Bradley Laird's Grass Talk Radio - Bluegrass

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 156 Survival Strategies In this episode we hear an audio submission from a fellow listener. Then, I share 8 ways I have attempted to stay sane in this time of no picking, no festivals, no shows and very little fun! I also discuss my downloadable book "The Mandolin Song Book". If you listen to the show you will learn how to work out the puzzler and get a 25% discount. All you have to do is identify the famous mandolin player pictured on the cover of the book. You can get all the details here on the show notes page here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-156-show-notes.html If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 155 The Mail Bag In this episode I catch you up on what's been happening around the Principality of Lairdonia (very little) and then I dive into the mail bag a read a slew of listener emails. Have fun! You will find the garden photos and other show notes for this episode here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-155-show-notes.html If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Bonus Episode 10 Mando Workshop This bonus episode is in two sections. The first part talks about "workshops", what they are, how they tend to go down, and my experiences being on both sides--sitting in the audience or presenting the program. The second part is almost like sitting through one of my mandolin workshops. Download the free 18 page "handout" and follow along! It's almost like being there. You'll learn my version of Franz Liszt's hand exercises to increase your finger control and flexibility and a lot more! You can download the fabled 1988 "workshop booklet" as a PDF here so you can follow along. The hand exercises and everything else I mention is in the PDF. Grab it! The show notes for this episode are at: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/bonus-episode-10-show-notes.html If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 154 The Banjo Masters At the request of a listener and patreon supporter I put together this hour long romp through the albums I consider to be essential listening for all bluegrass banjo players. In the episode I also mention my book The Flint Hill Scrolls. You can read about it and download it here. If you play another instrument there is plenty to listen to here for you too! Have fun and thank you Henry for the very good question. The show notes for this episode are at: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-154-show-notes.html If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 153 Hunkering Down After the old one-two punch of lockdown followed by storms which knocked out the electricity, I thought the clouds were parting. Then, 45 minutes later the internet went out and stayed out. I am right now at the McDonald's parking lot in Americus, Georgia uploading this for you. In this episode, after I vent all of my frustrations, Jackson reads another email from a fellow listener named Henry and I talk about growing potatoes and other such nonsense. Pardon the short description and the lack of an episode specific graphic. We are getting bad vibes sitting here and scamming the free wifi so I'll add the show notes page if and when the internet comes back on at home. The show notes for this episode are at: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-153-show-notes.html If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 152 Ad Lib Thoughts I started this episode three times. Each time I hit record I began wandering off on little rabbit trails and I would hit stop, gather my thoughts, and then begin anew. I have an idea that I am not the only person with that type of thinking processes right now. In this episode, after a quick email from one of your fellow listeners (who only had one simple question) I talk about breathing and its relation to relaxed playing, I talk about the ultimate master of focused, laser beam concentrated picking (the pickle jar effect), how fear can harm your playing abilities, and I give a little shout out to the Josh Cole Bluegrass Podcast. Keep your chin up, folks! If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 151 The Underground Tape A little humor is in order. To wit, I present you with what I consider to be the classic underground tape, handed from picker to picker over decades, of Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt burying the hatchet and ending their longstanding feud. Smile folks. This too shall pass. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 150 Tristan Scroggins Interview This episode features a conversation with mandolinist Tristan Scroggins discussing the differences between Old-Time and Bluegrass jam sessions, his new book of fiddle tunes for mandolin, how to get over fear of taking solos and more. Additional show notes and links to Tristan's website and his new book are found here. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 149 Ear Training How can you improve your solos? How can you take breaks on songs you don't know? How can you express yourself better through your instrument and with your voice? Get started with "ear training!" Grab your instrument (it doesn't matter what you play!) and try playing along with the sample ear training exercises I present. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Bonus Episode 09 Do Me a Favor "Breaker breaker one nine. How 'bout a radio check? Come back." After over 150 episodes I am doing a radio check, so to speak. I want to hear from you. Send me an email if you are listening to this show. It will only take a few minutes and I would really appreciate it. If you like this podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 148 Dynamics Often skimmed over with beginning students, and sorely needed by many long-time players, the art of employing dynamics can add a great deal to your musicianship and sound. As a prelude to this discussion I update you a bit on keeping "the farm" operational, report from a recent gig, and a job I did running sound for the 3 Redneck Tenors act. Fun stuff. In the heart of this episode I attempt to explain the concept, the terminology and give you a road map for improving your dynamic abilities. The outro music is a demo recording of a good bluegrass gospel song called "Final Hour", written by Randy Godwin and Darryl Wilson. My job was to stand in Randy's closet and play banjo and mandolin. As I recall, Randy played the bass and guitar parts. