Banjo new boy!

[subverbal]

Hi, I've been a banjo 'user' now for three weeks and one day - not that I'm counting

Probably like many peope it was Deliverance that originally got me interested many years ago, and having seen all the tutorials on youtube I finally took the plunge.

I started with bluegrass versions of Cripple Creek and Banjo In The Hollow as that was the style of play I had in mind. However, going through all the vids on youtube you can't help but notice Patrick Costello's frailing tutorials - so I had a go.

I've now drifted much more towards frailing as the way to go forward, as for me it's easier to get to grips with, and sounds great. I love the way that you can mix a melody in with the frailing strum.

Just now I've got a bit stuck with Patrick's 'Foggy Mountain Fakedown' - the last section on the D chord. Any help would be appreciated.

Here's the link uk.youtube.com/watch?v=qHCdsRAz80E

If you skip through to around 11.40 that's when Patrick starts to put the melody down.

Thanks

[Danny]

Hi Subverbal

1st things 1st, welcome to the crazy mad, bad world of bano playing :-)

Your story of 'falling into frailing' mirrors my own so much it's not even funny, that's EXACTLY how I came to be here.

And I'm still lost when it comes to old 'Fakedown' as well I'm afraid

Welcome aboard

Danny

[subverbal]

Thanks Danny

Looking at your site you appear to be quite an accomplished guitar player - my foray into the guitar ended abruptly at bar chords!! I'm much more comfortable on piano, having tinkered wth keyboards from an early age culminating in a rather grand collection of vintage analogue synths and drum machines - back in the days of disposable income, mmmmm disposable income..... All the electronics have now gone with the exception of an electric piano, just to keep my eye in!

Patrick's enthusiasm for frailing however is certainly infectious, and I'm already neglecting 3 finger bluegrass - which makes me feel strangely guilty

I'll have to put in a request for him to go through the rest of 'Fakedown'. If I can get that sorted the finger picks may be redundant (although I do use one on my middle finger, worn back to front, as my nails are definately not up to the task).

Neil.

[Wolfgang]

Hi subverbal,

if you tell us which problems you have in particular concerning the last section on the D chord, somebody from here surely can help you.
(I remember Colin is a master with the fakedown)

W.

[subverbal]

Thanks Wolfgang, but I think I've now cracked it

I hope Patrick is able to carry on with the daily frail soon, I need some more 'Old Joe Clark'!