The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #19825 Message #205822
Posted By: GUEST,Pete Peterson
02-Apr-00 - 09:10 PM
Thread Name: Learning the Banjo From Pete Seeger
Subject: RE: Learning the Banjo From Pete Seeger
Bonnie, I don't think so. I have seen people go from "how do I hold it?" to a good frailing stroke in a VERY short time. Basic strum took me much longer to learn-- but at the time I didn't have anybody to show me, which might be the difference. Waitaminute I just dredged back in memory to realize what you might mean. IIRC Seeger teaches the "basic strum" as pick-brush WITHOUT the thumb stroke at first and only later adds the thumb. In that case yes, you could get started more quickly with only the Basic Basic Strum. Unfortunately, ify ou do that (and I did it!) you will have even MORE bad habits to unlearn when it's time to frail. I am VERY happy for you that you have a good teacher (and I look forward to meeting him and Ms. Boots this Friday)