Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Mike Boone from Jonesboro, Arkansas

Mike%20Boone%20BanjoBenClark

What was it that first got you interested in playing the banjo?
I have always liked the sound of the banjo. Even though a lot of the songs are dark, the banjo always keeps a lively sound.

How long have you been playing and whatā€™s your motivation to play?
I have been playing the banjo for three years now. I started playing because I have always wanted to play and life just got in the way. I decided that it was time to learn how to play and purchased a Deering Goodtime to start off with.

Whatā€™s your favorite lesson on Benā€™s site and how has it helped you improve?
I am working my way through the Beginning Banjo checklist. My favorite tune as of now is The Wreck of the Old 97. This lesson has helped me improve by teaching me to listen for the melody while learning the rest that accompanies the melody.

Whatā€™s your goal when playing?
My goal while playing is to have a good time with the banjo. I purpose to keep in time with the music and to play it evenly and cleanly.

Are there any other instruments or genres of music that you enjoy playing?
I have played the guitar for some time. I enjoy Christian music.

How long have you been a Gold Pick member?
I started out being a monthly Gold Pick member a couple of years ago. I then upgraded to the lifetime membership in the spring of this year.

Do you have a favorite technique? What is it?
Scruggs style would have to be my favorite.

If you could play in anyoneā€™s band, who would it be and why?
I canā€™t imagine myself playing in a band at this point in my playing. If I had to pick it would be the Lonesome River Band.

What type of gear or accessories have you found that work best for you?
My wife loves the banjo mute. The tuner that clips to the banjo is my favorite accessory.

If money was no object, what would be your dream instrument(s)?
A pre-war Gibson

If you didnā€™t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would practice as long as my fingers could take it.

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Welcome Mike! Thatā€™s a really good goal to have. Hope to see you around the forum!

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Congrats on GPoTW! I enjoy playing Wreck of the old 97 too!

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Welcome Mike, Congrats on being GPoTW. I probably need a mute also.

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Congrats Mike!

I am very happy for you. I really enjoyed your profile and the ā€œdown to earthā€ honestyā€¦ like when you commented that you cannot fathom playing in a band at this point - as I feel similar with my playingā€¦

Another exampleā€¦

I suspect this makes you a man of all Banjo People as many of our spouses share this with you. A common thread among us :smirk: - even as we donā€™t like to admit it. :shushing_face:

I enjoy playing ā€œWreckā€ too!

As long as your playing isnā€™t a wreckā€¦ :smirk::wink::joy:

That is soooo true!

:joy::joy::joy: Sometimes Iā€™ll be playing the ā€œWreckā€ on the mandolin, and forget what Iā€™m playing and start ā€œWill the circle be Unprokenā€.

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