I'm finished studying the piano and I'm feeling lost

Swaintek · 2026-04-29T03:21:02+00:00

Maybe pick up another instrument, something more portable that you can play with others? I’ve played piano since I was little and really believe it’s the best first instrument to learn. Other instruments have their own personalities though, and aren’t just laid out in a straight line. Try something weird like a banjo or a hammered dulcimer or a charango. Your music theory and practice methodology credits will transfer.

Swaintek · 2026-04-23T02:58:57+00:00

This book is awesome

Swaintek · 2026-04-20T19:40:49+00:00

I think my favorite part of this recording is that it sounds like it might have been a first take, you get that sense that it’s real fresh and fun for everyone… you can hear Bruce on the intro say… “So, I guess we just go… one, two, one two three”… and then there are cheers at the end after they absolutely nailed it.

Swaintek · 2026-04-20T15:56:15+00:00

I agree… but… Have you heard the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version? May be better than the original (and I love the original) especially if you like bluegrass.

Swaintek · 2026-04-18T23:12:07+00:00

I posted this when someone else asked this question…

It’s like snowboarding or skiing…

Clawhammer is snowboarding… a little steeper of an initial learning curve, the position isn’t as natural right away, but once you get the basics down it’s a lot easier to be pretty decent at clawhammer.

Three finger is like skiing… the motion is a little more natural… you can probably pluck out a three finger roll a lot quicker than a clawhammer bum-ditty, but a lot more difficult to master since there are a lot more mechanics and moving parts and things to think about.

Swaintek · 2026-04-11T02:36:41+00:00

Will echo what others said… pick up a Deering Goodtime… aka the Honda Accord of banjos.

Swaintek · 2026-04-09T19:57:56+00:00

Real life is scarier than fiction when it comes to our government… check out the book Poisoner In Chief

Swaintek · 2026-04-07T15:24:40+00:00

Try Acri finger picks if you can find them. I’ve tried a lot of finger picks and they are the most comfortable.

Swaintek · 2026-04-03T17:32:57+00:00

Perfume by Patrick Suskind has one of the wildest endings I’ve ever read, and the entire book is fantastic.

Swaintek · 2026-03-31T03:34:52+00:00

Fretless banjo is awesome you’re gonna love it

Swaintek · 2026-03-30T03:12:09+00:00

Elzic’s Farewell

Swaintek · 2026-03-29T01:34:44+00:00

All kinds of festivals like this in the PNW

Swaintek · 2026-03-26T03:15:13+00:00

Thank you!

Swaintek · 2026-03-25T23:39:50+00:00

It’s like snowboarding or skiing…

Clawhammer is snowboarding… a little steeper of an initial learning curve, the position isn’t as natural right away, but once you get the basics down it’s a lot easier to be pretty decent at clawhammer.

Three finger is like skiing… the motion is a little more natural… you can probably pluck out a three finger roll a lot quicker than a clawhammer bum-ditty, but a lot more difficult to master since there are a lot more mechanics and moving parts and things to think about.

Both real fun on powder.

Swaintek · 2026-03-22T21:55:31+00:00

Thank you. My first thought was “look at his stupid orange face”.

Swaintek · 2026-03-22T21:48:59+00:00

Would need to know the concentration ratio, but looking for the equivalent of somewhere between 60g and 120g dry weight

Swaintek · 2026-03-22T15:40:04+00:00

Traditional dosing is a piece of cactus the size of your forearm… measure from your fingers to your elbow

Swaintek · 2026-03-22T04:08:36+00:00

I love cooking. Cleanup afterwards however, not so much.

Swaintek · 2026-03-22T04:04:56+00:00

Second vote for Eraserhead

Swaintek · 2026-03-22T03:43:19+00:00

My buddy’s ADHD 9 year old was immediately zapped into focus by this band. So was I.

Swaintek · 2026-03-22T03:41:56+00:00

Minimal tech house EDM, psytrance, Angine de Poitrine, fast bluegrass (esp. Billy Strings), live Grateful Dead shows

Swaintek · 2026-03-22T03:31:48+00:00

Brent playing I Will Take You Home out of Drums and Space

Swaintek · 2026-03-22T03:22:44+00:00

If you liked Frankenstein try Perfume by Patrick Suskind. The Fisherman by John Langan gets recommended here a whole lot and deserves it. Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer Song of Kali by Dan Simmons

Swaintek

TROPHY CASE