Subject: RE: Fwd: Info Request
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2004 08:58:02 -0500

Thanks Mickey,

What is meant by Frail or Frailing?

Frailing is a traditional Appalachian approach to the 5-string banjo...and is normally performed on an open-back banjo...it applies well to traditional folk music and is essentially the opposite of bluegrass banjo...

The frailing approach involves using the back of your fingernails on the strum while the thumb establishes either a melody or bass sequence...the back of the fingernails can also establish a melody along with a strum in between the melody notes.

The frailing approach is great for solo banjo since a rhythm is usually established along with the melody...

What about strumming as opposed to picking?

Strumming works fine on a banjo...only be careful to use a thinner gauge pick and don't overpower yourself with too much heaviness on the strumming hand...strum very lightly and intersperse the strumming with single notes....this will give more sparkle to strumming on a banjo...and less of a muddy sound which can easily happen when strumming a banjo...

Is there a rhythm technique and if so how does it work?

Sure, there are a variety of rhythm techniques...only, it would take an extensive book to cover these possibilities...a lot is predetermined by the style of music you hope to achieve on your banjo...

Which is the best for novice, open or closed back?

This depends on the style of music you hope to achieve...both the open-back and resonator models have their place...usually designated by the genre of music...an open-back can be quite versatile...and if you plan on strumming alot, the open back will serve well...if you're hoping to pursue frailing styles, an open-back would be the choice...for fingerpicking styles, such as ragtime or classical..an open-back will serve well...for bluegrass, the resonator banjo is the one choice...

Keep on Pickin', Mickey