If you mean that there will never be anyone who can play the style of banjo Earl played and as well as he played it, you are correct. When it comes to scruggs, you can't beat a man at his own game. But to say that Earl is better than, let's say, Fleck, in his own style, is a complete misstatement. Earl will always be better than Fleck when it comes to traditional three finger style banjo. But, you cannot make such a judgment when comparing Scruggs's style against the jazz, fusion, and classical styles Béla plays. That would be like comparing apples to chainsaws. I've heard people say that Earl is still better even when you compare the style he played with Béla's Progressive styles. You might like the sound of Earl's style better than Fleck, but it still is not reasonable argument simply because you favor one style over another.
So sad to hear they didn’t speak for 10 years after the break up. Such wasted time. But, they are still legends in the bluegrass community and always will be.
Thank you for posting this. I've been hoping for an Earl Scruggs doc. I'm surprised that there isn't more on him on YT. He has a whole style of playing banjo named after him and further more and as far as I'm concerned, whenever I think of the sound of the banjo it's in the Earl Scruggs style lol.
🎉 for Mr. Scruggs, the coolest banjo picker who ever lived. My God I love that mountain music!!!! 😂 Classically trained blues guitarist, had to pawn my 5 string 50 years ago for food 😮. Could never play a sad song on it.
Calling from France, i discover Scrugg and Flatt and Marty Stuart since i heard this kind of music 10 years ago from a french singer and guitarist : Sanseverino. Listen to his album : Honky tonk ! especialy the song : "tu n'en n'a plus rien à foutre de moi" wich means : " you don't even f****g care about me". One of my favorite from his discography. AND I LOVE THIS STYLE OF MUSIC. Thank you for this video.
I like the way that ole' timey music just keeps influencing serious musicians all over the world. There's a video called "Gods Frontiersmen" that celebrates their Scots-Irish roots in Ulster, Ireland. Watch it my friends...
I disagree about claw hammer not being loud. Back in my county we only used a banjo for square dances. Watch Clifton hicks hook and line and tell me it’s not loud
That opinion on claw hammer not being as loud isn't mine; it comes from players I know or have seen and statements I've read about the techniques. I don't think claw hammer can't be also loud, but Scruggs style certainly does make for loud, bright notes.
I think it’s according to who’s playing or played it. Naturally picks are gonna make the Scruggs style louder but people like Grand Pa Jones, Stringbean and especially Bashful Brother Oswald (Pete Kirby) could get a lot of distance out of their playing. One other thing it was Lester who ask Earl about a reunion and Earl said yes but first Lester you need to concentrate on getting well.
Evidently he hasn't heard Grandpa Jones or old Stringbean hammer claw a banjo. Earls three finger roll made him famous. The man literally made a banjo talk
His flat head banjo really had a crisp sound like one with an arched tone ring. I remember him saying there were no two banjos that sounded alike. Unlike his, some have a hollow cheap sound like the one I had.😠
What's your favorite Earl Scruggs tune? Monroe era, Flatt & Scruggs, or Revue?
Earl’s breakdown.
@@runeulriksen One of my very favorites.
I'll never shed another tear and motherless child blues
@@garrisonsavage2323 Solid choices!
Flatt n scruggs
Am 79 yrs old and have absolutely loved Bluegrass since a little girl. Puts a big smile on my face every time! Heaven on earth! Great documentary!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!
There will never be a banjo player who will be as good a Earl Scruggs never mind a better one. He will be remembered as the best
Agree!
If you mean that there will never be anyone who can play the style of banjo Earl played and as well as he played it, you are correct. When it comes to scruggs, you can't beat a man at his own game. But to say that Earl is better than, let's say, Fleck, in his own style, is a complete misstatement. Earl will always be better than Fleck when it comes to traditional three finger style banjo. But, you cannot make such a judgment when comparing Scruggs's style against the jazz, fusion, and classical styles Béla plays. That would be like comparing apples to chainsaws. I've heard people say that Earl is still better even when you compare the style he played with Béla's Progressive styles. You might like the sound of Earl's style better than Fleck, but it still is not reasonable argument simply because you favor one style over another.
My Dad loved this music. We listened to all the time.
Sounds like great memories!
Earl Scruggs was the Jimi Hendrix of the Banjo.
Or was Jimi the Earl Scruggs of guitar? 😉
@@GEEKORMAN Either way. Both of them changed the way their instruments are played forever and everyone that came after them has tried to imitate them.
@@chrishinton9209 So true.
Earl Scruggs IS the banjo
Great doc on Earl!! You nailed it! I had the honor of co-authoring a book about Earl with my pal, Gordon. Earl Scruggs:Banjo Icon.
