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Old-time practice group 1

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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)

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From laertes22 on 7/16/2015 9:34:41 AM

So, I put in my notice at work last week. Next week I'll be permanently moving to the Queen City (Charlotte) in my home state of North Carolina. And, next month I will tie the knot/jump the broom. There's been a lot going on in my life lately, and unfortunately not enough of it has been banjo and fiddle related. I just haven't had the time that I've wanted to practice, between wrapping things up with work and gradually moving my stuff to Charlotte. I've basically been doing the "get in where you fit in" school of practicing. Not having all my books and DVDs with me for practice, has also been severely limiting. However, I decided to turn crisis into opportunity and work on some up picking/two finger stuff. Most of my clawhammer books are already in Charlotte, but I keep some of the Art Rosenbaum books on my ipad, and I have my Mike Seeger DVDs. I'm starting out slow-just trying to do up picking or two finger pick without planting my fingers on the head. I started off with Sourwood Mountain. Once that felt comfortable, I've basically been trying to rework/relearn songs I learned in clawhammer, adapting them to up picking and two finger. So far so good. I'm trying to work do a version of "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes (Not Old Time, but one of my favorite songs). Been working on some ukulele stuff, as well, but nothing fancy. Hopefully, once I get settled in, I will be able to focus more attention on the up picking and two finger. Also, once I get settled and find a new job, I hope to start back with formal lessons (in person this time, not just skype!) the Old Time banjo/fiddle teacher I met in Charlotte. So, the future is looking bright! Gen out

3 Comments
	VioletMoon says: 7/16/2015 9:52:00 AM I like that spirit -- making the most out of what you have available in terms of time and resources. がんばってね! I was introduced to two-finger banjo in Chicago -- Matt Brown teaches classes at the Old Town School -- and even though I mostly play clawhammer, there are times when I really like trying to pick out tunes that way. I plant my fingers but I've been working hard on Lost Gander recently and I find I don't like the sound it makes if my fingers move across the head. I also find that I have a hard time getting a clean sound picking up on the first string. A move and a marriage -- both good things but both take a lot of energy. Here's to settling down and enjoying that bright future! You know we're going to want to see wedding photos, right? ;) Cyndy
	skiptomylou says: 7/16/2015 12:26:18 PM hey Gen, whenever you say you're not doing much - it always sounds like an awful lot to me! makes me feel like a real slacker..ha ha.. the Mike Seeger DVDs are great. must admit i do prefer planting my finger for two finger style - just gives me that feeling of solidity/steadiness - but maybe it's just cause i learned that way from the start. i also played bluegrass for quite a while (taking lessons) before i went over more to old-time so was used to planting my fingers anyway. good idea for the 4 non blondes song! sounds fun. have been thinking lately i'd like to work out some stuff for non-old time tunes. sounds like exciting times for you - i found moving house last year exhausting - and that was just from one part of town to another! best Jill
	Zischkale says: 7/21/2015 9:13:15 AM Thanks for updating us, G--you're a busy man as usual, but right in the heart of old-time country, so good for you! Also congrats on the broom-jumping of course. I figured you'd try your hand at some Roscoe for the two-finger picking--he basically uses the two-finger thumb lead style, but emphasizing a pinch. I'd love to tackle Swanno Mountain, but it's in line behind all the other stuff I'm wanting to learn... Love the idea of non-old-time-clawhammer, interesting choice! I know the song mostly from the goofy internet version featuring a lot of falsetto and He-Man. I'll have to listen to the real deal to get an idea on its clawability. I've got a few pop songs I'm wanting to do the same treatment on... I've moved too, hopefully in an old-time friendly direction. My wife and I are in Austin, TX now, just settling in this week. Hopefully plenty of opportunity to jam...will keep y'all updated!
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