Experimenting with rhythm, Arabic style

I play an old-time tune on top of an Arabic pattern to show one way to change your habitual approach to a tune. I recorded the rhythmic pattern on a Gold Tone cello banjo and play a version of "Lonesome John" on a vintage Stewart with Nylgut strings, an Elite amber head, and a minstrel style bridge by Bill Morris.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• clawhammer
• banjo
• lesson
• rhythm

[artistfood]

I learned so much from your great website. Have you on my mp3 player too :) Thanks for this interesting and amazing tutorial. Your are truly great on the banjo.

How do the nylgut compare to the steel. I was thinking of changing to nylgut but wasnt too sure it would work well. Do you usually refer to play on nylgut or steel?

[BanjoMeetsWorld]

Thanks for the kind words! These days, I prefer to play on the Nylgut. They're floppy compared to steel. But I like the texture and sound, and my left hand is a lot more likely to bounce around and do plucks and other fun things than it is with steel. The drawback is that the Nylguts have less sustain, so I lose some drone, and the occasional strums I like to do have less effect.

[danbherman]

The Nylgut sounds wonderful.  Can any banjo be strung with them?

[BanjoMeetsWorld]

As far as I know you can put them on any banjo. I've heard of people needing to widen the slots on their nut or bridge to accommodate the slightly thicker strings, but I haven't run into that issue.

[QRS666]

You are fantastic!! I just love watching your new approach to the banjo and all the fine tunes! Especially the modal tunes. Keep up the good work!

[BanjoMeetsWorld]

Thanks! Modal tunes rule.

[Maddplaid]

Mate....Im not sure about the Arabic thing...HHmmmmm...yea not quite me....

[MrWagmoreBarkless]

Wow! is all I can say. Some of the most interesting banjo I've ever heard. Thanks for posting! I love it!!!

[banjoape]

very cool thanks for sharing

[MrMish520]

Great job ! check Berber music ! This guy here is the king of Berber banjo in Morocco . Go to you tube and type in : Izenzaren Igout Abdelhadi ... when you played the drum , it reminded me of belly dancing clubs !!!

[oilmeters]

nice style

[SuePyper]

very cool!

[clawbrandon]

How do you capo your 5th. string on the nylgut? great playing by the way!

[ComradeMorshu]

Arappalachia!

[Jdubeats]

I want to jam with you

[blkfir]

This sounds amazing!