Today's Banjo Lesson

Look carefully at the fingers of my right hand above. Notice how the nail on my index finger is nicely rounded, while the nails on my middle and ring fingers are jagged. Such jagged fingernail shape is the result of banjo playing. Most banjo players who play in the "old-time" or "clawhammer" style do not use fingerpicks, and instead just use their fingernails. The result of playing the banjo with your fingernails is a softer, less piecing sound than using metal fingerpicks. The other result is misshapen and jagged fingernails. But most old-time banjo players are willing to put up with this cosmetic hazard of the trade. In fact, some proudly display their jagged fingernails as a "badge", proving to the world that they are genuine, old-time banjo players who haven't allowed themselves to be corrupted by such modern innovations as metal fingerpicks.

That's your banjo lesson for today. Stay tuned for more lessons later!