Southern Gent - Posted - 11/24/2010:  21:54:07

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Well.....I started today. The first 3 chords came easy because of years of guitar but the rolls are going to be another story. I'm afraid that I had a bad misconception concerning banjo. I've been hybrid picking guitar for years and I thought these rolls would be gravy. Wrong answer for sure. I have a ton of work to do but I'm determined. More than that I'm excited to learn something very new. It feels strange being absolutely lost again.

Kennyj - Posted - 11/24/2010:  22:46:02

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quote:

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Originally posted by Southern Gent

Well.....I started today. The first 3 chords came easy because of years of guitar but the rolls are going to be another story. I'm afraid that I had a bad misconception concerning banjo. I've been hybrid picking guitar for years and I thought these rolls would be gravy. Wrong answer for sure. I have a ton of work to do but I'm determined. More than that I'm excited to learn something very new. It feels strange being absolutely lost again.

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You should catch on with doing the patterns and rhythm faster than you think (I'm only on week 3), but speed is still an issue for me.

Blue Cheese - Posted - 11/25/2010:  07:02:21

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Ya, rolls feel so unnatural at first but sooner or latter they start to feel second nature. I think the guitar gives you like a three month head start on learning the banjo! - L

flintlock54 - Posted - 11/25/2010:  07:02:28

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All of this sounds familiar, have had five lessons. Like the instructor, but switching to what I hope will be a better one. Also he is about ten minutes away, instead of 40 miles each way. Can change cords well from G to C -D7 etc. but have trouble getting in and out of cords like F. Doing rolls and parts of songs, but can't really play a whole song yet. Took a year of guitar lessons in 5th grade, and bought a Stelling banjo in Norfolk and took it along on the first cruise on U.S.S. Nimitz on 78-79 cruise. Thought I would teach myself, did not get very far, wish still had banjo, bought it then for $485. So this is first time really serious about learning,

ductape - Posted - 11/25/2010:  16:28:24

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Geez! Got real sick the next day. Been down for a week. I am working on C,D and D7 chords as well as forward roll and alternating thumb roll. My teacher is absolute no nonsense. If you don't really wanna learn, don't waste his time. It's work now, but the fun will come.....

SharpsShooter50 - Posted - 11/25/2010:  20:51:37

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Started playing in september of this year, practice for about an houre a day. There are no instructors up here, or anybody else that plays banjo that I know of. I had crushed my hand some years ago and missing the tip of my left index finger, middle finger has fused joint so it does'nt bend. Good news is my right hand works just fine. I can't play fret positions like the folks that write the books tell me to, so I improvise, alot. I would have to say that my biggest hurdle is timing, I try with a metronome but everytime I turn it on I can't play the song.

South Hills - Posted - 11/26/2010:  06:44:03

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quote:

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Originally posted by chickenbilljones

Hello to all my fellow beginners. It can be discouraging at the bottom, but why let it when your having so much fun? I started this forum to see if there is any other beginners that would like to share their thoughts about the banjo or their experiences as they start their banjo journey.

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Thanks for starting this forum chickenbilljones. I have been playing banjo since March and am making decent progress. I think that I benefited from playing a guitar when I was 10 years old.

For what it is worth, I recommend aspiring banjos players buy a decent (but not necessarily expensive) banjo to start with, find a good teacher, and practice, practice, practice. Also, listening to and observing a variety of banjo performers if helpful. And remember, "Rome wasn't built in day".

Eyedee - Posted - 11/27/2010:  00:36:15

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Hey SharpsShooter, I've been playing about a year, my fingers got damaged too, ring finger is a half inch short and flesh from pinky got ripped up in a battle with the lawnmower (which it won) ouch.
Biggest problem is difficulty in reaching ring finger over for chords on 4th string and the fact that the ring finger end is fat and touches other strings. I have to work out my own fingering, sometimes this is majorly different to what "the book" says.

My only hint to getting better is work out YOUR fingering and practice SLOWLY. Once the fingering is in your head the brain can then concentrate more on the timing.

