Rhythmic Banjo Strumming: How ?

Subject: Rhythmic Banjo Strumming: How ?
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 12:43 PM

Lately, I have been listening to a lot of old time bands that use the banjo for rhythm backup. Bands like the Horseflys (Richie Sterns), Double Decker String Band, and others. The instruments used vary from banjo ukes, to tenor banjos, to banjo mandolins. I really like the sound and the effect, but have some questions.

Is this a modern innovation, or did old time string bands also use this in their playing?

Traditionally, were 5 strings ever used for this?

How do you learn this style? I have tried on my 5-string, but the loudness seems to really blow me out of the water, also the strums are FAST, and often syncopated. Does anyone know of available resources that explain oldtime backup strumming that is not frailing?

Is this similar to Minstrel Banjo?

Thanks in advance!

JAB

Subject: RE: Rhythmic Banjo Strumming: How ?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 02:30 PM

So far as the excess volume is concerned, I'd suggest using a lighter plectrum, or fingers, taking the resonator off (of you've got one) and stuffing a pair of socks in the back to damp the sound.

Subject: RE: Rhythmic Banjo Strumming: How ?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 05:29 PM

Minstrel banjo was what's called "stroke style", of which frailing or clawhammer is a subset.

Along about the beginning of the 20th Century, as the music that was popular started to change, there was a TREMENDOUS fad for the tango. The 5-string banjo didn't fit into that kind of beat. There was developed what was called the tango banjo--four strings, short neck, played with a plectrum. It worked well for traditional jazz, too. We call it the tenor banjo today.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Rhythmic Banjo Strumming: How ?
From: GUEST,Les B
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 05:33 PM

I'm intrigued by your description. I don't think it's Minstel style - from what I've read and heard that's a "stroke" technique similar to frailing, and not necessarily a "fast" sound.

I've got a Brad Leftwich old-time fiddle instruction video and his wife plays back-up on a banjo uke,which I first thought would be funky, but was actually quite effective. It wasn't especially fast either, however.

Although I'm not an expert, most of the old time bands I've seen pictures of were using a 5-string, without resonator.

Subject: RE: Rhythmic Banjo Strumming: How ?
From: GUEST,Les B
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 05:36 PM

I guess DaveO and I were typing at the same time. We both seem to agree on Minstrel style.

Subject: RE: Rhythmic Banjo Strumming: How ?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 06:35 PM

I strum my Ode 5 string alot in my band. I use the heaviest flat pick I can find. Jim Dunlop Tortex white pick that comes to a very definite point. I takes practice not to dig holes in the mylar but it is very effective. And it suits my limited fingering ability. I also frail in an old Knockdown style similar to Uncle Daves style. More rhythmic with sparse melody lines. Again very effective.

I saw the Horseflies once agaes ago and as I recall they used a Clawhammer Drop thumb technique when playing melodic and when vamping the strings or playing rhythym they used full hand upstrokes counter to the beat.

Beat one and three, the banjo was two and four. Sort of reggae meets old time.

Don

Subject: RE: Rhythmic Banjo Strumming: How ?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 09:53 PM

"the strums are FAST, and often syncopated"

Get to listen to some George Formby on the banjo ukelele sometime!

Subject: RE: Rhythmic Banjo Strumming: How ?
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 01 Mar 01 - 10:49 PM

Thanks all.

Yes, A lot of the tunes that I was refering too are played on a banjo Uke. Don, I think you gave me a good lead on what I am trying to figure out. I will work on it. When I saw the Double Decker String Band recently, on some songs they used a pick, on others it seemed that they used their fingers/wrist, almost like it was a limp dishrag.

GutB'r (aka JAB)