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 147 Jamplification Are you satisfied with the sound you experience at your local jam session? Has someone suggested setting up a mic or two? Will it help or hurt? After a bit of discussion about what it means to be an "expert" I dish the dirt on the use of PAs at jam sessions. Thank you to Charles Schlaufman for emailing me with his question and this show topic. You too can submit questions, comments or show topic ideas to me at [email protected]. The outro music is a recording of "Rickett's Hornpipe" recorded on a Tascam 4 track analog cassette recorder in my living room back about 1999. That is Mike Estes on fiddle, Buddy Ashmore on guitar, David Ellis on banjo (with removed resonator), me on mandolin, and Randy Godwin on bass. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 146 Your Bluegrass Bucket List In this episode I challenge you to create your own "bluegrass bucket list" of things you dream of doing, seeing, experiencing, or creating. First, dream it. Then, do it! Get out a pencil and make a list. Start checkin' them off! The show notes for this episode (and some embedded YouTube videos of some of Jackson's recent DAW creations) are located at http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-146-show-notes.htm If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 145 Considering Duality It is rare to find anything in this world which is all bad or all good. It's always somewhere in the grey zone. In this episode I discuss the ten things I think are bad in bluegrass and ten things I think are absolutely superlative. You have to keep a balance. I close the podcast with a comparison (for those frothing at the mouth for a "definition" of bluegrass) between the poetic form called a sonnet and the string band form we call "bluegrass". The show notes for this episode are located at http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-145-show-notes.htm If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. This really helps keep gas in the car and food in the fridge. And, with luck, I will get a new set of bass strings in 2020.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 144 Metro Gnomes Personal practice with a metronome is one of the best ways to improve your playing. I have said that so many times. Unfortunately, a lot of folks just don't do it. Not for long anyway. In this episode I discuss the frustrations of that evil device and how you can turn that nasty little gnome into your personal slave. Or at least come to terms with him. My collection of metronome MP3 tracks can be downloaded here. The show notes for this episode are located at http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-144-show-notes.htm If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 143 20/20 Vision Welcome to the new year and the new decade. In this show I talk about the idea of knocking out unfinished projects and ideas. I also talk about my never-ending tune book and a recent jam session with my pals in Atlanta. Here we go. 2020 is here. Let's pick! The show notes for this episode are located at http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-143-show-notes.htm If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 142 Cases and Gig Bags Ah, gig bags! The luthier's best friend! In this episode I run through a list of the 8 major kinds of cases and gig bags. I talk about their purposes and give you my two-cents worth on the available types. The show notes for this episode are located at http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-142-show-notes.htm Now is the season to get your copy of Jackson's Christmas Songs for Mandolin eBook. You can get it here. Every purchase puts Christmas bucks in his pocket and maybe he can get me a really nice pair of socks or a set of strings with his massive profits. (Not bass strings. He can't afford that and neither can I!) Help the boy! If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-142-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 140 Crabs and Bluegrass So I woke up from a horrible nightmare and starting thinking about fishing for crabs. Yes! That's a topic for GrassTalkRadio! Please indulge me and check out this episode where I rip on folks who have stolen the name "bluegrass" and give you step by steps for collecting your own bucket full of blue crabs. Yummmmy! (Be sure you have a large enough pot or you'll be releasing your crabs!) Please go to the show notes. You are missing the extras if you don't. http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-141-show-notes.html Now is the season to get your copy of Jackson's Christmas Songs for Mandolin eBook. You can get it here. Every purchase puts Christmas bucks in his pocket and maybe he can get me a really nice pair of socks or a set of strings with his massive profits. (Not bass strings. He can't afford that and neither can I!) Help the boy! If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-141-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 140 Get Out Of Your Rut Lord, have mercy! Does every song have to be in G or A? As I recline on the shrink's couch I vent my frustrations of playing everything in just one or two keys and playing the same songs over and over (ad nauseum). Just for novelty, if nothing else, try playing in B or B-flat just once! I'd happily play a song in G# or Eb just for freaking relief! In this episode I share three ideas for getting out of your rut. Learn to play in new keys. Try new tunings and, for cryin' out loud, bring a new song to the table once in a while. Now is the season to get your copy of Jackson's Christmas Songs for Mandolin eBook. You can get it here. Every purchase puts Christmas bucks in his pocket and maybe he can get me a really nice pair of socks or a set of strings with his massive profits. