Biography

Influential banjo player and bluegrass pioneer. Born January 6, 1924. Full name: Earl Eugene Scruggs. Important musical innovator, his thumb-and-two-finger banjo picking style became an essential building block of bluegrass. Member, Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, 1945-1948. Performed as Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, 1948-1969. In 1969 he formed the Earl Scruggs Revue with his sons. Member, International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. Member, Country Music Hall of Fame®.

Interview Summary

1973 December 29
Printed transcript only. Audio recording not available.
In an interview originally conducted for Guitar Player magazine, bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs answers questions about his guitar playing. Discussion includes his guitar playing and the influence of guitar players Maybelle Carter and Merle Travis; his three finger guitar style; an overview of guitars he has owned; and comments on his feelings regarding his status as one of the most imitated country musicians.