[Dixielandjazz] banjo, anyone?

[Max Hughes]

 The best place to find answers to any 4 string banjo questions is the
fourstring banjo list.



Try  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fourstringbanjo

 

Max Hughes

4 Bonaparte Place Rowville 3178 AUSTRALIA

03 9752 7867, 0408 799 811

 

-------Original Message-------

 

From: Cebuisle2 at aol.com

Date: 08/15/05 09:36:40

To: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com

Subject: [Dixielandjazz] banjo, anyone?

 

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

 

 

 

 

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