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Category Archives: Tips & Techniques
Technique Control, Part II – Right Hand Techniques
Last time, we looked at an overview of techniques and why we need to keep control of both hands on the banjo. Today, we’ll look at what to control with respect to the right hand; next time, we’ll look at … Continue reading
Posted in Tips & Techniques
Tagged Banjo, Bridge, Control, Finger Picks, Right Hand, Technique, Thumb Picks
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Technique Control, Part I – Introduction
I’m not a control freak when it comes to people, but I do see the very important role that control plays when it comes to a musical instrument. Hours upon hours of practice drill into our heads the fact that … Continue reading
Posted in Tips & Techniques
Tagged Banjo, Blind Willie McTell, Control, Furry Lewis, Left Hand, Muddy Waters, Right Hand, Technique
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Some Freeware All Banjo Players Need
Here’s a couple of software applications that I have found to be pretty essential; one is useful for anyone working with sound on a computer, and the other is great for anyone working with tablature (not just banjos) Audacity Audacity … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos & Technology, Reviews, Tips & Techniques
Tagged Audacity, MIDI, Music Software, Recording, Tablature, TablEdit
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7 Things a Musician Should Never Do
I’ve heard that kids should never ride a dog backwards, downstairs. I’ve never tried this, so I have no first hand experience. But as one of my college professors was fond of saying “You don’t have to stick your head … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos in General, Music in General, Tips & Techniques
Tagged Banjo, Don't Do This, Drumhead, Flame, Guitar, Mandolin, Picks, Strings
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They Ought to Have a Name for It – The Speed Limit
This is closely related to JIT Failure, mentioned last time in this thread, but only happens when you are learning a new song and, naturally, are playing it a good deal slower than full speed. What seems like a perfectly … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos in General, Tips & Techniques
Tagged Banjo, Increase, Limit, Relearn, speed
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They Ought to Have a Name for It – JIT Failure
You’re playing along with an improvised break and you just used that right finger or thumb when you realize that you need it for the very next note – a JIT Failure. JIT stands for ‘Just In Time” and is … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos in General, Tips & Techniques
Tagged Banjo, break, JIT, Just in Tine, Spontaneity
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They Ought to Have a Name for It – Thumb Pick Purgatory
This is so annoying when it happens to me. It tells me that it’s time to practice some more of the basics for a while. It’s when your pick gets caught on a string on the upswing. It brings your … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos in General, Tips & Techniques
Tagged catch, pulled off, stop, Thumb Pick
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They Ought to Have a Name for It – The Song Race
Here’s a small series of blogs on various things that happen to banjo players. See if you can identify with any (all?) of them! The first one is… The Song Race As a new banjo picker, you’re still struggling with … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos in General, Tips & Techniques
Tagged break, Faster, Song Race, Struggle
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Phill Gibson 