Kind of a slow version here of Earl Scruggs's banjo tune of Salty Dog Blues.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGTgM3MB4KI&list=UUWWHgP3pmIAFb1U3W3iicnw&feature=c4-overview

 Getting this technique right is very elusive, like trying to duplicate the KFC recipe.

 The old-time banjoist used frailing, where the notes hang, and/or are plucked.
They didn't just use eight notes. There was a certain suction and punctuation to the notes.

For example here are some Old-time Scruggs-style  (three-finger)  key points to consider:.

1. The very first note played in general lines up the REST of the musical bars, and creates suction into the next bar. The 5th string creates a pulse action in the melody - pluck both of them - Think like a clawhammer person and not like a modern three finger player would.
2. The length of the First note played is longer and plucked not just played. For example: the forward roll.....bahhhhhhhh. dummmmmm. dinGGGGGGGG. Notice the baaahhhhh, long on the first note (plucked) and the DINGGGG on the 5 string note ( also plucked).  Earl most likely used this secret in songs like  Foggy Mountain Breakdown, and Dear Old Dixie. .

3. Its the momentum of the right/hand and left hand coordination that really get the banjo moving. You gotta push and pull simultaneously to get the correct action - hence the right-hand/ left-hand technique also stressed in clawhammer.

5. Its the singing of the melody and variations that make the music sound thick /clear. Melody is never straight. Earl, made the banjo "sing" he didn't just play the same timed notes,


By the way, the video was from a few years ago. I don't claim to have perfect timing like Earl. I am from North Dakota, Hope this helped you in the discovery of what I believe personally, made Earl Scruggs's sound unique.