SharpsShooter50 - Posted - 11/27/2010:  09:00:52

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Yes, when I get to a part that I have to invent fingering for I go over a few different patterns looking for effiency in getting into position as well as where I need to go after. Once I got something that I think will work I run over it a few times than try to blast thru the section, if there are any problems with positioning it will show up right away, and this way I can correct it before hardwireing it in my memory.
Some years ago, tried playing guitar, tied taping the end of my finger to make it smaller so that I could fret single strings, did'nt work. Took a file to my nut and adjusted my string spacing, giving more room to bottom strings and slightly tightening top ones, worked with limited sucess. Result was I can play a few simple songs, as long as there arent many C's in it. Banjo for me is much more user friendly, making progress every day.
And if you think you just won't get it because of such and such, check out youtube. A one arm fiddle player, he sounds better than most people that I have heard. And there is also an interesting video of bashful Brother Oswald having fun backstage at the opry, they were playing polly wolly doodle, check out the guitar player he plays with his knuckles.

Southern Gent - Posted - 11/27/2010:  09:11:46

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quote:

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Originally posted by SharpsShooter50

Yes, when I get to a part that I have to invent fingering for I go over a few different patterns looking for effiency in getting into position as well as where I need to go after. Once I got something that I think will work I run over it a few times than try to blast thru the section, if there are any problems with positioning it will show up right away, and this way I can correct it before hardwireing it in my memory.
Some years ago, tried playing guitar, tied taping the end of my finger to make it smaller so that I could fret single strings, did'nt work. Took a file to my nut and adjusted my string spacing, giving more room to bottom strings and slightly tightening top ones, worked with limited sucess. Result was I can play a few simple songs, as long as there arent many C's in it. Banjo for me is much more user friendly, making progress every day.
And if you think you just won't get it because of such and such, check out youtube. A one arm fiddle player, he sounds better than most people that I have heard. And there is also an interesting video of bashful Brother Oswald having fun backstage at the opry, they were playing polly wolly doodle, check out the guitar player he plays with his knuckles.

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The biggest reason I'm picking up banjo is health reasons. My left wrist is causing me some severe pain and guitar just aggravates it so much that I'm taking week long breaks to heal or feel better. I haven't had "as much" pain with the banjo but I haven't played for extended lengths. Haven't even played a song yet!! Always played rock & blues but I'm willing to give BG a shot. Some extremely fine musicians in the genre.

Cotton - Posted - 11/27/2010:  10:33:13

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I'm 67 and started playing at 66. I have had alot of left shoulder problems and have had to back off for several months. I'm back again. I am not going as fast I wanted.
I have played guitar since I was 12, and I am a very good guitar player. The banjo is hard for me, but I keep trying. I have small hands and can not reach some of the chords.
I read about some people who play banjo and just run away with it, I am not so skilled.
Thanks for this topic, now I do not feel so bad. Maybe I can continue on the hangout and not be intimated!!!

Eyedee - Posted - 11/27/2010:  13:22:59

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It sounds like we need an over 60s/arthritic/missing bits forum and then we can take over this website hahahahahaha

ladyfyre - Posted - 11/28/2010:  10:26:13

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I am just starting the banjo. I am trying to find a good place to take lessons online. I am 37, which actually seems young compared to the age some people start. If anyone could recommend a good site to take lessons, that would be great.
Stacie

Kennyj - Posted - 11/28/2010:  11:06:02

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quote:

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Originally posted by ladyfyre

I am just starting the banjo. I am trying to find a good place to take lessons online. I am 37, which actually seems young compared to the age some people start. If anyone could recommend a good site to take lessons, that would be great.
Stacie

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I highly recommend:
tonytrischkaschoolofbanjo.com/

mlockard - Posted - 11/28/2010:  13:18:58

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I just went out and bought a banjo today after hankering to try one for a few years. I have been strumming a guitar on and off for 15 yrs and thought this would be easy.
Needless to say I feel like I am all thumbs again like when I first picked up the guitar. Learning new chords again and trying to make my fingers do what I want is humorously difficult. But I have a whole hour of banjo under my belt and thats more experience than I had yesterday.

tobytyler - Posted - 11/28/2010:  14:16:34

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[Learning new chords again and trying to make my fingers do what I want is humorously difficult. But I have a whole hour of banjo under my belt and thats more experience than I had yesterday.
[/quote]

Welcome to the club - I have a whole week of banjo under my belt. I concur that beginner banjo is definitely harder than beginner folk guitar. But then, there is just no sound like a banjo - definitely worth the trouble.

banjobyron - Posted - 11/28/2010:  17:11:46

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Hello all!

