Author David Russell recently approached Pete concerning a book he’s writing on the influence of Earl Scruggs. Thirty years after writing the Masters of the Five String Banjo large chapter about Scruggs, Pete’s answers to Russell’s questions lets the reader in on some memorable aspects of his interactions with the man who changed his life.… Read More
I’ve been teaching banjo almost 50 years now. Though most banjo teaching addresses typical technical challenges, I have some pet non-technical topics, to steer a player toward better music and more fun on the instrument.… Read More
Pat in Alabama writes: I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind sharing some advice. It’s about warming up. I’m playing with a church bluegrass band in a “Bluegrass and Stained Glass” concert here in a few weeks. … Read More
It’s impressive just to look around and see an array of amazing musicians I’ll be spending the next 11 days with… Béla, Tony, Noam…Russ Barenberg … Read More
Everyone has a story about the first time they heard him. When I was 12 or so I was at my friend Jake’s apartment in the Bronx and Jake said, you like banjo, listen to this, and he put on Shuckin’ the Corn from the “Foggy Mt. Jamboree”album.… Read More
The powerful musical force known as Bill Monroe turns 100 this month. It’s hard to believe he’s been gone 15 years, though in many ways he’s far from gone. The force of his personality and the power of his musical vision left more than an indelible imprint… it’s in the bones of so many of us bluegrass musicians whenever we pick up an instrument.… Read More
One hundred years ago there was not much pavement in America, no such thing as an old car or a world war. Bill Monroe was born Sept. 13, 1911—the youngest of 8, cross-eyed and a loner, who took up mandolin because it was the only instrument the others weren’t playing. … Read More
Just last weekend I really wanted to jam and there was a good one going in the campground at our local Bluegrass on the River festival. I watched and listened… and didn’t get out my banjo. Why? … Read More
Bill writes: I’ve looked all over your site to find information about developing a groove or flow but I can’t find it. I play with a group here and sometimes we have it, sometimes we don’t. What are some pointers when playing with others to develop this feeling? What are the roles of the different instruments such as banjo, mandolin, guitar, and bass that create this?… Read More
This article originally appeared in the January 2011 issue of Banjo Newsletter, and is also available as an easy-to-print PDF. Ira writes: One of my jam students last week had trouble changing chords on time and was right at the … Read More