Dennis7 - Posted - 02/21/2012:  19:33:21

hello , kennyj my dads 82 and still workin at the banjo. Im 62 hes better than me so I figure there s still a glimmer of hope for me. Chow

jajajavih - Posted - 02/21/2012:  23:41:46

I would buy the Goodtime 2 so I can take out the resonator whenever I want and so I'll have the two types of sound. At first you will not appreciate any difference in the sound probably. My personal advice is not to concentrate in just a type of playing (picking or clawhammering), I recommend have fun in the long road of learning and play all styles you want...learn all the banjo at the same time, cause that will maker richer your playing.



I like very much this quote of Patrick Costello:

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

Enjoy the playing all of you folks!

 

somarmd - Posted - 02/22/2012:  04:45:35

quote:

---

Originally posted by jajajavih

I would buy the Goodtime 2 so I can take out the resonator whenever I want and so I'll have the two types of sound. At first you will not appreciate any difference in the sound probably. My personal advice is not to concentrate in just a type of playing (picking or clawhammering), I recommend have fun in the long road of learning and play all styles you want...learn all the banjo at the same time, cause that will maker richer your playing.



I like very much this quote of Patrick Costello:

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

Enjoy the playing all of you folks!

 

 

​Great idea and well said!  Especially like the quote..:)

---

Paulf - Posted - 02/25/2012:  00:56:48

Hi all.  Just need some advice.  Have been practicing for approx. 7-8 weeks now and still have a bit of trouble with my C chord and until I get it right I don't want to move onto the next stage.  I  don't seem to form it cleanly, my index touches first and a lot of times my middle is not close enough to the fret and I have to slide it down.  I have included a pic of how I have been trying to form the C chord so I can be advised if the position of my arm/ wrist/ thumb should be corrected.  I am a lefty I have just flipped the photo to make it easier.  Any advice welcomed and thanks in advance.

Paul

pjfolino - Posted - 02/25/2012:  04:32:36

Looks pretty good, Paul. If anything your ring finger looks too close to the fret. It will come - keep practicing :-)

somarmd - Posted - 02/25/2012:  04:53:39

Hi Paul, I'm a newbie too with 6 1/2 weeks in. I did the same thing and found I had to move away from the fret a bit. Sounds much better without buzz. Happy playing!
Dave

Richard Dress - Posted - 02/25/2012:  09:00:54

quote:

---

Originally posted by Paulf

Hi all.  Just need some advice.  Have been practicing for approx. 7-8 weeks now and still have a bit of trouble with my C chord and until I get it right I don't want to move onto the next stage.  I  don't seem to form it cleanly, my index touches first and a lot of times my middle is not close enough to the fret and I have to slide it down.  I have included a pic of how I have been trying to form the C chord so I can be advised if the position of my arm/ wrist/ thumb should be corrected.  I am a lefty I have just flipped the photo to make it easier.  Any advice welcomed and thanks in advance.

Paul

---

Looks like you are doing very well for a couple of months.  Making chords work properly takes a long long time for most pickers.  The banjo is easier than the guitar because you really only have one chord to deal with on the banjo:  the three finger C chord.  I say this because the 4 finger vamping chords aren't supposed to be pushed down hard on the frets--they are easy, you want a muffled sound.  The G chord is there open, and the D chord can be done with one or two fingers.  The three finger C chord is the problem.

It is a problem because it is difficult and every time you come to it, you slow down and that is the end of your making music.  Poof, you just dropped out of the game.

The solution to this problem (that all beginners have) is to dump the three finger C chord for now and put perfecting it on the back burner.  You can get by very well using one or two fingers for the C chord.  I recommend this because right now you should be focusing on making your roll sound right.  And going off the track every time you make a chord is not going to help you do that.

Check out this video on partial chords:

youtube.com/watch?v=06pg9QbQQ7A

I don't think you will have much trouble if you do things in the right order.

minstrelmike - Posted - 02/25/2012:  09:15:37

I like Richard's two-finger chord, especially for folks who are starting right off with picking.

