I’m an older guy, in my sixties, have been teaching myself banjo for the last three years. Like you I play and practice alone, and it’s very easy to fall into a rut of being an eternal advanced beginner. So I know that I have to find others to play with in order to expand my horizons. Another thing I’ve learned is not to practice for speed, even though we all want to play like Earl. Practice for tone, timing and technique, and speed will take care of itself.
It’s not often in life that I hear someone talking so much good sense. You described me. I go in my little room and practice, never seeing anyone else play, never sharing with anyone else. I would feel very strange playing in front of someone else,because I feel like my playing isn’t good enough. I do need to get out of that rut. Thanks for telling me so eloquently. Ronnie
Yeah,Im glad I found a great teacher. He was a big step in finding jam sessions. I just strummed in the background at first anyway, but learned so much. Good luck my friend
Yeah, I compare myself with others on TH-cam playing the ukulele. Hard not to compare though. But that takes the fun out of it. I’ve learned 10 songs by memory and it’s fun
I so love what you said about not comparing yourself to others. I’ve been playing banjo with a teacher for 2 years now. I’ve started playing with others, but mostly as backup, because I’m slow and make mistakes often when trying to solo. I went to my first BG Jam this month and it was so wonderful! I still feel like “the weakest link” and am trying to get past it, but it’s nice to know lots of other people struggle with the same things and not to be intimidated by those negative thoughts. Thank you so much for your encouraging words!
I've always been a guitar player. I recently started playing other stringed instruments and am amazed at how my guitar skills have evolved. I started with the ukulele. I was able to dramatically improve the rhythm of my strumming hand. I'm not Bo Diddly, but my rhythms have become more varied. Even better, I actually learned how to play and sing at the same time. No idea why the ukulele helped with this, but I was never able to do that before. A few weeks ago, I picked up a banjo (6 string), and it's already improving my guitar playing. I don't use banjo picks, and realized that strumming whole chords on a banjo doesn't sound all that good. To get a decent sound with a standard guitar pick, you need to pluck each string individually. Doing this, my sweep picking is improving. What's more, I've always played with a heavy hand, but the banjo head doesn't really allow you to rest your palm on it without affecting tuning. Now, I can brace my forearm against the edge rest and my strumming hand kinda' floats over the bridge. I seem to have a much steadier hand after only a few weeks. Not only has my tremolo picking improved, but I have a better awareness of individual string location without the benefit of resting my hand on the bridge. This mixing of guitar/ukulele/banjo skill sets is really quite remarkable. I'm planning on moving on to a resonator next, and am quite excited about what it has to teach me.
I've been playing guitar for 25 years now, though recently I've been messing about with other stringed instruments... Ukulele, mandolin, lap steel.. A few days ago my brother gave me a banjo for Christmas and it's been super fun to play! That's what led me to your channel, so just dropping you a short note of thanks for the helpful vids!
Hi I got my first banjo at Christmas just gone I have been practicing with my friend who has been playing guitar acoustic and electric for 42 years he’s helping me learn cords and I’m slowly getting there I think I’m 60 years old but they say your never to old to learn lol loved your video have subscribed and rang the bell lol looking forward to the next one.
I agree completely. This video gave me tons of motivation and I’ve been playing for a few years now. All the points you covered are super important and I like your way of explaining it. Subscribed👌
Great video. Love your humour. As a guitarist of 50 yeas playing in bands and with others, your comments are spot on. I just bought a used Fender "Leo" from 1975 just yesterday, and I'm excited to dive in. (I'm dabbling on mandolin and also been playing violin for the past year -- I'm retired so I have some time.) Just subscribed to your channel; can't wait to see what you have next for me! All the best from Toronto 🎻🪕🎸
I just happened across your video. I recently ordered myself a Good Time II banjo for my (50) birthday. This is the year I learn to play! I've been watching Jim Pankey's channel for a few years now and I've decided to use him as my teacher, but haven't had an instrument. Even though I grew up a Catholic suburbanite with 80's Pop/Rock in New Haven, IN there's something about Bluegrass that just settles in my soul. I'm not a fan of Gospel music, but Bluegrass is about as close as I get. I'm subscribed! Even if it's for no other reason than because your a Notre Dame fan! LOL! Peace and love.
