasionally will practice 2 or 3 days on a tune if I am going to do a recording, and it turns out OK. I still love the banjo though.

mswhat298, I thank you for your support and prayers. We haven't heard from Andrew in over a week, and there were many losses in Helmand Province in the last 5 or 6 days, so we are praying extra hard for some contact. Any help there is appreciated.

I am also praying that is cools off enough to get some work done. This happens every summer, but this year is the worst we've had in 10 years. I will finish up when I can, and post here.

I just got back from a long bike ride along the river, and it is downright chilly here in southeastern Michigan tonight.

Finally.

Great Rob! That means we'll be getting the rest of FMB? :-) :praying:

I have only owned my banjo 10 days, but I have learned so much following your video lessons. I have FMB dead to rights, note-wise. Now I need to work on the speed and swing of it, but I can already see it getting there. It's very exciting. My guitars are jealous at the moment.

I can't believe how quickly I was able to learn this. Thanks so much Rob!

Thanks folks, I'm glad to hear things have worked well.

I have taken some time off for the last month or so, because my dad's lung cancer relapsed, and it has been very hard on my family, especially my mother.

He passed away this morning, and as hard as it will be to adjust, I am glad to know that he can breathe freely at this point.

Take care, and I'm sure I will be back to business as usual at some point in the near future.


Rob

I am very sorry to hear about your father Rob. My prayers will go out for your father, you and your family.
Hang in there. Not today, maybe not tomorrow, but time has a way..........

Prayers are with you and your family.

Our condolences to you and your family, Rob. It's good to see that you're looking at his passing also being the end of his suffering.

youtube.com/watch?v=P1GMYDSY7Yk

Thanks for the kind words all. It has been a crazy summer.

Rob, My condolences to you and your Mom and your family. Your Dad is in a better place now. Be well my friend.

M~.

Sorry about your loss of your father. The tribute was great. Im happy you were able to do that for him. My grandmother just passed away and I did a tribute to her on my radio show. I didn't realize how many other people it would touch until afterwards. They are both better off. We will see them in heaven.

Rob,

Thank you for taking the time to do this. You are very generous and it is appreciated greatly!!

Sorry to hear about your dad. Losing a parent is very hard. I lost my dad six years ago and still think about him every day. If you take what you admired most about him and incorporate it into your life, he will live on through you (as I was told at my dad's funeral).

-JEN

Sorry to hear about the loss of your father, Rob. He truly is in a better place. I'm grateful he inspired you so. Thanks for the lessons as well.

Yes Rob, I too want to send my condolences to you and your family. I just recently became a member of the BH and am also interested in practicing from your video lessons. Thanks for taking the time to share this with everyone!!!

I am going to refresh myself on Foggy Mountain Breakdown. I think the Murphy Method videos might to that trick for me.

That's cool Myra. Hey, please come down to Paddy Reilly's on Sunday, 26 October, if you're around! I'll just be getting off a plane and meet my wife Denise. Hey, come to think of it, do you have a spare guitar or banjo I could pick a few tunes on? I'll show you some Trischka variations fro FMB and whatever else I can help you with. We'll be just arriving and I won't be able to pick up my own banjo in Larchmont before the session.

I can help you with Earl's original breaks, on your banjo. I won't have one. LOL

quote:

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Originally posted by Tom Hanway

That's cool Myra. Hey, please come down to Paddy Reilly's on Sunday, 26 October, if you're around! I'll just be getting off a plane and meet my wife Denise. Hey, come to think of it, do you have a spare guitar or banjo I could pick a few tunes on? I'll show you some Trischka variations fro FMB and whatever else I can help you with. We'll be just arriving and I won't be able to pick up my own banjo in Larchmont before the session.

I can help you with Earl's original breaks, on your banjo. I won't have one. LOL

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quote:

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Originally posted by blkfir

Sorry to hear about the loss of your father, Rob. He truly is in a better place. I'm grateful he inspired you so. Thanks for the lessons as well.

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I always recommend the Goodtime. Nice banjo, and it works! Glad to hear you're playing again. So, let me know about Paddy's. We can go over FMB, or Shuckin' the Corn or Fireball Mail, whatever you want to work on.

I don't mean to hijack this thread: The trick to Scruggs-style playing and FMB is to go slowly, get the tunes one at a time, get everything clean and even, get the separation of notes, and play for accuracy.

Speed comes from accuracy and knowing what you're doing. Thinking turns off and you go into hard-driving banjo mode.

Accuracy builds speed, not the other way around. With Scruggs, any Scruggs tune or lick, one has to perfect it at a comfortable tempo before upping the ante. That's my two cents.