Banjo Hangout - Other Music-Related Topics Forum Feed

"Just like the record"

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:47:16 CST

Why do people want to to sound just like the record?
Sure, you could steal a technique, but why not just the technique, then?
Transposing isn't that tuff for a three chord tune. Get a cheat sheet for the minors if you have to.
Why not a personal singing range?

So bad it’s good (?) ….after a few beers.

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:10:44 CST

I don’t know if you’re familiar with the term “soundies”. These are musical clips from low budget movies and short subjects from the 30s and 40s.
So, if you want to get a feel of Hollywood considered country music back then… pop the cork out of the jug, pass it around, and enjoy. ( P.S. I apologize in advance. )

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zn2NdO3z1s&list=PLkY8-UOMZQ0-VLIYTi97MG4Rx1jsP29bk&pp=iAQB8AUB&ra=m

Evidence of Spoons as Percussion between 1850 and 1900?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 07:49:57 CST

I asked this on Facebook but wanted to ask here as well.

I am looking for primary documentation of spoons being played as percussion instruments between the years of 1850 and 1900 in North America.

"Primary documentation" includes (but not limited to) magazine articles, newspaper articles, images (photos or illustrations), letters, postcards, dated personal writings or journal entries originating between the years of 1850 and 1900.

I know about all the websites that make unsubstantiated claims about it being common so I don't need links to those.

Also, minstrel bones and castanets are not spoons.

"Spoons" means metal or wood, such as the type used for eating or preparing and serving food.

I would also be interested in any evidence of purpose made spoons specifically as musical instruments.

“I’ll Fly Away” , the popular gospel song

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:57:14 CST

Fingerpicking the Martin D-35 with vocals.

youtu.be/Py83idU52d0?si=KKUkU57bnFPpGiDf

“In The Pines” , Lead Belly, Bill Monroe, Kurt Cobain

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 17:48:07 CST

The old folk blues number from way back,,, set out of A shape, with 1, 4, flat 3 , 5 chord progression that I heard somewhere but can’t remember by who/whom.

youtu.be/VmI0NEsECb0?si=SMMuPm7rdPyzvdwh

Sir Mick J entertains with “Handsome Molly”

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:33:05 CST

facebook.com/reel/163900623052...fs=e&fs=e

I built a tool where music becomes geometry… is this useful or just cool?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:13:37 CST

I’ve developed a free web app: erhythm.org (disclosure: I’m the developer). It’s a visual, interactive rhythm composer inspired by Godfried Toussaint’s The Geometry of Musical Rhythm. The idea is to represent rhythm geometrically: you place beats on a circle, the active steps form shapes, and you can instantly hear the result.

This is not intended as a learning system or replacement for notation, but as a visual presentation tool for rhythm, to explore and illustrate patterns like Euclidean rhythms, polyrhythms, and world rhythms in a more intuitive visual form.

Example (Bembé Afro-Cuban rhythm):
Link in comment.
erhythm.org/composer/r/bembe-afro-cuban?utm_source=banjohangout.org

I’d really appreciate feedback from musicians and educators on whether this kind of visual representation is useful for explaining or presenting rhythmic structures.

John Lomax recording Lead Belly at Angola Prison

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 14:03:49 CST

In 1933 ; Huddie was later released and set out on a music career

“I Wonder How the Old Folks Are at Home”

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 11:07:01 CST

Recorded by The Carter Family in 1929,, Mac Wiseman often sang it. Anne Murray had it on one of her early albums.

youtu.be/XT7odM2f5XQ?si=5g7AvOTgVH4mQYhu

Keep those compliments comin' ....

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 15:40:30 CST

Was on a short camping outing; met up with a couple who we see sorta-regularly at jams/festivals.

I was given some feedback on my "playing":

a) "You're better than you think you are," and

b) "Your singing is interesting and entertaining," ....

c) " [and] not annoying, like ________ and ________ ."

I guess the universe is unfolding as it should.

Fender strat shape lawsuit

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 08:09:20 CST

Fender won a default judgement in Germany against a Chinese company making knockoff strats when the Chinese company failed to show up to court. The judgement was that the s-shape is protected creative work rather than a functional object design. With this "legal win" Fender has now decided to issue legal notice to US and EU guitar builders (including very small boutique builders) to cease producing the S-shaped guitar, desist in selling unsold instruments, and potentially recall and/or destroy said instruments.

