[Dixielandjazz] banjo, anyone?

[Cebuisle2 at aol.com]

OK- This is for the few banjo strummer out there. I know you are  lurking in 
the site, I can hear faint twanging noises. The rest of the list,  just delete 
this, go on to more entertaining posts such as porta potties, how  many cans 
of cold beer will a tuba hold, etc.
 
Now then. 
 
Years ago I inherited an old Capitol Special. Uncle I never knew played it  
for a living in saloons in Pittsburgh, PA. Died at 21, sadly, but not from 
banjo  playing. I have in the past learned a dozen chords or so, at one time could 
play  the second banjo part to "Bye Bye Blues" with band's regular banjoist. 
But I  digress---
 
I never learned how to use a pick, and that is what I am asking about. Do  
banjo picks come in sizes, like 1, 2, 3, and soforth? Or do I just reach into  
the old box they hold out for me at the music store while they roll their  
eyes- and get pot luck?
 
Question 2. How much of the pick is exposed below the thumb and forefinger?  
I seem to get the pick tangled up in the strings, producing a loud but 
unmelodic  sound . 
 
Question 3. Do I use the pick on both the down stroke and up stroke,  or only 
on one?
 
Sure need some help! E-mailed Harper Goff but he didn't answer. No banjo  
players or instruction here, except loads of five stringers, most missing teeth-  
(they grin a lot)
 
My dentist always removes a tooth each time I visit him (yes, I brush and  
floss) and soon I will look like old Bunk during his last days. Need to prepare  
for the inevitable switch from cornet to something else. Fortunately, I 
don';t  smile a lot-
 
Any advice  appreciated.                                                      
       tradjazz