Thanks for having us Rob! Your ability to pickup and play was impressive as all get out...but your vibe and passion for inspiring people to learn about and play music is SO important and admirable. Love, Ben + the Henhouse Prowlers.
@@nlothervoicessc4286 Pedant much? Yes, literally it is not the same genre, instruments, style etc. But there's similarities that AREN'T those that's being compared.
Guy explaining to Rob what a hammer-on was was funny to me. "I know you're a pro musician" to " This is how you do a hammer on!" You can tell this guy loves his craft and really cares about teaching it as thoroughly as possible. Awesome!
18:22 the disconnect between Rob throwing out American Football as the obvious midwest emo touchstone and Ben going "that's a band?" is very funny to me, it really shows how wide the music world is, where two professional musicians have completely different points of reference despite playing genres of music that are extremely american specific. Also Rob managing to find the kentucky sound only to go back to his roots the second his hands land on the cello banjo is very funny. Great vid as usual and the full band at the end sounds great!
its wild to me that a performing musician wouldnt know american football but tbf if this man named 3 bluegrass bands and 1 memphis gang i wouldnt be able to point out which isnt a band
It's because Rob usually finds some of the best people at their instrument and when you get that good you realize gatekeeping and being "snooty" as he said in the video is the opposite of that music should be about.
@@nickpiazza5890 I don't want to waste my time with someone learning their instrument when I know how to play mine there's no snoot simple incompatibility I don't think people should be jamming and starting bands with people of a much higher skill level because it's wastes people's time music is about fun at the end of the day but you can't have fun if you can't play
@@redlight3932 you're talking of something different. I feel both op's use of "gatekeeping" and Ben's use of "snooty" are both talking about " isn't real "; " is not how you play ". it's not about "experience", it's about "experimenting".
@@redlight3932 lmao this is such a dumb opinion. I’ve been playing multiple instruments for 18 years and playing with people that aren’t at your level can be an awesome way to see how differently people approach an instrument. I learn from those people.
You consistently get such interesting, personable people for these videos and it makes them so much fun and so informative regardless of the instrument!
I know Rob already dug into pipe organs at a more local church but I'd love to see a trip to England to talk with Anna Lapwood and experience the Royal Albert hall organ. I'm sure Mary Spender would be happy to do a European road trip with him to visit other musicians and learn more about different musical traditions.
I love how respectful Rob Scallon is of the instrument, the instrumentalists, the culture, and the history of the instruments and genre. It's very clear that this is just a man trying to learn as much as he can about something he's passionate about. Truly one of my favorite content creators out there.
"I'm trying to figure out the directions to get my banjo to Kentucky." LMFAO I love this sentence so much... Like, it seems like such nonsense, but also I understand EXACTLY what you're saying. lmfao
I don’t think the banjo gets enough respect from the vast majority of people. I think we look down on it as a culture as unrefined and backwater. This guy absolutely slaps. it’s fantastic. Bluegrass is all too underrated
@@yungpm you need to re-read my comment. WE is the majority of the work-a-day folk. If you don’t think people have preconceived notions then you are mistaken. I didn’t say anything bad, just an observation of the masses listening to top 40 etc…
@@erinmalone2669 yeah I’m well aware people have preconceived notions. but I’m saying don’t say WE like EVERYONE believes that banjos come from a “unrefined and backwater” culture. That’s all you who said that and thought it.
That difference between the F over G and the F# over G is what's sometimes called the 'high lonesome sound' that comes from playing minor pentatonics over major chords.
yes! it's those minor pentatonics that make the 'blue' sound, both in bluegrass and in blues! bb king's characteristic modulation between the two really outlines this
@@nicreven Not exactly. It's still based out of a pentatonic scale. Some of the players are definitely using the mixolydian mode, but I would venture that they're not thinking of it in those terms.
@@nicreven well mixolydian is major. Meaning it has a major 3rd. Its a major scale with a flat 7 is all. What everyone else is talking about is just doing the minor pentatonic over the major key. Like try playing an Emaj7 Amaj7 and Bdom7 chord progression(I-IV-I-IV-V-IV-I) and just play the e minor pentatonic over it and it sounds GREAT despite the flat 3 of the minor pentatonic being technically out of key it sounds so bluesy and great. You can also do E Maj pentatonic over it too, obviously, but i mean in the same jam, like just switch between them every 12 bars or something. Also mixolydian isnt the only mode with a flat 7. Phrygian has it same with Dorian. Oh and more obviously, aeolian aka minor. But just simply playing minor pentatonic over major is bluesy af you dont even need to add a flat 5th which is the blue note in a minor blues scale.
Ben is not only a great banjo player, but also a terrific speaker. He is also one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet! If you ever get the chance, go see him perform with the Henhouse Prowlers. They're a great group of guys and are always entertaining.
How cool is the guy just reading newspaper in the background? Great video. And very informative as usual. Thank you. The joy on Rob’s face is absolutely priceless.
There's something really magical when musicians get a chance to sit and talk with other musicians, especially when their individual styles and tastes are vastly different. Nobody besides musicians would initially think that bluegrass would have anything to do with metal, but here we are
I love these videos. Not only do I get to learn about all kinds of instruments, but the best part is seeing the joy. No matter what instrument it is, it always seems like both you and the expert have fun and really enjoy what you're doing together.
This is killer. I absolutely love the banjo. Growing up my uncle (who happened to be blind) was a banjo player. I have always loved that sound. Add in some fiddle and I can't say no.
@@JohnFaulkner56 His brother, who was also blind, played the trumpet. They were in a trio and played paid gigs for decades until the pandemic. They certainly were determined individuals. Both worked their whole lives as well as playing music, even though with their disability, they didn't have to work. Unfortunately, my uncle rick, the banjo player, passed away before they were able to play together again live.
Playing an instrument while blind is not that challenging once you get past the initial familiarization. Once you get better, muscle memory takes over so you can focus more on performance.
