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Author Archives: Phill Gibson
Like Riding a Bike
A while back I had a student say to me: “I wish playing the banjo was like riding a bike where you never forget it!” While that’s mostly true – we have to continue to practice, or we’ll get way … Continue reading
Posted in Beginning Banjo
Tagged Chords, Dynamic, Guitar, Practice, Riding a Bike, Static
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Knowledge and Wisdom
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad. So we must also remember: Knowledge is knowing how to execute a full-fretboard G major scale. Wisdom is knowing not … Continue reading
The Banjo & Bluegrass Jam Session is Tomorrow!
The Practice Banjo & Bluegrass Jam Session at The Coffee Tree Books & Brew As usual, this is on the third Saturday of each month; Augusts jam will be on the 15th. Kind of early for the third Saturday, but … Continue reading
Posted in Beginning Banjo, Venues
Tagged Banjo, Bluegrass, Coffee Tree, Experience, Folk, Guitar, Jam, Jazz, Mandolin, Practice
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Binaries and Triads
We’ve all seen some common binary concepts in life from time to time. Things like digital vs. analog, good vs. bad and even something so commonplace as night vs. day. But do you know any concepts that involve triads? How … Continue reading
Posted in Philosophical Ramblings
Tagged Banjo, Cheap, Good, Musical Instruments, Practice, Quality, Quick, Simple Efficient, Versatile
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Introducing New Songs to Students
New songs are good for your perspective – they can keep you feeling inspired and eager to learn more. Often, you can chop up a new song and reuse new licks you’ve learned elsewhere. They can also help you refine … Continue reading
Posted in Beginning Banjo
Tagged Back Up, Chord Structure, Learning New Songs, Tab, Titles
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The Road in Song
What is it about the open road that is so appealing in song? It pops up so often – in rock, blues, bluegrass, country, you name it. For as long as people have wanted to get away from something, surely … Continue reading
Posted in Music in General, Philosophical Ramblings
Tagged Freedom, Home, Road, Songs
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How I Measure Banjo Speed
Most musicians measure speed in beats per minute (BMP), which is pretty intuitive for most folks. It’s also part of our standard system of musical notation, so we should all get to know it; so many beats per measure, depending … Continue reading
Posted in Tips & Techniques
Tagged Banjo, Beats per Minute, measurement, Notes per Minute, speed
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Getting Away From It All!
Sometimes, it’s so good to take a break and get away from it all; especially away from technology! Have you ever received an email to this effect: “Hi, Sorry to be so late getting back with you; my email client … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos & Bluegrass, Banjos & Technology, Banjos and Society
Tagged Banjos, Bluegrass, Carefree, Email, Facebook, Hassles, Perceptions, Technology, Twitter, Vacation
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When New Skills are Like a Magnet
When you learn repetitious musical techniques, it can also be human nature to resist things that are very close to what you already know. Continue reading
Posted in 2-Finger Style, 4-Finger Style
Tagged Banjo, Bugs Bunny, Determination, Guitar, Learning, Mandolin, New Skills, Perseverance, Play, Yosemite Sam
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They Ought to Have a Name for it – Stuck in a (Fret) Rut
This happens with your fretting hand when you are playing a lick and you don’t get your fingers positioned exactly right before it is time to pick the notes. You’d like to lift one or more of your fingers and … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos in General, Tips & Techniques
Tagged Bad Fretting, Finger Position, Frets
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Phill Gibson 