FallonUnscripted - Posted - 11/01/2011:  14:54:21

Hey ya'll!

I am new to the banjo. If anyone has any advice on a good beginners banjo I would appreciate it! I've been playing bluegrass for quite sometime now, and have done some pickin on a buddies banjo. But I would like to invest in one because I enjoy playing.

rhobbs - Posted - 11/01/2011:  17:32:41

Hi I'm Bob and the info on which brands and models has proven great. Now I have need of more help. I am looking for a teacher in the Tacoma/Puyallup area in Washington state. I could learn to play myself but a teacher would help me to stay on track . If I can get some references to check out, I can get started sooner.

Thanks in advance.

fire suppressor - Posted - 11/01/2011:  18:17:01

Some buddy help I've got banjo fever! I'm staying up late, waking up early and almost running late for work all because I can't put my banjo down

ChuckH55 - Posted - 11/01/2011:  18:20:02

Welcome Bob, I'm just starting out in the Renton area. I am using one of the instructors at Dusty Springs but he lives in Maple Valley. I'm wondering if we could find him enough students to work in the south end. I read on one of the post of a gentleman in Auburn that would be better too. I'm hoping to connect with someone at the River City Festival in January.

SidBarone - Posted - 11/01/2011:  23:36:05

quote: ya' can't go wrong with a GoldTone

---

Originally posted by FallonUnscripted

Hey ya'll!

I am new to the banjo. If anyone has any advice on a good beginners banjo I would appreciate it! I've been playing bluegrass for quite sometime now, and have done some pickin on a buddies banjo. But I would like to invest in one because I enjoy playing.

 

---

SidBarone - Posted - 11/01/2011:  23:37:57

quote:  yep! know just what u mean... i been there too!!

---

Originally posted by fire suppressor



Some buddy help I've got banjo fever! I'm staying up late, waking up early and almost running late for work all because I can't put my banjo down

---

buckholler - Posted - 11/02/2011:  01:49:42

Hey everyone, Scott here. figured I'd drop in, say hello and give my story. I've been playing for about 5 weeks now. This attempt is better than my last one at the banjo. Its been almost 15 years since I picked up a banjo. The first try ended quickly and the sale of that banjo. I mostly played the guitar and sang, then even lost the flavor for that a few years back. I've been listening to Sirius/XM Bluegrass Junction a bunch and told my wife that I'd like to learn to play the banjo. She got me a 6 string banjo for Christmas last year, which I have been playing but I longed to play the 5 string. I was fortunate to pick up a really nice 5 string banjo off of a trade for an old electric guitar that I had. I made out on the better side of that deal. Once I had banjo in hand I got a book and started practicing. I also been working on "Cripple Creek" off from youtube lessons. I was also able to find a banjo instructor in my area. (Which is not easy in VT) I practiced and practiced so I would not look stupid for the instructor. Fail.... I could not play anything, I was so nervous. I find that playing the guitar for years has helped some, but I'm in the same boat and have the same issues as everyone else here in Newbie-land. Its funny as I'm out on patrol I find myself doing rolls on my "air banjo." Which I have to say I play very well. When I get home from nightshift, I practice for an hour or so then head to bed. I understand what (fire suppressor) is sayin', I've diffidently got the bug. Everything is banjo the past few weeks. But I'm glad to see that everyone else has the sickness too. Good luck to you all and keep pickin'

courgettelawn - Posted - 11/02/2011:  03:56:13

I guess it depends on what type of banjo you have been playing on and which you would like to continue on but for me, once I knew I wanted to start out on an open-back (on a limited budget) it was a choice between a Gold Tone and a Deering Goodtime. I won't go into the details of my choice. I blogged about it here:

tehmina.org/2011/06/12/learnin...1-buying/

In the end I went for a Goodtime Crow as I was able to pick it up and handle it at the store that was offering me a part exchange on an old instrument I had but never played.

Good luck!

quote:

---

Originally posted by FallonUnscripted

Hey ya'll!

I am new to the banjo. If anyone has any advice on a good beginners banjo I would appreciate it! I've been playing bluegrass for quite sometime now, and have done some pickin on a buddies banjo. But I would like to invest in one because I enjoy playing.

 

---

Jazz Country - Posted - 11/02/2011:  05:47:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by FallonUnscripted

Hey ya'll!