@@TheBigburcie Are you blind Bruce? Because if you were, and could really comment on the difficulties of being blind in relation to an instrument, you would realize that being blind also requires you to learn almost everything completely by ear. Not to mention playing llive shows without the aid of visual cues, especially in the improv heavy genres of bluegrass and jazz that the banjo is featured in.
My uncle played banjo in a dixieland jazz band. He played 4-string flat pick style, and was always a little irritated by people asking him about bluegrass and other finger-picking styles, but as a banjo player he always had the self-deprecating humor that comes with the instrument.
As a metalhead, I heard a lot of bluegrass growing up. My dad played banjo in a few bands and summer weekends were spent at the camp or bluegrass festivals. As a kid, you have an idea that it's fast but now as a middle aged adult, I really appreciate the skill level. Also his main banjo was way more expensive than even my EBMM, he had a Stelling Staghorn. And unfortunately a stand up bass that I was force to play when he was learning new songs :P
the whole Illinois Kentucky sound thing Rob brought up is very interesting, especially since I've been listening to Sufjan Steven's Illinois record (as well as Michigan) and the banjo playing he does feels like what he's describing here making it distinctly not bluegrassy sounding when it does appear. Btw if you haven't heard those Sufjan albums... listen!!
I found your channel when I started playing guitar and within a year I coincidentally owned a banjo because I loved the sound of it. Then I discovered your banjo covers and fell in love even more. Despite that, I didn't know where to start and it ended up being wall decoration as I kept learning guitar. This video made me bring it back out and I already feel better than I was. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this channel!
I'm not even a musician, but this is my favorite video this month! I love watching people who are not only passionate about something, but are encouraging others to learn as well 👏
As a acoustic guitarist myself I always loved the banjo now after this video I have to get one for myself and try to learn this amazing sound thanks for inspiring me to finally try a other instrument and also genre PS: Rob pleeeease continue to make such great content I cant get enough and Ben Wright you are amazing, thank you for sharing your wisdom
@Mike Bastiat i just asked to confirm if you mean him and yeah im kind of a fan i like when people give me suggestion wich artist might be good in a specific genre but i guess you just wanna insult me for liking something new but if you have some other artist to recommend please do but if you feel the need to insult some random guy on the internet please feel free to do if you need it
It's great watching two fellow musicians getting along so well and just having fun. One comment though as a bass player and drummer: whenever the bassist kicks in it all gets 10x better! 😀
These are the most interesting videos. Rob is so good at keeping up the engagement with the guests while making sure they feel welcome and comfortable. Rob's always so excited to learn.
This video is so amazing. Ben's banjo looks just like how my dad's does after he'd been playing for over 50 years. Just absolutely wonderful. Really makes me remember dad.
Man, Rob nailed it when he said the banjo is literally just a drum head. You can almost hear a sort of short, snappy snare when they all go to play even though there is no drum kit in site. It's nothing short of amazing!
I said this before, but I just have to say it again. These videos are what I love this channel for, and I see myself in this kind of videos. Please! Keep them up!
Dude those “slow” parts really give me Outer Wilds vibes and i’m all in for it ! Another great vid about an instrument i wasn’t interested in at first but finished by loving it, thanks for the content, you are the best !
I’m a music teacher and I spent some time in Boone North Carolina at app state for a class with some real folksy and bluegrassy folks and one of the things that I was most impressed by was their knowledge of modal stuff. That’s what that F is in “G major” you’re really using G as your anchor in what is c mixolydian. Mixolydian has always had a warm earthy feel to me and I love that it is something that you identify as bluegrass because I love bluegrass
Here in Brazil there is a regional genre called Baião in which mixolydian is really common, and I also associate it with this earthy feel. Check out the song Baião by Luiz Gonzaga.
Interesting you should say that. I thought I was picking up on a mixolydian sound. That would probably align with the Irish roots of bluegrass he mentioned.
It’s fascinating how willing rob is to be taught, once u get to his level it’s hard to keep that attitude, like no shit rob knows how to hammer on and pull off but he’s willing to listen to his guest and re learn it. Takes a lot of humility
That was great, just like the whole series of "learn the instrument". Such a respectful and humble exchange of ideas from two excellent musicians, and we all benefit. 🥰
This is what I love about Rob. He's a TRUE music lover. He may have his preferences that he leans towards more often than not..... but there is no musical style or instrument that he doesn't like.
I only moved to the US a couple years ago so I’ve never heard Banjo before then and there’s something so nice about the sound and speed of it. Great player and great video
I mostly listen to heavy rock, but started listening to Earl Scruggs etc. a few years back just for the melodies and rolling licks. Ben Wright and Rob do a fantastic job of communicating the fun that can be had with this great instrument and genre of music. Thanks!
Growing up in the Blue Ridge mountains ironically I used to hate having to listen to bluegrass and country as a kid. I cut my teeth on metal and punk rock, but later in life learned to appreciate all walks of life and music, and always played many instruments coming from a musical family. It's full circle for me watching you try and play bluegrass. Amazing video, people, musicians all, thanks for this. I have such an eclectic taste for music now :D
I love during the interview portion, Jon is just chilling reading the paper in the background. Great production call. 11:03 play it back a 2x speed. That's would be how it is after a week of practice for me. Great episode. Thanks.
Always a treat😮to watch Rob’s joy at learning a new instrument. It’s so inspiring. Rob, you’ve got to start teaching more metal to these guys. Cross pollination of genres.
This content is so awesome to watch. Seeing Rob, who loves music and playing instruments, talk to other musicians who share the same passion as Rob is so cool and just heartwarming. By far my favorite series of videos on RUclips.