Another thing you can do is once or twice a week, instead of practicing picking, just strum chords to songs like a guitarist would. This really solidifies the chording. Get songbooks from anyplace you can (library is full of them) and start with songs you've heard. The more different songs you play chords to, the faster you pick up a lot of info about how music works.

The reason I like strumming is because it 'works' even if 2 of the 4 strings are muffled which means you can continue on with the song without being stopped by the inability to form complete chords (which is pretty much impossible for newbies anyways).

Use up-the-neck chords. They are easier to form up there and once you know the 4-finger chords, all the other ones with open strings (such as your current C chord) are just derivations of the 4-finger chords.

ddavidv - Posted - 02/25/2012:  12:46:40

"The solution to this problem (that all beginners have) is to dump the three finger C chord for now and put perfecting it on the back burner.  You can get by very well using one or two fingers for the C chord. "

Quoted for truth. On most beginner tunes (at least the few I've fooled with so far) the finger on the 4th string doesn't come into play, so to speak. You don't actually hit that string, so getting your finger on it really doesn't matter. Just make sure you leave that finger in the vicinity, so when you do move on to hitting the 4th string it's not wandering off somewhere.

Paulf - Posted - 02/25/2012:  14:29:32

Thanks for all the advice guys.  I have three books and they all have the G, D7 and 3 finger C in the first lessons but there has not been any reference to Partial Chords.  Tony Trischka's Banjo for Beginners has a few melodies that get you to practice these chords and the best beginners song he has is Boil Them Cabbage Down which starts of as strumming the chords then progresses to adding rolls, pinches, etc into it and I have been sticking with this as there is a CD to listen too.  Banjos for Dummies has the same method as well,  start of strumming the 3 chords and then building up and it is a great reference for a beginner in so many areas.  I just did a site search for Partial Chords and there is heap of threads on it so I just need to go thru them and absorb the info.  Richard, when I have seen that you have posted on this forum I always check it out as you are always giving very handy advice so thank you for answering me.

Paul

Paulf - Posted - 02/25/2012:  15:05:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by ddavidv

Quoted for truth. On most beginner tunes (at least the few I've fooled with so far) the finger on the 4th string doesn't come into play, so to speak. You don't actually hit that string, so getting your finger on it really doesn't matter. Just make sure you leave that finger in the vicinity, so when you do move on to hitting the 4th string it's not wandering off somewhere.

---

 Actually this opens up another query.  Are you stating that only the first three strings are strummed.  In the books C &G are all strings and D7 are 1 to 4.  Also, when strumming do you try to keep your anchored fingers in the same spot .

Andym1214 - Posted - 02/26/2012:  12:06:23

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nev52

I've been playing since November and not quite hearing the song yet.  Does anyone have any advice as to how long it takes until a song sounds like it should?  My instructor thinks I'm doing fine, but I don't feel that I am progressing with my playing ability.

---

Hi Nev52. I have been playing for a similar amount of time. The first tune I learnt is starting to sound like a tune, its also a tune I know, which helps. The other 2 tunes I have been learning still don't sound like a tune, but what helps is that when I am taught a new tune, my teacher records it for me so I have an idea what it should sound like. Andy.

Nev52 - Posted - 02/26/2012:  13:15:03

quote: Andym1214

Thanks for the info. It's nice to hear from other people that on the same learning level as me.

---

Originally posted by Andym1214

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nev52

I've been playing since November and not quite hearing the song yet.  Does anyone have any advice as to how long it takes until a song sounds like it should?  My instructor thinks I'm doing fine, but I don't feel that I am progressing with my playing ability.

---

Hi Nev52. I have been playing for a similar amount of time. The first tune I learnt is starting to sound like a tune, its also a tune I know, which helps. The other 2 tunes I have been learning still don't sound like a tune, but what helps is that when I am taught a new tune, my teacher records it for me so I have an idea what it should sound like. Andy.

