One of my students - a forty three year old - grade three teacher, took up 3 finger banjo about five months ago. She has natural talent, a love of the music, and organised work habits. I showed her the proper "rolls", gave her two or three recordings a week to listen to...and in about three months she was a darn good banjo player..because she PRACTICED! Some of the less gifted or less dilligent folks at the "Saturday Jam Session" might very well think she "sold her soul to the devil"! Don't we know a couple of facts about Robert Johnson and Son House? Son (who was amazed at RJs progress,) always seemed to enjoy his libations,and apparently didn't learn a new lick in 40 years... and Robert (witness his copying some of Lonnie Johnson's style) sure listened to records. I don't think he needed to sell his soul to anyone, when hard work would bring the same results. Now if he'd shown up in the old stomping grounds with a Porsche........