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-140-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Bonus Episode 08 Christmas Songs for Mandolin When my son Jackson was 9 years old he was really interested in music notation software (and still is) and I set him on a project to create a book. Christmas Songs For Mandolin was the result and I am very proud of him! The downloadable PDF eBook contains 12 popular Christmas songs written out in standard notation and mandolin tablature. (Dad helped steer him into the mando-friendly keys and double checked that everything was playable.) He is now eleven years old and took over the microphone of GrassTalkRadio to encourage you to purchase his book. He explains it all very well in this bonus episode. As he said in the episode, he explains his financial needs but I would like to mention that he is also saving up his money to make a trip with his choir --Voices of The Valley-- to perform in New York City at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Some of his funds raised will also go towards that project... after he get's the backup drive he has his heart set on. Thanks for listening and we appreciate any support you can give Jackson. If you want to get the PDF ebook just follow this link. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 139 Be a Good Student Taking private lessons can be a wonderful learning experience or a complete waste of time and money. Much of it depends upon what you do as a student. In this episode I share ten tips, gleaned from my observations with my own private lesson students over many years, that I think will help you make the best progress when taking lessons. Don't forget that you can save a pile with the discount coupon code found in my free eBook The Ten Jammandments Discussed. Download it here. I also mentioned Jackson's Christmas Songs for Mandolin eBook. You can get it here. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-139-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 138 Humidity As bluegrass musicians we all deal with instruments made of wood. Humidity should be understood to keep your instrument from self-destructing. It's not that complicated really. Listen in and I will give you the low down. The outro music is the tune "Laird's March" written and played by me, myself and I. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-138-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 137 Don't Count Yer Chickens Before They Hatch We all face plans which might fall apart before our very eyes. Sometimes as a result of our own actions and some completely by chance. Sometimes a bit of both. Allow me to elaborate on my strategies for dealing with situations such as these. I talk about being hired AND fired in under 4 hours as a guitar player. I talk about coming within mere inches of slamming the car into a herd of wild hogs just this morning. I talk about my dashed plans for becoming a quail farmer. I talk about Del McCoury showing up in Nashville at the same time as Bill Keith. Stuff happens and you learn to deal with it! Enjoy the show. The outro music is the tune song "Swing Low" played by our band Pony Express. Patrons of this podcast can download the entire album as a bonus way of saying thank you for supporting the show. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-137-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 136 Class Is In Session Close your textbook, get out a #2 pencil. We are having a pop quiz. But before we do let's talk about the importance of the right hand and I'll explain a great way to create custom right hand exercises which will absolutely improve the very tunes and breaks you are working on! It's easy. The "textbooks" I refer to in the episode are Mandolin Master Class and The Flint Hill Scrolls. The outro music is the tune I wrote called "McDonough" played live at the Red Light Cafe, Atlanta, Georgia with the band Pony Express. Patrons of this podcast can download the entire album as a bonus way of saying thank you for supporting the show. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-136-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 135 Guest Host: Stewart Crawford This globe-spanning episode is our first listener hosted show. Stewart Crawford, banjoist in Australia, presents the story of bluegrass down under and outlines some excellent improvisation concepts. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-135-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 134 Paradise and Paradox This episode covers a wide range of topics beginning with my recent return visit to Picker's Paradise. I talk about fried chicken, Col. Sander's Mandolin Band, the R.Q. Jones reso guitar, jamming, some good bands I heard and then I wind up with a little paradox I want you to think about. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-134-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com Bonus Episode 07 Strike While The Iron Is Hot In this short bonus episode I am opening a door for you. Listen to the episode and don't wait around. You need to contact me soon. Whether you are a beginning picker, an experienced performer, a teacher, or perhaps you build instruments or work at (or own) a company producing a product for the bluegrass world... this is your chance. Let's hear what you have to say. You can be a "nobody" or be a really famous, big-time, hot shot. Both categories have something valuable to say. Podcasting is hot right now and this is a great chance for you to try your hand at it and the grasstalkradio.com audience will hear you. Listen to this bonus episode and I'll explain and then contact me. Let's put YOU on the air. Contact me before October 15, 2019 if you want to be considered. It costs you nothing but your time and energy and you never know what doors it might open to your future. Besides that it will be fun and interesting! The show notes for this episode are here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/bonus-episode-07-show-notes.html If you think the show is worth listening to then I hope you will consider becoming a Patreon supporter. www.patreon.com/bradleylaird GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 133 Your Questions This week I answer a pile of emails I have received from listeners. We talk banjo strings, what bass fiddle to buy, mandolin barre chords, how long do strings last and a lot more! Luckily, nobody asked "Hey, who cut your hair?" But, there is always next time. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-133-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 132 Stage Patter and Talk A huge chunk of your on-stage persona is created when you step up to a microphone and say something. Something pithy. Something funny. Something poignant. Make it count. Listen to this episode where I play samples of the greatest bluegrass emcees at their finest. Introducing songs. Introducing the musicians. Yakkin' it up with the little people... the fans who make it all possible! I have samples here from Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt (one of the best!), Jesse McReynolds, and plenty more to get you on the right path. Samples and ten tips to sharpen your image on stage. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-132-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 131 Capo Talk Capos have been around for a very long time and are extremely useful in playing fretted instruments. It's funny that their use is almost required in bluegrass if you play banjo or guitar. But they are heavily frowned on with the mandolin. If you don't know how to use a capo you can learn here on my website. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-131-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 130 Recording Options This episode continues on the theme I started in Episode 129. In this show I talk more specifically about the options you have for recording. There are four levels beginning with the simple portable recorder, to the portable stereo digital recorder, to digital multi-track "porta-studios" and onwards to computer/software based recording. I hope this information helps you choose where to begin when you want to record some bluegrass based upon the purposes you have in mind. The Mandolin Treasure Chest which I spoke about at the beginning of the show is fully described here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/treasure If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-130-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 129 Recording Basics This episode is the first installment in a short series on home recording. In this introduction I discuss the difference between analog and digital, why we record, and talk some about older technologies such as the Edison cylinder and magnetic tape. I think this background primer will help you even if all you want to do is record your banjo picking on an iPhone app. Do you know what an A/D converter is? If you talk on a cell phone you use them everyday! Do you know how to make your own record player with a sheet of paper and a pin? This fun stuff and more are contained within. Technical note: I saved this audio file in a larger, less compressed format than I have been using. It should improve the audio quality just a bit but make it a tad slower to download. Let me know if you can hear any difference. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-129-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 128 Should I Just Give Up? This episode has two topics. After giving you a rundown of the trials and tribulations of starting up my own bluegrass jam session--with four weeks under our belts-- I answer a listener's question about trying to decide whether to join a band or just sit around playing quietly at home after the kids go to sleep. I hope that my direct and honest approach does not offend too many people, but by golly, you deserve to be happy too! It is a balancing act and I think I do a better job talking about in the podcast than trying to describe my thoughts here in this description. Just go listen and then let me know if you think I am all wet. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-128-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 127 Nobody Bats a Thousand! After two years of steady podcasting I have discovered a lot of similarities between the art of podcasting and the art of learning to make good music. One of the ten similarities I discuss in this show is the fact that nobody gets a base hit every time they step up to the plate. In fact, everybody is going to strike out sometimes. That's all part of the bluegrass game. I hope you enjoy this episode and that it offers you some encouragement and food for thought. If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-127-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 126 Song Structures The majority of bluegrass songs and tunes will fall into five categories based upon their structure. There are two main types of instrumentals and three variations of vocal songs. Recognizing these structural differences will help you determine what to do during your solos and to better arrange songs for your band or jam session. I present audio examples of each structure type. After listening to this you'll never ask this question "Am I supposed to play the verse or the chorus during my break." Enjoy the show! If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-126-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 125 Stall Recovery The last thing you want to do in an airplane is to stall. You either recover or go into a chaotic spin towards earth. Hearing the warning signs and being able to correct before it is too late is vital for maintaining safe and level flight. The same is true for learning to make music. I'll explain in this podcast. Contrary to your natural instinct, the solution to counteracting a stall is to push the nose down. Yikes!!! Your reaction will be to pull back on the stick to avoid the sudden stop when you hit the ground! You must gain air speed and point your nose down. Same with music. If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-125-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 124 Doug Hutchens Interview In this episode I talk with Blue Grass Boy Doug Hutchens. Doug was working and mowing the grass at Bean Blossom and was in the right place at the right time to become Bill Monroe's bass player in 1971. Doug's story is fascinating and he has been involved in