After not caring about the use of the shape for 70 years they apparently care now. Makes me wonder if the banjo has anything lurking below the surface of portfolio-owned legacy music brands...

“Shredding” on the classical guitar?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 31 May 2026 23:47:54 CST

I’d say this takes maybe 15 years of intense practice before you can pull this off….

youtube.com/shorts/tvvUP7muFVc...QSy3SmKUp

The “Palletcaster”

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 31 May 2026 11:22:17 CST

facebook.com/reel/168516590904...fs=e&fs=e

Blue Moon Of Kentucky

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 31 May 2026 05:40:07 CST

Blue moon of Kentucky, keep on shinin'.

Two fisted banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 30 May 2026 18:30:24 CST

I realize that the banjo isn't the easiest instrument to play, but having mild breadth of exposure to other genres, I decided to toss this one out.

Michael Hedges, who I was fortunate enough to see two or three times before his demise, seemed to oft times play his left and right hands as almost separate instruments, or at least as complements, many times with his fret hand working harder than his body/strumming hand, His hammerons and pulloffs were amazing. He hardly ever strummed. While such playing is 50,000 miles beyond my capabilities, I wonder if there are any banjo analogies.

Rickover's Dream
youtube.com/watch?v=xaZbJkmWGuU

Aerial Boundaries - fast forward to 2:45
youtube.com/watch?v=tLXBABH2JuY

“Hum to search” , finding a song

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 30 May 2026 15:20:07 CST

Google has this function available ,,,, I hummed the melody to “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and got this ,,,,,,

youtu.be/1ifsxtehI5M?feature=shared

“À Moment’s Release” , a fingerpicking guitar tune

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 30 May 2026 13:01:16 CST

One of my ramblings as I messed around with some ideas

youtu.be/8M3ePzA4lu8?si=lOzQeprpdyXOYhrj

Then & Now

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:38:51 CST

1976 and 2024 ….. anyone else want to add their “Then & Now” photos?

I love using Reverb, but something to be very aware of when selling!

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:26:54 CST

Hi All, I'm a social worker for the state and a single parent, longtime banjoist and longtime BHO member. I've traded on Reverb for 11 years and love using the site. But I need to make other sellers aware of a new, horrible thing that just happened. Occassionally, there's a small shipping descrepancy, 1 or 2lbs., and that leads to a small charge of $2-$4. These "shipping adjustments" are rare and I usually never check them. CHECK THEM! GO BACK AND CHECK YOURS! I looked and a lightweight gourd banjo I shipped with the packaging at 16lbs. was "adjusted" at 35lbs for over $30, another one from two years ago was adjusted for just 3lbs. but was an over $40 fee! The kicker was a Vega Folk Wonder openback from 6 years ago that was adjusted from 17lbs with the box to 95lbs. Reverb credited me in my Reverb account after taking my money. Either that's intentional or accidental, but CHECK YOUR SHIPPING ADJUSTMENTS ON REVERB. Reverb changed when etsy bought it, and now it's changed again. I'll still use it, but sellers be aware.

A Daisy A Day...

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 29 May 2026 07:51:29 CST

Along with music, computers/internet aren't one of my strengths.

I'd be forever indebted if somebody could give me a link to somebody singing "A Daisy A Day" in the key of "G."

“Canadee-I-O” , Nic Jones

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 26 May 2026 08:45:54 CST

Nic Jones’ stunning guitar work highlights this wonderful folk song. He developed it from his clawhammer banjo style, transferred to the guitar.

youtu.be/KlFKwY_YgZ4?si=7OSMs9ZkQlTxM_2S

Ima Kareoke Machine

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 25 May 2026 16:31:36 CST

Every year, I get invited to a Memorial Day BBQ as a family friend. "Oh, and bring your guitar, will ya?" As the shadows get long, our host summons me. He used to go down to Texas to the big valley. Where he could Kereoke to his hearts content. He bought a machine, but none of his kids will help him with it.
So he has a folder of words. Everything from Church hymns to Patsy Cline and Hank Williams. Good stuff. He doesn't know of keys but can stay on key if I find the key he's in. It is a challenge I relish. Find the key, find the changes, and play along. I even sing a little harmony. Delicious burgers and taters, and pies to who-laid-the-rail.
Just had to share. Hope y'all had a good day!

