Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Music...A Different Language

I’m sure there are some profound literature out there discussing music as a language. Here in our house there are certain phrases that mean something much different than what’s in the dictionary. I’d been playing my mandolin for about 90 minutes today, working on closed minor chords, a few songs, playing along with @BanjoBen’s play along tracks when THIS happened:

Wife, entering the music room: “Aren’t your fingers tired?”

Translation: “Will you stop playing that thing!”

Guess I can go do something else for awhile…

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Reminds me of these bluegrass translations I read on Bluegrass Today recently.

From a guitar player: “I’m more of a traditional guitar player.” Translation: “I can’t play an A minor chord.”

Or: “I’m more of a contemporary guitar player.” Translation: “I can’t play a G-run.”

From a singer: “I can throw a harmony part on that.” Translation: “I’ll be singing in unison with you right in your left ear.”

From a banjo player: “Can you all use a second banjo in your jam session?” Translation: “You’re going to have a second banjo in your jam session.”

From a bass player: “I like to play on the front side of the beat.” Translation: “I’ll be finished with the song while you’re still singing the last chorus.”

Or: “I like to play on the back side of the beat. It’s probably my jazz background.” Translation: “I drag.”

From a bass or guitar player: “I don’t know it, but I’ll follow you.” Translation: “I won’t successfully negotiate a single chord change in the entire song.”

From a fiddle player: “I’ll just throw some fills on that verse.” Translation: “I’ll be playing the melody, slightly out of tune, right over your vocal.”

From a festival promoter: “We’re already booked up for next year.” Translation: “You’re not cheap enough.”

Or: “We’re already booked up for the next two years.” Translation: “You’re still not cheap enough, and I hate your music.”

From a small venue owner: “You just play for the door, but we usually get a pretty good crowd in here.” Translation: “You’ll be walking away with $85.”

Or, just after the show: “Too bad about the crowd. It’s the economy these days.” Translation: “Not a bad crowd, considering the only advertising I did was that small sign on the door with your name misspelled.”

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As Steven Martin said when the neighbors complained about his banjo playing: “Would you rather I practiced the air horn?”

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