Can’t shake my love of bluegrass banjo & mandolin 🪕😍. I’m a ukulele tragic though. My Pono TT8 has a sound hole on the back & it sounds more like a mandolin than a Uke. I’m looking at getting a Banjolele this Christmas……..maybe even a banjo if I can’t get the Banjolele I want🪕🤔. It’s a journey 👏👏👏
I just began to learn banjo. I have played a bit of classical guitar for many years but bluegrass music is new and exciting for me. I appreciate the tips in your video and look forward to seeing more.
Andee ! That is awsome ! I believe you will love it! I’m quite the opposite of you. I’m trying to learn guitar now . Not classical but still lol! Good luck on your journey and thank you for watching!
Thanks for taking time to share. After watching this video, I budgeted for lessons and found a great teacher. I appreciate your keeping it real and down to earth. It's great to watch passionate people. Thanks again.
@@BanjoAddict Hey! I just got back from my first Bluegrass/Old Time 3 day weekend workshop. I wish I could come over from Australia and give you a BIG HUG, MY BROTHER!
Great video! i keep trying to pick up the banjo but different things cause me to stop, i think finding people to play with and meeting other banjo players will help keep me accountable! Thank you for the great content!
Thanks. That was a fair talk. I'm playing banjo for two years from almost absolute zero. I doesn't count 10 guitar lessons. I always puzzled and even kind of jealous when someone in the comment claim that he could play Foggy mountains after two weeks.
Just started watching your videos and I like your unique presentation style. I feel like we could easily be friends. I’ve been playing now nearly 4 years and it’s definitely been a journey of starts and stops and chasing shiny objects. I realized what was missing first and foremost was I didn’t know where I wanted to go - precisely. I had a vague idea but without getting specific, you’re going to be a wandering soul. When you’re in your 40s you don’t have time. When you start young you have time to figure it out. This connects with what you said about getting a teacher, which I did. However, if your teacher doesn’t ask you about your goals and I mean if they do not get you to talk about specifics, find another one that will. When you do they will have a much clearer understanding of how to carve out a road map for you.
Oh thank you! Yes it’s definitely a journey and everyone’s journey is different in my opinion. The main thing is enjoy the ride and not worrying about the destination too much! Thank you for watching !
Great advice. Be sure it's a jam. My first time playing in public I completely innocently crashed a band. It's a running joke now. Twice a week I go and play with the band. At the end of every season I get reminded I'm not in the band and then I get invited back to play. 😂
Since I was young I’ve always loved bluegrass,country and folk music never really thought of playing an instrumental because of our closed minded society in kuwait city (google it )I’m 25 now I’ve discovered the banjo just last month and it completely ripped my soul apart I’ve ordered the deering goodtime 2 banjo it arrived last week and I’ve been playing it every single day for almost 10 hours however learning resources for the banjo is very limited on the internet I’ve been searching for websites or apps to jam with other banjo players like face to face cam never really found one I’ll be thankful if you had any suggestions. Thank you for sharing this video really helped alot. Much appreciation to you from the other side of the world ❤🙏
Something I wish I knew was that your left hand fingers grow accustomed to the string really quick. Pretty much after the second day, my fingers were no longer sore. I had built up a bunch of fierce motivation when I started playing because I thought I had to endure a month of pain in my fingers. But nope.
Where am I at? I played guitar for years. I know basic G,C,D (and a few other chords) strumming. I did play with others as a basic rhythm guitar player when needed. I bought a banjo years ago and learned a forward roll and made a few youtube videos. Videos like yours are very encouraging.
