Comment by thereallyniceman on March 23, 2012 at 8:21

Very good David. The Grimshaw exercises are very lively and entertaining pieces. I hear that you play on steel strings, have you thought of fitting a set of nylon strings? They are much easier on the bare fingertips and give a slightly more mellow sound usually associated with Classic Style.  This is a first class performance. I have great praise indeed for anyone who can sit in front of a video camera and play the banjo at the same time!

Ian

Comment by Mike Moss on March 23, 2012 at 10:52

That was actually quite good -- you got the tempo and beat down very well, and that's the most important part of this exercise.

I agree, the Grimshaw studies are great. When I switched from BG banjo to Classic banjo, these studies helped loosen up my fingers and break the "roll" paradigm in which I was stuck.

Well done, keep it up!

Comment by German David Patarroyo on March 28, 2012 at 4:35

Thank you such much for all your kindly comments. I am deeply glad feeling that I am in the right way. I just loved all the Grimshaw studies since I heard them.
I share your comments about the strings, but I do not know which are the best options. Can I use the same set of a guitar?....Any ideas??
All the best...I am really hope to share future videos :)

Comment by Mike Moss on March 28, 2012 at 7:49

Hi German,

a guitar set won't have the correct gauges. The best is to get a Classic banjo string set; the best ones are Chris Sands strings (available in the US through Elderly) and Clifford Essex. They are both cheap, high quality, and they last much longer than steel strings. I'd stay away from nylguts and d'addario nylons if I were you.

If you wish to make your own set, there are several things to keep in mind; clear nylon classical guitar strings won't do, as they are designed to be played with nails and are too slippery for bare fingertips, so make sure you get ground nylon strings -- they have a rough texture and an opaque look -- which will allow your fingers to get a grip.

Here are some suggested gauges for a heavy set:

1st - .024" Ground Nylon

2nd - .029" Ground Nylon

3rd - .033" Ground Nylon

4th - .030" Silver Plated or Nickel Plated On Nylon

5th - .024" Ground Nylon

I have experimented with the same set but a 0.028" wound 4th -- works great too.

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