Thank you for saying so! I’ll have to check that book out.
So sad to hear they didn’t speak for 10 years after the break up. Such wasted time. But, they are still legends in the bluegrass community and always will be.
Definitely.
I saw Flatt & Scruggs in concert when I was in college. Great memories!
Bet that was amazing!
Thank you for posting this. I've been hoping for an Earl Scruggs doc. I'm surprised that there isn't more on him on YT. He has a whole style of playing banjo named after him and further more and as far as I'm concerned, whenever I think of the sound of the banjo it's in the Earl Scruggs style lol.
Thank you! I feel like his music will continue to gain attention and spread through YT and other media. He’s just too influential not to!
a true legend. The one who got lots of alpine folks into bluegrass
Alpine folks, like the European Alps?
The reason I bought a banjo. Great video. Wheeling west Virginia.
Probably the reason many a picker picked it up. Thanks for stopping by!
The best ever
🎉 for Mr. Scruggs, the coolest banjo picker who ever lived. My God I love that mountain music!!!! 😂 Classically trained blues guitarist, had to pawn my 5 string 50 years ago for food 😮. Could never play a sad song on it.
Steve Martin also famously said that, that you can't play sad music on a banjo. Earl's music is timeless.
Nice documentary! Thanks!
Thank you too!
Great video. Thanks.
Thank you!
He was a very fine guitar picker as well.
A true gentle-man, all class!
I love Earl Scruggs.
Excelente
Calling from France, i discover Scrugg and Flatt and Marty Stuart since i heard this kind of music 10 years ago from a french singer and guitarist : Sanseverino. Listen to his album : Honky tonk ! especialy the song : "tu n'en n'a plus rien à foutre de moi" wich means : " you don't even f****g care about me". One of my favorite from his discography. AND I LOVE THIS STYLE OF MUSIC. Thank you for this video.
Must check that out. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching!
@@GEEKORMAN In fact its the previous album "les faux talbins here > ruclips.net/video/Pt9RRZYj-ek/видео.html
Excellent, excellent video. Loved it! Thanks ♡♡
Thank you!
I'm a rhythm guitarist and currently learning harmonica so I figured I wanted to learn the banjo
No one could make that banjo sound like earl
He was truly one of a kind.
Claw hammer can be super loud it depends on how the banjo is made, longer scale, tighter head etc.
Good point!
I like the way that ole' timey music just keeps influencing serious musicians all over the world. There's a video called "Gods Frontiersmen" that celebrates their Scots-Irish roots in Ulster, Ireland. Watch it my friends...
Thanks! Will definitely check that out!
Rueben and Cumberland Gap are my favorites, and FMB of course…
Not only are all those great tunes, but they are all classic.
The Best There Ever Was. imo.
Definitely!
"The Best There Ever Was. -imo- "
Fixed it for ya' =)
I disagree about claw hammer not being loud. Back in my county we only used a banjo for square dances. Watch Clifton hicks hook and line and tell me it’s not loud
That opinion on claw hammer not being as loud isn't mine; it comes from players I know or have seen and statements I've read about the techniques. I don't think claw hammer can't be also loud, but Scruggs style certainly does make for loud, bright notes.
I think it’s according to who’s playing or played it. Naturally picks are gonna make the Scruggs style louder but people like Grand Pa Jones, Stringbean and especially Bashful Brother Oswald (Pete Kirby) could get a lot of distance out of their playing.
One other thing it was Lester who ask Earl about a reunion and Earl said yes but first Lester you need to concentrate on getting well.
Evidently he hasn't heard Grandpa Jones or old Stringbean hammer claw a banjo. Earls three finger roll made him famous. The man literally made a banjo talk
Scruggs.. is a North Carolinian.... which is what state I'm from!! That means Earls picking is the correct way! 👍
The steel finger picks help making the banjo very loud.
I got to see Earl and Lester in Holden WV in the mid 1950ies my mother paid 25 cents for the tickets. I’ll never forget it
That had to be incredible!
Earl Scruggs, the Andres Segovia of the bluegrass banjo.
What is the song in the beginning
That’s “Reuben,” a Flatt & Scruggs tune.
Ruben
@@timothynichols6629 Love that one as well!
The tuners were known as "Keith (Bill) and Scruggs" tuners. I believe Jimmy Page uses them in some of his compositions.
Thank you!
His flat head banjo really had a crisp sound like one with an arched tone ring. I remember him saying there were no two banjos that sounded alike. Unlike his, some have a hollow cheap sound like the one I had.😠
Great playing isn’t about just speed and complexity, it’s about tone. He just happened to have all of that.
❤️
War of God