You, Sir, are one of the finest musicians around. Love these journeys as you conquer them all. All the best to you and yours from North Nottinghamshire UK 🎸👌
You are literally a student of music. I love your videos amd that they are so damn diverse. You being so down to earth and overall a great player with a great personality just makes it so much better! All the best mister Scallon💯
Bluegrass is my dad's favorite genre, but I've never really enjoyed it. Now that you've shown it a little deeper from a musical talent perspective, I've got something to connect with him over just in time for Father's Day :) Thanks for what you do man, and I'm looking forward to seeing more instruments!
There's musicians who are bluegrass adjacent that could be great gateway drugs to get into it a bit more. Nickel Creek, Punch Brothers (both featuring the absolutely insane mandolin work and vocals of Chris Thile), Sarah Jarosz, Bela Fleck.... If you're coming at it thinking it's adjacent to country music, I could see resistance (I generally hate mainstream country and felt this way). I'm a guitar player but my mom was a choir director so I'm also drawn to the vocal harmonies in bluegrass.
I agree with everything Bruce said here! I kinda thought bluegrass was a little hokey when my grandpa would blast it when I was younger, but Nickel Creek and Béla Fleck really got my attention. Now it’s one of my favourite things to listen to and play, plus the connections and crossovers it has with Celtic and trad music make it even more of a deep dive. Good luck with your music journey! I truly believe there is something for everyone in any genre if they’re willing to listen! ☺️
as a historian, i deeply appreciate the fact that he honours the history of the instrument. it's so beautiful and important. what an incredible ambassador for the instrument.
Great video! Keep up the great work! ☺👍 I really the videos where you introduce and learn about other instruments like this. Since you've looked into the theremin and the koto, I think you might want to check out Vanessa Vo Van-Anh, a Vietnamese-American instrumentalist who tries to push the boundaries of the "dan bau", a modern iteration of a traditional Vietnamese instrument that has only one-string and exclusively uses harmonics principle (some people have compared its appearance and sound to a theremin). She can play both the traditional Vietnamese repertoire, and modern ones-she even played Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" on "dan bau" once. Love from Vietnam!
This was so much fun. I got my banjo for my birthday last year and am very excited to get better. Also, discussing the history about the banjo and they way y’all did, was very appreciated. Keep up the good vibes, y’all! 🤘🏾 Oh my goodness, he’s playing the guitar with his picks?! Ah, rad!
Picked up a banjo to try and learn during the initial quarantine three years ago. Never ended up learning and seeing this video made me want to try and pick it up again
Rob for years you've made me smile and kept me in love with the discovery in music, that we so often tend to forget. I love ya man, you're really important!
This is really making me want to try the banjo again. My uncle has like 4 banjos, both 4 and 5 string and one without frets and he plays so effortlessly. It would be great to be able to learn a string instrument like that
hearing Rob just directly reference towns I live near and the associated culture was so fun, I’ve played midwest emo since before I knew the genre had a name and can confirm that being sad in a Honda Civic while driving around Champaign is my favorite pastime
My stepdad and my mom’s best friend were both bluegrass musicians when I was growing up. Going to bluegrass festivals when I was just a little kid are still some of my fondest musical memories.
Growing up, I was never into country music but when I heard this type of music, I liked it more. Eventually I found out this was bluegrass. I guess I like that folky sound. I feel like being in a cabin in the Appalachian mountains or taking a train ride.... through the Appalachian mountains in the late 1800's. I also figured out I like zydeco music.
I’ve been privileged to share the stage with Ben several times before. Those guys are great folks. So cool to see them on Robs channel. I’ve been a long time viewer of this channel and to wake up and see familiar faces on my favorite channel is great!!
My friend started to play the Banjo and he uses the Claw Hammer technique (or something like that). It would be great to have a similar session with that technique.
So I play the banjo. I know a lot of Rob's audience is probably heavy metal and rock guys. I want y'all to appreciate this instrument. I still hear him interpreting it from his point of view from someone who plays guitar and it's an interesting and fascinating dichotomy to me. Like I don't think of the f shape when he was doing that little lick. It's just part of the classic slide in lick that we do.
I genuinely love these videos so much, it is _so_ much fun watching you learn how to play an instrument from a professional. You are just so curious, and watching the pros have to stop and think about things that just comes naturally to them is one of my favorite parts of this whole series. Thanks for being rad, Rob.
Only Rob could make a video about an instrument I don't care about in the slightest and I would instantly watch it edit: i did not expect to get completely get blasted for this lol, the sound of banjo is just very different from sounds associated with types of music I like
Let me ask you something. Why doesn't the banjo appeal to you? I love bluegrass music so I know people just like different things. I'm genuinely serious.
@@huliniswhoiam excuse me for jumping in…the banjo’s basic tone and lack of sustain make it much more difficult for guitar players to get into. And then you throw in insane fingerpicking and we are beyond intimidated. It’s the opposite of heavy rock guitar.
@@mattfleming2287 Like the guy said in the video though I know it can be intimidating. But there are so many different ways to play it. I mean it's folk music so it's not like there's necessarily one right way to play it.
@@huliniswhoiam I just never listen to music that has banjos in it so I have a hard time really being excited about it. I feel the same way about something like cello.
@@lonelyfloat2582 I would encourage you to get out there. Maybe listen to something that you don't. Maybe pursue something that has banjo in it and just see how it strikes you. I mean you'll never know until you dip your toes out there. I think being a good well-rounded musician or not just musician. But appreciator of music is about exposing yourself to as much as you can
I love how these videos breakdown music theory and styles so that non-musicians and musicians can understand. I also love how you two share insights and thought processes. You can truly feel the connection and the love of music. Also, the arpeggios sounded like Bach and Mozart. Kind of gives the banjo a clavichord-, or harpsichord-type of vibe.
The F natural Rob talks about around 12:25 - 14:30ish (etc.) is a part of the G mixolydian scale. This is probably derivative from European (most probably Irish) folk music, which is in turn derived from the 'church' modes, popular throughout all European music before about 1650. The mixolydian mode (a major scale with a flat 7th) and the dorian mode (minor with flat 7) are both automatic ways to make music sound 'folksy', because of their ancient European connotations.