documenting the history of the Blue Grass Boys and honoring Bill Monroe for many years. There were some technical issues with the recording and Doug has offered to come back on the show at a future date to discuss his time at Gibson and other topics. Enjoy the show! If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-124-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 123 Son of Podcast Shoutouts Back in Episode #75 I ran down a list of the other podcasts I listen to and find interesting. This episode is a repeat of that idea and I shout out the ten podcasts that I have been listening to lately. Before I get into the list I spend some time talking about where bluegrass fits into the over arching umbrella of so-called "country music." I hope you enjoy the show. And thanks ED! If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-123-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 122 Don't Be Bad Most folks, when starting out, have a desire to be good; to become a good picker or singer. But I think it may be a better idea to start at the other end of the quality spectrum and work on NOT being bad. This episode also features the first installment of a special Bluegrass History feature written and presented by my son Jackson. If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-122-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 121 The Power of Small Things After a quick update about that "pickup gig" I did last Friday night, I launch into a discussion of the power of small incremental change over time. The analogies are all over the board, from the Federal Reserve System, to hair loss, lifting cattle as an exercise technique, and growing tomatoes. Of course, I talk about bluegrass too! Have fun. If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-121-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 120 Pickup Gigs This episode is a rambling discussion of pickup gigs. Those are the sort of gigs which are done with no rehearsals--just a collection of musicians who show up at the same place and at the same time--and somehow, seemingly by magic, sound like a real band. I tell you my strategy for that sort of gig. I also answer a listener question regarding learning and performing bluegrass with electric bass instead of an upright. I have been asked by several people recently whether or not my Bluegrass Bass Instruction Course can be used with electric bass and it certainly can. This discourse takes the usual Ranger Brad Style of meandering turns and touches on the need to have some understanding and appreciation of Bill Monroe, the size of catfish in the Flint River, the nocturnal feeding habits of large carnivorous reptiles, and the question "Should you have a crop duster bomb your home?" Have fun. Technical note: I noticed a couple of tiny "dropouts" in the audio this week, probably caused by my museum artifact Mac G3 recording setup, which I hope you will overlook. I have a bass gig today and just didn't have time to go back and investigate the causes. It does not detract from the content. If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-120-show-notes.html GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 119 Two Vital Tools This episode is a discussion of the two most important tools in playing bluegrass instruments. I suggest ways to think about them and ways to care for and improve them. Have fun. Technical note: You'll hear a touch of "white noise" in the background at times but it is actually a gentle, much-needed rain coming down on the tin roof of my barn. If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-119-show-notes.html GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 118 To Plug or Not To Plug In this episode I discuss the pros and cons of electric amplification in the bluegrass world. I compare simply using microphones versus "plugging in" by using transducers, magnetic pickups, or internal mics. I get into outboard gizmos like preamps, direct boxes, guitar amps, wireless rigs and effects devices and their usage in the bluegrass realm. If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-118-show-notes.html GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 117 Crutches and Training Wheels Anyone who has ever sprained an ankle or broken a leg knows how valuable a crutch can be. Learning to ride a bike is made easier by using training wheels. But, eventually, you must throw them away! In this episode I discuss the use and misuse of various crutches and training aids in learning, jamming and performing bluegrass. I hope you enjoy this episode. I also give a quick shoutout to my Patreon supporters and my recent GrassTalkRadio supporters. Thanks friends! Without you this would not, could not happen. Thank you. If these thoughts and ideas help you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. Grab a cigar and glass on cognac on the way in. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-117-show-notes.html GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music--my sister was once bitten by a moose. (Just checking if you actually read this stuff! Send me an email mentioning the moose bite so I get some feedback. Thanks.)

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 116 Motivations for Music There are many reasons for picking up an instrument and trying to get some musical sounds out of it. In this episode, I present my theory that music is not about the sounds you make. That's just a part of it. It's about the people. The connections. The communication. Maybe I am completely "full of it", in which case I encourage you to do your own thinking, but I do think you should give these ideas a bit of a spin in your own mind. Who knows? I might have said something that makes perfect sense. I also give a shoutout to my Patreon supporters and my recent GrassTalkRadio supporters. Thanks guys and gals! Without you this would not, could not happen. Thank you. If these thoughts and ideas help you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-116-show-notes.html GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music--one of many forms of music which are really about communication with your fellow man. (Or woman.) You know what I mean!

