https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/pro-picker-case-study-banjo-with-russ-carson-banjo-advanced
No stranger to screen or stage, Russ is the banjo picker for Kentucky Thunder, the Grammy-winning band backing up Ricky Skaggs! In this HUGE lesson, we’ll breakdown elements of Russ’ lead, backup, and more!
This lesson is…HUGE. Over an hour long, put tons of work into it. Thanks to @Michael_Mark for the help in getting Russ’ content together!
Fantastic insight, learned a lot from this interview
Great timing. I’ve been watching and listening to a few bluegrass playlists on youtube the last few days featuring a lot videos from the 81crowe channel that also show that birdseye view of Russ playing.
Worth looking up for those that don’t know that one. Watch a heap after this case study and come back and watch the case study again (and again and again and…).
The mute lick is awesome. To quote Lisa Simpson from The Simpsons. “listen to the notes he’s not playing!”
Russ exhibits great use of dynamics in his playing in small group collaborations. The key to respectful musicianship is to know when to go silent and let others take the spotlight and sing or perform a lead break. This is what Roy Clark was famous for doing with Buck Trent and Jimmy Henley and their extraordinary talents on the banjo. In the tradition of Bill Monroe bringing high-quality musicians into his band, Ricky Skaggs made a wise choice in bringing Russ into Kentucky Thunder. I highly respect Russ’ musicianship and he has an infectious personally that matches his talents. I love watching Russ’ 81 Crowe channel. I am going to practice applying some of Russ’ lead and backup techniques to improve my banjo playing. Thank-you Ben and Russ for conducting this awesome interview for all of the Banjo Ben members. We are very lucky to have you both as supporting staff for the amateur bluegrass playing community. Clark-a-holic - Alan Black, Ham Radio Operator N2DUI
Ben, Could you please explain exactly what Russ is doing in the welcome video you two are playing on…That vamping technique sounds so good…Is he just pinching the bottom two strings and vamping and then resting the palm of his hand on the head? Look forward to your response
These videos are AWESOME!
My Teacher would put a huge emphasis on the volume difference and making sure not to drown out the other musicians every time I had a lesson.
Hi @banjomueller Mike If you look closely at Russ’s right hand he is picking the third string with this thumb and pinching the 1st & 2nd he’ll also be damping the strings with his left hand and as you observed resting the palm of his hand on the head to create the percussive sound.
I am pretty sure I watched a DVD of Tony Trischka or it may have been Bill Evans discussing this vamping type of backup. Earl was the known to do this as was JD Crowe
He’s not really pressing the strings down at all with the frethand, essentially just covering them. The main goal is to create a backing “pop” like a mando chop. He’s not muting with the pickhand. He’s playing his thumb on the 4th string to catch the bass note, then pinching the first two strings very stiffly.
Ben, Is he also muting the head with the palm of his right hand
Thank you for your help
Ben I am sorry just reread and saw your response …Nevermind
Some players do dampen the head with the palm of their hand. It looks to me that Russ does this but I can’t be 100% sure. You could ask him direct.
Hi Ben,
The link is broken to view Russ’ Prucha banjo. Does this mean it is sold? Thanks, Alan.
We’re sorry, but the page you requested could not be found.
He took it back, yeah, he had another buyer I think.
Hi Ben,
Okay, good luck to Russ on the next sale.
I have seen his banjo in his videos on the 81 Crowe channel.
I wanted to look at the photos closely. It is an attractive instrument.
Have a great evening,
Alan
If you are a serious buyer I can put you in touch with him!
Hi Ben,
Thank-you for offering, but a Prucha banjo is not quite within my budget at this moment.
I am busy finishing my last semester in my master’s degree program. But it would be wonderful if I could swing it as a graduation present in May. Maybe I could ask my dad for assistance.
I think Russ’ banjo is the best looking banjo I have seen, and it sounds outstanding on videos. I lust for it though.
Alan