3-finger picking
Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, and The Foggy Mountain Boys. Earl Scruggs, banjo; Lester Flatt, guitar.
A banjo solo by Earl Scruggs in his song, Foggy Mountain Breakdown which was first recorded in 1949. The distinctive, three-fingered picking style is created using thumb, fore, and middle fingers. This style revolutionized string band music and became the iconic sound of bluegrass.
Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Ramblers. Charlie Poole, banjo; Posey Rorer, fiddle; Norman Woodlieff, guitar
A clip from Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Rambler's Sweet Sunny South (1929) exemplifying the unique blend of banjo, guitar, and fiddle in an old time string band.