Hey Banjo Addict ! I realize this is a Zombie Thread. I came across your Channel using the Google Search Engine.....(I'm being a smart ass) ... Anyway I Googled something Banjo related and came across this very video. I've a 'SERIOUS QUESTION' for you. *Internet Angst Activate !!!! Anyway, I've played guitar for 50+ years. Some of it pretty well. My focus in the last 25 years have been Delta Blues, Hawaiian Slack Key, (Kiho'Alu), and go figure, Spanish Classical. I purchased a very decent Banjo last year, a Deering Good Time, and have resolved myself to learning to play. I am more than extremely comfortable in Open G/G Flat/A#...however one would call it. My question to you Sir! I am having Serious difficulty getting over the string layout/right hand position for the 5 string Banjo. Serious issues with that. My fingers are muscle memory trained to find the bass string at the top with the thumb. The visual sight picture while holding the Banjo (I play right handed) is my eyes are registering the 1-4 frets, with the bass string a low D, while my right hand cant seem to make the transition to my thumb a string down to the D. I am constantly hitting the octave G string with my thumb as the low D. Counting/syncopation have gone flying out the window. Has Guitar ruined me from 5 string Banjo? I'm very proficient on Soprano Ukulele, with the 'low' string replaced with an itinerate string. I can't seem to make it work for Banjo. Any suggestions? Subscribed, Liked, and Bell Rung ! cmdrpiffle/Santa Cruz Ca
The guitar has not ruined you. but it will take some work to fix it. I had the same problem just going the other way. When i was learning guitar i had a hard time "finding" the 6th string due to the muscle memory. You have to build new muscle memory with the banjo. I suggest getting your hand anchored and just practicing striking the 5th string with your thumb until you can get a steady constant rhythm going. doesn't have to be fast just consistent. start out as slow as you need to to hit that fifth string consistently with your thumb. Then slowly build your speed up. Once you get to lets say 60-80 BPM then i would add in your middle finger on the first string alternating string strikes between your thumb on the 5th string and middle finger on the 1rst string. Put the time and effort in to rewire your brain that this is the parameter you are playing in. It will take a good month or so of daily practicing this but it should help you out tremendously.
@@BanjoAddict I guess not the answer I wanted to hear, but the answer I knew was coming! Yeah, I'll do exactly that. Again, I'm several 'hours' into it, and became frustrated because I obviously have the skills, but this is entirely different. I more than respect what you've just written back Sir. It actually helps me. Playing for so long, I just expected to be able to pick up a Banjo and be able to figure it out. Not so much.... I am both humbled, and super excited to have something to take from Base Zero to attempt to learn! Stupid Excited actually! Couple of things: Thank you for the immediate response. This has confirmed what I kinda knew, and is impetus to keep me going. Now that I know I need some 'adult supervision' with regard to learning and practicing, it actually defines a way forward for me. Thanks Brother, I'd been struggling. Now... I'm going to be learning! You are the Man! Love and respect from Santa Cruz...
Speaking of playing posture, would you have any tips on fretting hand thumb placement to reduce strain? I find the part of my palm beneath my thumb hurts after a bit
I have a playlist dedicated to left hand here th-cam.com/play/PLBRZNyIOeZsvpJYMA_M29boImDdDtwsdR.html But generally you will feel soreness when practicing left hand techniques due to how long you have to hold positions with the left hand to learn them. Once you learn the technique or position you wont be in that specific place but a split second while playing. so the soreness will go away eventually.
Sandy - Fantastic vid. I’m a guitarist and love bluegrass, so I’ve picked up a banjo! Whooop! But - I’m a total beginner to banjo but soooooo keen to learn. Is there any chance that you could make us a video on what to know about playing in a jam session? We don’t have any bluegrass-appreciative peoples where I live (far away in South Africa) and would love to learn enough to play banjo with backing tracks, so I’m more prepared when I hit a jam session one day. Would love your thoughts on it! Thanks again!
Anyone you can get your hands on! lol... If i where starting out i would go with Gold Tone myself. There are a lot of great starter banjos out there though. Deering, Recording king, Washburn, goldtone......
I've wanted to get a banjo and learn how to play it for over seven years. Now, my parents want to gift me a banjo for my 18th birthday so my dream can finally come true. I'm doing research so I can choose a banjo that's right for me and this video was helpful, so thanks!!
I could play songs “flawlessly” until I played with others-then quickly realized just how bad I was! Yes x 10 to playing with others. Rhythm and timing, coming in/out, simple back up, etc. all come into play. Once I learn a song I start using back up tracks (at the speed I am on) until my timing is good and being to be able to come back in after missing a beat-something I could not do at one time. Good video. Thx. I would like to add another that I just learned from others: Listen to the song you are learning over and over and over!
i still have problems playing in front of people! lol. especially family. I am happy you liked the video! We are are struggling with something while trying to learn, i just hope by sharing my experiences that it helps someone!
