Learning Guitar from Banjo Legend Earl Scruggs • Acoustic Tuesday 228
What can guitar players learn from one of the best banjo players of all time? In this episode, we’ll take a closer look at Earl Scruggs, his banjo technique, and how guitar players can apply these techniques to expand their tonal horizons!
I am a huge Earl Scruggs fan. His banjo playing definitely cements him in the hall of fame of banjo musicians. Earl Scruggs was filled with wisdom, which is why I wanted to dedicate a whole episode to the legend. Even though he mostly played banjo, I think there are so many life and technique lessons to learn from Earl Scruggs.
One of the inspirations for this episode came from a video clip of Earl Scruggs. In the footage, he swaps his banjo for a guitar. Without hesitation, Scruggs was able to dive right into the role of rhythm guitar. Scruggs’ flexibility and rhythmic prowess allowed for spontaneity and collaboration — something I think all of us could benefit from learning!
As far as specific technique we can learn from Earl Scruggs’ playing, I really want to emphasize alternate chord voicing. Additionally, his use of the Carter scratch and the “rolls” in the picking hand can open up a wide variety of tones and rhythms for you to explore.
If you have any questions about Earl Scruggs, the techniques he used, or anything else, be sure to leave a comment on this episode! I always love to hear what you thought about this episode of the Acoustic Tuesday, and I look forward to reading your comments!
Featured in this Episode…
- The Earl Scruggs Center
- Molly Tuttle
- YourGuitarSage
I had a banjo in the back seat of my car. I packed in a outdoor lot in downtown Minneapolis. I came back from my meeting and my back window was smashed out. Yup, you guessed it. In the back seat was another banjo!
packed? parked
gota help you a little Tony its Wooster mass
Loved this video. By switching between the banjo and guitar and showing examples from Earl himself, I really got a clear understanding of what you were teaching. Great job! Love this format.
Loved this one. Thanks.
I play both the banjo and the guitar, not very good at either But Wow, it never dawned on me to use the banjo rolls on the goal. I have a whole new perspective and excitement. Thanks Tony.
I am plugging away at this course and love it but Im not very good. Really like your videos and how you come across. From one goalie to another. I have terrible insomnia and thought why not use those midnight hours productivly and learn the guitar. I would like to send you one of my books as being in the goalie union you might enjoy it. I keep perspective knowing you’d have loved to have played in the NHL as I did but dang, I wish I played guitar like you do. Perspective Right?
I just want to say I love it when you spotlight on folks like Scruggs. Your affinity for great musicians is one reason I want to keep being a TAC member. This is a great video.