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Category Archives: Beginning Banjo
Major Categories of Banjo Practice
A banjo student and I were discussing these various topics just now and I realized that I’ve not actually discussed them more formally with very many people. Here are several major categories of banjo practice, as I’ve just thought of … Continue reading
Strength, Accuracy, and Speed
If you’re the type of musician who just likes to grab your instrument and start playing without much analysis of techniques, you probably won’t get much from this post. It’s a very in-depth look at what you are really asking … Continue reading
Posted in Beginning Banjo, Philosophical Ramblings, Teaching, Tips & Techniques
Tagged Accuracy, speed, Strength, Stroke
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Just Like Earl
Playing the banjo just like Earl Scruggs is a common effort among some banjoists. I even have one or two that I play almost exactly like him, but those are the exceptions, not the rule. This is a fairly natural … Continue reading
The Nashville Numbering System
The Nashville Numbering System was around long before Nashville became known for music. I’ve seen it called by several other names and it is a basic part of music theory. I’ve heard several bluegrass musicians call it this, so I’m … Continue reading
Posted in Beginning Banjo, Music in General
Tagged Chords, Cripple Creek Chords, I IV V, Nashville, Numbering, System
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The Bluegrass Ensemble
The bluegrass ensemble isn’t a term you’ll find being used much, if any. But I think it well describes what it is when you are talking about the various instruments used in a typical bluegrass band. If you’ve been playing … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos & Bluegrass, Beginning Banjo
Tagged Banjo, Bull Fiddle, Chopping Chords, Dobro, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Off beat, On beat, Upright Bass, Violin
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Being the Best in Your Zip Code
The last blog I wrote just now mentioned the fact that there will always be someone better than you at whatever you are doing. That’s indeed a bit humbling for some of us, I’ll agree. But still, we have to … Continue reading
Posted in Beginning Banjo
Tagged Banjo, Best, Humbling, Nashville, North Carolina, Realistic Goals, Virginia, Zipcode
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Why Play the Banjo?
Why indeed! I can think of several reasons… You get to meet some of the craz… er, nicest people around! OK, if crazy is what you’re looking for then, yes you can find that, too! As with anything in life, … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos and Society, Beginning Banjo
Tagged Americas Instrument, Banjo, Creativity, fun, Hot Rod, Relaxing, Roots, Satisfaction, Style, Why Play Banjo
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Quitting While You're Behind
Imagine you are going to a regional bluegrass festival (That would the the Tennessee Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention in Athens, Alabama for me). You hear some young banjo player picking out an incredible set of licks and you think to … Continue reading
Posted in Beginning Banjo, Music in General, Tips & Techniques
Tagged Attitude, Better than, Deflate, Inspired, Persevere
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Phill Gibson 