courgettelawn - Posted - 12/26/2011:  10:08:59

I need to get knitting...

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 12/26/2011:  13:13:05

Hello everyone, I just stumbled across this forum and have been reading some of the posts here. I am also a beginner and it is nice to see a place dedicated to those of us just starting our journey. I have been playing bluegrass for a couple of months but have recently started "trying" to learn clawhammer. I just love that sound! 

I am curious if anyone else is trying to decide which style to go with? Or trying to learn both styles at the same time?  

Larry121047 - Posted - 12/27/2011:  19:03:16

quote:

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Originally posted by Peanutscreams

Congrats Larry on that new banjo your getting tomorrow. Can't wait to see a picture of it when you post. Like the other Larry stated, many suggestions for first songs to learn will lean towards "Cripple Creek" Banjo In The Hollow" is another cool little tune that is very easy to play. I started with Foggy Mountain Breakdown but I'm also kind of what some would call a minority to the general population. I just had to know FMB, and that I feel has really helped me with other songs because FMB incorporates so many rolls and licks used in lots of arrangements. (So I've been told) I'm still under 6 months. Merry Christmas.

Butch B.

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 Pictures are now on my homepage.

jackhatfield - Posted - 12/27/2011:  23:06:10

I just sent the final draft of my new book "The Best of Jack Hatfield" to the publisher, Mel Bay. It is an anthology of all my best arrangements from previous books but with extra solos added in all three styles (plus pedal point style) and has a section of advanced contest/stage performance arrangements including slow songs, classical, swing and blues riffs. I had to burn "test CD's" to proof as I went along. I have about 50of these CD's. They feature the great band Blue Moon Rising playing rhythm in one track and me playing banjo in the other. If you want one, I'd rather give them away than throw them away. There is really no comparison to playing along with REAL professional musicians who are used to playing together and can create a groove with their timing interaction, using dynamics, inserting G runs at the appropriate places, etc.

About a third of these tunes can be played by beginners, and most of the intermediate arrangements have a "late beginner" level first solo and an upper neck intermediate second solo.

Disclaimer: These test CD's are from various stages of the recording process which lasted about four months. Some of the banjo playing may be a little rough, especially from the earlier sessions...but the rhythm is impeccable. If you want one of these CD's send a large SASE or CD mailer with about $1.50 postage affixed to:

Hatfield Music
325 Laurelwood Dr.
Pigeon Forge TN 37863.

The song list:

THE BEST OF JACK HATFIELD SONGLIST:

Beginner Arrangements:

Amazing Grace
Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Cripple Creek
Cumberland Gap
In the Sweet By and By
Old Gospel Ship, The (Dillinger theme)
Old Time Religion
Sourwood Mountain
Tom Dooley
What A Friend We Have in Jesus
When The Saints Go Marching In
Will the Circle Be Unbroken

Intermediate Arrangements:

Bill Cheatham
Black Mountain Rag
Bugle on the Banjo
Devil’s Dream
John Hardy
Keep on the Sunny Side
Little Maggie
Old Joe Clark
Sally Goodin'
Salt Creek
Salty Dog Blues
Turkey in the Straw
Wildwood Flower


Advanced Arrangements:

Hatfield Hornpipe (Jack Hatfield)
Caroll Best Backstep (Jack Hatfield)
Blackberry Blossom
Dancer (Jack Hatfield)
Dewdrops (Jack Hatfield)
Forty West (Jack Hatfield)
Greensleeves
Jerusalem Ridge
Limehouse Blues
Maiden’s Prayer
Somewhere, Over the Rainbow
Twelve Blues Bars (Jack Hatfield)

Pedal Point Drills
Chord Scale Drills
Chord Melody Drills

Bury me Beneath the Willow is attached as an example of a beginner tune, Blackberry Blossom is attached as a sample of one of the advanced tunes.

also, my BNL/SPBGMA workshop is coming up Feb 3rd featuring me, Alan Munde, James McKinnney and Tom Nechville:

jackhatfielworkshops.com

Bury Me Beneath the Willow

Blackberry Blossom

sam-i-am - Posted - 12/28/2011:  06:10:36

Jack, I have been learning using your Mel Bay Beginning Banjo book with DVD and CD. My instructor and I use it for my lessons and for homework. I will definitely get your CD. Your instruction skill is excellent, and I have learned much in the last several months.

