Reply To: 10 Licks In The Key Of G Beginner Banjo

[Travis Pierce]

Hey, Mike, I have a banjo question, if you don’t mind. I have become enamored with the second half of lick number 3 in this video. My question, though, concerns the first half, the classic “Cripple Creek” double-thumbing lick. Every time I try to use that in my backup (excluding instrumentals), it doesn’t sound quite right. I have read different places and have even heard you hint that licks that center around the B note don’t always work because they clash with the melody or something like that. I’d love to be able to use that lick in simple backup to songs like “Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” etc, but again, it doesn’t seem to work. I still consider myself a beginner, but am I on to something here? Thanks!!!!
Travis