Sunday gospel hymn , “Just As I Am” , fingerpicking guitar

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 23 May 2026 19:47:19 CST

The popular hymn from 1835, music by William Bradbury; words by Charlotte Elliott. I think it was Stefan Grossman who cautioned about trying to shoe-horn every tune into the alternating thumb style,,, but I cave to the temptation at times....
On the D-35 ; fingerstyle, fingerpicking, & then with rhythm guitar.

share.icloud.com/photos/0feFly...8jbwOKcTg

I wrote a BG song-need a little help

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 17 May 2026 21:50:35 CST

Hi all!
So I wrote a simple Bluegrass song that I am in the process of getting copyrighted...(a bucket-list kinda thing). I would like to be able to include the actual musical notation and chords above the lyrics preferably in the key of G before I do the final submission. I think that maybe? I might be able to figure it out on my own but tbh, it would take me the better part of a month and would severely cut into my much needed practice time. I know that there are more than a few people on here that could figure it out in 15-20 minutes so I would be willing to pay whatever you think is fair to help me out.

Thanks

Pete Seeger, Burl Ives, & the “Red Scare”

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 17 May 2026 20:22:07 CST

I read about this many years ago,, just got reminded.

“Fireball Mail” , banjo, guitar, vocals

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 17 May 2026 18:55:19 CST

The old favourite written by Floyd Jenkins, aka Fred Rose, and a big hit for Roy Acuff back in 1942. Earl Scruggs recorded the definitive , imho, banjo version. Key of G , banjo arrangement by Janet Davis; key of C for the vocals. On my ODE Style C and Martin D-35. (voice courtesy of 35 years of smoking Pall Malls and 20 years of highway dust)

And I thought banjo was hard

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:29:56 CST

Drum on a stick? Movable bridge? Drone string? Tailpiece?

Ha! Ha I say!

Try playing Bach on an instrument with 13, 17, 21, or 31 strings and individual bridges which you can - and do - move during the song. Tuning on the fly, like Scruggs tuners. The one she plays looks like it has MORE than 17 strings - there are more than 17 bridges, anyway.

I sure hope you like a radiused neck.

“Ribbon of Darkness” , pickin’ on Lightfoot

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 13 May 2026 16:54:35 CST

A fine song from Gordon Lightfoot’s first album; Marty Robbins and Connie Smith both had country hits with it. Cliff Waldron and The New Shades of Grass also recorded it.
I’m flatpicking and fingerpicking the Martin D-15S here.

youtu.be/g3mRx3WP1io?si=kDR0OBlu2k9bbi1B

“Under the Double Eagle”

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 7 May 2026 23:02:01 CST

The old Austrian march that made its way into bluegrass and country music. Pick/strum style on the Martin D-35.

https://youtu.be/9cVRIivkUtI?si=VEexBpHlsiajSyMY

share.icloud.com/photos/093GFU..._lTgRI59Q

“Wabash Cannonball” - easy fingerpicking demo, tutorial, & TAB

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 1 May 2026 13:14:27 CST

The old song from the 1800’s about à fictional train, it was recorded by the Carter Family in 1929 and by Roy Acuff in 1936. His record was one of only 40 that sold 10 million copies worldwide.
I’ve arranged it out of C position , alternating thumb style.

https://youtu.be/gJ_Qxj99QH8?si=HA4ya44owqWYAOt8

share.icloud.com/photos/092vPX...vq5olp0cA

Question about the Old Home Place

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:48:22 CST

I have a question concerning a line in the song the old home place . In , I think it’s the first line in the 2nd verse ? It says … the girl ran off with somebody else . Ok here it is . Do they say the tariffs took all my pay or the taverns took all my pay ? My whole life I’ve Sung tariffs but I think I’m wrong I think now it’s taverns . Can somebody shine some light on the subject. Obliged

Eefin’

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:36:42 CST

Riddle & Phelps hijinks reprise

youtu.be/xAV5PFBM2UU?si=qARUMTiSI6xFu_IN

horse racing songs

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:14:23 CST

can anyone think of horse racing song to play in honor of the upcoming Kentucky Derby? I can only think of Molly an Tenbrooks and My Old Kentucky Home

What is this diagram/chart?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:20:59 CST

Not the clearest of pics, but hopefully clear enough. It was presented to me as a "Circle of Fifths" but is unlike other CoFs I've seen.

