What first got you interested in playing the guitar, mandolin or banjo?
My parents, particularly my dad, loved Bluegrass ever since I was little, so naturally I grew up listening to it. I never really liked it though, till I was about 10. We went to a festival where the Grascals were playing, and after they performed I got it in my head that I wanted their autograghs, so my dad took me to their table afterward, and they all signed my notepad. To top the experience off, Terry Eldridge (incidentally my mom’s favorite bluegrass vocalist), gave me their new CD: “And Then There’s This”. I was hooked. I lost the autographs, but I still have the CD today. Fast foreward 7 years, our dad was encouraging all us kids to try instruments if we wanted to, so my brother picked up the fiddle. He was the only one who had any interest, but the excitement of his fiddle arriving was contagious, and soon the desire to play was instilled on me. My favorite instrument had always been the banjo, I loved the fast-paced toe-tapping sound it produced, but I was worried that I would get bored with it, and quit. After roughly 5 months, I wanted to play the banjo so badly that I was willing to risk it, and let me say, the moment my banjo came out of the box, I knew I wasn’t going to get tired of it.
How long have you been playing and what’s your motivation to play?
Almost 6 months. My motivation is to play for fun!! Me and my brothers also perform occasionally, so we are always trying to learn new songs!
What’s your goal when playing?
I’m currently trying to work on my clearness and accuracy. Right now my pull-offs are fuzzy, so that’s my biggest focus.
How long have you been a Gold Pick member?
Half a month, and it’s been great!
What’s your favorite lesson on Ben’s site and how has it helped you improve?
UTILITY ROLLS, 100%. I could never figure out that rolling backup till I watched it!
Do you have a favorite technique? What is it?
Scruggs Style!! I would like to try Clawhammer at some point though.
Are there any other instruments or genres of music that you enjoy playing?
I want to learn dobro, but my brother won’t hardly let me touch his. I’m trying to get him to let me swap lessons with him! I enjoy 80’s and 90’s country, along with some of the new “country” stuff out today.
What artist(s) most inspire you/Who are your favorite musical heroes?
#1 The Grascals. I love the energy and drive they bring to the stage. Kristin Benson’s banjo playing is amazing!
#2 Dailey and Vincent. Their commitment to the Lord is inspiring, and all their songs are so heartfelt and lively!
If you could play in anyone’s band, who would it be and why?
Either Dailey and Vincent or the Grascals.
If money was no object, what would be your dream instrument(s)?
Probably the Gold Tone OB 3 “Twanger”.
What do you do for a living?
I started work for a roofing company as a repair tech, and boy does it get hot in the summer!
When you’re not pickin’, what else do you spend your time doing?
Ask my family, I almost never stop pickin’!! In the rare moments I’m not, I enjoy (attempting) knife and axe throwing, testing out survival techniques, watching Andy Griffith, Leave It To Beaver, and Donna Reed, and spending time with my family.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I’d play the banjo if the neighbors wouldn’t call the cops!
What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?
I’ve always wanted to go over to Australia and try out desert survival stratagies, though attending a Cabin Camp is on my list of things to do!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Even when you don’t feel like it, make time to practice!!
Thanks for letting us feature you @BluegrassAddict!