Sam Stitcher

dougzbanjo - Posted - 12/28/2011:  08:38:17

Yeah, I have Jack's bluegrass banjo method 1 and 2, and I can't wait for 3. I have learned a ton of stuff in just a year. Thanks Jack!

jackhatfield - Posted - 12/28/2011:  10:06:13

Dougz: Cant wait? Where have you been? I published book three exactly two years ago! 

go to:

hatfieldmusic.com/page3.html

jackhatfield - Posted - 12/28/2011:  10:10:17

Thanks Sam & Doug. My new book is almost a synopsis of and supplement to of all my others, plus a section of advanced tunes and slow songs. it could be used by a teacher to take a student  from ground zero through three or four years. 

Diablito - Posted - 12/28/2011:  17:00:59

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bald-banjo-man

Hello everyone, I just stumbled across this forum and have been reading some of the posts here. I am also a beginner and it is nice to see a place dedicated to those of us just starting our journey. I have been playing bluegrass for a couple of months but have recently started "trying" to learn clawhammer. I just love that sound! 

I am curious if anyone else is trying to decide which style to go with? Or trying to learn both styles at the same time?  

 

 

---

I'm trying to learn both, although I'm starting to lean more towards clawhammer. I focused on mainly bluegrass for the first month or so since that's what was mostly covered in the book i got, but I found a clawhammer book and Chuck's Rocket Science Banjo site and following along with those. I also got a banjo lesson for x-mas with a teacher who does mostly clawhammer, so we'll see how that goes. I tend to play one style till i get frustrated, or can "easily" work with the drills, then move on to the other. I like mixing it up. keeps my interest going.

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 12/28/2011:  17:34:03

Diablito, Thanks for the reply. I am doing the same thing. I started with Bluegrass and have now started clawhammer. I focus on Bluegrass and then when I get bored or start to struggle I switch over and start working on clawhammer. Some people have told me that I should focus on only 1 style at a time but I think that if I can do both then I will end up being a better player.

courgettelawn - Posted - 12/29/2011:  02:19:58

I  started learning clawhammer after a few months of getting the basics of picking. I'm now mixing and matching too. I am using Wayne Erbsen's Clawhammer for the Complete Ignoramus and also continuing with Janet Davis' You Can Teach Yourself Banjo. I find both easy to follow with their accompanying CD and DVD. I find I choose what to practise now by my mood. If I feel more alert I tend to learn some new picking but if I am relaxed and want more of a meditative session I tune down and do some clawhammer. Currently working on Little Birdie which is a neat tune for this time of year.

All the best to all of you with newer and older banjos!

Tehmina

DaveBB - Posted - 12/29/2011:  05:46:19

Hello everybody......I just got my banjo Christmas eve. What a time I am going to have learning this. It grabs you hard this banjo doesn't it. I play guitar/bass, harmonica and a little piano. i dabbled with a mandolin a couple of years ago.......but I must say, i have never been smitten with an instrument the way I am with this banjo. I got the thumb pick to start to work last night, practicing rolls. I just love this thing. I think for myself I am going to focus on bluegrass style for now, just getting comfortable playing the rolls fro now. I must admit, that clawhammer does sound wicked good when done well.

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/29/2011:  07:34:21

I've been studying bluegrass, but the more I listen to clawhammer the more I like it. I found a great intro tutorial on YouTube called bum-ditty, and I'm working on getting that basic technique in my head. If anybody is interested, here it is:   youtube.com/watch?v=GWaW4C5z_Ek

Larry

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 12/29/2011:  15:21:08

I am using Wayne Erbsen's "Clawhammer Banjo for the complete Ignoramus", and also Dan Levenson 'clawhammer Banjo from Scratch". Both seem to be good books to start out with. I used Wanyne Erbsen's Bluegrass book when I first got started and it has helped me quite a bit.

I am curious what banjo everyone here is starting out with. I started out on a Mastercraft but have moved up to a Gold Tone WL-250 for my clawhammer and just recently got an RK-35 Madison that I use for Bluegrass.

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/29/2011:  16:59:41

Hey David, I took up the banjo in late February 2011. After receiving a ton of great advice from players on the hangout I bought an RK-35. I knew I made a good choice when a respected pro tried it out one day and said "Yep, it's a real banjo."

Larry

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 12/29/2011:  18:09:02

Hi Larry,

The RK-35 is an awesome banjo. I played a few others that were more expensive but can not say they sounded any better than the RK-35, and some not nearly as good. It is a lot of banjo especially at the current price point. Have you made any changes to the setup of yours such as strings or replacing the bridge?