This video was so wholesome, just a hanging out with some professional bluegrass musicians and learning the bluegrass banjo. I loved every second of it!
Scruggs was from North Carolina. Learned to play banjo on a Carolina farm with Carolina folks. So in a big way this is Carolina style banjo. Not Kentucky, as was mentioned a number of times in this video.
I love how this entire series is essentially Rob hanging out with famous musicians and demonstrating, with the upmost respect and enthusiasm, that given about fifteen minutes' practice he can do their jobs.
Rob, I've been watching your videos since I heard "I Should Spend More Time With You" all those years ago and I just wanna let you know that your content has never been better. These kinds of videos are some of my favorites ever since you started them and they're just SO dang cool. Your humor comes across very well to keep everything light and I learn to love instruments I never would have paid much attention to. Your stuff with Andrew is also just *chef's kiss*. I remember when I thought you got your first "big break" by being included in that Freddie Wong video with Tom Ska so long ago. I was so excited to see a fellow Chicagoan come up in popularity. Keep making awesome stuff Rob!!!
I love that you explore so many different types of music and instruments, and you do it so well. I hope you open people's eyes that there is greatness in all music.
Rob you nailed it, you found your way all the way to Kentucky from the Midwest. Maybe next you can explore the clawhammer style of banjo? it's a bit closer to the strum and slap you know from guitar. Please keep inspiring everyone to explore music for fun.
Holy shit! That was amazing, i’m a big bluegrass fan and man that was pretty impressive! I could go on and on for days, about how well you picked that up, and also i could tell how much bluegrass music meant to you. Ben is just an absolute master at his craft, and you made it to kentucky my friend!🔥
This completely demystified the banjo for me. I've tried playing it a few times and could never get over the strange string and couldn't wrap my head around how quickly they play. Simply describing the roll technique and the function of the drone string and I'm set to rip
I really loved this! Since leaving the US, i have realized that bluegrass music makes me super happy when i hear it! My uncle Jack, and step-grandad Troy Howell use to come up from KY (to Ohio) at christmas and we'd all play soke bluegrass. It was always fun! Grew up with it. Grew up playing it (on guitar). So yeah! Great stuff here Rob!!
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
I absolutely love the upright bass player just chilling in the back the whole video with his newspaper. Great vibes.
That's me during jazz band practice sometimes lol
I thought he was taking the piss but he really was reading the paper.
Gotta love it
I DIDNT EVEN NOTICE
I was wondering if someone was going to call that out! haha
Thanks for having us Rob! Your ability to pickup and play was impressive as all get out...but your vibe and passion for inspiring people to learn about and play music is SO important and admirable. Love, Ben + the Henhouse Prowlers.
You guys are so awesome! I loved the sort of visual subversion of a Bluegrass Banjo player wearing a Japanese pop tee shirt!
Hope yous laid that down proper. That sounded fresh and modern. Not abusive like some of today's "bluegrass". More like Ricky Skaggs did in the '80s.
Seeing you on here was extremely unexpected and awesome! Been a fan since 06 with 30 years of farming and homegrown tomatoes!!
sweet!
@@bluesmcgroove a Tshirt for a video game store in Seattle of all things
Rob's "hang out with great musicians and vibe" era is amazing to see
Couldn’t agree more.
Love it.
"I think bluegrass is pretty punk rock" is one of the funniest sentences I've heard in my life, and the best part is that it's not wrong lol
There’s blackgrass too, rail yard ghosts, hell the goddamn gallows are good banjo punk
Yes it is wrong.
@@nlothervoicessc4286 Pedant much? Yes, literally it is not the same genre, instruments, style etc.
But there's similarities that AREN'T those that's being compared.
Ya it's more metal actually ha. Vibe n technical n sound @@nlothervoicessc4286
It's wrong
I love how Jon Goldfine (the bass player) spent most of the video just quietly reading his newspaper in the background. :D
lol why did he decide to read his newpaper in the background shot of the camera?
@@TheChillMelodist comedy
@@TheChillMelodist adds to the atmosphere
Where did he get a newspaper these days? I didn’t know they still sold them.
“Nah. You boys go have your fun. Let me know when you’re ready to play for real again.”
Honestly… the most bass player sentence ever haha
Guy explaining to Rob what a hammer-on was was funny to me. "I know you're a pro musician" to " This is how you do a hammer on!" You can tell this guy loves his craft and really cares about teaching it as thoroughly as possible. Awesome!
18:22 the disconnect between Rob throwing out American Football as the obvious midwest emo touchstone and Ben going "that's a band?" is very funny to me, it really shows how wide the music world is, where two professional musicians have completely different points of reference despite playing genres of music that are extremely american specific. Also Rob managing to find the kentucky sound only to go back to his roots the second his hands land on the cello banjo is very funny. Great vid as usual and the full band at the end sounds great!
Earl Scurggs walked so Mike Kinsella could run.
its wild to me that a performing musician wouldnt know american football but tbf if this man named 3 bluegrass bands and 1 memphis gang i wouldnt be able to point out which isnt a band
Heavy metal was invented in england!! :)
Being a professional musican anywhere doesn't mean that you automatically know the national sports.
@@albo3music Yeah, and banjo originated from Africa and yet it's still strongly associated with the American south instead. What's your point?
Love how gatekeeping is just the antithesis of Rob's vibe, and somehow everyone he finds is the exact same way. Wish this video was eight hours long.
It's because Rob usually finds some of the best people at their instrument and when you get that good you realize gatekeeping and being "snooty" as he said in the video is the opposite of that music should be about.
