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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!!!!
TravisAnd on that first question, after reading your words of wisdom, I now realize I was playing the 2-5 slide both on the “2” in a quick slur and then the open G string as the “and” of the 2. That really helped me!
This is perfect! Thanks, Mike! That definitely helps, and I will keep practicing it!
I have one more question that has been dogging me since I started teaching myself the banjo, and then I promise I’ll stop bugging you. It’s kind of related to this lesson, too. When I play backup for “I’ll Fly Away,” I have five measures of G to fill for that last half of the verse and chorus. On the first half, where there are four measures, I just play three of your licks and then on the last measure, I play a run to C or a G7 roll. It’s a perfect formula. However, when there are five measures, I don’t know what to do for measures 4 (especially) and 5 (I have a few handy G to D runs). Could you help me with that? I’m super inquisitive, and this one has been stumping me. Thanks!!!!!!!!
“I’ll Fly Away”: G G G G7 C C G G G G G G G D G G
Mike, this is the best $8 I’ve ever spent!!! Not only did this greatly add to my backup lick library, it opened my eyes to how versatile these licks are. I didn’t realize the tag endings, especially, could be plugged in anywhere (not just the end of the phrase) and work so well! I am having just a little trouble with one lick–the very first one, measure 1. I knew that one already, but the way I was playing it sounded way different than what it is supposed to. I had this quick slur going on, whereas your first two eighth notes really sound separate. In fact, I have to be honest, I can’t even hear your 2-5 slide, and it sounds like you have hit the G note on the third string BEFORE you ever reach the 5th fret. Can you give me some advice, insight here, please. Thanks!