I'm from Morganton NC. I need a teacher to help me continue to learn new stuff. I can do play around 6 songs. If you live near me send me a response. I'll pay. Thanks for your time.
My biggest discouragement is my tiny hands. Every video that I have seen about fretting and video lessons I have worked on are of people with way bigger hands than me. I've been at it for a year and my reach has barely improved. I know I just need to keep at it but when you see a video of a 10 year old playing and he has bigger hands than you........ Seriously that kid from Sleepy Man has bigger hands than I do.
You may already be doing this but reach is 90 percent in the wrist. Learn to tuck your elbow against your side and push your wrist toward the ceiling. A lot of people try to “hold” the neck with their left hand. But the banjo should be balanced to where you are free with your left hand to move all over the neck. Hope this helps.
@@EtherealProject3D ha ha.. sorry i may not have explained that very well... i just meant dont have your elbow up in the air. have it down by your side and bend your wrist out
Ah, I'm looking into starting to play the banjo (trying to get informed before I spend the money on one), and I have very small hands as well. I'm a little worried now! But this is exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to know about before making the several hundred dollar purchase.
At 58 seconds I had to stop... You keep explaining what you're saying. Please just say it. Sorry, but I would like to hear what you are saying about the subject.
I’m an older guy, in my sixties, have been teaching myself banjo for the last three years. Like you I play and practice alone, and it’s very easy to fall into a rut of being an eternal advanced beginner. So I know that I have to find others to play with in order to expand my horizons. Another thing I’ve learned is not to practice for speed, even though we all want to play like Earl. Practice for tone, timing and technique, and speed will take care of itself.
Rock on!
Check your local Senior Centers (SC). There's every level of player. Great community. Plus SCs have the Best Parties.😊
6 years of depriving friends & family of all that fun! The banjo puts a smile on my face & in my hole heart! Thank you!
Ha ha!!! True
It’s not often in life that I hear someone talking so much good sense.
You described me. I go in my little room and practice, never seeing anyone else play, never sharing with anyone else.
I would feel very strange playing in front of someone else,because I feel like my playing isn’t good enough.
I do need to get out of that rut.
Thanks for telling me so eloquently.
Ronnie
Yeah,Im glad I found a great teacher. He was a big step in finding jam sessions. I just strummed in the background at first anyway, but learned so much. Good luck my friend
Yeah, I compare myself with others on TH-cam playing the ukulele. Hard not to compare though. But that takes the fun out of it. I’ve learned 10 songs by memory and it’s fun
I so love what you said about not comparing yourself to others. I’ve been playing banjo with a teacher for 2 years now. I’ve started playing with others, but mostly as backup, because I’m slow and make mistakes often when trying to solo. I went to my first BG Jam this month and it was so wonderful! I still feel like “the weakest link” and am trying to get past it, but it’s nice to know lots of other people struggle with the same things and not to be intimidated by those negative thoughts. Thank you so much for your encouraging words!
I've always been a guitar player. I recently started playing other stringed instruments and am amazed at how my guitar skills have evolved.
I started with the ukulele. I was able to dramatically improve the rhythm of my strumming hand. I'm not Bo Diddly, but my rhythms have become more varied. Even better, I actually learned how to play and sing at the same time. No idea why the ukulele helped with this, but I was never able to do that before.
A few weeks ago, I picked up a banjo (6 string), and it's already improving my guitar playing. I don't use banjo picks, and realized that strumming whole chords on a banjo doesn't sound all that good. To get a decent sound with a standard guitar pick, you need to pluck each string individually. Doing this, my sweep picking is improving. What's more, I've always played with a heavy hand, but the banjo head doesn't really allow you to rest your palm on it without affecting tuning. Now, I can brace my forearm against the edge rest and my strumming hand kinda' floats over the bridge. I seem to have a much steadier hand after only a few weeks. Not only has my tremolo picking improved, but I have a better awareness of individual string location without the benefit of resting my hand on the bridge.
