Welcome to Pickin'.TV

At first glance, Pickin' might seem like something easy to define. As one digs deeper, however, it soon becomes evident that Pickin' can take many forms and can mean many different things to different people. This site is new. This site hopes to capture the many various flavors of Pickin'. The real hope is to bring it alive through video. It will take time. For now, why not start with a few basic links to some of our favorite brands of Pickin'.

Perhaps the most basic of all is pure Banjo Pickin'. It would be inconceivable not to include Earl Scruggs on a site devoted to Pickin'. More than anyone else, it is his popular style of 3-finger pickin' the 5 string banjo that most people would easily recognize from movies and television. Perhaps the most played of Bluegrass pickin' music on television, especially considering reruns, is the theme for Beverly Hillbillies. This is vintage Earl Scruggs.

There are many more video clips with Earl Scruggs, accompanied by such notable comedians as Steve Martin:

Then, of course, there is Snuffy Jenkins, who is said to have had an influence on Earl Scruggs.

The clip shows onne of Snuffy's last performances in February 1990 when he was 81. He passed away a couple months later. Snuffy was the pioneer of the 3-finger banjo style.

Yet it would not be fair to mention Earl Scruggs without Lester Flatt.

Another of the old time pickin' pioneers was Don Reno.

We simply cannot leave the subject without mention of Raymond Fairchild, who is according to some, The Fastest Banjo Picker on Earth.

A really great picker who remains very active on the tour circuit is J.D. Crowe.

Our second column is devoted to Guitar Pickers, and the name that stands out as an early pioneer of this style is Merle Travis.

Among the very best to ever pick a guitar, or build a guitar, or pick a mandoln, or make a mandolin, or a banjo, and is a true picker who continues to evolve, develop new styles and teaches new students, all the while continuing to amaze audiences with a vast repertoire is Wayne Henderson.

The Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition was established in 1995 to express appreciation for this "living legend". A portion of the proceeds from the Festival are placed into a scholarship fund to aid local young musicians in continuing their educations.

A favorite of many from years gone by was the innovative picker Maybelle Carter, who also played autoharp and banjo. She was known for her special 'scratch' style.

Bluegrass guitar pickin would not be the same without Doc Watson. He is another who has made vast contributions to the art of pickin'.

The legendary Chet Atkins left a long legacy of music that clearly went beyond the Bluegrass category.

One such sample was 'Sandman.'

A second example is the Ballad Vincent.

A third example is Orange Blossom Special.

When we consider the history of innovation on the guitar, we simply cannot overlook Les Paul.

He may not be famous for Bluegrass, but he sure had a huge impact influence on all modern music.

This third column will attempt to identify some other pickers, both old and new like Bill Monroe, who is widely regarded as not only the 'Father of Bluegrass' but also the 'Father of modern mandolin style and technique.' His popularity continues today in many facets of country music and across other musical styles. He brought the essence of Bluegrass to a world audience. His influence is undeniable and will be long lasting.

Hardly a newcomer is John Paul Jones, of Led Zepplin, who is quite the proficient mandolin picker.

See a clip of him here with the Del Mccoury Band.

While he might be best known as the bass guitarist, keyboardist and, less often, mandolin player for Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones has since developed a successful solo career, and is widely respected as both a musician and a producer. It was Jones over-dubbed recorder parts heard on Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven".

Another easily recognizable name is Ricky Skaggs, who is well known for his partivcular style.

He also plays fiddle, guitar, banjo and is quite the singer, producer and composer.

Among the greats, legends and mythical masters of mandolin pickin' would be none other than Jethro Burns.

Among the many remarkable newcomers to the Bluegrass pickin' scene is Sierra Hull. And, she can pick a guitar equally well.

For someone still in her teenage years, this girl's performances are astonishing. She has complete control of the instrument and music with plenty of time left to improve. What can she do to surpass herself ?

One who is famous for a Bluegrass classic, Rocky Top, Bobby Osborne has been a major influence on mandolin players and music in general for almost 40 years.