I am new to the banjo. If anyone has any advice on a good beginners banjo I would appreciate it! I've been playing bluegrass for quite sometime now, and have done some pickin on a buddies banjo. But I would like to invest in one because I enjoy playing.

 

---

You can get some really good advice on the Shopping Advice section of the forum. I goy a lot of help there when I went shopping for my first banjo.

Larry

jajajavih - Posted - 11/02/2011:  06:16:15

hahaha!! Fire supressor! I have that sickness too!!
What a fever guys! It´s so difficult for me living with my banjo and trying to complete my Architecture studies here in Madrid.

I made this drawing right now, inspired by your comment!

Drugs

FallonUnscripted - Posted - 11/02/2011:  08:08:32

quote: I've been playing on a resonated 5 string. open back is a little too old timey soundin for me!

however I did look at the deering goodtime, wasn't a bad banjo over all.

thank you for the feedback!

---

Originally posted by courgettelawn

I guess it depends on what type of banjo you have been playing on and which you would like to continue on but for me, once I knew I wanted to start out on an open-back (on a limited budget) it was a choice between a Gold Tone and a Deering Goodtime. I won't go into the details of my choice. I blogged about it here:

tehmina.org/2011/06/12/learnin...1-buying/

In the end I went for a Goodtime Crow as I was able to pick it up and handle it at the store that was offering me a part exchange on an old instrument I had but never played.

Good luck!

quote:

---

Originally posted by FallonUnscripted

Hey ya'll!

I am new to the banjo. If anyone has any advice on a good beginners banjo I would appreciate it! I've been playing bluegrass for quite sometime now, and have done some pickin on a buddies banjo. But I would like to invest in one because I enjoy playing.

 

---

 

---

mudlakesandy - Posted - 11/02/2011:  09:42:47

Rhobbs,

As I am in Yelm on the same journey- would be interested if you have any success in finding an instructor. I am focusing on Scruggs style - the way I am working the problem is acquiring several instruction books and work back and forth between them. There is also some super insights on this site. Masters of the Five String is very helpful . Mostly working back and forth between the Mel Bay and Scruggs books- but have several others which are not quite as helpful- but the several points of view help to figure out what works for me.

JimHand - Posted - 11/02/2011:  12:01:31

Fallon; Check this out in the classifieds: banjohangout.org/classified/24082   I used to play a OB-250 and now I have OB-175, the 175's have a great sounding tone ring in them.

courgettelawn - Posted - 11/02/2011:  12:02:52

For anyone interested, I have blogged about my 'practice blues' 6 months on since starting on the 5-string banjo, and how I am attempting to over come them:

tehmina.org/2011/11/02/learnin...ce-blues/

FallonUnscripted - Posted - 11/02/2011:  14:42:20

quote:  thank you very much!!

---

Originally posted by JimHand

Fallon; Check this out in the classifieds: banjohangout.org/classified/24082   I used to play a OB-250 and now I have OB-175, the 175's have a great sounding tone ring in them.

---

aeroweenie - Posted - 11/02/2011:  19:35:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by ChuckH55

Welcome Bob, I'm just starting out in the Renton area. I am using one of the instructors at Dusty Springs but he lives in Maple Valley. I'm wondering if we could find him enough students to work in the south end. I read on one of the post of a gentleman in Auburn that would be better too. I'm hoping to connect with someone at the River City Festival in January.

---

Chuck, Bob,

I live in the Renton area.  While I haven't taught banjo since the 1980's, I am available if you want another banjo or guitar to jam with.or if you need help between your lessons.

lousymom - Posted - 11/02/2011:  22:19:34

Hey all, I have to say there is an amazing wealth of great advice on here. Thanks so much to everyone helping me out. What a fantastic group!

I'm afraid I may be a bit of an addict. I actually snuck out of work at lunch to go home and play banjo because I hadn't had enough time to play the last few days. This is probably a bad habit to start.

fire suppressor - Posted - 11/03/2011:  04:19:53

quote:

---

Originally posted by jajajavih

hahaha!! Fire supressor! I have that sickness too!!
What a fever guys! It´s so difficult for me living with my banjo and trying to complete my Architecture studies here in Madrid.

I made this drawing right now, inspired by your comment!