@@nickpiazza5890 I don't want to waste my time with someone learning their instrument when I know how to play mine there's no snoot simple incompatibility I don't think people should be jamming and starting bands with people of a much higher skill level because it's wastes people's time music is about fun at the end of the day but you can't have fun if you can't play
@@redlight3932 you're talking of something different. I feel both op's use of "gatekeeping" and Ben's use of "snooty" are both talking about " isn't real "; " is not how you play ". it's not about "experience", it's about "experimenting".
Actual musicians are rarely the gatekeepers. It's usually the fans who think they know how it should be. And the old heads of course
@@redlight3932 lmao this is such a dumb opinion. I’ve been playing multiple instruments for 18 years and playing with people that aren’t at your level can be an awesome way to see how differently people approach an instrument. I learn from those people.
You consistently get such interesting, personable people for these videos and it makes them so much fun and so informative regardless of the instrument!
Thank you so much!
Getting to meet all these incredible people is one of my favorite parts about this job.
Right? It's like Chicago is some magical city where you can find sitar players, church organist, whatever, all personable, passionate and articulate.
I know Rob already dug into pipe organs at a more local church but I'd love to see a trip to England to talk with Anna Lapwood and experience the Royal Albert hall organ. I'm sure Mary Spender would be happy to do a European road trip with him to visit other musicians and learn more about different musical traditions.
and he's got Twooba...
@@iskandertime747 all with good senses of humor too! Rob is a great soul that attracts amazing people!
I love how respectful Rob Scallon is of the instrument, the instrumentalists, the culture, and the history of the instruments and genre. It's very clear that this is just a man trying to learn as much as he can about something he's passionate about. Truly one of my favorite content creators out there.
iys the thired hardest sting insterment to learn
Love the dude reading the times in the background while the other two talk
He has a soul and spirit that is so giving
I appreciate Rob's consideration of gesamtkunstwerk in his videos
21 0:00
Hey was my banjo teacher in Chicago over 15 years ago, Ben is awesome!
"I'm trying to figure out the directions to get my banjo to Kentucky."
LMFAO I love this sentence so much... Like, it seems like such nonsense, but also I understand EXACTLY what you're saying. lmfao
Also, wouldn't a G scale with an F be G Mixolydian? (I barely know what I'm talking about lol)
God that would make an awesome lyric lol
@@bronsoncarder2491 I think they're just doing the blues thing where you solo in minor over major chords
@@bronsoncarder2491Correct. Mixolydian is a major scale with a b7.
I don’t think the banjo gets enough respect from the vast majority of people. I think we look down on it as a culture as unrefined and backwater. This guy absolutely slaps. it’s fantastic. Bluegrass is all too underrated
We? Don’t drag us into your preconceived notions about instruments 😭
@@yungpm you need to re-read my comment. WE is the majority of the work-a-day folk. If you don’t think people have preconceived notions then you are mistaken. I didn’t say anything bad, just an observation of the masses listening to top 40 etc…
@@erinmalone2669 yeah I’m well aware people have preconceived notions. but I’m saying don’t say WE like EVERYONE believes that banjos come from a “unrefined and backwater” culture. That’s all you who said that and thought it.
Fun fact until electric guitar came about banjo was the most popular instrument in the world. Used from everything from jazz to country to orchestras.
El principio del banjo es la guitarra clásica es simple si no sabes guitarra clásica sería muy difícil tocarlo !
That difference between the F over G and the F# over G is what's sometimes called the 'high lonesome sound' that comes from playing minor pentatonics over major chords.
yes! it's those minor pentatonics that make the 'blue' sound, both in bluegrass and in blues! bb king's characteristic modulation between the two really outlines this
@@skateify31 Yeah, I immediately thought "oh, it's just a different style of playing the blues"!
isn't that technically mixolydian btw?
@@nicreven Not exactly. It's still based out of a pentatonic scale. Some of the players are definitely using the mixolydian mode, but I would venture that they're not thinking of it in those terms.
@@nicreven well mixolydian is major. Meaning it has a major 3rd. Its a major scale with a flat 7 is all. What everyone else is talking about is just doing the minor pentatonic over the major key. Like try playing an Emaj7 Amaj7 and Bdom7 chord progression(I-IV-I-IV-V-IV-I) and just play the e minor pentatonic over it and it sounds GREAT despite the flat 3 of the minor pentatonic being technically out of key it sounds so bluesy and great. You can also do E Maj pentatonic over it too, obviously, but i mean in the same jam, like just switch between them every 12 bars or something. Also mixolydian isnt the only mode with a flat 7. Phrygian has it same with Dorian. Oh and more obviously, aeolian aka minor. But just simply playing minor pentatonic over major is bluesy af you dont even need to add a flat 5th which is the blue note in a minor blues scale.
Ben is not only a great banjo player, but also a terrific speaker. He is also one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet! If you ever get the chance, go see him perform with the Henhouse Prowlers. They're a great group of guys and are always entertaining.
How cool is the guy just reading newspaper in the background? Great video. And very informative as usual. Thank you. The joy on Rob’s face is absolutely priceless.
There's something really magical when musicians get a chance to sit and talk with other musicians, especially when their individual styles and tastes are vastly different. Nobody besides musicians would initially think that bluegrass would have anything to do with metal, but here we are
I love these videos. Not only do I get to learn about all kinds of instruments, but the best part is seeing the joy. No matter what instrument it is, it always seems like both you and the expert have fun and really enjoy what you're doing together.
Rob your ability to pick up any instrument on this earth and play it well is mind boggling! Shoutout to the band and to Ben for being awesome!
This is killer. I absolutely love the banjo. Growing up my uncle (who happened to be blind) was a banjo player. I have always loved that sound. Add in some fiddle and I can't say no.
Thats pretty impressive to learn an instrument blind. Your uncle sounds like an absolute legend man💯
@@JohnFaulkner56 His brother, who was also blind, played the trumpet. They were in a trio and played paid gigs for decades until the pandemic. They certainly were determined individuals. Both worked their whole lives as well as playing music, even though with their disability, they didn't have to work. Unfortunately, my uncle rick, the banjo player, passed away before they were able to play together again live.