---

ddavidv - Posted - 02/28/2012:  14:49:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by Paulf

quote:

---

Originally posted by ddavidv

Quoted for truth. On most beginner tunes (at least the few I've fooled with so far) the finger on the 4th string doesn't come into play, so to speak. You don't actually hit that string, so getting your finger on it really doesn't matter. Just make sure you leave that finger in the vicinity, so when you do move on to hitting the 4th string it's not wandering off somewhere.

---

 Actually this opens up another query.  Are you stating that only the first three strings are strummed.  In the books C &G are all strings and D7 are 1 to 4.  Also, when strumming do you try to keep your anchored fingers in the same spot .

---

I think I was referring to the D7 chord in your particular instance. Forgive me, but I can't name chords on my own; the verbiage is still foreign to me as I learn this. I'm all "this finger on this string on this fret" for now.   Though the experienced may disagree, from all the video watching coupled with the playing I've done and lessons I've taken, it seems playing the banjo is open to interpretation. While the basics are pretty universal, when it comes to playing even beginner songs I've found folks doing all sorts of things with fingers, strings and chords that don't follow the "instructions" I may be using. If it sounds right, then it probably is. If I can play a song and hit the right notes but don't actually touch the 4th string on a D7 like I'm "supposed to" I'm okay with it. Since for myself I have no illusions of grandeur of ever playing professionally I don't sweat such things. This is not to say you should be making up your own rules, but that you can modify things on occasion to get to the same place when you're fingers won't quite reach (yet).

Paulf - Posted - 02/28/2012:  17:05:15

Thanks mate, appreciate you comments.

Paul

UnkeptSanity - Posted - 02/29/2012:  04:30:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by jajajavih

I would buy the Goodtime 2 so I can take out the resonator whenever I want and so I'll have the two types of sound. At first you will not appreciate any difference in the sound probably. My personal advice is not to concentrate in just a type of playing (picking or clawhammering), I recommend have fun in the long road of learning and play all styles you want...learn all the banjo at the same time, cause that will maker richer your playing.



I like very much this quote of Patrick Costello:

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

Enjoy the playing all of you folks!

 

---

Thanks for the info! I finally made a decision and went for the Deering Goodtime OB after realizing I just don't want to deal with taking the resonator and flange off, then readjusting the neck at this point in my beginner career. I have no problem getting a resonator banjo later in life if I so choose. This will allow me to focus on clawhammer entirely.

Secondly, I wanted to point out something which people looking for a new Deering might want to know, though I'm taking my local music shop's word on it. I went there to order the banjo (they only had a Goodtime 2 in stock for $525, not bad at all) and they checked with Deering and said they were a year backordered. The music store owner suggested I get one where ever I can at this point. I told him I was going to him to build a report/relationship with the plce since I was going to take lessons through the people they work with as well as for equipment.

So I don't know how truthful the guy was, but I would only hope he was telling the truth. If so, Deering might have some large demand! Anyone able to speak of this situation?

jackhatfield - Posted - 02/29/2012:  06:27:04

Don't know where you are getting your information, but taking off the resonater takes about a minute, and you DON'T have to remove the flange. Removing the flange is like tearing the whole banjo down! If I was going to be taking the resonater off very often I would just leave two of the four screws in, or better yet, fashion a velcro attachment system. Glue four three-quarter inch square velcro pads on the blocks where the screws mount and at matching locations on the bottom of the flange, leave the screws out altogether. Then just pop the resonater off and on. Deering IS claiming several month backorder on Goodtimes, but that is nothing new. There are plenty out there. I have all three models, including GT IIs and GT Specials I had for over five years. $525 is an OK price for a GT II. Not the best price available, but still a good deal.

jackhatfield - Posted - 02/29/2012:  06:33:47

..and who told you the neck needs re-adjusting when you remove the resonater? Thats crazy.

