I think he meant three strings is real easy or lame. If that's the case, try 2 on a regular banjo. I've heard it's pretty tough to pick up. Guitar is actually one of the easiest string instrument around. Difficulty has nothing to do with amount of strings. Try Violin, that's real tough.
Well, he said "33 strings," which doesn't make sense. It's easy to pick this instrument up, I won't dispute that. But finding new and different things to do with it and dealing with the frets being so far apart in places, it has challenges all its own. I'm no guitarist. I'm a singer and percussionist who plays a bit of piano. I had a couple of years of violin as a kid, but it didn't really stick. Point is, I'm pretty glad I've got something I can play that I enjoy.
Please post a video with the basic chord progressions. I just picked up a 3 stringed banjo this evening like yours and am going to try and get a hang of it! Thanks!
Uhh...chord progressions? Heh. Heh. Yeah, that was totally on the fly and I still have no clue which fingering goes with which chord. I just play. Sorry! If I figure it out, I'll let you know. Thanks for your interest, though!
Thanks! This was about nine months ago. At the time I'd been playing about seven months. I hope I've grown a lot since then as a player. But I remain fond of this little piece - get it stuck in my head sometimes. Maybe I should learn to play it again! :)
Yes, it's three strings and diatonically fretted. Strumstick is a trademarked name, so I have since been told not to use it on these videos. There are several names for this type of instrument as a result of the trademark, but that's the name most people know.
It is similar to the balalaika, though I think the balalaika is chromatically fretted and tends to have a shorter neck. It really is most similar to a 3-string lap dulcimer. Still, it's supposed to have been invented by Bob McNally at strumstick(dot)com. Mine comes from Blaine Horlocker at smokeymountaindulcimer(dot)com. Check out my video "This is NOT a Strum Stick" for more info as well.
No freakin' kidding! It's a whole cottage industry! Well, it's a simple, versatile design that's really catching on - and for good reason. Glad you liked my noodling!
Very nicely done!
kitd56 2 years ago
33 strings]
lmao
GuitarWeedie 4 years ago
I'm sorry. What??
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
I think he meant three strings is real easy or lame. If that's the case, try 2 on a regular banjo. I've heard it's pretty tough to pick up. Guitar is actually one of the easiest string instrument around. Difficulty has nothing to do with amount of strings. Try Violin, that's real tough.
irishlad6 4 years ago
Well, he said "33 strings," which doesn't make sense. It's easy to pick this instrument up, I won't dispute that. But finding new and different things to do with it and dealing with the frets being so far apart in places, it has challenges all its own. I'm no guitarist. I'm a singer and percussionist who plays a bit of piano. I had a couple of years of violin as a kid, but it didn't really stick. Point is, I'm pretty glad I've got something I can play that I enjoy.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
I agree with you man. I was aiming the comment at him. :) You're doing great man.
irishlad6 4 years ago
Your music here is relaxing. Oh, and about the guy who said 33 strings.. That was probably a typo.
101Volts 3 years ago
Well, thank you! Glad you liked it. Yeah, I agree. Probably a type-o.
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
Very very cool.
Please post a video with the basic chord progressions. I just picked up a 3 stringed banjo this evening like yours and am going to try and get a hang of it! Thanks!
irishlad6 4 years ago
Uhh...chord progressions? Heh. Heh. Yeah, that was totally on the fly and I still have no clue which fingering goes with which chord. I just play. Sorry! If I figure it out, I'll let you know. Thanks for your interest, though!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
Sweet. I wish I could do that! You're definitely doing great by ear.
irishlad6 4 years ago
Thanks! This was about nine months ago. At the time I'd been playing about seven months. I hope I've grown a lot since then as a player. But I remain fond of this little piece - get it stuck in my head sometimes. Maybe I should learn to play it again! :)
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
sounds nice.. i was gonna get one. ive just been looking at sitars more. haha : )
poohead1421 4 years ago
Thank you! Wow, the sitar is a very different instrument. You should get both! :)
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
Very interesting--and a nice improv. I take it there are three strings? What is the tuning?
What, exactly is a "strumstick"--is that the official name, or a brand? This looks like a balalaika. Is that far off?
I play the guitar (see my videos). How much different is it?
Good post.
StratomasterT 4 years ago
Yes, it's three strings and diatonically fretted. Strumstick is a trademarked name, so I have since been told not to use it on these videos. There are several names for this type of instrument as a result of the trademark, but that's the name most people know.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
It is similar to the balalaika, though I think the balalaika is chromatically fretted and tends to have a shorter neck. It really is most similar to a 3-string lap dulcimer. Still, it's supposed to have been invented by Bob McNally at strumstick(dot)com. Mine comes from Blaine Horlocker at smokeymountaindulcimer(dot)com. Check out my video "This is NOT a Strum Stick" for more info as well.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
cool!!! and i never knew there were SOOOOO many notastrumsticks out there!
sisjewell 4 years ago
No freakin' kidding! It's a whole cottage industry! Well, it's a simple, versatile design that's really catching on - and for good reason. Glad you liked my noodling!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago