For a few weeks, I've been learning "Sugar Baby" from a Colin Bazsali video -- it is my first attempt to actually play banjo vs. noodle. I am not aiming toward bluegrass -- for the moment, I am just enamored with Boggs. I am noticing some small cuts on my thumb (maybe related to the very low humidity in the house?). The banjo has light strings. I have not considered finger picks -- well, until last night.
So, I am wondering about my options.
1. My wife plays classical guitar and thought nylon strings might be the answer -- poking around here suggests that I would likely have to modify the nut and bridge -- hmm, do I really want to do that just to experiment? I'm not to worried about replacing a bridge is necessary, but a nut? (I'm not concerned about the volume loss -- just playing for my own enjoyment.)
2. Another option of course is a thumb pick. Poking around here suggests yes (learn it now!), but that may be from bluegrass players. I actually shortened up a plastic pick last night and could imagine getting used to it -- though it is not really my preference.
3. Another option is to forge ahead and hope the thumb toughens up -- is that likely?
4. I have seen on line what I'll call thumb condoms -- some appear to be really thick and clunky -- anything in that category work?
5. Your suggestion?
Thanks for being willing to help a beginner.
quote:
Originally posted by hootharp
3. Another option is to forge ahead and hope the thumb toughens up -- is that likely?
Very likely…
You COULD try coating the thumb with instant glue, and AFTER it is COMPLETELY dry, try picking.
Have some nail polish remover handy, to remove the glue.
Commander Spock was a pretty good banjo player, but we all know what happened to HIM, when he had the glue, but not the remover.
With banjo
"MY [EXPLETIVE DELETED] FINGERS ARE STUCK!"
Maybe adjust your attack on the strings? I play 2 and 3 finger without picks (have done so for 50+ years) and never gotten close to cutting up my thumb, and I play with heavy gauge strings. Do you brace your pinky and ring fingers on the banjo head? If not, maybe that leads to excess downforce on the thumb? My guess it that you're really putting the mash down on that thumb when you don't really need too, but I could be wrong, I've been wrong before...
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
I did put some "liquid bandage" aka "new skin" on the small slices in the dry skin. We'll see how that works -- it might allow the "toughen up" process to prevail. I'll also try to keep watch on my attack.
Thanks again.
I would expect to see tender skin that then develops into calluses - the skin toughens up fairly quickly when you play with bare fingers - but I've never experienced actual cuts. Like RG says, try playing more lightly and do shorter practice sessions while your fingers toughen up.
Have you checked the strings for burrs?
If no burrs, my guess would be very low humidity in the playing area. My fingers will develop cracks in the winter when the humidity is low in the house. Hand lotion on the offended finger (finger tips too) is one solution I've used. Be sure to rub it in and wipe off excess lotion before playing to avoid grease spots on your banjo head. There are low-perfume lotions available. Hope this helps.
Thanks again; good to get multiple perspectives.
The liquid bandage closed up the slits/slices for now -- they're just on the surface -- could keep practicing, lessening the enthusiasm!
Last few days my hands have been going from cold, outdoor work (some needing bare hands) to dry indoor picking. I need to remember to use some of the udder balm my wife has in three different rooms here!
I looks like all will be well w/o going to nylon strings or thumb picks (unless I just want to experiment).
Thanks again (from Wyoming).
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