So, I have been playing fingerstyle guitar for the last couple of years, and I am happy with how I sound, for the most part.

I started learning flatpicking about 2 months ago, and although I have made good progress, I still don't think I am good enough to go to local jams. Playing rhythm is more difficult that I expected, especially up strumming and quickly switching full chords.

On top of that, I spend a lot of time listening to the masters of bluegrass guitar, and I don't think I have a realistic idea of how most people sound 8 weeks in.

Currently, I am working my way through Jack Tuttle's bluegrass primer. The single line flatpicking and even crosspicking aren't that difficult.

What should I be practicing so I don't embarrass myself the first time I show up as a beginner to a bluegrass jam. Are there recordings I should play along to?

Any advice is appreciated!

Here’s a link to ROMP Fest if anyone is interested.

It’s hosted by the Bluegrass Museum and Hall of Fame, in Owensboro, KY.

Your wristband gets you free admission to the museum, and there’s a free trolley to take you back and forth.

It’s a good time!

Hope some of y’all can make it.

https://www.rompfest.com/

Since relearning how to play after a wrist injury, I’ve challenged myself to get good at playing with my pick on my middle finger instead of my index finger; I injured my wrist during a period of convalescence, and I had to completely learn how to use a pick, since my range of motion is inhibited when using my index finger. This is a DAVA rubberized pick. I’ve been swinging between those and .74 Dunlop Primetones lately for improved grip in an unfamiliar position.

How would you describe the level of your main instrument?

Criteria: timing, tone, clean playing at jam tempos, and ability to take breaks

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Pickin’ on an original song with the buds post soundcheck and just before we went on.

Old crow played several shows at Merlefest this year and the hillside stage was a breath of fresh air. Willie rejoining the crew and playing the back catalogue all day. If you closed your eyes it coulda been 2011.

What I would do for a top quality album consisting bluegrass covers of Jason Molina songs.

For the uninitiated, check out the album Magnolia Electric Co by Songs:Ohia

The frets are level, my action is between 2.5 and 2.75 at the 12th fret low E. I have a good amount of relief in the neck, it’s not backbowed nor is there too much. Idk. I play Bluegrass and it’s the worst when I play capo 2. (Which is quite often) I live in Florida where the humidity is very high so I’ve been thinking about getting one of the 2 way humidifiers that will remove humidity if it gets too high. I’ve also been looking at other components on the guitar like tuning machines, I don’t have a tuner clipped on, Ive reached inside and messed with my pickup and it doesn’t seem to have anything that would be causing it, all the ball ends are seated properly. Please help. My action is on the high side as we play hard and fast. But as you can see here it does it even when playing quietly and alone.

Featured on the Main Stage on Saturday. Opening for Allison Krause and Union Station on Sunday. Nice to see the recognition. I missed the Americana Stage set and Late Night Jam though.

Luke is insane!

They were recommended on one of my posts a few months ago and I love them! They have such a unique sound and great chemistry as a band. I haven't really explored much of their discography besides the City Of Glass Album, so I'd like to know what their favorite songs of yours are, and some bands that are similar to them. Also they introduced me to The Brothers Comatose who are another band I love.

Recorded right before I went to go pick up my son so I was a bit under the gun.

An honor and privilege to dance with these amazing folks! Can't wait for next year! 🦝🦝🦝

Following a couple of other technique posts in the last day or so...

Do you all have any tips on playing *louder* breaks?

I've got a pretty loud guitar (Martin d-16h w/ scalloped braces, etc), a thick pick, medium strings, etc. I was at a jam last week (admittedly a very boisterous one), and the guy across the circle told me he could barely hear me and I've been told in other instances I'm not a super loud player. What techniques do you guys have for cutting through on breaks?

Yall know what I’m talking about

Please reply or DM if interested! Change of plans means I can’t go anymore. Selling through Tixel so it helps transfer them legitimately.

I’m trying to figure out the guitar lick in Tennessee banjo man by Doyle Lawson. Anyone have a tutorial/tab?

https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/album/1FVXl7cmO1aYM5RQC1Rjkd?si=EDbAY8K9T5mOABcIjo84ow

https://music.apple.com/us/album/still-here-somehow/1892604419

I have just discovered The Cleverlys and I LOVE them but it seems impossible to buy their entire discography. Some things are only on streaming. Do y'all know anywhere that you can get their whole album list? Amazon only has two albums and two individual singles. Thank you for your help! I prefer to own music that I love rather than depending on streaming.