"Going Up North" Lesson
Added 2020-07-21 12:50:52 +0000 UTCIn this video I walk you through the steps for producing my original arrangement of John Jackson's "Going Up North" (Can't Get No Letter From My Home). Jackson said he learned the song from his father. In this instance, my version (though in the same tuning as Jackson's) does not strictly adhere to his style and picking pattern. Instead, I've taken my own approach to three traditional styles (overhand, two-finger, and up-picking) and created an original arrangement that is recognizable as "Going Up North" without giving any thought to copying Jackson's art. This concept is best explained by George R. Gibson in his 2002 article, "Learning to Play Banjo: Emulation vs. Immitation," which can be read here: http://banjohistory.com/article/detail/6_learning_to_play_banjo_emulation_vs_imitation
Comments
Thanks for responding. I want to start up-picking more so it's good to confirm I understood what you were doing.
Will Reynolds
2020-07-22 21:47:48 +0000 UTCWill, in these lesson videos, I endeavor to demonstrate my three basic styles as distinctly and plainly as possible. Hence, when I appear to be down-picking (overhand aka "clawhammer") I am using that technique only. Likewise, when I appear to be fingerpicking or up-picking, I am using either technique exclusively. Now, when you're looking at an actual performance (in a video or live in-person) I do tend to move more freely between styles.
Clifton Hicks
2020-07-22 17:10:37 +0000 UTCHi Clifton. I've been enjoying your videos for a while and just subscribed to you patreon. I started out learning bluegrass with metal picks but now I focus on two-finger and old time music. At 1:45 in the video it looks like you're plucking down clawhammer style. But I can't tell if you're also plucking up sometimes too. And at the end of the video I think you're doing up-picking but only using your index finger instead of strumming with the other three. Have I got that right or is there more going on that I'm missing?
Will Reynolds
2020-07-22 16:17:49 +0000 UTCAnother great lesson Clif. These songs that you can really groove to are the best and allow for freedom of expression. Thanks for sharing!
Old Joe
2020-07-22 12:29:18 +0000 UTCI will have to check that one out. I love his rendition of "im going back to jiles county" you can really feel the tradition in his music
Angel Velazquez
2020-07-22 09:10:46 +0000 UTCDeborah, I use tabledit. It's been around for decades, is affordable and pretty easy to use.
Clifton Hicks
2020-07-22 00:21:34 +0000 UTCI like the tab. Which program did you use to create the tab?
DEBORAH K BOZEK
2020-07-21 23:15:38 +0000 UTCSince we have been talking about black banjo players, you folks might enjoy this little clip of Lucius Smith playing "Walking in the Parlor." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAFZKdeCpO0
Mr. Lucky
2020-07-21 21:18:04 +0000 UTCThe tabs really help to understand what you are teaching. Thank you.
Mr. Lucky
2020-07-21 18:10:39 +0000 UTCYou can discuss either way. I think if it's an older video, further down the feed, then we should probably discuss in "Community." Since this video is current, might as well discuss it here. Just my 2𝇍.
Clifton Hicks
2020-07-21 17:14:45 +0000 UTCI got called in to work an overnight shift after working a day shift yesterday, so I have barely slept and am not yet ready to engage in the promised boisterousness. But when I am, do we keep chats regarding practicing this song under this video or do we move to the “community” feature? I’m not entirely sure how to engage with this platform correctly.
bambuza
2020-07-21 17:07:43 +0000 UTCAwesomeness. Thank you Clifton.
Kevin W Smith - KW4KWS
2020-07-21 14:39:31 +0000 UTCThe emulation vs imitation thing is a good point, I used to worry about getting things right but I could never get the rhythm right with two finger picking so I started using a sort of old style three finger picking. Although this changes things a little it makes you able to relax more when playing, especially if you're singing too. I think maybe its about finding your own style whilst still being respectful to the original music.
David Lowe
2020-07-21 14:35:32 +0000 UTC
