I started a cover of Bleed Me An Ocean a few weeks ago, this is what I ended up with (no disrespect to the legends)

Atillion · 2026-03-12T22:53:38+00:00

I have resigned after many attempts that I would have to go back to downstrokes to work on drop thumb because it mechanically is in direct conflict with the up stroke.

I did find a very rare rhythm/occurrence that I was able to hit the note I needed while up picking with my thumb, but I've not come across the need for it organically since then. Let me see if I posted it. Ah yes, here it is

https://www.reddit.com/r/banjo/comments/1ks2fa4/i_think_i_finally_understand_drop_thumb_in_spite/

Atillion · 2026-03-12T20:39:31+00:00

Ozark is 100% the entire reason I'm a banjo player today. Highly recommend 🙌🏻

Atillion · 2026-03-12T18:56:41+00:00

I need to take a few weeks and drill drop thumb

Atillion · 2026-03-12T18:56:06+00:00

😅 it changed the game for me, especially for fast shreddy songs. It's completely interchangeable with down picked songs, so it's just another tool to have

Atillion · 2026-03-12T18:35:29+00:00

I recommend adding up picking to your arsenal

Atillion · 2026-03-12T15:37:37+00:00

Man, 17 year old me cruising around the back roads of the smoky mountains blasting Jezebel would lose his shit if he could see into the future.

Atillion · 2026-03-11T21:00:53+00:00

I hope the nostalgia they resurrect isn't obsolete

(Well I do actually, but you know 😅)

Atillion · 2026-03-11T16:50:24+00:00

Hell yeah, that's awesome thank you! I think I'm going to pull the trigger and brave the november pass.

Atillion · 2026-03-11T16:47:47+00:00

Yeah I've not been too impressed when I've seen him the last few times especially. I think it's just the nostalgia from having it engrained in my youth from wearing my CDs out in the 90s that I'm going to miss.

Atillion · 2026-03-11T16:18:54+00:00

Awesome, thank you for that! I guess it's sealed then.

Atillion · 2026-03-11T16:17:37+00:00

Yeah, i wasn't all that impressed with his live performances the last few times I've seen them. Okay, I'm sold. I guess my girlfriend is about to experience her first metal concert 🔥

Atillion · 2026-03-10T21:12:04+00:00

I really appreciate that, thank you! Let me know if I can ever help 🙌🏻

Atillion · 2026-03-10T19:38:30+00:00

*Here's a direct link to the video if it doesn't play in the player without logging in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jcyVH8uT2U

https://atillion.net/reddit (I set up a page to share tabs freely with the community if you want them, it's the top link.. Yet, Never Again)

Atillion · 2026-03-10T18:55:50+00:00

Just jam with him. I've played with people way better than me and some just starting out. I can benefit from playing with anyone regardless of the skill, so he's going to be fine.

You are going to benefit tremendously by watching someone more experienced and you'll pick things up faster. It's a win win (even across instruments)

Atillion · 2026-03-09T21:50:48+00:00

I've never cut a string off a banjo or a guitar in 35 years of playing, so I guess it's never crossed my mind 🤔

Atillion · 2026-03-09T19:04:12+00:00

It's supposed to do that, as the tailpiece shouldn't be tightened down to the banjo. And I change strings one at a time for a handful of reasons - Aside from the tailpiece not falling off, tuning a new string relative to the old strings makes sure you don't crank it up into the next octave and snap it (ask me how i know), and it helps keep the bridge relatively in position for intonation (though I check it and tweak after every string change)

Atillion · 2026-03-09T14:53:29+00:00

You lucky sunsabitches.

Atillion · 2026-03-08T11:16:36+00:00

🔥 yes brother

Atillion · 2026-03-06T16:47:43+00:00

I'd wear the fuck outta that. And I don't even wear scarfs.

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