---

Tunez - Posted - 11/03/2011:  19:50:18

Hey Butch, thanks for the advice and sorry for the late reply, but I think the DVD might be a little too pricey for me. Besides I watched the YouTube video of Jingle Bells and it also seems a little advanced for me too! I'm only on Worried Man Blues in the Mel Bay book!



On another note, does anyone have some good instructions on switching out the strings and head on a Fender FB 300? She ain't much, but she's all I got! Any string/head recommendations?

Edited by - Tunez on 11/03/2011 19:51:32

Max Sand - Posted - 11/04/2011:  19:58:41

quote:

---

Originally posted by FallonUnscripted

Hey ya'll!

I am new to the banjo. If anyone has any advice on a good beginners banjo I would appreciate it! I've been playing bluegrass for quite sometime now, and have done some pickin on a buddies banjo. But I would like to invest in one because I enjoy playing.

 

---

 Hi Fallon

I have a Samick Artist Series 5-string that my wife bought me about  12 years ago. I've only started playing it recently and i love it. Great sound, string action is close to the neck so it doesn't kill your fingers when fretting chords and it looks like it should be expensive (even though i don't think it was).  Check them out on-line and to get some idea of new and used pricing. This baby gets an A-1 rating from me, but then again i is just a beginner lol!

sam-i-am - Posted - 11/04/2011:  20:33:32

Hey, guys I just watched "Give Me the Banjo" narrated by Steve Martin on PBS. Wow, a lot of history that was wonderful. Catch it on the rebound on your local station. It made me really proud to be a banjo player. Banjoist?

edhanzel - Posted - 11/04/2011:  21:54:50

Good evening everyone,
I went ahead and bought a membership. Looking forward to receiving the hangout t-shirt.
I will have to post a picture when I get the shirt. In the mean time......back to picking.

Trying to learn a few more chords other than C, D7 and the open G. Having a lot of trouble getting my fingers to not touch any of the other strings when I play the F chord. My father says to learn the D chord so I can jam with the guitar players. Any other chords I chords I should learn.

jajajavih - Posted - 11/05/2011:  02:32:13

I want to see that documentary!

minstrelmike - Posted - 11/05/2011:  07:20:28

Chords to learn

You need to learn 7 or 8 chord SHAPES and memorize the chromatic scale and you've got all the chords you'd need for awhile

Chromatic scale--the alphabet of music theory--must be memorized: moxcey.net/mike/minstrel/readm...tml#chrom

Barre shape: the open G:00000 is technically a barre chord. Move up one fret and don't play the 5th string and the chord would be written in text like this: x1111. That is a G# or Ab chord. x2222 is an A chord. x5555 is a C chord. Seriously, it is another C chord that you can use in place of any other C chord you've got in any other song. The basic barre D chord is either x7777 or x0777 because the 4th string is a D note that sounds ok.

The other two MAJOR chord forms you want to learn are the f-shape and d-shape.

F chord: x3213. That is very hard to form. Move it up two frets to G: 5435 and this will be your home chord for G backup for a lot of stuff. Get used to it. Practice changing from that to the barre C at the 5th fret. Move it up along the chromatic scale and you get the f-shape C chord at the 10th fret: x-10-9-8-10  Another C chord. This is where I prefer beginners learn to make the f-shape because the frets are closer together.

D chord: x4234

That's another hard one. Move it up to fret 7-9 where it becomes the G chord: x9789

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Those three shapes are -all- the major chords there are. The low E chord is the F chord moved down one fret. The C chord is the D chord moved down 2 frets.

There are three minor shapes: the barre-minor (4224), the d-minor 3233 and the a-minor 2212

Move them up and down the neck for -any- minor chord.

Alter each of the major forms to find at least one 7th chord for each form (there are usually more).

---------------------------------------------------

To really learn chords, I prefer students chord their way through songbooks (strumming or vamping) instead of learning chords in a vacuum. There are several sets of standard chord progressions and they are easy to discover if you actually play chords to familiar songs. Here are some to get started: moxcey.net/mike/minstrel/songs/index.html

but playing something in Bb or Eb as written shows you a lot more about the banjo neck than a 3rd or 4th lead in G does. This is a good time of year for Christmas tunes and they have lots of chords and usually all you want to do is strum anyway and let folks sing. Get a Beatles Anthology or Elvis or any book that might have songs you've ever heard. It's all music.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Using chord forms is a way to use the 1,4,5 Nashville 'theory' without actually knowing it.