Max Sand - Posted - 12/30/2011:  07:45:38

Hey Larry, thanks for that link re Clawhammer. I'm currently learning Scruggs style but i think i like that Clawhammer sound better. What do you think.......would it be better for me to at least get a year under my belt playing Scruggs before switching over to Clawhammer? I'm currently doing Janet Davis beginning banjo and can play rolls and some of the tunes fairly fast.

The Hat - Posted - 12/30/2011:  09:09:59

One thing that really works for me is that when it aint happening and im getting frustrated, just put the banjo down and go for a brew. Forget about it for a while.

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/30/2011:  09:38:53

quote:

---

Originally posted by Max Sand

Hey Larry, thanks for that link re Clawhammer. I'm currently learning Scruggs style but i think i like that Clawhammer sound better. What do you think.......would it be better for me to at least get a year under my belt playing Scruggs before switching over to Clawhammer? I'm currently doing Janet Davis beginning banjo and can play rolls and some of the tunes fairly fast.

---

You're welcome! Being a banjo novice I'm not qualified to answer your question about learning both methods at once. But I did begin country guitar while in the midst of my jazz lessons. I just had to learn to make the most efficient use of practice time. Just like now I'm still studying jazz, country and banjo, dividing the time as I see fit. I guess I'll become a musical jack of all trades and master of none, but that's ok because I love every minute of practice and playing.

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/30/2011:  09:41:06

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hat

One thing that really works for me is that when it aint happening and im getting frustrated, just put the banjo down and go for a brew. Forget about it for a while.

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Well, I hope that doesn't happen too often :-)) 

Although you do have some fine brew over there.

Larry

The Hat - Posted - 12/30/2011:  14:05:03

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jazz Country

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Hat

One thing that really works for me is that when it aint happening and im getting frustrated, just put the banjo down and go for a brew. Forget about it for a while.

---

Well, I hope that doesn't happen too often :-)) 

Although you do have some fine brew over there.

Larry

---

Not too often, but i do like tea. Cant stand coffee !

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/30/2011:  17:06:16

My bad Paul - when you said brew I thought you meant beer!

Larry

Larry121047 - Posted - 12/30/2011:  19:42:49

First lesson today and it was interesting. I believe I am actually going to learn how to play this banjo of mine. Now, if I could just keep my ring finger and little finger planted on the head it would be a good start.

roboto65 - Posted - 12/30/2011:  22:21:30

Having fun with my new banjo kind of overwhelmed with all the different teaching techniques even with the rolls start with this finger start with that am working on my forward rolls now. 

The count is confusing me am I supposed to be playing TIM TIM TI then starting over or just keep rolling with TIM TIM TIM TIM so on and so on.

Edited by - roboto65 on 12/30/2011 22:22:02

The Hat - Posted - 12/31/2011:  01:42:18

its TIM TIM TI then start over. I did the same to start with

jackhatfield - Posted - 12/31/2011:  07:26:45

The TIMTIMTM forward roll ( I call it FR #2 in my books) is a valid and useful forward roll, but I like to start with the Alternating Thumb (TITM) roll because it is shorter (easier to memorize) MUCH more useful to play melodies with (it allows the thumb on the inside strings four times within the measure, all on downbeats where melody notes occur) and it is just more balanced/symmetrical. It is very easy to work out your own simple melodies with this roll, in fact you can play all melody notes on the third string with your middle finger and workout dozens of simple songs with only one left hand finger and NO altering of which strings you hit with the right hand.  I then teach the TMTIMTIM forward roll, (FR#1!) because unlike the TIMTIMTM forward roll you can play the melody note on the second string on the first beat of the measure when necessary without having to alter the roll. The TIMTIMTM forward roll is actually the third roll I teach. Practicing the TIM pattern is useful because it is an ELEMETNTAL sequence...all forward rolls are built from it...however, it does not fit neatly within a four beat measure so it is not all by itself to work out melodies and still locate the all important Thumb on the downbeats so the melody will stand out. 

First Lessons Banjo

Bluegrass Banjo Method, Book One

sam-i-am - Posted - 12/31/2011:  07:55:12

quote: Larry, I tried to anchor my ring and pinkie like all instruction books recommend. But, my instructor and I both can't keep our ring finger planted. Even Jack Hatfield says if after awhile you can't do it, just use the pinkie. I have seen some banjo players on TV who only use their pinkie like Alison Brown.

