The Pinch
Pick with t and m together
Another important technique in banjo playing is the pinch. It consists of two notes played together with the thumb and the m (middle) finger or the i (index) finger. As you play the pinch, the thumb and finger move towards each other rather than up and away from the strings. Take it slowly at first and practice it many times.
Here is an accompaniment pattern using the pinch. Learn it and then try adding some other chords with the left hand. A repeated accompaniment pattern is sometimes called a vamp.
It is also common to play two notes together with the i and m fingers of the right hand, as demonstrated in the following example. As with the pinch, pluck the fingers back across the strings towards the thumb rather than up and away from the strings.