If you can play a G-C-G-D tune without any open strings using one of these chord progressions:

5435 > 5555 > 5345 > 4234 or 

9789 > 10-9-8-10 > 9789 > 7777

then it is easy to move the entire progression elsewhere to play in A or Bb or Eb or whatever.

You will learn this automatically if you chord thru songbooks borrowed from libraries, friends, and piano benches. One song a day means you've played 30 songs in a month. Doesn't mean you've done a lead or memorized them or anything but that isn't the stuff you ought to be doing first anyway. The student who practices some leads and also fools around with chords to songs is farther ahead of the beginner who only practices some leads.

sam-i-am - Posted - 11/05/2011:  08:54:03

Minstrel Mike, you have taught me more about chords than all of the books and my instructor have done. Well done!

PS-I'm attending the Prairie Home Companion show in Murray, KY tonight at Murray State University. Garrison Keillor's program will be on Blue Grass music and a tribute to Bill Monroe. If you can get a PBS station, it will air at 6:00 pm Eastern. prairiehome.publicradio.org/ 

Here is the link for the "Give Me the Banjo" show: pbs.org/arts/exhibit/give-me-the-banjo/

Here is a video of my instructor in concert. His band is "Bawn in the Mash" from Paducah, KY. He is the one playing the banjo wearing the hat. Josh Coffey. His father and brother are on the left. youtube.com/watch?v=7A6blU6f-HM 

Edited by - sam-i-am on 11/05/2011 09:00:08

Jazz Country - Posted - 11/05/2011:  09:40:29

Hey Sam, nice video - but what does Bawn in Mash mean?

That looked like Jerry Garcia running by at :50.

Larry

Max Sand - Posted - 11/05/2011:  18:07:39

Minstrelmike, thanks for that info and for taking the time to write it out. I`ve copied and pasted that into a word file for future reference.

sam-i-am - Posted - 11/05/2011:  18:11:38

I asked him that. It seems that in one of Mark Twain's books, there is a part where someone in Louisiana asks, "Do you think I was bawn in the mash?" Obviously that was supposed to be "born in the marsh." I would say "bawn in the mahsh" instead of how he says it: bawn in the mash, as in press hard or what they make whiskey from. They are pretty popular around here.

I just got back from the Prairie Home Companion concert. It was fantastic! All former Bluegrass Boys players.

FallonUnscripted - Posted - 11/06/2011:  08:00:13

quote: Thank you! I actually just looked at one of those in the music store the other day!

---

Originally posted by Max Sand

quote:

---

Originally posted by FallonUnscripted

Hey ya'll!

I am new to the banjo. If anyone has any advice on a good beginners banjo I would appreciate it! I've been playing bluegrass for quite sometime now, and have done some pickin on a buddies banjo. But I would like to invest in one because I enjoy playing.

 

---

 Hi Fallon

I have a Samick Artist Series 5-string that my wife bought me about  12 years ago. I've only started playing it recently and i love it. Great sound, string action is close to the neck so it doesn't kill your fingers when fretting chords and it looks like it should be expensive (even though i don't think it was).  Check them out on-line and to get some idea of new and used pricing. This baby gets an A-1 rating from me, but then again i is just a beginner lol!

---

Jazz Country - Posted - 11/06/2011:  16:11:53

I was practicing the 5-3-1 roll the other night, playing along with my BIAB Bile Them Cabbage down backing track. I was playing as fast and as loud as I could when all of a sudden the ringing seemed to be amplified. I thought I had reached a new level of playing until I stopped and heard the fire alarm ringing in the hallway. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

Larry

Max Sand - Posted - 11/06/2011:  16:16:30

quote: why, thank ye ma'am  :)

---

Originally posted by FallonUnscripted

quote: Thank you! I actually just looked at one of those in the music store the other day!

---

Originally posted by Max Sand

quote:

---

Originally posted by FallonUnscripted

Hey ya'll!

I am new to the banjo. If anyone has any advice on a good beginners banjo I would appreciate it! I've been playing bluegrass for quite sometime now, and have done some pickin on a buddies banjo. But I would like to invest in one because I enjoy playing.