UnkeptSanity - Posted - 02/29/2012:  08:05:02

quote:

---

Originally posted by jackhatfield

Don't know where you are getting your information, but taking off the resonater takes about a minute, and you DON'T have to remove the flange. Removing the flange is like tearing the whole banjo down! If I was going to be taking the resonater off very often I would just leave two of the four screws in, or better yet, fashion a velcro attachment system. Glue four three-quarter inch square velcro pads on the blocks where the screws mount and at matching locations on the bottom of the flange, leave the screws out altogether. Then just pop the resonater off and on. Deering IS claiming several month backorder on Goodtimes, but that is nothing new. There are plenty out there. I have all three models, including GT IIs and GT Specials I had for over five years. $525 is an OK price for a GT II. Not the best price available, but still a good deal.

---

$525 beats out even Amazon. Haven't ever seen a price better then that out there -- at least new.

UnkeptSanity - Posted - 02/29/2012:  08:09:14

quote:

---

Originally posted by jackhatfield

..and who told you the neck needs re-adjusting when you remove the resonater? Thats crazy.

---

It was in a YouTube video linked from these forums. Maybe it was my misunderstanding, but they mentioned the neck needed to be moved once it was removed. As a beginner, I took it as the resonator required it, so maybe the video was a bit misleading. I'll see if I can track it down. 

Not trying to provide wrong information -- I'm just starting out and aside from your advice about the velcro and such on the resonator, I found my GT Classic choice to be what I found to look the best and be the best for my needs (I tend to over-indulge in everything I do and really gave this purchase some serious thought).

Larry121047 - Posted - 02/29/2012:  08:56:50

quote:

---

Originally posted by UnkeptSanity

quote:

---

Originally posted by jackhatfield

..and who told you the neck needs re-adjusting when you remove the resonater? Thats crazy.

---

It was in a YouTube video linked from these forums. Maybe it was my misunderstanding, but they mentioned the neck needed to be moved once it was removed. As a beginner, I took it as the resonator required it, so maybe the video was a bit misleading. I'll see if I can track it down. 

Not trying to provide wrong information -- I'm just starting out and aside from your advice about the velcro and such on the resonator, I found my GT Classic choice to be what I found to look the best and be the best for my needs (I tend to over-indulge in everything I do and really gave this purchase some serious thought).

---

 Unkept, please go to my home page and look at my Banjo. It has a resonator on it. I take it off to practice as it is not as loud with it off. The resonator is held on by four thumb screws and it takes about about a minute to take it off or put it back on. No other adjustments are needed.  If the cost is no different get the banjo with the resonator, when you get better you will be glad you did. The banjo sounds more alive with the resonator on.

UnkeptSanity - Posted - 02/29/2012:  09:21:50

quote:

---

Originally posted by Larry121047

quote:

---

Originally posted by UnkeptSanity

quote:

---

Originally posted by jackhatfield

..and who told you the neck needs re-adjusting when you remove the resonater? Thats crazy.

---

It was in a YouTube video linked from these forums. Maybe it was my misunderstanding, but they mentioned the neck needed to be moved once it was removed. As a beginner, I took it as the resonator required it, so maybe the video was a bit misleading. I'll see if I can track it down. 

Not trying to provide wrong information -- I'm just starting out and aside from your advice about the velcro and such on the resonator, I found my GT Classic choice to be what I found to look the best and be the best for my needs (I tend to over-indulge in everything I do and really gave this purchase some serious thought).

---

 Unkept, please go to my home page and look at my Banjo. It has a resonator on it. I take it off to practice as it is not as loud with it off. The resonator is held on by four thumb screws and it takes about about a minute to take it off or put it back on. No other adjustments are needed.  If the cost is no different get the banjo with the resonator, when you get better you will be glad you did. The banjo sounds more alive with the resonator on.

---

Again, good info. Like I said above, my Deering Goodtime Classic OB shipped today, so I'm tied to this one which is not bad by any means. I love the sound of the old-time banjo and this will fit me perfectly. My wife even said she wouldn't mind looking at a resonator version in the future as long as I kept up with lessons and practicing. She played the flute in high school and has some musical ability where I lack, so music theory questions can go to her or my instructor. =)

Looks like I already learned not to assume anything I see and questions should always be asked here -- where I find true experts! I do appreciate everything thus far. I'm real excited to be part of something I've been wanting to take part in for many years!