This mixing of guitar/ukulele/banjo skill sets is really quite remarkable. I'm planning on moving on to a resonator next, and am quite excited about what it has to teach me.
awesome! yea i dabble with the guitar and ukulele.. i recently picked up a harmonica.. lol
I've been playing guitar for 25 years now, though recently I've been messing about with other stringed instruments... Ukulele, mandolin, lap steel.. A few days ago my brother gave me a banjo for Christmas and it's been super fun to play! That's what led me to your channel, so just dropping you a short note of thanks for the helpful vids!
Thank you so much for coming by! And enjoy that banjo!
Hi I got my first banjo at Christmas just gone I have been practicing with my friend who has been playing guitar acoustic and electric for 42 years he’s helping me learn cords and I’m slowly getting there I think I’m 60 years old but they say your never to old to learn lol loved your video have subscribed and rang the bell lol looking forward to the next one.
Thank you
Thanks. I didn't know I needed to hear all that. Made me see things in a better light
I agree completely. This video gave me tons of motivation and I’ve been playing for a few years now. All the points you covered are super important and I like your way of explaining it. Subscribed👌
you are awesome! thank you!
Great video. 2 months into the fiddle, 2 weeks into the banjo. Love that Bluegrass too!
That is fantastic! Yes bluegrass music is amazing!
Great video. Love your humour. As a guitarist of 50 yeas playing in bands and with others, your comments are spot on. I just bought a used Fender "Leo" from 1975 just yesterday, and I'm excited to dive in. (I'm dabbling on mandolin and also been playing violin for the past year -- I'm retired so I have some time.) Just subscribed to your channel; can't wait to see what you have next for me! All the best from Toronto 🎻🪕🎸
Cool, thanks!
I just happened across your video. I recently ordered myself a Good Time II banjo for my (50) birthday. This is the year I learn to play! I've been watching Jim Pankey's channel for a few years now and I've decided to use him as my teacher, but haven't had an instrument. Even though I grew up a Catholic suburbanite with 80's Pop/Rock in New Haven, IN there's something about Bluegrass that just settles in my soul. I'm not a fan of Gospel music, but Bluegrass is about as close as I get. I'm subscribed! Even if it's for no other reason than because your a Notre Dame fan! LOL! Peace and love.
That is awesome! I will have some more videos uploaded soon. I’ve been busy the past couple weeks and haven’t had time to post a video
Can’t shake my love of bluegrass banjo & mandolin 🪕😍. I’m a ukulele tragic though. My Pono TT8 has a sound hole on the back & it sounds more like a mandolin than a Uke. I’m looking at getting a Banjolele this Christmas……..maybe even a banjo if I can’t get the Banjolele I want🪕🤔. It’s a journey 👏👏👏
About to purchase my first banjo and start my journey at almost 60 years old
that is great! Enjoy the journey!
I just began to learn banjo. I have played a bit of classical guitar for many years but bluegrass music is new and exciting for me. I appreciate the tips in your video and look forward to seeing more.
Andee ! That is awsome ! I believe you will love it! I’m quite the opposite of you. I’m trying to learn guitar now . Not classical but still lol! Good luck on your journey and thank you for watching!
LOVE IT! Just formed a little bluegrass band in my town, and nothing makes me happier!!!
That is awesome! good luck!
Thanks for taking time to share. After watching this video, I budgeted for lessons and found a great teacher. I appreciate your keeping it real and down to earth. It's great to watch passionate people. Thanks again.
That is great!!! You won’t regret it!
@@BanjoAddict Hey! I just got back from my first Bluegrass/Old Time 3 day weekend workshop. I wish I could come over from Australia and give you a BIG HUG, MY BROTHER!
I play with my brother! He plays the guitar and I the banjo. Notre Dame fan? Nice! So am I.
yep i am a huge Notre Dame fan!
Excellent suggestions. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
I'm a Brazilian guy, learning by myself to play the Banjo! haha and believe me when I say, your tips really helped! Cheers
awesome! i am glad i could help!
Great video! i keep trying to pick up the banjo but different things cause me to stop, i think finding people to play with and meeting other banjo players will help keep me accountable! Thank you for the great content!
No problem! Yeah It just takes time to get used to it. I will be uploading more video soon I’ve just been busy the past couple weeks
I'm getting a banjo for Christmas, so this was helpful :)
Congrats!!! 🎉🎊🎈🍾
Summary.. keep learning, stay humble and enjoy your own journey. Thank you!
ha ha! yep!