 

---

 Hi Fallon

I have a Samick Artist Series 5-string that my wife bought me about  12 years ago. I've only started playing it recently and i love it. Great sound, string action is close to the neck so it doesn't kill your fingers when fretting chords and it looks like it should be expensive (even though i don't think it was).  Check them out on-line and to get some idea of new and used pricing. This baby gets an A-1 rating from me, but then again i is just a beginner lol!

---

 

---

Max Sand - Posted - 11/07/2011:  08:11:30

quote:  Good story Larry, hope there was no smoke damage to the banjo  lol

---

Originally posted by Jazz Country

I was practicing the 5-3-1 roll the other night, playing along with my BIAB Bile Them Cabbage down backing track. I was playing as fast and as loud as I could when all of a sudden the ringing seemed to be amplified. I thought I had reached a new level of playing until I stopped and heard the fire alarm ringing in the hallway. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

 

Larry

---

sam-i-am - Posted - 11/07/2011:  11:46:10

Max, you were smokin', dude.

Jazz Country - Posted - 11/07/2011:  13:49:07

The crazy thing is  I was so into it I thought I would play until I smelled smoke. Then I thought about what it would be like to jump out of a 9th floor window and decided to run down the stairs.

Larry

banjobus - Posted - 11/07/2011:  22:26:02

what a weekend. somehow my bridge got knocked out of place and everytime I managed to sit down to fix it the kids or something else called me away. Sunday afternoon I finally managed to get some time and reset the bridge. While I was at it I somehow managed to break my 2nd string. oh well I thought, grabbed the fresh pack of strings out of the case and set to work doing my first string change ever. I've had this new goodtime for 6 months and knew I would have to sooner or later. As I am tightening up the new 2nd string the kids come in and distract me while I manage to break the new string. At this point all the music stores are closed and I am forced to just put the banjo back in its stand and give up on playing for the weekend. Managed to get to the store today get a couple sets of new strings, got through the day got the kids to bed and sucessfully changed the strings. Got it all tuned up and played it till I woke the kids. Sounds almost like new, think I might need to play with the bridge a bit more.

Max Sand - Posted - 11/08/2011:  05:54:43

quote:  Hi Banjobus,  were you using an electronic tuner when you broke your strings. I've never changed the strings on mine but it's perfectly in tune.  I use an electronic tuner that i downloaded online. Having read your post though i have decided to pick up some spare strings today.

---

Originally posted by banjobus

what a weekend. somehow my bridge got knocked out of place and everytime I managed to sit down to fix it the kids or something else called me away. Sunday afternoon I finally managed to get some time and reset

Max Sand - Posted - 11/08/2011:  05:58:02

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jazz Country

The crazy thing is  I was so into it I thought I would play until I smelled smoke. Then I thought about what it would be like to jump out of a 9th floor window and decided to run down the stairs.

 

Larry

---

 Hi Larry,   are you doing Bile with the G Lick yet?  Gives it a great feel.

Jazz Country - Posted - 11/08/2011:  10:21:48

quote:

---

Originally posted by Max Sand

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jazz Country

The crazy thing is  I was so into it I thought I would play until I smelled smoke. Then I thought about what it would be like to jump out of a 9th floor window and decided to run down the stairs.

 

Larry

---

 Hi Larry,   are you doing Bile with the G Lick yet?  Gives it a great feel.

---

Hey Max,

I'm not, only because the G lick gives me a fit at the higher tempos. I can roll much faster. So  I use the G lick when I'm playing slower songs, trying to build up the speed. You're right, it is a nice way to end the verse.

Larry

banjobus - Posted - 11/08/2011:  11:51:01

Max,
I have a little clip on elctronic tuner, but when I broke the 2nd string the 2nd time I hadnt even turned it on yet, I was just trying to get the string near to tension.

edhanzel - Posted - 11/08/2011:  20:53:55

MinstrelMike......
Thank you so much for the post. This really helps. Going to take me a while to digest it all, but I am certain that it will help a lot once I get it down. I have friends that know this and they can switch keys around for any song they play.

I will keep you posted on my progress. I can now play the F and D chord without tripping over my fingers. I have to stop and look at my fingers every time, but I am hoping that will not last too long.

chickenbilljones - Posted - 11/08/2011:  21:46:28

Ya'll keep picken now ya hear!

Magolli - Posted - 11/09/2011:  11:27:46

Hi All,

It´s been while since my last post, but here I am again. Lately I have been working "Blue Moon of Kentucky", and it´s turning out very well. But I keep struggling with the 3-2 pull off in the third string, specially after 2-3 hammer in the second, hopefully with more practice I will get it right.

