The last couple times through I mix in a bit of what might be described as “Travis style” picking – one heard more commonly on the guitar – in which the thumb alternates back and forth on the two low strings to emulate the “boom chuck” backup pattern for a rhythmic foundation.Īs such, it’s a pattern that lends itself a bit better than Scruggs style (which tends to sound best when played with other musicians) to solo picking and vocal backup. My first couple times through I play this one as Earl did. Ones that, the moment I heard them, I thought: I have to play that.īut this one was the first. Since that time there have been a handful of tunes I’d put in the same category. It was just the spark of motivation I needed to pick up the 5-string again, to transform my interest into an enduring obsession. I had no idea a banjo could sound like that.Īnd I had to learn it. ![]() I thought it was one of the greatest sounds I’d ever heard. It left such an impression that I still remember precisely where I was – making the left turn into my neighborhood – when it came on. That track was Home Sweet Home, this week’s song. The second track, on other hand, was a different story. ![]() But while I’m sure I enjoyed it, the memory of that first listen is long gone. It’s a great tune, one that showcases Earl Scruggs’s technical mastery. The first track was Groundspeed, as those familiar with the album will know. And I’d just inserted Foggy Mountain Banjo into the CD player (this was back in the old days). The banjo was gathering dust.įortunately, as part of my banjo tuition, I’d acquired some classic banjo albums for in the car listening. I’d messed around on it a bit over the holidays, and then life had gotten in the way. It wasn’t long after I’d received my first banjo – a Christmas gift from my family. I was in my car, listening to Flatt & Scruggs’ landmark album Foggy Mountain Banjo for the first time. It’s been well over a decade, but I still remember where I was when I first heard it. ![]() It’s probably not a stretch to say that this week’s song changed my life. Click on the button below to get the PDF download for this tab delivered to you, and get a new song and tab delivered to you every week!
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