Playing an instrument while blind is not that challenging once you get past the initial familiarization. Once you get better, muscle memory takes over so you can focus more on performance.
@@TheBigburcie Are you blind Bruce? Because if you were, and could really comment on the difficulties of being blind in relation to an instrument, you would realize that being blind also requires you to learn almost everything completely by ear. Not to mention playing llive shows without the aid of visual cues, especially in the improv heavy genres of bluegrass and jazz that the banjo is featured in.
My uncle played banjo in a dixieland jazz band. He played 4-string flat pick style, and was always a little irritated by people asking him about bluegrass and other finger-picking styles, but as a banjo player he always had the self-deprecating humor that comes with the instrument.
Banjos are incredibly fun to play. If youre an intermediate or professional guitarist youll know how VASTLY it opens your mind to music in general.
I can't wait to get one after learning in intermediate guitar at my school for the upcoming school year my senior year.
As a metalhead, I heard a lot of bluegrass growing up. My dad played banjo in a few bands and summer weekends were spent at the camp or bluegrass festivals. As a kid, you have an idea that it's fast but now as a middle aged adult, I really appreciate the skill level. Also his main banjo was way more expensive than even my EBMM, he had a Stelling Staghorn. And unfortunately a stand up bass that I was force to play when he was learning new songs :P
It's very similar I think
Your story is a lot like mine.
the whole Illinois Kentucky sound thing Rob brought up is very interesting, especially since I've been listening to Sufjan Steven's Illinois record (as well as Michigan) and the banjo playing he does feels like what he's describing here making it distinctly not bluegrassy sounding when it does appear. Btw if you haven't heard those Sufjan albums... listen!!
Sufjan got me into banjo playing years ago.. need to pick it back up… I got it when he said Illinois sound lol
I found your channel when I started playing guitar and within a year I coincidentally owned a banjo because I loved the sound of it. Then I discovered your banjo covers and fell in love even more. Despite that, I didn't know where to start and it ended up being wall decoration as I kept learning guitar. This video made me bring it back out and I already feel better than I was. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this channel!
Ben Wright is awesome and I appreciate how wholesome and encouraging he was during your lesson time.
So fun! I play the upright bass...my fingers are itching!😊
Way to go!
My late grandfather played double bass professionally, but banjo was his love. Give it a go!
same :D
I'm not even a musician, but this is my favorite video this month! I love watching people who are not only passionate about something, but are encouraging others to learn as well 👏
As a acoustic guitarist myself I always loved the banjo
now after this video I have to get one for myself and try to learn this amazing sound
thanks for inspiring me to finally try a other instrument and also genre
PS: Rob pleeeease continue to make such great content I cant get enough and Ben Wright you are amazing, thank you for sharing your wisdom
@Mike Bastiat do you mean Billy Strings?
@Mike Bastiat i just asked to confirm if you mean him and yeah im kind of a fan
i like when people give me suggestion wich artist might be good in a specific genre
but i guess you just wanna insult me for liking something new
but if you have some other artist to recommend please do
but if you feel the need to insult some random guy on the internet please feel free to do if you need it
It's great watching two fellow musicians getting along so well and just having fun. One comment though as a bass player and drummer: whenever the bassist kicks in it all gets 10x better! 😀
These are the most interesting videos. Rob is so good at keeping up the engagement with the guests while making sure they feel welcome and comfortable.
Rob's always so excited to learn.
This video is so amazing. Ben's banjo looks just like how my dad's does after he'd been playing for over 50 years. Just absolutely wonderful. Really makes me remember dad.
Man, Rob nailed it when he said the banjo is literally just a drum head. You can almost hear a sort of short, snappy snare when they all go to play even though there is no drum kit in site. It's nothing short of amazing!
I said this before, but I just have to say it again. These videos are what I love this channel for, and I see myself in this kind of videos. Please! Keep them up!
I really love how the guests in the "instrument series" talk bout them with so much passion, it makes ma want to buy one and learn how to play it.
Do it! You will not regret it!
@@nickp440 One problem : money !!
Dude those “slow” parts really give me Outer Wilds vibes and i’m all in for it ! Another great vid about an instrument i wasn’t interested in at first but finished by loving it, thanks for the content, you are the best !
I’m a music teacher and I spent some time in Boone North Carolina at app state for a class with some real folksy and bluegrassy folks and one of the things that I was most impressed by was their knowledge of modal stuff.
That’s what that F is in “G major” you’re really using G as your anchor in what is c mixolydian.
Mixolydian has always had a warm earthy feel to me and I love that it is something that you identify as bluegrass because I love bluegrass
Here in Brazil there is a regional genre called Baião in which mixolydian is really common, and I also associate it with this earthy feel. Check out the song Baião by Luiz Gonzaga.
Interesting you should say that. I thought I was picking up on a mixolydian sound. That would probably align with the Irish roots of bluegrass he mentioned.
My favorite part of every one of these, is that moment where the guest musician fully grasps just how quickly you're able to pick up instruments!
It’s fascinating how willing rob is to be taught, once u get to his level it’s hard to keep that attitude, like no shit rob knows how to hammer on and pull off but he’s willing to listen to his guest and re learn it. Takes a lot of humility
That was great, just like the whole series of "learn the instrument". Such a respectful and humble exchange of ideas from two excellent musicians, and we all benefit. 🥰
This is what I love about Rob. He's a TRUE music lover. He may have his preferences that he leans towards more often than not..... but there is no musical style or instrument that he doesn't like.
This is one of the best series ever to be on youtube. So wholesome and fun to fall into every journey of interesting people and instruments!