Any hints or tips on how to get right the 3-2 pull off?

Since I live in a flat, I am practicing with my fingers more than with picks...too loud for the neighbors with picks. The other day I played with picks and it felt a little strange, but got used again after 20 minutes or so. My conclusion is that I will need to get my practice time balanced so I don´t "forget" how to play with picks!

Max Sand - Posted - 11/09/2011:  12:50:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by Magolli

Hi All,

It´s been while since my last post, but here I am again. Lately I have been working "Blue Moon of Kentucky", and it´s turning out very well. But I keep struggling with the 3-2 pull off in the third string, specially after 2-3 hammer in the second, hopefully with more practice I will get it right.

Any hints or tips on how to get right the 3-2 pull off?

Since I live in a flat, I am practicing with my fingers more than with picks...too loud for the neighbors with picks. The other day I played with picks and it felt a little strange, but got used again after 20 minutes or so. My conclusion is that I will need to get my practice time balanced so I don´t "forget" how to play with picks!

 

---

 I've heard that you can mute the banjo by putting wooden clothes pegs on either side of the bridge.  This might help you to still use your picks while at home. Let me know if it works.

Jazz Country - Posted - 11/10/2011:  05:13:31

Hey Felipe,

How's the bluegrass scene in Chile? Or is it Cuba?

If you want to play with picks my guess is that you must practice with them. It's better to mute the banjo instead of playing with your fingers. If you don't have clothes pegs you can always stuff a paper towel under the strings behind the bridge. Or form a handkerchief into an upside down U shape and put under the strings on both sides of the bridge. I also live in a flat and I told my neighbors not to be shy about letting me know if I'm bothering them. So far, no complaints so I play at full blast.

Don't know enough to give advice on the pull-off other than to say if you're practicing correctly just keep at it, time is your friend.

Larry

Magolli - Posted - 11/10/2011:  06:45:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jazz Country

Hey Felipe,

How's the bluegrass scene in Chile? Or is it Cuba?

If you want to play with picks my guess is that you must practice with them. It's better to mute the banjo instead of playing with your fingers. If you don't have clothes pegs you can always stuff a paper towel under the strings behind the bridge. Or form a handkerchief into an upside down U shape and put under the strings on both sides of the bridge. I also live in a flat and I told my neighbors not to be shy about letting me know if I'm bothering them. So far, no complaints so I play at full blast.

Don't know enough to give advice on the pull-off other than to say if you're practicing correctly just keep at it, time is your friend.

 

Larry

---

 Hi Larry,

Thanks for the comment, it is Santiago, Chile. I don´t think there is a bluegrass scene here, I play mostly with my sister and a friend that has just returned from the states.

In respect of the picks, yes, I try to play with them as often as I can, but sometimes I use fingers just to quiet down and avoid driving crazy my girlfriend, LOL.

I will try the "quieting" methods you propose, they seem to be useful.

Cheers

trock - Posted - 11/11/2011:  10:35:10

We'll I'm gonna jump in here. I just got my banjo yesterday and stopped by the music center and set up my first lesson for next thursday. Bought the book the teacher teaches from, Mel Ray's complete bluegrass banjo method. Getting some picks tonight and a strap. So here I go.

rfreeze - Posted - 11/11/2011:  12:17:40

Hi Trock, Rich Freeze here, I started with plenty of material from Ross Nickerson Banjoteacher.com but my Instructor could see that I was having problems and told me to find songs with more of the  melody notes in them. That's what I did and now the banjo is more fun .Do a search for Melodic banjo books and I'm sure you will enjoy banjo more.

Rich Freeze

Edited by - rfreeze on 11/11/2011 12:19:34

trock - Posted - 11/11/2011:  15:16:36

Thanks Rich. I'm looking forward to learning this instrument. I will look into some good melody songs. I have read this thread thru and it has alot of good advice.
Tracey

jajajavih - Posted - 11/12/2011:  09:08:30

I 've been playing one year, since I bought my banjo. I play it every day, I’ve learned songs and get used to the instrument, and now I really want to take it seriously. So I decided to take a teacher to help me!! Here, in Madrid (SPAIN) there is no easy to find a banjo teacher but I finally I think I found it!