---

Originally posted by Larry121047

First lesson today and it was interesting. I believe I am actually going to learn how to play this banjo of mine. Now, if I could just keep my ring finger and little finger planted on the head it would be a good start.

---

mcookoc - Posted - 12/31/2011:  08:33:38

this reply being so far from the front of the original post may not get read. that is the reason for this reply i think  beginners should have a regular forum listing so we could see posts and respond to them rather then wade through the hundreds of posts this subject has received.

Max Sand - Posted - 12/31/2011:  09:26:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by sam-i-am

quote: Larry, I tried to anchor my ring and pinkie like all instruction books recommend. But, my instructor and I both can't keep our ring finger planted. Even Jack Hatfield says if after awhile you can't do it, just use the pinkie. I have seen some banjo players on TV who only use their pinkie like Alison Brown.

---

Originally posted by Larry121047

First lesson today and it was interesting. I believe I am actually going to learn how to play this banjo of mine. Now, if I could just keep my ring finger and little finger planted on the head it would be a good start.

---

 

---

 I'm using Janet Davis book and she says to just use the pinkie in the beginning. I've been doing that for quite awhile and it keeps my hand anchored nicely.  Why not follow her advice and wait till you have more experience. I spend my practice time getting rolls down, practicing chords and working on songs in the book.  Where my ring finger is at any particular point is not an issue  :)

jajajavih - Posted - 01/02/2012:  07:26:17

Hi folks!

I just wanted to say that this last Christmas days I did my first family-concerts and I am so proud I did it. I consider myself a kind of nervous man in these public situations.

The thing is that in Christmas Eve I was so nervous and it was a strange feeling because I saw that my fingers where doing whatever they wanted. It wasn’t any flow…

However the Christmas Day, in my uncle’s home I sat next to the chimney to feel the warm of it and I concentrated thinking that my banjo and me were alone. Then the magic came!! All worked as always practicing…my fingers responded with flow!! And thereafter I really feel that I am more prepared for the next mini-concert. I feel that I can now control a little bit more my nerves and I feel more self-confident.

Thanks for reading!

Javi

jajajavih - Posted - 01/02/2012:  07:27:42

I did that Santa hat for the banjo! hah

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 01/02/2012:  07:32:17

When I started out I worried about trying to keep my finger(s) anchored like the books all say but soon realized that I was focusing more on that instead of my rolls, cords, and such. So basically I changed my focus onto what I feel is more important and almost by magic, my finger founds it's own anchor and now it seems natural instead of forced...make sense?

Larry121047 - Posted - 01/02/2012:  07:34:02

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bald-banjo-man

When I started out I worried about trying to keep my finger(s) anchored like the books all say but soon realized that I was focusing more on that instead of my rolls, cords, and such. So basically I changed my focus onto what I feel is more important and almost by magic, my finger founds it's own anchor and now it seems natural instead of forced...make sense?

---

 Yes it does.

Jazz Country - Posted - 01/02/2012:  13:04:32

quote:

---

Originally posted by jajajavih

I did that Santa hat for the banjo! hah

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Sounds like you had a lot of fun- that's what it's all about. 

Larry

sam-i-am - Posted - 01/02/2012:  13:06:47

quote: Boy, you sure looked sharp in the tie and all. I have to make a Santa cap for my banjo.

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Originally posted by Jazz Country

quote:

---

Originally posted by jajajavih

I did that Santa hat for the banjo! hah

---

Sounds like you had a lot of fun- that's what it's all about. 

 

Larry

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Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 01/02/2012:  15:06:37

I believe that it is more important to have fun and feel good about what I am doing playing the banjo than to make sure that I follow EXACTLY what some book or DVD tells me to do. I think we need to make the music our own instead of being a robot and playing and sounding exactly like someone else. Take the best from all of the books and DVD's and let them help you develop your style or sound.

blksmth2 - Posted - 01/03/2012:  02:15:37

Howdy! I appreciate the topic. I've been playing or trying to play off and on for about 3 years now! Some days are really good and some are not so good. But the thing is I love playing even though life seems to get in the way sometimes! I've stopped and started over several times, but each time has gotten easier to get back on track. I'm learning Scruggs style and enjoying the journey. MinstrelMike is right, play what sounds good to you and what you enjoy! Tonight, I tried "Rocky Top" and "Flowers on the Wall" (just for fun!) Sounded rough, but the wife could tell what I was playing and the dog didn't run away. So, keep on keeping on and have fun!

