Classic-Banjo
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Two Finger Classic Style Banjo!
On page 4 of "Observations on the Banjo and Banjo Playing," I ran across this...
Because one performer uses only two fingers and thumb in "picking," is no reason why an absolute rule should be laid down that his method is the only true one- for we may shortly find another who makes use of three fingers and who renders the same music with greater ease and less "lost motion." Again we may discover a performer who makes use of only the first finger and thumb of right hand, and yet seems to have no little skill in execution."
"It is not well, therefore, to follow either of the latter examples blindly, but to endeavor to train all the fingers to be of use- each in its proper place."
Is this an indication of "two finger old time" used in late 19th century popular banjo playing?
Because one performer uses only two fingers and thumb in "picking," is no reason why an absolute rule should be laid down that his method is the only true one- for we may shortly find another who makes use of three fingers and who renders the same music with greater ease and less "lost motion." Again we may discover a performer who makes use of only the first finger and thumb of right hand, and yet seems to have no little skill in execution."
"It is not well, therefore, to follow either of the latter examples blindly, but to endeavor to train all the fingers to be of use- each in its proper place."
Is this an indication of "two finger old time" used in late 19th century popular banjo playing?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jody Stecher on
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It's just the plain truth. SSS was bombastic but sometimes he was right anyway. Joe Morley played on the treble string with just thumb and index. Van Eps preferred alternation of thumb and two fingers and always in the same direction. Ossman appears to have been flexible and did what worked in a given situation. Two finger old time on the other hand tends to be rhythmic patterns within which one tries to get the melody to fit. SSS seems to be describing a ways to play melody and is advocating a flexible approach. You know it all depends on the hand and mind of the player.
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