I've been playing now for a few months, but haven't been able to be as consistent as I want about practicing (kids/job/honey-do list.... etc). I have been doing a ton of listening and research, though, and I have a question about the best way to start learning banjo:

For someone who wants to be an all around player (of all styles and genres), what should you approach first? I read an article with Vic Jordan and he recommends starting with Scrugg's style first, and then moving on to melodic style.... What has everyone else done? Any advice?

I've been using the Murphy Method, in combination with the Scruggs book, and I just picked up Tony Trishka's Melodic Banjo book. I'm hoping to get a teacher after I move next month.....

paulandgale - Posted - 11/29/2010:  05:29:44

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Beginners rock!! I started playing my banjo back in mid June, and I'm loving every minute of it. I share the thrills and struggleswith learning with everyone else. I have a great teacher that always finds a way to help me work through the rough spots. Keep pickin' friends!
Paul

Kkkkatysmom - Posted - 11/29/2010:  06:17:09

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How wonderful to have this forum! I bought my first 100.00 used banjo in 1980 the year after I graduated high shool. I played occasionally, self taught myself some clawhammer style. The banjo had some neck and bridge problems and would frequently go out of tune Last year when I turned 49, I got a basic Deering banjo as a birthday present. This banjo is not a candillac, but to me is a beauty and in my still humble beginner stages learning three finger style, is helping to motivate to practice. It is a challenge with being a wife and a mom of 3 young kids, work, but I am motivated and getting more inspired by my visits to this site.

JDW - Posted - 12/04/2010:  14:22:36

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Great advice here--especially for a guy three days into it! Thanks for the encouragement--

DGEBanjo - Posted - 12/04/2010:  21:35:05

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Hi everyone I am brand new to the forum and thought I would share an experience that I had. I played the Bass for awhile but had a lifelong dream to play the banjo. It has been a great journey so far. Made much easier by the Murphy Method. Tab just did not do it for me. Something must be working as you will see below.

I am sure your have a library full of e-mails from frustrated students at different levels of instruction, however I wanted to share this with you. As my instructor you may appreciate it.  I do not know if it was divine intervention, the Murphy Mojo or something else, but I thought I would share.

Last week, I waited with baited breath as the next journey in the Murphy Method was about to begin.  I had burned through Beginning Banjo Vol. 1 so I went ahead and ordered Vol 2, Misfits, and Vamping dvd’s and the Christmas DVD from Casey.  They arrived and I jumped right in.  After following your banjo track I decided that Sunday was to be dedicated to Misfits and Vamping.  I awoke early on Sunday morning and after mass, I came home, greeted the morning, and jumped right in.  After my usual warm up exercises going through all the songs from Vol. 1 I hit the Misfits and had a very good session of learning.  Feeling confident (where the fun began) I tore open the Vamping DVD and began, what would become a very frustrating day and evening.

After about 4 hrs and a break for lunch, I began to realize that #1 my fingers were not cooperating with my brain and not only was I having trouble with the chords, but also listening and hearing the chord changes.  That brings us to around 7:00 pm Sunday night and a constant spiral into bad playing.  Now I could not even play anything without major mistakes.  I should have packed the banjo away and left it for another day, however being a stubborn mule of a man I pressed on.  The constant thought in my head was, I am a college graduate with an advance degree, I am an insurance and financial business owner by trade, this can not be that difficult.  Well the Banjo Gods did not agree and the systematic failure in my playing continued. Around 8:30pm I had finally had enough and after many expletives and adjectives I  half jokingly told my wife I was going to take the truck out for a drive and  return the Banjo to the Gods since apparently a Yankee born and raised in Tucson, AZ  is not meant to play the banjo.