Thanks. That was a fair talk. I'm playing banjo for two years from almost absolute zero. I doesn't count 10 guitar lessons. I always puzzled and even kind of jealous when someone in the comment claim that he could play Foggy mountains after two weeks.
Ha ha yea it took me years to learn that!
I agree 100 % especially about the jam sessions
Yes I feel like jam sessions are one of the most important parts of growth
Just started watching your videos and I like your unique presentation style. I feel like we could easily be friends.
I’ve been playing now nearly 4 years and it’s definitely been a journey of starts and stops and chasing shiny objects. I realized what was missing first and foremost was I didn’t know where I wanted to go - precisely. I had a vague idea but without getting specific, you’re going to be a wandering soul. When you’re in your 40s you don’t have time. When you start young you have time to figure it out. This connects with what you said about getting a teacher, which I did. However, if your teacher doesn’t ask you about your goals and I mean if they do not get you to talk about specifics, find another one that will. When you do they will have a much clearer understanding of how to carve out a road map for you.
Oh thank you! Yes it’s definitely a journey and everyone’s journey is different in my opinion. The main thing is enjoy the ride and not worrying about the destination too much! Thank you for watching !
Great advice. Be sure it's a jam. My first time playing in public I completely innocently crashed a band. It's a running joke now. Twice a week I go and play with the band. At the end of every season I get reminded I'm not in the band and then I get invited back to play. 😂
ha ha! that is a awesome story!
i am a beginner i absolutely love the banjo!!
that is awesome! the banjo is a fun instrument! good luck on your journey!
This video is fantastic! I’ve only been playing for a few weeks and was having trouble being motivated, but this video really helped. Thanks so much 🙏
Oh good! Thank you so much for saying. I’m glad it helps! Happy picking.
We’ve got Uncle Pen fest next month in Indiana.
I will have to look that up. thank you for the info!
Thank you so much man these vids have really been helping me out ✌️
Awesome! Thank you, that means a lot to me!
Since I was young I’ve always loved bluegrass,country and folk music never really thought of playing an instrumental because of our closed minded society in kuwait city (google it )I’m 25 now I’ve discovered the banjo just last month and it completely ripped my soul apart I’ve ordered the deering goodtime 2 banjo it arrived last week and I’ve been playing it every single day for almost 10 hours however learning resources for the banjo is very limited on the internet I’ve been searching for websites or apps to jam with other banjo players like face to face cam never really found one I’ll be thankful if you had any suggestions.
Thank you for sharing this video really helped alot.
Much appreciation to you from the other side of the world ❤🙏
Something I wish I knew was that your left hand fingers grow accustomed to the string really quick. Pretty much after the second day, my fingers were no longer sore. I had built up a bunch of fierce motivation when I started playing because I thought I had to endure a month of pain in my fingers. But nope.
yea, if you get a lot of practice time in your left hand seems to come around pretty quick!
thanks, i bought my first banjo yesterday
Hey! Congratulations 🎉🎈🎊🍾… take your time and enjoy it.
Well said Sir!
thank you!
Replies to every comment. Appreciate you my guy. Solid solid 👌
Hey Stephen! Thank you, that means a lot to hear!
Yeah man ….. Thanks mad cool 🪕🪕🪕
You seem like a very sweet person! This was a very helpful video!
Thank you! That means a lot!
Hi am enjoying your videos. I play guitar and mandolin. In March i go back to uk to collect my banjo and learn.
Regards. Dave. Russia.
That is awesome ! Thank you for stopping by!
Great video.
Where am I at? I played guitar for years. I know basic G,C,D (and a few other chords) strumming. I did play with others as a basic rhythm guitar player when needed. I bought a banjo years ago and learned a forward roll and made a few youtube videos. Videos like yours are very encouraging.
Hey Sandy! Thank you for the vid. Natural, informative and great points. Subscribed!
you are amazing thank you!
Great points for discussion, I agree with all good job.
thank you
Great video man!
Appreciate it!
Good advice, especially about the teacher.
Thanks for watching!
Hey Banjo Addict ! I realize this is a Zombie Thread.
