Who invented the three finger picking style for the five string banjo? Most people would say Earl Scruggs, although he was not the first person to play that style. What makes Earl Scruggs stand out is that he not only played with three fingers but he had a different approach to the banjo. Scruggs-style banjo is more than just a three finger finger picking style - it is a unique aproach to playing the banjo.
In the area of North Carolina that Earl grew up in, the banjo was being picked with three fingers by many banjo players. Earl became very proficient and began playing at dances, developing and perfecting his banjo technique. Soon people were talking about Earl’s banjo playing and his reputation started to grow.
Earl Scruggs and Marty Stuart
Regardless of who actually played three finger style banjo first, one thing I know for sure is Earl Scruggs made it popular. Once he joined Bill monroe and the bluegrass boys in late 1945, that was it, soon everyone would be introduced to scruggs-style banjo picking. Long live Earl Scruggs.
I am in awe of Earl’s banjo work and have to admit that his style was instrumental (no pun intended) in getting me playing. I also took up the banjo, because my dad listened to bluegrass and owned a tenor banjo. My father’s enjoyment of music and interest in different types of music gave me an appreciation for bluegrass, blues and roots music. But, Earl Scruggs is still the sound that pulled me in and won’t let me go.
Check this video on Youtube - I stumbled on it a while back. Doc and Earl
I could go on and on about Mr. Scruggs but I will save that for a later post. The picture is courtesy LJWorld.com.
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