McGuinn's Banjo Technique

[jimk]

Dear Jim K,

I've been working up some speed on those exercises you recommended. But I'm not at all sure how the 4-2-2-1 (P-2-P-3) picking pattern translates into that incredible solo to "Turn! Turn! Turn!" I find it very hard to see what Roger's doing on the DVD, despite the closeups of his picking hand and the fact that he slows the solo down to half-tempo. Any more exercises? Any insights?

Robert

Do you have the Tablature booklet that came with the video? The straight pick plays on the downbeats, the finger picks (either 2 or 3) play on the upbeats.

JimK

[Folkie]

Steve,

So the full price of the JB2 is $275 + $18.50 = $293.50?

It looks like the local dealer I thought carried the pedal will only get them on special order. Which leads me to another question: I see that you have a 48 hour return policy. Are you at all flexible on the 48 hour time limit? I ask this because if I order directly from you (or special order from them), I'll have little or no time to evaluate how the pedal sounds with my gear. (It could take more than two days just for you to receive an e-mail.) I've read some great things about the pedal, and I love the sound clips on your website, but I just can't commit to a $300 purchase without ample time to try the unit out.

I'd hate to have to pass up a purchase I was really looking forward to. I hope you'll understand and give me a little leeway.

Thanks for responding so cordially to my previous e-mails.

Warmest,

Robert

[Folkie]

Jim K,

Yes, I do have the tablature booklet that came with the DVD, but I find the notation in the break very hard to follow. My main problem is that, although I read tab, I don't read music, so the rhythmic notation means nothing to me. I still can't figure out how the 4-2-2-1 picking pattern translates into a banjo roll. Maybe if I watch the closeup of Roger's picking hand more closely I'll be able to pick up the pattern. Any other suggestions?

Robert

[janglebox]

Steve,

So the full price of the JB2 is $275 + $18.50 = $293.50?

It looks like the local dealer I thought carried the pedal will only get them on special order. Which leads me to another question: I see that you have a 48 hour return policy. Are you at all flexible on the 48 hour time limit? I ask this because if I order directly from you (or special order from them), I'll have little or no time to evaluate how the pedal sounds with my gear. (It could take more than two days just for you to receive an e-mail.) I've read some great things about the pedal, and I love the sound clips on your website, but I just can't commit to a $300 purchase without ample time to try the unit out.

I'd hate to have to pass up a purchase I was really looking forward to. I hope you'll understand and give me a little leeway.

Thanks for responding so cordially to my previous e-mails.

Yes, the total price is $293.50 delivered.

Our return policy is really designed to discourage recording studios from using a JangleBox for a single project, then returning it. We had this experience several times very soon after launching the company, and so we had to institute our return policy as it is.

I'll be happy to give you some leeway. Not sure what you mean about it taking two days to receive an email, though. You can email me directly at [email protected]

[jimk]

Jim K,

Yes, I do have the tablature booklet that came with the DVD, but I find the notation in the break very hard to follow. My main problem is that, although I read tab, I don't read music, so the rhythmic notation means nothing to me. I still can't figure out how the 4-2-2-1 picking pattern translates into a banjo roll. Maybe if I watch the closeup of Roger's picking hand more closely I'll be able to pick up the pattern. Any other suggestions?

Robert

OK here it is. It's really quite simple. (Yeah, you've heard that over & over again, I know.) With your pick, play (for example) your open D string. Next with your middle finger play the B string. Now play your B string again with you pick. Last play your high E string with your third finger. Alternate like this until you can execute the exercise flawlessly.

Now, once you have this pattern down, increase the speed slowly, then play it double time like in the video, and Bingo! you'll have the chops to play Turn, Turn, Turn. The pick may move from the D string to the G string, or to the A string even, as the melody necessitates. With a compressor on you can really get some serious jangle going. Best luck. And remember, work slowly and evenly.
JimK

[Folkie]

Steve,

I wasn't suggesting that you were unresponsive to e-mail. On the contrary, I've heard great praise for your customer service. I was only worried that e-mail is not a very reliable way to communicate and the 48 hour return policy might not allow enough time. Incidentally, I sent a few e-mails to the wrong address when I was first trying to contact you. So please accept my apologies for any misunderstanding. I really look foward to doing business with you.

All best,

Robert

[laplacian]

Thanks for detailing this. Now it's just Practice.

[Folkie]

Jim K.,

Thanks so much for spelling things out for me. I was almost there, and now I think I can see how it's done. I guess what confused me was that the pick switches root strings while Roger executes the 4-2-2-1 picking pattern. I'll have to watch the DVD closely, but I think I've got it.

I really appreciate your taking the time to work with me. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Robert

[jimk]

Glad I could be of service, Robert.
JimK