Rhiannon Giddens

Rhiannon Giddens Instagram – Many of the techniques used for an early style banjo such as the one I hold (1858 Levi Brown replica by Jim Hartel) in large part died out as the ‘stroke’ style favored in these tunes (which itself was a descendent of West African techniques on ancestral lute type instruments) evolved into the ‘frailing’ or ‘clawhammer’ so well known and loved in old time music. In this piece, Butler’s Jig from Frank Converse’s banjo tutor of 1865 (tab’d by Joseph Weidlich), you can see the thumb technique that really contributes to the rolling feel of this tune. Here’s a work in progress. | Posted on 10/Sep/2024 20:22:25