Riperoo - Posted - 02/29/2012:  10:33:25

Hey, just wanted to drop into this thread and say thanks to all who are offereing advise, I am a rank beginner and have been pouring over these 37 pages of posts, mostly in hopes of preventing me from asking questions that have already been asked, and the wealth of the information in this one thread is overwhelming. Thanks to all who have kept this one going!!!

chickenbilljones - Posted - 03/18/2012:  22:50:48

DOn't sell your banjo You'll regret it. Just when you think your ready to move on with another instrument the sun will start shining and you'll wish you had your banjo Ya'll!!!!

sam-i-am - Posted - 03/19/2012:  14:39:26

It's been one year since I took my first banjo lesson. I can actually play the thing, but have a LONG way to go. A couple of weeks ago our receptionist retired. I played Good Night Irene but changed the lyrics to Goodbye Saundra. I actually did okay and got a round of applause. Damn that felt good.

I learned something the other day that I thought I would pass on. I have not been able to keep two fingers on the banjo. My ring finger curls up. By trying to play rolls while I was relaxed, I found I could keep them down. As soon as I tried to play a tune or go faster I would tense up and the ring finger shot up. Ha! I said. Now I am practicing staying relaxed. I wasn't even aware I wasn't relaxed. Having two fingers down helps me keep my index and middle finger where they belong. Now the thumb is another issue.

Keep on pickin'

Edited by - sam-i-am on 03/19/2012 14:40:09

iSteve - Posted - 03/19/2012:  15:35:48

Sam, congratulations on your banjoversary!  I look forward to my own banjoversary next year to see how far I'll have come.  Right now, I'm marking the 2nd of each month as a time to assess my progress - my banjo arrived on the 2nd of the month.

Keep picking!

Steve

chickenbilljones - Posted - 03/19/2012:  21:59:30

Hello Sam, glad your enjoying your banjo! Keeping your fingers ready is important. Think of it like firing a shotgun, you have to keep your gun cocked if your going to shoot. As soon as you get finished using one finger try to get it cocked up on the next string your going to use it with, that way you'll be ready to fire!

chickenbilljones - Posted - 03/28/2012:  17:48:58

Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!! are they any beginners out there? This is the forum for you. It's a great place to learn things you need to know and express yourself and the way you feel about being a newbie on the banjo. Also check out the Gospel Gathering Group if you like gospel grass. You may also find some good info on my homepage.

bazron - Posted - 03/28/2012:  20:16:57

i figured i might post this here in the hopes that ill get more responses from beginners like my self.



yesterday was one of thoes days i picked up my banjo and started picking around, it seemed like i was playing worse then the day before. i was missing strings more often, forgetting song parts things just weren't going right. in frustration i put down my banjo and felt like never playing the thing again. of course i new i would...



so today just before lunch i picked up the banjo and played around now i dunno why but for some reason things went better then i thought they would. played all my rolls without missing to many strings played my songs with a few hiccups but nothing a beginner wouldn't do.



so i guess my question is, as a beginner how many of thoes days have you had? im guessing its normal to have off days where your playing isn't the best.

it get frustrating as i found out..