I packed the banjo in the truck with the full intention to either bury it in the desert or to see how well a banjo could fly as it was tossed out of a truck at 70 miles an hour.

We live north of Tucson near the base of the Catalina Mountains and I decided to head off and clear my head and say goodbye to my banjo with a quick and painless assassination of my newly found foe.  It was a full moon and the saguaros and mountains were literally stunning.  My wife had recently purchased me XM satellite radio and I just happened to come across a station called Bluegrass Junction. I figured I could not play, but at least I could enjoy the music as I drifted along the highway.

What happened next, I still cannot wrap my head around, and since I am not a drinker, nor a partaker of the herbal cigarettes (at least since college), but over the next 1/2 hour I began to hear all the licks in the songs that were being played and the vamping and the chord changes. Thinking that I had or was about to lose my mind I pulled over at a small turn out and realized I had been driving for about an hour and was well on my way into the mountains.  As I sat there for the next 25 minutes, it was if the songs themselves were trying to teach me something and the clarity of the licks, chord changes and vamping were amazing.

Then the epiphany happened. In 40 degree weather under a full moon I broke out a camp chair and camp light I had in the truck and took out my banjo and tried to follow along.  Amazingly I was able to vamp and my fingers were working making the chords, I could make the chord changes with the song and at least could recognize some of the licks begin played on the radio, although I could not play the lead, I could at least hear the chord changes and vamp along somewhat with a limp.

At this point, I again was happy and my banjo was safe from destruction.  I was so happy sitting there under the stars playing with the radio blasting,  I guess I did not realize that standing behind me was and Arizona Highway Patrolman.  After a near heart attack he simply stated that he had been driving southbound and noticed someone at a turn out with a camp light playing a banjo.  An oddity in Arizona to say the least.  I explained the entire day that lead up to this and we both had a good laugh and as it turns out he was a bluegrass fan and had dabbled in the guitar.  I told him of your teaching method and he said he would check it out.

I guess the moral to all this is in my mind is, Don’t over practice to the point of exhaustion, Never give up, and most importantly your teaching method, although not always apparent immediately is actually re-programming you brain and ear to hear things the average player may not.

In the week since my ability has increased substantially from that night and my only complaint now is that when I listen to the songs it is hard to enjoy them because I am listening for chord changes, vamping and licks.  Instead of just enjoying the song.  For now I will take that trade off.

Eyedee - Posted - 12/05/2010:  00:54:45

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Try watching this when you feel like giving up.

facebook.com/#!/video/video.ph...&comments

phb - Posted - 12/05/2010:  03:21:16

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quote:

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Originally posted by pickervernugen

At this point, I again was happy and my banjo was safe from destruction.  I was so happy sitting there under the stars playing with the radio blasting,  I guess I did not realize that standing behind me was and Arizona Highway Patrolman.  After a near heart attack he simply stated that he had been driving southbound and noticed someone at a turn out with a camp light playing a banjo.  An oddity in Arizona to say the least.  I explained the entire day that lead up to this and we both had a good laugh and as it turns out he was a bluegrass fan and had dabbled in the guitar.  I told him of your teaching method and he said he would check it out.

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A funny story well told, Pickervergnügen. It reminds me of the German saying "wo man singt, da lass Dich ruhig nieder, böse Menschen haben keine Lieder" (Where there is singing, you can make your home - bad people don't have songs). Bluegrass fans seem to be one global community. A few weeks ago I answered the door with my banjo in hands and picks mounted only to learn that our very nice parcel deliveryman himself was a bluegrass fan and had played guitar and banjo for some years. He couldn't accept my invitation to a spontaneous jam session because he had to deliver a lot of parcels but it was a funny coincidence.

the Twanger - Posted - 12/05/2010:  12:47:15

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The one thing I keep asking myself why did I pick an instrument that is so Bl**dy difficult! Been playing for just under a year trying to do a minimum of 30 minutes a day. I was approaching the big 50 and decided I wanted to play an instrument and decided on the banjo. It has been a journey not without mishaps and finding that the banjo can fly! Seriously though this forum has been fantastic and this is just the icing on the cake. keep up the good work hopefully ours paths may cross one day. Keep Picking!