I came across your Channel using the Google Search Engine.....(I'm being a smart ass) ... Anyway I Googled something Banjo related and came across this very video.
I've a 'SERIOUS QUESTION' for you. *Internet Angst Activate !!!!
Anyway, I've played guitar for 50+ years. Some of it pretty well. My focus in the last 25 years have been Delta Blues, Hawaiian Slack Key, (Kiho'Alu), and go figure, Spanish Classical.
I purchased a very decent Banjo last year, a Deering Good Time, and have resolved myself to learning to play. I am more than extremely comfortable in Open G/G Flat/A#...however one would call it.
My question to you Sir! I am having Serious difficulty getting over the string layout/right hand position for the 5 string Banjo. Serious issues with that. My fingers are muscle memory trained to find the bass string at the top with the thumb. The visual sight picture while holding the Banjo (I play right handed) is my eyes are registering the 1-4 frets, with the bass string a low D, while my right hand cant seem to make the transition to my thumb a string down to the D. I am constantly hitting the octave G string with my thumb as the low D.
Counting/syncopation have gone flying out the window. Has Guitar ruined me from 5 string Banjo? I'm very proficient on Soprano Ukulele, with the 'low' string replaced with an itinerate string. I can't seem to make it work for Banjo.
Any suggestions?
Subscribed, Liked, and Bell Rung !
cmdrpiffle/Santa Cruz Ca
The guitar has not ruined you. but it will take some work to fix it. I had the same problem just going the other way. When i was learning guitar i had a hard time "finding" the 6th string due to the muscle memory. You have to build new muscle memory with the banjo. I suggest getting your hand anchored and just practicing striking the 5th string with your thumb until you can get a steady constant rhythm going. doesn't have to be fast just consistent. start out as slow as you need to to hit that fifth string consistently with your thumb. Then slowly build your speed up. Once you get to lets say 60-80 BPM then i would add in your middle finger on the first string alternating string strikes between your thumb on the 5th string and middle finger on the 1rst string. Put the time and effort in to rewire your brain that this is the parameter you are playing in. It will take a good month or so of daily practicing this but it should help you out tremendously.
@@BanjoAddict I guess not the answer I wanted to hear, but the answer I knew was coming!
Yeah, I'll do exactly that. Again, I'm several 'hours' into it, and became frustrated because I obviously have the skills, but this is entirely different.
I more than respect what you've just written back Sir. It actually helps me. Playing for so long, I just expected to be able to pick up a Banjo and be able to figure it out.
Not so much....
I am both humbled, and super excited to have something to take from Base Zero to attempt to learn! Stupid Excited actually!
Couple of things: Thank you for the immediate response. This has confirmed what I kinda knew, and is impetus to keep me going.
Now that I know I need some 'adult supervision' with regard to learning and practicing, it actually defines a way forward for me.
Thanks Brother, I'd been struggling. Now... I'm going to be learning!
You are the Man!
Love and respect from Santa Cruz...
Speaking of playing posture, would you have any tips on fretting hand thumb placement to reduce strain? I find the part of my palm beneath my thumb hurts after a bit
I have a playlist dedicated to left hand here th-cam.com/play/PLBRZNyIOeZsvpJYMA_M29boImDdDtwsdR.html
But generally you will feel soreness when practicing left hand techniques due to how long you have to hold positions with the left hand to learn them. Once you learn the technique or position you wont be in that specific place but a split second while playing. so the soreness will go away eventually.
Good evening, brother.. Thanks a lot.. could you tell me how to find this banjo music that you play at the ending video. 😊
Reuben's Train - Nat Keefe with The Bow Ties sorry for the delay in replying
Great words of wisdom, thanks!
No problem
Sandy - Fantastic vid. I’m a guitarist and love bluegrass, so I’ve picked up a banjo! Whooop! But - I’m a total beginner to banjo but soooooo keen to learn. Is there any chance that you could make us a video on what to know about playing in a jam session? We don’t have any bluegrass-appreciative peoples where I live (far away in South Africa) and would love to learn enough to play banjo with backing tracks, so I’m more prepared when I hit a jam session one day. Would love your thoughts on it! Thanks again!
yes i will make a video on jam sessions. it will probably come out toward the end of feb. great idea! thank you!