 

chickenbilljones - Posted - 03/28/2012:  22:31:27

Yea, we all have our good days and bad days and none of us are perfect. I actually put my banjo under the bed for a year and started playing the guitar. I don't recommend it, but I've stepped back into with a new zeal like never before. Don't be discouraged just keep those fingers rolling. If you're having one of those days it might be good to walk away for awhile it may just be one of those days, but remember there will be another day.

kc8tby - Posted - 03/29/2012:  02:12:19

Well, I have been trying to learn on my own for a while BUT, I am happy to say, I signed with an excellent teacher and I certainly think this will be a big help!
I am having a difficult time getting to form the C chord smoothly. It seems I am unable (so far, at least!), to gett all three of my fingers down on the fretboard at the same time! LOL! I keep hearing and reading about "muscle memory". I hope mine kicks in soon!!
I am having lot's of fun though....!
Hey, great idea having this forum for all of us beginners!
Thanks!!

iSteve - Posted - 03/29/2012:  02:34:52

To keep myself on track, I've gone so far as to buy a new clock that I can clearly see in my banjo corner.  This helps me commit to 15-30 minutes per day.  I can't let myself off with 5-10 minutes.  I also bought a small CD player for those helpful discs that come with the self-instruction manuals, i.e. Earl Scruggs, among others.  Now these accoutrements and musical space do not make me a better player, but they do make it possible for me to have good practice sessions.  I'm still fumbling my rolls and have a hard time moving from G to C to D, but I do feel like I am making progress.  Also, having a teacher really helps.  Last night he showed me D7 fingering that I can substitute for D in certain situations - much easier.  Also, I'm working on "Cripple Creek" and breaking it down measure by measure.  I'll get there, but only one measure at a time.  Right now, I'm statisfied with that.

Paulf - Posted - 03/29/2012:  03:04:16

With the cds that I got with my beginners books I copied the mp3s into a file on the computer and when I listen to them I can jump to a certain spot or slow down the mp3 if I want to hear it clearer.  I just right click on the media window and go to enhancements for the speed

Cheers,  Paul

AJ76 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  07:27:30

Can I get some capo advice? I've been using a pencil and elastics and figure it's time to splurge on a real one but I'm overwhelmed... Do I need two? Can anyone give me specific advice on exactly what make and models I should get?

skylark - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:00:20

I broke down and bought the G7th capo and I love it although it's a little pricey. I haven't gotten around to having 5th string spikes installed so I took the advice of another member here and did the Bic pen method for the 5th string. You might have to do a search on that. Basically, take the cap off a Bic barrel pen and trim the clip part down a bit and it fits perfectly over the fret to capo the string at any fret. I don't know how it works so well but trust me, it does. Cheap too. Try it.

Jazz Country - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:43:14

AJ, there are a number of threads regarding capo's - check them out in the search function. Everybody has their favorites and the all work. I have a Schubb and a Dunlop - neither one is better than the other.

Kinda like asking what's a good beer?

BTW the Bic pen cap 5th string capo does indeed work very well as Skylark says!

Larry

sam-i-am - Posted - 03/29/2012:  08:59:47

Yesterday evening was the end of an era and the life of one of the greatest musicians in American History, Earl Scruggs. He died in Nashville at the age of 88.

God rest his soul.

jackhatfield - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:46:52

I use a Shubb .It's stainless steel so it lasts forever. You will lose it before it ever wears out. It can be used above the fourth fret, unlike the Paige or expensive professional "B" capos, and it has no spring to wear out like the (extremely ugly) Kaiser capo...Its adjustable - you can determine the amount of force on the strings unlike the Kyser (so you don't "pinch" the strings out of tune). AND it's CHEAPER than A Paige or Kyser, at least on my site anyway.

GlennM - Posted - 03/29/2012:  09:50:26

Shubb Suck. the rubber is soft and changes the sound of the banjo. Paige has a hard rubber and keeps  more of the banjo sound when used.

jackhatfield - Posted - 03/29/2012:  10:51:50

Changes it HOW?? Nothing that happens behind the fretted string changes the sound of the banjo. That's just illogical. If it changes the sound you are placing the capo on top of the fret, instead of right behind it. Hard rubber, especially clamped down hard, wears out the frets quicker. Also shortens into string life, because it bends the strings under the bar at a more acute angle, especially when it is very close to the fret, (BUT NOT ON TOP OF IT!) which is the proper placement for any capo. Every time you capo and un-capo you are bending the sting again. The less force the less you are bending the string. You only want enough pressure to eliminate buzz.