stepnahalf - Posted - 12/07/2010:  19:34:52

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This is the most frustrating instrument I've ever tried to play...and the only one at that. But when I do get time to pick a few notes, there is nothing better. I've been at it for a little over a year and can play a few songs slowly. I love to go to jam sessions and hear the real "pros", even if all I do is set in and try to vamp along, as they play much too fast for me. If I had it my way, I'd practice 8 hours a day, but that would definitely put a damper on my job, family, etc. So, I'm just glad to practice when I can. I hope to get a mute so I can practice when my family is home.

chickenbilljones - Posted - 12/08/2010:  21:41:10

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Are ya'll still picking? Are you improving any? Got any good tips on where a guy can finds some good free resources?

JDW - Posted - 12/09/2010:  16:43:12

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This should be a sticky

Kennyj - Posted - 12/09/2010:  17:03:23

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That's what she said.

slorach - Posted - 12/09/2010:  18:18:27

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Hi Guys!
Great thread, glad to see I'm not the only one starting out :)
I'm 36 from Scotland and I started learning the banjo in August this year. I'm working through Dennis Caplinger's Bluegrass Basics dvd and book.
I don't have a tutor. I play a bit of guitar and this has helped me alot I think, although they are very different instruments.
Is anyone else using Dennis Caplinger's dvd? How are you finding it?
I try to practice as often as possible but I work on an offshore oilrig 2 weeks every month so i often have to spend time re-learning bits when I get home.
So far I've nailed Boil them cabbage down ( slowly) and Cripple Creek (very slowly ) and I've been working on my chord changes, rolls ect getting ready to start Old Joe Clark next time I'm home.
I made the mistake of jumping on to the next thing too quickly when I started but I made myself go back over everything till I can play each tune without mistakes and at a steady pace.
Most importantly - I'm loving it! This is definitely a challenging instrument to learn but it's very rewarding too.

BarbieSue - Posted - 12/09/2010:  19:17:31

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Wow...this is a great thread! I too, am a newbie. Almost 40, never even picked up a banjo. Really. Only seen 'em online. And now I got a Mastercraft Deluxe comin'. What was I thinkin? Couldn't tell ya. What I CAN tell ya is that about 2 months ago I got this sudden urge to wanna play the banjo. (Probably has something to do with the fact I'm a clogger and I hear this type of music alot). I have never played an instrument, my family thinks I'm nuts, but I am super-excited and ready to learn. This thread has had some great tips in it, and I will be checking back often! Thanks! Check my page now n again for blogs of my horror...errrr, I mean, success stories! Hehe Y'all have a good 'un!

micksdmf - Posted - 12/10/2010:  05:30:47

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I HAVE JUST STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO ANG I HAVE JUST REALLY BEEN PLAYING SONGS THAT I KNOW ON GUITAR (BEEN PLAYING FOR OVER 12 YEARS)

DO PEOPLE THINK THIS IS A GOOD WAY TO LEARN

ANY HELP WOULD BE GOOD

phb - Posted - 12/10/2010:  05:52:54

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quote:

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Originally posted by BarbieSue

my family thinks I'm nuts

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I believe that's a prerequesite of becoming a banjo player...

Kennyj - Posted - 12/10/2010:  07:17:56

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quote:

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Originally posted by micksdmf

I HAVE JUST STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO ANG I HAVE JUST REALLY BEEN PLAYING SONGS THAT I KNOW ON GUITAR (BEEN PLAYING FOR OVER 12 YEARS)

DO PEOPLE THINK THIS IS A GOOD WAY TO LEARN

ANY HELP WOULD BE GOOD

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Probably depends on what you want to play later. If you want to play bluegrass, you'll need to learn some roll patterns, for example. If you want to learn old time banjo, you'll need to learn the clawhammer and/or frailing stroke, etc.

If you just like the sound of the banjo as an instrument and don't care about all that, then do whatever you like.