GrassTalkRadio.com Bonus Episode 06 Insert Coin, Press Play - In this short bonus episode I am asking for your assistance. I have created a Patreon page which makes it easy for you to help keep the wheels greased here at GrassTalkRadio headquarters. Speaking of quarters, that's all it takes! You can probably dig around in the belly of your washing machine or under your driver's seat and find a handful of quarters. Fifty cents an episode (chump change) is only $2 a month. Do whatever your pocketbook allows. If your power is about to be turned off, I don't want your money. But, on the other hand, if you are on your 3rd high dollar mandolin and the dividend checks just keep coming in, maybe you could chip in a bit more than the average bear. If you think the show is worth listening to then I hope you will consider becoming a Patreon supporter. I shot a video explaining more and you can sign up here: www.patreon.com/bradleylaird There is a video I made from my back porch which explains more on that page. GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--that form of music in which you must "save up to go on tour." (Quote from Seldom Scene mandolinist and tenor singer, John Duffey.)

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 115 The Need For Speed This past weekend I played a Kentucky Derby Party gig on bass with The Pluck Tones. That, and that screwy contested result, got me thinking about speed and the need for speed. Then, out of the blue, I got an email from a fellow who stated he was struggling to keep up with the speed demons in his bluegrass jam. This podcast is a full response to his email with tips for how to keep up when the tempos get insanely fast. If these thoughts and ideas help you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter. You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-115-show-notes.html GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music--the music which takes a mournful theme and sets it against a speedy, uplifting beat. Talk about juxtaposition!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 114 Tie Up Loose Ends In this episode I talk for a bit about my leap of faith in you and then I get on with a list of ten things you can do to tie up some loose ends. There are always things awaiting your attention and perhaps today is the day to make your own list of 10 things that you have been meaning to do. Take care of them and, when you've checked off all 10, you'll sleep better that night. You can help keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter. The question is: Will you? I hope that you will. If you enjoy the show you can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-114-show-notes.html GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music–a participation sport which only survives through the activity of the fans who also play and sing it.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 113 More To Life Than Bluegrass I intended this episode to be a short, 10 minute, explanation of why I couldn't put up a full length podcast today. I was going to talk about my bandwidth limitation struggles, etc. But, when I started I just got to talking about some things very important to me--and which I hope are important to you--and I just rambled on for 40 minutes. Then I tried to upload it. It was TOO long. Should I wait until the first of the month? I don't want to wait for the reset of my upload space. So, I bit the bullet. Stuck the ol' Minie ball between the molars and clicked "upgrade". I am counting on YOU to help me make this podcast continue. I'll talk more about this later and explain how you can help. For now let me describe this episode: This show talks about the broader world of music, how we learn, why you shouldn't stand to close to a raging flood going down a drainage ditch, and how there is more to life than bluegrass. I know. You thought I would never say that. I am the "bluegrass, bluegrass, BLUEGRASS!" guy. But, it's true. There are other things of equal importance. And some things (*sniff sniff*) that are more important. I'll be back next week with a full-blown podcast to recap the Voices of the Valley concert which I will attend tonight and I will explain my leap of faith in you the listener. Have a wonderful weekend and remember to stretch the rubber bars of your cage. You can help keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter. If you enjoy the show you can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-113-show-notes.html GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music. We love the people in the audience, and we love jammers, but this show is for the folks willing to stand up front, play and sing and consider the audience.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 112 Creative Thanks I set out this morning to answer some listener emails and I got to talking about a very thoughtful gift I received this week from a listener. I'll tell you all about it. I never got to those emails. I also talk about automotive parking brakes, the old shareware days, my Egyptian hieroglyph font and a sweet little letter I got in the mail. The episode also includes a mini-review of McClung's mandolin arm rests and a Frank Ford pegwinder crank. Take the time to do little things for the folks in your life who make your life better. Pick a dandelion and hand it to your wife and tell her she is beautiful. Stuff like that. Pet a dog. Say something nice to a tree. Find the right kid and give him a walking liberty half dollar and tell him about how money used to be real silver! Give a promising picker one of those tortoise shell picks you've been hoarding. After you stop looking at your stock portfolio and checking your bank balance, these are the only things that are left that really count. You can help keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter. If you enjoy the show you can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird. Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-112-show-notes.html GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music. We bluegrass folks are very inventive.