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(27 votes) 
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@Gordon Shumway -
Thanks for making me feel too darn old to learn anything! 🤣
...the Kids ARE amazing! I'll just stick to the slow stuff.
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thats so cool andrew! Im thinking theres never a shortage for someone to jam with.
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🤔... now if I can only get all the Grandkids wanting to play the same tune. (lol)
That video was so unreal, made me think of this - just in case my banjo playing is a flop.
...nice to know someone still makes these!
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ELCBK said
That video was so unreal
...nice to know someone still makes these!
uhhhh..no. NO.. nadda..😡
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ABitRusty said
so where theres banjo talk...there always is shortly thereafter banjo jokes... soKnow why there arent banjos on star trek?
Andrew
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Banjo and fiddle is such a great combo. Great videos everyone. Thanks
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Gordon Shumway said
ABitrusty said
so where theres banjo talk...there always is shortly thereafter banjo jokes... so
Know why there arent banjos on star trek?
Haha... I was waiting for someone to find the one scene on any star trek episode to say AH HAH. but this is close enough 
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Fiddlerman said
Banjo and fiddle is such a great combo. Great videos everyone. Thanks
I think so too! they seem to mesh better than even a fiddle guitar duet.
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"Long Way Down", by The SteelDrivers!
Maybe a little more on the bluesy side of bluegrass - probably why I like it so much (on my list)!
Going to have to let 'Edgar' be the singing... and not seeing/hearing any clawhammer style in "Long Way Down", but I'm determined to learn it along side Classic Fingerstyle!
In Aaron Jonah Lewis's 1st Lesson, he talks about learning Classic Fingerstyle with Nylon strings & a lighter bridge - and still playing clawhammer with short nails!
There's many great sources of Banjo Online & YouTube lessons available - for ALL the styles of playing! 😊
Anyone else getting motivated to try the banjo - or at least take a closer look?
...might try nylon strings on my big banjo, but my travel size is already to go with steel strings - we'll see how it goes with the pickin', a grinnin', and the fiddlin'! 🤗
- Emily
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I got the feeling as i read through the website that it shouldve just started off with
"classic fingerstyle.. we aint hillbillies!! "🤣
I understand though.. lots of stereotypes with banjo...important i suppose.
maybe some need to hear just get a banjo and play music you like on it...its OKAY
check out Deerings Website link about styles they have some sections there that have an overview of different styles..
tenor banjo was original tuned for ragtime music. a short scale tenor open back may be something youd be interested in too if you like that type music.
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@ABitRusty -
Sorry, I'm terrible at figuring out what I'm thinking, let alone put it into words.
AND, thank you for the link!
Wasn't my intent to single out a style, because the more I actually learn about the different styles, the more I like the benefits of ALL of them!
My problem was deciding where I should start learning - so that my right hand stays agile/adaptable to more easily play between styles?
Finally decided I better think/learn of 'clawhammer style' as more of an 'additional technique' (instead of style) to Classic Fingerstyle - learn them at the same time.
...I do like the idea of starting to learn with bare fingers, since I'll only be playing for myself (unless my skin starts giving me problems), but I'm sure I'll have to try the finger picks at some point.
Just starting to get the feel of all my right hand fingers on strings - so COOL! 🤗
Btw, I may not care for some 'hillbilly' tunes played on the fiddle, as fun as they are to play (I can do without the 'squealing') - on the other hand, it took me a bit to realize I can really enjoy hearing those tunes, but on the banjo.
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It gets overwhelming with the variations in music...i know EXACTLY what you mean. For a while I was in a fingerstyle guitar PHASE and all it has to offer. Blues styles for example are different. alot based off who made them popular ( John Hurt vs Elizabeth Cotten ) for example... I favored Cotten...sounded more ragtime.
You wont pick wrong if its what you like and motivates you to keep picking it up. You know that!!
One thing you said about finger picks.. and Ive only been at it a few months myself but my impression is bluegrass styles almost always use fingerpicks. so far i havent seen any used in clawhammer and we for sure arent using them. It seems like clawhammer with the bum ditty along with melody parts is a self backing type style. from what i heard the classic fingerstyle was stronger on the melody front....but thats just my impression so far.
Irish tenor banjo uses a pick like you would use on guitar. Thats more common if not outright expected.. Its A melody instrument in a session not a backing instrument. And what tunes you know on fiddle ( not viola unless you change fingering) will transfer...but the finger spread is wider..and you have the pick to deal with along with ornament choice changes and steel strings. Theres also the tenor in ragtime type music but im pretty sure strings normally tuned different but not 100% on that statement.
Just pick no pun and let 'er rip. change if aint your thing.. but give yourself time to get the basics of the style down.. At least a few months. Id say , without trying myself, that the classic may be closer to bluegrass due to using more finger motion type plucking? clawhammer is more percussive and brushes with back side of nails. I dont think youll go wrong with any of it. BUT YAH GOTTA TRY. 😀
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@ABitRusty -
Thanx!
I'm on it - already been a pluckin', a strummin' & a grinnin'! 😁
...yeah, picks - good thing I'm not really interested.
I was surprised at how loud banjo can be without them - and thinking maybe worthwhile checking out different bridges, if not loud enough.
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@elcbk you probably have a resonator. i believe its possible to remove it but id let an experienced hand do it. on my open back i can put foam in to deaden. also a clothes pin or something like that on bridge maybe. or is it a paper clip 🤔 anyway.. ways around it. check and see if theres a banjo mute out there
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I'm told there are really good Banjo mutes!
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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I think they may have been talking about a temporary mute, not a permanent one! lol
The old curmudgeon!
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Oh my bad!!!! 
Just to set the record straight I personally like the sound of a banjo.
Just teasing.
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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🤣 Thanx guys, but I'm NEVER putting a mute on an instrument!
🤔 Well, unless... is there a mute for a recorder?
Have one Granddaughter who finds the worst note - loves it SOOOO much, just repeats it... she thinks that makes it a song. (lol) Love her!
- Emily
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