blksmth2 - Posted - 01/03/2012:  02:31:00

Got a question! I'd like to start playing up the neck some. How did you start that process? I know that the F-chord form seems to be the easiest(?) to use. What are some of the others? Are there lessons online that can explain it? Thanks in advance for any info.

jajajavih - Posted - 01/03/2012:  06:19:20

"A master banjo player isn't the person who can play who can pick the most notes. It's the person who can touch the most hearts"

Patrick Costello

jackhatfield - Posted - 01/03/2012:  06:19:48

In my books I teach the Earl Scruggs versions of Cumberland Gap, Lonesome Road Blues and Bugle Call Rag in that order. A simplified version of Sally Goodin' would be good too, but in the Earl Scruggs book it is confusing because Earl uses uncommon extra beats at the end of some phrases like old time fiddler sometimes do, (which can cause confusion the last phrase with with pickups going into the next phrase) and the bass man gets backward on the Foggy Mt Banjo Album, playing V-IV-I-V-I instead of I-V-I-V-I-V for a few bars. Apparently Earl confused even his bass player during the session! I have a "straight" version in my Book Two. The position used for the high break on Cumberland Gap is THE MOST IMPORTANT upper neck formation, in fact I call it the "Cumberland Gap" formation. It's the same as a Em chord, the relative minor to G Major: index on 2nd string /8th fret, middle on 3/9, ring on 1/9 and the pinky will add notes on 2/10 and 2/11, sometimes bending these added notes. You mention the F Formation, so maybe you are talking about vamping backup instead of lead playing. If so, yes...the F Formation is the most useful (not the easiest as you say, the Bar formation is the easiest...but the F formation is by far the the most useful). Learn the F formation G (3rd fret) , C (8th fret), and D (10th fret) while doing a T-TIM T-TIM pinch pattern with the right hand to the chord progression of basic songs you already play. Do not lift the fingers, just relax the pressure and SLIDE from 3 to 8 to 10th fret, looking at the target fret an instant before the change. Don't look at your fingers, look at the target fret and place only your Index finger on the target fret. If you maintain the F shape, the rest of the chord will be there.

Bluegrass Banjo Method, Book Three (Backup)

Bluegrass Banjo Method, Book Two

Bluegrass Banjo Method, Book One

RB-1 - Posted - 01/03/2012:  06:59:05

By the time -eons ago- I started figuring out 'Advanced Earl', Jack's BNL 'Scruggs Corner' columns were a gold mine to me.

I'd listen to anything he has to say and if your serious about the banjo, learn it all literally first.

There's time enough to develop your own stuff as I did later.

Edited by - RB-1 on 01/03/2012 07:00:22

The Hat - Posted - 01/03/2012:  07:47:57

Hey Jack, where can i get your 3 books from ?

Dogspinner - Posted - 01/03/2012:  10:21:15

Need help with baby steps to learn to play my banjo. Step 1 - join this site - complete, step two - dust off my banjo - complete, step 3 - tune my banjo - working on that! What would your next steps be? I want to get motivated, not over whelmed.

jackhatfield - Posted - 01/03/2012:  10:24:53

Hat, all my books and products are at:   www/hatfieldmusic.com

The Hat - Posted - 01/03/2012:  12:54:34

Cheers Jack.

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 01/04/2012:  09:12:05

Dogspinner, I would suggest deciding on which style you want to play and then select what method will work best for you such as books, DVD's, personal lessons, etc. The hardest thing for me was to decide which style to start with. I like bluegrass but also love the sound of clawhammer so I am working on both styles. There are many good books and DVDs for beginners out there such as the ones listed in this forum by Hatfield. Finding someone else to practice with helps quite a bit also. Good luck!!

Applepicker - Posted - 01/04/2012:  20:13:25

Hello picker friends,
Been pickin' a little over a month now. It has become an obsession. Looking to buy a Yates banjo soon. :D

xrpilot - Posted - 01/05/2012:  19:07:00

Hi All,

just got my first banjo for my birthday, day after Christmas. I have wanted to learn how to play the banjo since I was a kid...and that was a long time ago ; ) I have plunked around on the guitar and piano but just didn't hit me the way the banjo sound does. Anyway, I am obsessed with this thing, I actually woke up dreaming about the fingering to Cripple Creak the other night...is that wrong? I just ordered Hatfield's books so I hope they help me on my way.

Happy to be here and learning from you all

DannyB KY - Posted - 01/05/2012:  22:43:14

14 down, 18 to go!!........................