I only moved to the US a couple years ago so I’ve never heard Banjo before then and there’s something so nice about the sound and speed of it. Great player and great video
I always love the way Rob systematically breaks down different musical styles, probably why he's so good at picking up new ones
I mostly listen to heavy rock, but started listening to Earl Scruggs etc. a few years back just for the melodies and rolling licks. Ben Wright and Rob do a fantastic job of communicating the fun that can be had with this great instrument and genre of music. Thanks!
Growing up in the Blue Ridge mountains ironically I used to hate having to listen to bluegrass and country as a kid. I cut my teeth on metal and punk rock, but later in life learned to appreciate all walks of life and music, and always played many instruments coming from a musical family. It's full circle for me watching you try and play bluegrass. Amazing video, people, musicians all, thanks for this. I have such an eclectic taste for music now :D
I love how proud he is of Rob at the end of the video as he steps back in and they double up on the banjo.
I love during the interview portion, Jon is just chilling reading the paper in the background. Great production call.
11:03 play it back a 2x speed. That's would be how it is after a week of practice for me.
Great episode. Thanks.
Always a treat😮to watch Rob’s joy at learning a new instrument. It’s so inspiring.
Rob, you’ve got to start teaching more metal to these guys. Cross pollination of genres.
This content is so awesome to watch. Seeing Rob, who loves music and playing instruments, talk to other musicians who share the same passion as Rob is so cool and just heartwarming. By far my favorite series of videos on RUclips.
thank you rob for constantly inspiring me to keep working towards music all these years. i absolutely love your content.
You, Sir, are one of the finest musicians around. Love these journeys as you conquer them all.
All the best to you and yours from North Nottinghamshire UK 🎸👌
You are literally a student of music. I love your videos amd that they are so damn diverse. You being so down to earth and overall a great player with a great personality just makes it so much better! All the best mister Scallon💯
That jam at the end is awesome! Super fun watching people learn bluegrass, or any new instrument in general
The banjo along with the accordion is one of those instruments that makes me smile everytime I hear it
Bluegrass is my dad's favorite genre, but I've never really enjoyed it. Now that you've shown it a little deeper from a musical talent perspective, I've got something to connect with him over just in time for Father's Day :)
Thanks for what you do man, and I'm looking forward to seeing more instruments!
There's musicians who are bluegrass adjacent that could be great gateway drugs to get into it a bit more. Nickel Creek, Punch Brothers (both featuring the absolutely insane mandolin work and vocals of Chris Thile), Sarah Jarosz, Bela Fleck.... If you're coming at it thinking it's adjacent to country music, I could see resistance (I generally hate mainstream country and felt this way). I'm a guitar player but my mom was a choir director so I'm also drawn to the vocal harmonies in bluegrass.
I agree with everything Bruce said here! I kinda thought bluegrass was a little hokey when my grandpa would blast it when I was younger, but Nickel Creek and Béla Fleck really got my attention. Now it’s one of my favourite things to listen to and play, plus the connections and crossovers it has with Celtic and trad music make it even more of a deep dive. Good luck with your music journey! I truly believe there is something for everyone in any genre if they’re willing to listen! ☺️
as a historian, i deeply appreciate the fact that he honours the history of the instrument. it's so beautiful and important. what an incredible ambassador for the instrument.
Great video! Keep up the great work! ☺👍 I really the videos where you introduce and learn about other instruments like this. Since you've looked into the theremin and the koto, I think you might want to check out Vanessa Vo Van-Anh, a Vietnamese-American instrumentalist who tries to push the boundaries of the "dan bau", a modern iteration of a traditional Vietnamese instrument that has only one-string and exclusively uses harmonics principle (some people have compared its appearance and sound to a theremin). She can play both the traditional Vietnamese repertoire, and modern ones-she even played Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" on "dan bau" once. Love from Vietnam!
This was so much fun. I got my banjo for my birthday last year and am very excited to get better. Also, discussing the history about the banjo and they way y’all did, was very appreciated. Keep up the good vibes, y’all! 🤘🏾
Oh my goodness, he’s playing the guitar with his picks?! Ah, rad!
I would LOVE to see Rob do a video on the Dobro. It’s such a beautiful instrument with a great sound
Me too! I'm a dobro player and I think he'd be really fascinated.
@@zanioso that’s awesome! I’ve always wanted to try it
I was thinking about him trying dobro during this video too! How fun would that be?
also a 4-string tenor banjo, and a mountain dulcimer
Picked up a banjo to try and learn during the initial quarantine three years ago. Never ended up learning and seeing this video made me want to try and pick it up again
Love your videos man! Been watching for years and your content is always amazing!
Thankyou 🫡
Yes! This is awesome, I’m a bluegrass/jazz mandolin player and I’ve wanted this from rob forever!
Im just amazed that the person in the background finds the newspaper more interesting! Amazing video as usual :)
Latest odds for the Kentucky Derby, prolly...
Rob for years you've made me smile and kept me in love with the discovery in music, that we so often tend to forget. I love ya man, you're really important!
This is really making me want to try the banjo again. My uncle has like 4 banjos, both 4 and 5 string and one without frets and he plays so effortlessly. It would be great to be able to learn a string instrument like that
Do it man!
hearing Rob just directly reference towns I live near and the associated culture was so fun, I’ve played midwest emo since before I knew the genre had a name and can confirm that being sad in a Honda Civic while driving around Champaign is my favorite pastime
The bubbliest, bounciest _Foggy Mountain Breakdown_ I’ve ever heard. ❤
My stepdad and my mom’s best friend were both bluegrass musicians when I was growing up. Going to bluegrass festivals when I was just a little kid are still some of my fondest musical memories.
Growing up, I was never into country music but when I heard this type of music, I liked it more. Eventually I found out this was bluegrass. I guess I like that folky sound. I feel like being in a cabin in the Appalachian mountains or taking a train ride.... through the Appalachian mountains in the late 1800's. I also figured out I like zydeco music.
