What was it that first got you interested in playing the guitar, mandolin or banjo?
I heard Duelin Banjos on Deliverance and I decided then I wanted a banjo and wanted to try and make that sound.
How long have you been playing and what’s your motivation to play?
I’ve been playing 3 years and my motivation is to progress every day. I play 3-4 hours a day. I am obsessed at the moment.
What’s your favorite lesson on Ben’s site and how has it helped you improve?
Fretboard Geography with Alan Munde. That has been very helpful because I have never seen it taught like that. I haven’t had a chance to get to anything else because I want to take that in and learn it well. Also the Bag O licks with Tony Wray and those G back up licks. I love playing that.
What’s your goal when playing?
To progress daily and learn 1 song a week. I would love to have great timing so I practice with the metronome a good bit.
Are there any other instruments or genres of music that you enjoy playing?
No. Strictly Traditional Bluegrass. I like some progressive, as long as they have roots in bluegrass and they play like Earl I’m good. I like a little melodic mixed in but I like straight forward Earl/JD stuff.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Pick my banjo
How long have you been a Gold Pick member?
1 month I think
Do you have a favorite technique? What is it?
Scruggs Style. Hard driving.
What do you do for a living?
Safety Manager for a General Contractor/Construction company. Pipefitters/Welders.
What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?
To Thru-hike the Appalachian Trail all the way through from Georgia to Maine. 4-6 months, 2900 miles
Who are your favorite pickin’ heroes (bluegrass and country artists) and who inspires you?
Earl Scruggs, J.D. Crowe, Sammy Shelor, Jim Mills, Tom Adams, Murphy Henry, Arthur Hancock and Banjo Ben Clark
Anything else you’d like to add?
I love what you do Ben, and love that you have a gospel group with your sisters. Y’all are great! The Purple Hulls rule! God is good, All the time.
