[Dixielandjazz] Re: Five String Banjo

[Russ Guarino]

To those who have an interest:

Our banjo player uses a 5 string banjo and alternates between strumming and
picking. His background is in blue-grass. He uses the picking especially during
solos or sometimes when he is outlining a chord in slow time.  You might call
our approach "Dixieland, Lighthouse Style".  He does a great solo on "Washington
& Lee Swing" at fast tempo that is about 1/2 strumming and 1/2 picking.  It
brings down the house.

I've been very satisfied with the result.  Apparently we are the only Dixie band
that uses the approach.  If you want to hear the result, check out my web site
by using google and search using "Russ Monterey Music" and go to the "listen to
the music" button; scroll down to the Dixieland button. You'll notice that at my
request, he allows the chords to "ring" more than the usual banjo "chunk" style.

Russ Guarino

"Robert S. Ringwald" wrote:

> Regarding learning to play the banjo, see below.
>
> I have been very, very busy & have not looked @ DJML for quite a while.
> Sorry to be so late with this answer.  Also, as I am leaving for NY in a
> couple of hours, I do not have time to check to see if your question has
> been answered.
>
> You are correct, a 5 string banjo, picking with finger picks is not what is
> used in Dixieland.
>
> You want to play a 4 string (either) tenor or plectrum.
>
> A plectrum is a little easier to play solos on & was generally used more in
> the old pizza parlor days.
>
> A tenor is often preferred for backing a Dixieland band, because of the
> sound.  The chords generally span 2 octaves.  Whereas a plectrum is a little
> over one octave.
>
> However, both can be used in Dixieland.  Personally, I play a plectrum.
>
> Now, to the question regarding teachers.  I am not sure of the web site, but
> do a googol search for Don Van Palthe.  He is a great plectrum banjo player
> who lives in the CO area, unless he has moved.  He was the first, or 2nd
> banjo player to ever work in a Shakeys.  It was the original Shakeys Pizza
> Parlor in Sacramento.
>
> Don teaches banjo by correspondence.  He has books & video tapes.  I
> understand that his teaching methods work very well, if you are willing to
> practice (put in the time).
>
> If you can't find Don, let me know & we'll track him down for you.
>
> Sorry for the long e-mail & especially if your question has already been
> answered.
>
> Bob
> mr.wonderful at ringwald.com
> Placerville, CA, USA, Earth, Sol's System, Milky Way
> Amateur (ham) Radio Station K6YBV
> Fulton Street Jazz Band
> See: http://www.ringwald.com
> Boondockers Jazz & Comedy Band
> See: http://www.theboondockers.com
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <Skypilot98 at aol.com>
> To: <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2003 3:20 PM
> Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Apologies in advance....newby here
> requiringeducation
>
> > Hello all. 57 year old here who has decided to learn to play the banjo.
> I'm
> > in Belleville, Illinois, 25 miles SE of St. Louis, MO. To prepare for this
> new
> > adventure I visited my local music shop and bought the only banjo they had
> in
> > stock, a Dean 5 string BW-3. I finally found someone who knew a person who
> > teaches banjo in town. A young lady names Chris Talley-Armstrong. I
> contacted
> > Chris who agreed to take me on as a new student (Hell, I'm twice her
> age!). The
> > problem is this. She teaches bluegrass music. I want to learn Dixieland.
> When I
> > told her this she replied with, "Hmmmm, not only do you have the wrong
> > teacher, but you also have the wrong banjo." There apparently is no one
> for miles
> > around who teaches Dixieland banjo; perhaps someone in St. Louis, but no
> leads
> > right now as to whom. I sure would appreciate comments from anyone who
> might
> > read this as to what I might do. Do I really have the wrong banjo for
> Dixieland?
> > All the research I have done indicates a few different types of banjos,
> but,
> > nothing really tells me which type is for what music. 5-string, tenor,
> > plectrum.....duhhhhhhhhhh. Boy, do I feel like a real dork! And just how
> does one
> > find a Dixieland teacher? Again, I apologize for my ignorance. This is my
> first
> > posting on here. Please be gentle.......Rob
> >
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> >
>
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