I’ve been privileged to share the stage with Ben several times before. Those guys are great folks. So cool to see them on Robs channel. I’ve been a long time viewer of this channel and to wake up and see familiar faces on my favorite channel is great!!
My friend started to play the Banjo and he uses the Claw Hammer technique (or something like that). It would be great to have a similar session with that technique.
theres so much heart in yeer jam session. Love seeing people come together through a shared love of music
So I play the banjo. I know a lot of Rob's audience is probably heavy metal and rock guys. I want y'all to appreciate this instrument. I still hear him interpreting it from his point of view from someone who plays guitar and it's an interesting and fascinating dichotomy to me. Like I don't think of the f shape when he was doing that little lick. It's just part of the classic slide in lick that we do.
I genuinely love these videos so much, it is _so_ much fun watching you learn how to play an instrument from a professional. You are just so curious, and watching the pros have to stop and think about things that just comes naturally to them is one of my favorite parts of this whole series. Thanks for being rad, Rob.
Only Rob could make a video about an instrument I don't care about in the slightest and I would instantly watch it
edit: i did not expect to get completely get blasted for this lol, the sound of banjo is just very different from sounds associated with types of music I like
Let me ask you something. Why doesn't the banjo appeal to you? I love bluegrass music so I know people just like different things. I'm genuinely serious.
@@huliniswhoiam excuse me for jumping in…the banjo’s basic tone and lack of sustain make it much more difficult for guitar players to get into. And then you throw in insane fingerpicking and we are beyond intimidated. It’s the opposite of heavy rock guitar.
@@mattfleming2287 Like the guy said in the video though I know it can be intimidating. But there are so many different ways to play it. I mean it's folk music so it's not like there's necessarily one right way to play it.
@@huliniswhoiam I just never listen to music that has banjos in it so I have a hard time really being excited about it. I feel the same way about something like cello.
@@lonelyfloat2582 I would encourage you to get out there. Maybe listen to something that you don't. Maybe pursue something that has banjo in it and just see how it strikes you. I mean you'll never know until you dip your toes out there. I think being a good well-rounded musician or not just musician. But appreciator of music is about exposing yourself to as much as you can
I love how these videos breakdown music theory and styles so that non-musicians and musicians can understand. I also love how you two share insights and thought processes. You can truly feel the connection and the love of music. Also, the arpeggios sounded like Bach and Mozart. Kind of gives the banjo a clavichord-, or harpsichord-type of vibe.
Right at the end, I could hear a perfect opportunity for a harmonica or a fiddle solo. Either way, this is some impressive stuff.
Brother, your enthusiasm is beautiful. Thank you 🙏🏿
The F natural Rob talks about around 12:25 - 14:30ish (etc.) is a part of the G mixolydian scale. This is probably derivative from European (most probably Irish) folk music, which is in turn derived from the 'church' modes, popular throughout all European music before about 1650. The mixolydian mode (a major scale with a flat 7th) and the dorian mode (minor with flat 7) are both automatic ways to make music sound 'folksy', because of their ancient European connotations.
This video was so wholesome, just a hanging out with some professional bluegrass musicians and learning the bluegrass banjo. I loved every second of it!
Scruggs was from North Carolina. Learned to play banjo on a Carolina farm with Carolina folks.
So in a big way this is Carolina style banjo.
Not Kentucky, as was mentioned a number of times in this video.
I love the feels that come out of this channel. Rob so clearly loves music and I really need this positivity.
I love how this entire series is essentially Rob hanging out with famous musicians and demonstrating, with the upmost respect and enthusiasm, that given about fifteen minutes' practice he can do their jobs.
Rob, I've been watching your videos since I heard "I Should Spend More Time With You" all those years ago and I just wanna let you know that your content has never been better. These kinds of videos are some of my favorites ever since you started them and they're just SO dang cool. Your humor comes across very well to keep everything light and I learn to love instruments I never would have paid much attention to. Your stuff with Andrew is also just *chef's kiss*.
I remember when I thought you got your first "big break" by being included in that Freddie Wong video with Tom Ska so long ago. I was so excited to see a fellow Chicagoan come up in popularity. Keep making awesome stuff Rob!!!
Awesome video Rob makes me want to buy a banjo! Keep it up!
I love that you explore so many different types of music and instruments, and you do it so well. I hope you open people's eyes that there is greatness in all music.
Every time i hear a banjo I feel like I’m in a car chase and that’s a good thing.
in an old ford f-100 on a dirt road, i love that vibe
Rob you nailed it, you found your way all the way to Kentucky from the Midwest. Maybe next you can explore the clawhammer style of banjo? it's a bit closer to the strum and slap you know from guitar. Please keep inspiring everyone to explore music for fun.
Holy shit! That was amazing, i’m a big bluegrass fan and man that was pretty impressive! I could go on and on for days, about how well you picked that up, and also i could tell how much bluegrass music meant to you. Ben is just an absolute master at his craft, and you made it to kentucky my friend!🔥
man that was so much fun to watch - great synergy, great conversations, great musicianship!
Banjos always remind me of Balalaikas. Can you do a video learning it like this one?
This completely demystified the banjo for me. I've tried playing it a few times and could never get over the strange string and couldn't wrap my head around how quickly they play. Simply describing the roll technique and the function of the drone string and I'm set to rip
The bass player reading the newspaper in the background is a vibe.
I really loved this! Since leaving the US, i have realized that bluegrass music makes me super happy when i hear it! My uncle Jack, and step-grandad Troy Howell use to come up from KY (to Ohio) at christmas and we'd all play soke bluegrass. It was always fun! Grew up with it. Grew up playing it (on guitar). So yeah! Great stuff here Rob!!
Hearing y’all play makes me miss my sweet pawpaw 🙂
The way you both think about music is so beautiful.
23:54 a wild Twooba sighting
that cello banjo sounds incredible!! I'd love to get my hands on one of those, they occupy a really interesting textural area.