cmtpres - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:04:46

Just a note to the other beginners and banjo wannabees here, consider the Smoky Mountain Banjo Academy in early May.  I've signed up as a beginner and they will take anything from beginner to expert.  Jack Hatfield is the sponsor and there is a thread here: banjohangout.org/topic/226786/#2914364

Early May around Gatlinburg with lots of banjos sounding off - its gonna be fun!

jackhatfield - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:25:04

Bazron:

Learning is never a smooth curve, it comes in plateaus and irregular, unpredictable jumps. We slide backwards at times even when practicing regularly. On those bad days just slow down. This is a good rule of thumb ANY day...play only as fast as you can play CORRECTLY. Then you won't be ingraining bad habits and rehearsing errors.

nashbanjo - Posted - 03/29/2012:  11:29:22

Ladies and gents, I am a beginner of about a month and a half or so. I love the banjo, and I'm sad today that the man himself is dead on this earth. The only way I know to honor him is to be the best banjo player I can be. I'm taking lessons from an amazing banjo player, and I just invested in a serious banjo. I was playing an old Harmony, but with the encouragement of my wife, as of this week I have a Deering Sierra that is blowing my mind. It sounds like biscuits, sunshine and overalls raining down from the sky. Saying a farewell to Earl today and I'll be picking tonight in his honor like I did last night.

Edited by - nashbanjo on 03/29/2012 11:30:00

drefoss - Posted - 03/29/2012:  12:27:37

 Jack thanks for the tip about just enough force to eliminate buzz, think I can Loosen mine up a bit lol, wasn't that tight but still to tight. I have a Shubb capo and it works great.

Mike

Larry121047 - Posted - 03/29/2012:  12:37:32

quote:

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Originally posted by nashbanjo

Ladies and gents, I am a beginner of about a month and a half or so. I love the banjo, and I'm sad today that the man himself is dead on this earth. The only way I know to honor him is to be the best banjo player I can be. I'm taking lessons from an amazing banjo player, and I just invested in a serious banjo. I was playing an old Harmony, but with the encouragement of my wife, as of this week I have a Deering Sierra that is blowing my mind. It sounds like biscuits, sunshine and overalls raining down from the sky. Saying a farewell to Earl today and I'll be picking tonight in his honor like I did last night.

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 Nash.................. "Biscuits, sunshine and overalls raining down from the sky." I will forever remember this word picture. Priceless. Yes the Sierra is a really cool banjo and that is what I am saving for.

PeaksayOftsay - Posted - 03/29/2012:  13:49:07

Hey, im a beginer! Do i have to use fingerpicks? There uncomfortable and aggravating. The thumb i dont mind. But the other two make it so my fingers feel dumb. I can do a bunch or rolls with some chords on my own without them. So do i really need them? My fingers are already callased up from guitar and bass. so i just wannaknow if its going to affect my learning?

Thanks
Tyler

minstrelmike - Posted - 03/29/2012:  16:02:18

If you want to do bluegrass, get used to the picks.

It's worth making them fit well.

chickenbilljones - Posted - 03/29/2012:  21:41:38

It looks like we've got this page up and running again, that's good. Just remember guys we may not all agree on everything everyone suggest in here, but we can still get along. I'm really a newbie myself I've played for about a year. I started this forum to be an encouragement to beginners, not for people to argue about what all they know.

Kill'em with kindness!

chickenbilljones - Posted - 03/29/2012:  21:49:55

Capo's: I use a shubb, but I love paige clamps as well.



Railroad Spikes: I only have three. You can buy them at a model train dealer if your local music store doesn't carry them. There are some videos on you tube that show you how to install them, but I would suggest having someone who know what their doing do it, unless you feel really comfortable about doing it.

Finger Picks: I cock mine a little on my fingers so that they lay flat on the strings. I use a SLICK thumb pick, and .20 dunlap finger picks.

Teachers: I wish I could afford one, but I can't. I like the Murphy method and the Power Picken downloads from B.H.O.