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Tag Archives: Banjo
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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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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The Most Unusual Place I've Ever Played Banjo
I’ve not played that much for large gatherings; mostly less than 20 or so folks. On occasion, I’ve played for one or two hundred folks. But the most unusual place I’ve ever played took place years ago heading into downtown … Continue reading
Posted in Banjoists and Others, Banjos and Society
Tagged Banjo, Birmingham, Bus, Dueling Banjos, Elvis Presley
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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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Wil Huckabay's 'Cut n Paste' Method
I recently obtained a copy of “Building Blocks for Bluegrass Jamming, Volume 1” by Wil Huckabay of Hardin, Texas. As Wil explains in his introduction, this is a book not so much about learning to create a melody for a song … Continue reading
Posted in Reviews
Tagged Banjo, Cut n Paste, Improvising, Instruction, Jam, Review, Wil Huckabay
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Know When to Drop a Bad Break
As you advance in your banjo-playing skills, you’ll often be coming up with your own breaks (and backups) to various songs. Maybe you’ve tried your hand at songwriting and like it. Maybe you’re simply adding depth to your own coverage … Continue reading
Saturday Afternoon Banjo Jam at The Coffee Tree
We’re starting a Practice Banjo & Bluegrass Jam Session at The Coffee Tree Books & Brew across from Grissom High School! These will be on the third Saturday of each month and the first jam session will be Saturday, June 20 … Continue reading
Posted in Venues
Tagged Banjo, Bluegrass, Coffee Tree, Experience, Folk, Guitar, Jam, Jazz, Mandolin, Practice
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Phill Gibson 