“Dust in the Wind” , fingerpicking guitar

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:10:11 CST

The 1977 hit by Kansas, written by Kerry Livgren. It started out as an exercise to learn guitar fingerpicking and evolved from there after Livgren’s wife heard him playing the exercise and encouraged him to complete it.
I’m playing my Martin D-15S , spruce top, mahogany b&s.

youtu.be/m6hRR1mBZmE?si=6OShNlCapbeF2cOu

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0b8l32EDO8ygjU0KYnt3y6W-A

Identify a Song

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:15:00 CST

Can anyone identify the song Josh Graves plays beginning at 8:43 on the vudeo "Josh Graves Dobro Workshop - Waldo Florida 1990?"

Here is the url:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=_xB5b870...DE5OTA%3D

I've tried to find it on the web, but to no avail.

Thanks for any help!

Angine de Poitrine ... get ready for WEIRD!

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:55:18 CST

Just sit back and enjoy. The guitar teacher is as funny as the video. There are many posts on YouTube about AdeP, all as perplexed and funny. It occurred to me that Béla Fleck really needs a mircotonal banjo. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pQVKJUiI08&list=RD4pQVKJUiI08

“Broken Belt Loop”. - a fingerpicking chill out

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:02:14 CST

Here’s an original that came about after I’d bent over to pick the D-35 out of the case and à belt loop let go. Based on Am and some partial chord shapes.

youtu.be/X5rGfOxJBBI?si=W1uq5EcmYcZ2-xvq

Paul Simon on busking

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:36:08 CST

facebook.com/reel/264048469634...fs=e&fs=e

Sunday’s Spiritual - “Just As I Am”

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:50:26 CST

Published in 1835; words by Charlotte Elliott, music by William Bradbury. Two styles of fingerpicking/ fingerstyle guitar on the 2015 Martin D35. (I ran it through the "Dolby On" app to get rid of the hiss but ended up with a bit of tubby, underwater tone,,,, oh well)

youtu.be/Dbaa_Y2q5gE?si=vqoGPH_fbb1L7uy_

Bill Strings Concert Tampa Florida

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:14:10 CST

Several of us attended the Billy Strings concert Wednesday evening. I went a year ago with my son and was really looking forward to it as I loved the concert in 2025. I even brought 3 guests with me. The past year I have spoken highly of his musical ability. I still think he has incredible picking talent. Note we were between 65 and 80 years old.

I must say I was extremely disappointed. So much so we left shortly after the break. They played a few traditional songs and started into the heavy metal again so we said our goodbyes to those left standing around us. I saw several others leave early as well. Now I know he has a great following. It just will not be me any longer.

I thought I was at a heavy metal concert. They did play a few good bluegrass songs. I would say 80% heavy metal and 20% classic. Some liked both. I think one of the heavy metal songs went on for 15 minutes in the 1st half. I was ready to leave then but didn’t watt disappoint my guest.

The young concert goers all seem to want to stand up 75% or more of the time. The heck with the people behind them that can’t see. Florida is full of old people myself included. Standing doesn’t suit us. I would have never stood because the people behind me couldn’t see and were complaining they couldn’t see because of those standing in front of me. But then again I respect others as those in front of us didn’t.

This will probably be the last concert I ever go to unless they have no standing seating.

More power to Billy Strings, his followers and his band. For me I’ll stick with the likes of “The Grascals” and Kristin Scott Benson!

