Fixed RH Position or Not?

[Rob MacKillop]

I see a lot of classic banjo players with the right-hand pretty much stuck in one spot, with the pinkie clamped on the head. I move around for contrast, but have been criticised for doing so...

Anyway, I've just seen this image of Fred Bacon and it is clear from the marks on the vellum that he moves around a lot, mainly in two positions, but with all points in between. I had never thought of looking at head markings before, but they can be quite revealing. Fred is not just going towards the fretboard occasionally just for contrast. It looks like he does it often, sometimes setting up camp there.

So, how do you play - fixed or moving?

[Rob MacKillop]

Well, I never...a zitherine!

[Joel Hooks]

In his books, Bacon states that the little finger should rest one and a half to two inches from the bridge.

https://archive.org/details/TheImprovedParamountMethodForBanjo/page/n9

For Tremolo (of which he used a lot in his concerts and recordings) he states to rest the third finger three to three and a half inches from the bridge.

https://archive.org/details/TheImprovedParamountMethodForBanjo/page...

I would argue that the next to the rim filth mark was from him playing tremolo.

Now doubt people moved all over.  Even very early (and very late) photos of FVE show him playing all over the head (from the filth mark)-- I am not sure where this idea of "only by the bridge" rule came from.  I would say that my default position for mf playing is near the bridge, p is far.  I do try to focus dynamics from my attack rather than my position.

Most complete solos are marked with dynamics that are controlled with the striking of strings as well as moving the hand.  Bacon also used a "soft pedal" mute attachment, first the Hartnett version and later his own leg pedal mute.

He also played snare drums and shot Colt revolvers on stage.

As far as the smudge-- I practice at least 1 hour a day. I have get to get any significant dirt spot on a head.  I must wash my hands too often.  I think I'll start rubbing my pinkie in grease and dirt before I practice so that I can fit in.