a group who encourage and motivate one another to stick to, and get the most out of, our practice time

14 Members, Created 5/7/2014 -

Administrators: skiptomylou (owner)

little update

From skiptomylou on 12/8/2014 2:21:10 PM

Hi folks, following on from my last video - Spanish Boots of Spanish Leather - the guy whose version inspired me to try this tune got in touch with some playing tips. Fellow banjo hangout member cap very kindly made a little video with suggestions on how to make some of the stretches i was doing a little easier, and also running through the basic holcombe style plus a few other bits and pieces. it was absolutely invaluable feedback and i worked hard using the video for a week trying to improve, and making, i feel, a lot of progress. unfortunately, i wasin pain for a couple of weeks after that and didn't touch my banjo. i get a recurring pain in, what i'd describe as, my diaphragm area. have been to doc and it doesn't appear to be anything sinister, more muscular i think. i do worry that over-practicing maybe brings it on as my posture is not good when i get absorbed in playing and i forget how long i've been in one position.

i am back at my practice now, and have gone back to playing standing up, which i think helps me keep my posture better - i used to do this, but just got out of the habit. i don't know if something is getting compressed when i'm sitting playing, and one side of me is kind of 'hunched' or, slumped, maybe is a better word.

anyway, standing is much better, and better for my neck too i think, which i also get a lot of pain in  - honestly, i am falling to bits!

anyway, have been going over shady grove again, with the little bit i worked out up the neck, and also hills of mexico -  in an attempt at holcombe style - and bright sunny south from the mike seeger DVD. i did manage to do a little video of bright sunny south at the weekend. i won't have time to post it today, but hopefully tomorrow,

As Cyndi says, Let's keep at it!

best

Jill

3 Comments
	Zischkale says: 12/10/2014 6:18:10 AM Sorry to hear about your pains--it's probably a smart idea to stand with the 'jo. I haven't run into any such chronic pain, but I definitely don't think much of posture when I'm slumped in the couch practicing! Good choice branching out to a new style!
	laertes22 says: 12/12/2014 7:08:13 AM Jill, I just caught your new youtube video, and it was amazing as usual! Your voice just goes so well with your playing style. I was just curious-do you do clawhammer as well, or do you consider yourself to be exclusively an up picker? I am going to have to hanker down with my new books and DVDs over Christmas break and finally try some of that two finger stuff.
	skiptomylou says: 12/15/2014 1:07:56 PM Hi Gen - thanks for the lovely compliments - that's really encouraging. i started out learning two-finger thumb lead style as i read it was the easiest to get to grips with - and also that is is a good style for accompanying singing. i then got into different picking styles via the mike seeger dvds - i think i like the idea of playing styles which are less commonly played these days. but i play clawhammer too - i love to listen to clawhammer banjo. i felt for a long time my clawhammer wasn't as strong as my picking - but after a lot of practice i think i am getting there with it - i guess i did find it harder to get to grips with, but it is improving - i wish i could play as well as the many banjohangout members i hear - i am still not really sure whether my technique is right or not!.. best Jill
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