Merle Haggard, gone 10 years now

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 23:35:28 CST

I’ve liked a lot of his songs over the years ,, here’s one that I do kind of “folkie” style

share.icloud.com/photos/023RBU...RD1AOXPiw

https://youtu.be/I8weXmIWCmg?si=PRHO7pN4d3vyv9yi

Easter gospel hymn - “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” , fingerstyle guitar

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 16:45:49 CST

Music by J.S. Bach who got it from Hans Leo Hassler.

youtu.be/32pPVogmnVI?si=C6quYDkdLBZcWnEI

https://share.icloud.com/photos/044KaNTOL9TK8wdvgqvsDtdmA

Meredith Moon - “Gospel Moan”

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 18:43:18 CST

Fingerpicking & Fiddle on a bluesy tune

fb.watch/Gg9aMOfp8E/?

“Eight by Six” - a fingerpicking original

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 07:32:56 CST

A quick journey along 8 frets with 6 strings…. (ya, I know - groan)

youtu.be/mcOvPoguXOU?si=Pk6-4iez__YdpU2A

https://share.icloud.com/photos/04cNDjMyIqCaC7ryKXSRhtNeA

Guitar impro on Girl from the North Country

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 02:23:18 CST

https://youtu.be/qMVqOhgwrdU

Early Country Music

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:06:48 CST

video-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/o1/v...gen2_720p

I think that's Howdy Forrester on fiddle

“Farewell to Nova Scotia” - fingerstyle guitar

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:07:08 CST

A song that was often sung in elementary schools years ago as a patriotic number in Nova Scotia. It is an adaptation of the old Scottish lament "The Soldier's Adieu" written by Robert Tannahill.
I’m playing it on my Quebec-made Simon & Patrick Songsmith dreadnought (a budget guitar but nevertheless a 'corker') with an intro & outro added.

youtu.be/5jrgdQmigj4?si=8wxieoeCFWGkts_2

Edith Fowke - Canadian folk music collector & historian

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:59:06 CST

I remember reading about Sylvia Tyson studying her works yeas ago.

This might be in the wrong forum .....

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:26:29 CST

... I'd barely started reading it when I was struck with how closely it parallels people describing music.

[It'll take a couple of minutes to read, but I figure iffin y'all are on "off topic" you've got time on your hands. ]

From Abby Bolt >> Facebook >> BHO:

"I’m now fully convinced livestock judging isn’t just a secret society… it’s a full-blown psychological experiment to see how long parents will pretend to understand things before breaking.

Judge: “This one is stouter featured, bigger boned, more expressive through his center body, still ties in neatly up front, just needs to be more progressive in his build.”

Me in the stands: Progressive… like politically? Or like… evolving?? Is this animal supposed to level up??

At this point I’ve expanded my “translator guide”:

• “Stouter featured” = thick… but make it professional

• “Bigger boned” = we like ‘em chunky, respectfully

• “Expressive” = the animal is… showing emotions??

• “Ties in well” = no one knows but it sounds important

• “More progressive” = not where it needs to be but we’re being nice about it

• “He’s got pieces” = like a project from IKEA

• “Needs to come together” = currently… not together

• “More balance” = somehow everything is wrong at once

• “More skeletal width” = wider… but not fat… but also bigger… good luck

And then the judge hits you with: “This one’s just a bit more elite.”

My brain: "Elite?!?! ELITE!?!? Sir, that is a farm animal named after a country singer."

My favorite part is when they talk for ten straight minutes like they’ve found the next world champion… and then place that animal third out of four.

Kid: “But he said mine was good??”

Parent: “It was. Just… not good enough to be good.”

Also can we talk about how every parent suddenly becomes a livestock analyst mid-class?

You’ll hear things like: “Yeah I knew he’d ding him on that top line… just didn’t have enough look today.”

My brain: "Ma’am... You found out what a top line was 12 minutes ago."

And without fail:

• Everyone claps like we just witnessed something historic

• No one wants to admit they’re confused

• And at least one parent is recording to watch it later ... like game film.

Livestock judging is the only place where:

• You leave more confused than when you arrived,

• Your kid somehow understands more than you do,

• And confidence is 90% just nodding at the right time.

So here’s to all of us…

Standing in the bleachers like: “Yep. Absolutely. That one definitely… tied in better.”

My brain: "Did it? No idea. But we’re committed to the role."