Finger style

[Bob Stohlman]

I seem to have an affinity towards finger style... I know Converse was there, but the question is.... should I avoid this as a novice player and become more proficient with claw hammer? Interested in mid 19th c "minstrel" music.... Thoughts?

[Tim Twiss]

No. Play what you like.....give the stroke stuff a fair shake however.

[Bob Stohlman]

thank you for the reply...since I'm not a true musicologist, but rather a casual student of the mid-19thc, guess I'll play the way I enjoy, but study others as well. Interestingly, my Grandfather played with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, and others, early 20thc...couldn't read music...all by ear with adaptable styles more or less shared, or stolen, from others at the time....he also did some "black face" in very early 20thc minstrel shows before "jass" became the rage.