Monroe Downstrokes

[JamesHall77]

Been listening to alot of Bill lately. Did he use all downstrokes? Really like his style, really trying to emulate the style sorta.

[Ivan Kelsall]

No - he used a combination of both up & down strokes - although,over the years his style varied quite considerably. He went through a phase where he used a lot of downstrokes & he sounded pretty discordant at times. I think that Bill Monroe liked to 'try out' various styles of pickng,just to see/hear what would work - IMHO,some things worked better than others.

Don't get stuck in one picking style & over-use it. Try ''various styles'' & use the bits that swing it for you - like most of us do,
Ivan

[grassrootphilosopher]

Been listening to alot of Bill lately. Did he use all downstrokes? Really like his style, really trying to emulate the style sorta.

Ivan´s answer is correct of course. Yet, there is more to it.

Monroe used downstrokes (a lot) on bluesy breaks (think the intro to "Brand New Shoes").

Also, when required he uses upstrokes to play "stand-out-notes". Check out this very nice example of "Uncle Pen":



The solo starts with an downstroke followed by a number of upstrokes for emphasis of the musical idea.

Also notice in this video that the hand moves even when no notes are being played. I think that this is one of the key element of the Monroe style (keep the motion going).

Here´s a downstroke intro into "A Voice From On High":



On faster numbers a flowing down-up series of notes is the typical solo aproach. See this on classics like "Roanoke":



and "Bluegrass Breakdown":



In "Bluegrass Breakdown" syncopated downstrokes (respectively upstrokes) are used also.

All in all check out the two volume videos by Homespun Tapes about Bill Monroe´s mandolin style:



Sam Bush analyses Bill Monroe´s mandolin style in the second video: https://www.homespun.com/shop/produc...-monroe-dvd-2/

I highly recomend these videos in addition to listening to Monroe in order to get a grasp on the approach.

[wildpikr]

Been listening to alot of Bill lately. Did he use all downstrokes? Really like his style, really trying to emulate the style sorta.

Chris Henry's explanation might help your efforts...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAJntStm3gA