What’s the best banjo to start on?
Anyone you can get your hands on! lol... If i where starting out i would go with Gold Tone myself. There are a lot of great starter banjos out there though. Deering, Recording king, Washburn, goldtone......
Thank you for this wonderful video! It really helped a lot.
Thank you! That is awesome! Glad I could help.
Hey Sandy! Thanks so much for this video it was super helpful. Just subscribed to your channel!
thank you ! its always nice to get positive feedback!
Thank you for this
My pleasure!
Great video, really great enjoyed it
Thank you very much!
How do you play banjo in a group?
the best thing to do is get into some jam sessions... its the best teacher on how to play in a group
I've wanted to get a banjo and learn how to play it for over seven years. Now, my parents want to gift me a banjo for my 18th birthday so my dream can finally come true. I'm doing research so I can choose a banjo that's right for me and this video was helpful, so thanks!!
FANTASTIC! Welcome to your journey on the banjo! Im glad i could help and wish you the best of luck! Keep Picking!
Thank you!
no problem! thank you for watching!
I could play songs “flawlessly” until I played with others-then quickly realized just how bad I was! Yes x 10 to playing with others. Rhythm and timing, coming in/out, simple back up, etc. all come into play. Once I learn a song I start using back up tracks (at the speed I am on) until my timing is good and being to be able to come back in after missing a beat-something I could not do at one time. Good video. Thx. I would like to add another that I just learned from others: Listen to the song you are learning over and over and over!
i still have problems playing in front of people! lol. especially family. I am happy you liked the video! We are are struggling with something while trying to learn, i just hope by sharing my experiences that it helps someone!
Yes! Listen to the song over and over, if it aint in your head first, your body won't be able to play it. And sing along, get it into your body.
Jeepers creepers, man did you hit some of my sore points, Or learned by experience lessons.
Did a good job, I “Ah-purr-she-Ate-it” (Diddo) 👍
Ha ha! Nice. I’ll have more videos up soon
What if you don’t live in the south?
umm then move there ! lol
Do you live in indy
no i live in Tennessee
I just bought my first banjo this week. I live near Indy. Perhaps when this stupid pandemic is over we can play together.
@@happycebu congrats on the banjo..
Fluency will come eventually. Just take a short chunk of a tune and work on your technique and ear training. Enjoy the sounds.
I'm from Morganton NC. I need a teacher to help me continue to learn new stuff. I can do play around 6 songs. If you live near me send me a response. I'll pay. Thanks for your time.
Sorry I live too far away..
@@BanjoAddict Thanks for your time and consideration.
My biggest discouragement is my tiny hands. Every video that I have seen about fretting and video lessons I have worked on are of people with way bigger hands than me. I've been at it for a year and my reach has barely improved. I know I just need to keep at it but when you see a video of a 10 year old playing and he has bigger hands than you........ Seriously that kid from Sleepy Man has bigger hands than I do.
You may already be doing this but reach is 90 percent in the wrist. Learn to tuck your elbow against your side and push your wrist toward the ceiling. A lot of people try to “hold” the neck with their left hand. But the banjo should be balanced to where you are free with your left hand to move all over the neck. Hope this helps.
@@BanjoAddict I cant get my elbow anywhere near my side when working up toward the nut.
@@EtherealProject3D ha ha.. sorry i may not have explained that very well... i just meant dont have your elbow up in the air. have it down by your side and bend your wrist out
@@BanjoAddict ok that makes more sence, i will work on that for sure. Thank you for the advise.
Ah, I'm looking into starting to play the banjo (trying to get informed before I spend the money on one), and I have very small hands as well. I'm a little worried now! But this is exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to know about before making the several hundred dollar purchase.
been playing banjo for 50 years, still can't play for shit.
i feel ya! lol
At 58 seconds I had to stop...
You keep explaining what you're saying. Please just say it. Sorry, but I would like to hear what you are saying about the subject.
Yea this video was posted 4 years ago when the nuances of video scripting and editing for TH-cam was new to me. I’ll try to do better in the future .
@@BanjoAddict Great! My 1st Sgt would always tell me to not give up, but strive to do better. I'm sure you'll do that...love The Banjo!