Kennyj - Posted - 12/10/2010:  07:21:54

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quote:

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Originally posted by chickenbilljones

Are ya'll still picking? Are you improving any? Got any good tips on where a guy can finds some good free resources?

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I'm on about my 5th week now and have been a member of Tony Trischka's online banjo school for about 3 weeks now. I just submitted my first video to the school for Tony's review of me doing mixed rolls. I'm currently working on a song from another lesson (Sourwood Mtn) which uses what he call's an Osbourne roll (MIMT). I ordered a book that has Christmas songs for banjo in tab for beginner's/intermediates. I may try to learn 1 or 2 before Christmas comes. I've already been messing around with a Joy to the World arrangement I found here.

DGEBanjo - Posted - 12/10/2010:  14:08:08

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In answer to your question yes still picking and practicing and hoping to start jamming soon. Fore the Murhy method has been a god send. I tried tab and can read it but the learning curve is much to slow for me. I know there are some that would argue that this method is a monkey see monkey do way of learning and if so. Guilty as charged. However every type of learning is a mimic. When you use tab you mimic what is one the paper. When you read music you read and do the notes and when you learn this way you mimic what is shown On the videos. However this debate will rage forever. As long as you are learning enjoying and most importantly having fun the it all good. Fore all I can say to those that would argue against the Murphy Method is this. If you follow this teaching style you WILL train your ear to hear chord changes learn to anticipate those changes and be able to arrange your own improvisations and vamp to songs. I have seen it work in my own learning and I have been playing for only 4 short months. Althought being a newbie my finger have not learned what my brain in trying to tell them yet as far as speed. But to me it ia not important right now. That will come with time. As long as I cam play the song through clean at a reasonable pace but accurate. Vamp with the song and make progress I am happy.
But whatever your chosen method to learn by be diligent take the time to do it right and practice

Couchie - Posted - 12/10/2010:  15:15:37

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I just stumbled onto this topic. I am not a beginner but I teach beginners all the time. I am often asked questions about how it was when I was beginning and I think a topic like this will be a great help to a lot of pickers who are in the beginning stages of thier banjo journey.

It would take me a long time to try and explain what was going through my mind when I started to play the banjo. In some ways it was a long and arduous task, but it was worth every second. If I had to do it all over again I would.

I'll look forward to reading about others experiences and hopefully being able to help out in some little way.

Keep the faith and keep on pickin.

Tom Paglia - Posted - 12/10/2010:  16:19:23

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Hi All,

I've been playing almost 4 yrs now, self taught ...took a few lessons more recently.

Two recommendations: A metronome and a mute. A metronome will help with timing and a mute will save your relationships at home and/or with your neighbors. ( I use a brass clip type on the bridge)

The first year or so is the toughest...my kids tried to pay me to stop practicing. Folks told be between years 2 and 3 there will be a big difference in my playing and they were right. Another told me that it takes 3-5 years to begin to really learn the fret board and that appears to be an accurate statement.

It helped playing on the Hangout Chat Room....great people....great advice....intimidating at first but it made me more accountable for my playing and allowed me to listen to others play.....Highly recommended!!

As you work through material, cycle back to the easy stuff and try to play it at a higher level (cleaner, smoother)....listen to yourself...strive to play the easy stuff better each time and try to carry that into the more difficult stuff.

Play slow and accurate...the speed will come with time.

I like practicing every day....even just for a few minutes some days and longer other days.

Play with others if you have the opportunity to...I don't unfortunately but I wish I did.

Most of all, have fun!

chickenbilljones - Posted - 12/13/2010:  23:32:22

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Thanks all! Those were some great responses to this forum.

ChaseM - Posted - 12/14/2010:  22:35:51

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This is a great thread. I'm picking up my first banjo from the local music store tomorrow and can't wait to start picking. .I have a college degree in music performance but I am going to be ridiculously over my head with a banjo so I'm thankful to have you folks to turn to.

Augie - Posted - 12/15/2010:  06:18:33

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I started at age 65 which was about a year ago. Yep, another old fart. I started taking lessons and then found The Murphy Method and bought the DVDs "Beginning Banjo Vol 1" and "Banjo for Misfits". I quit the lessons after a couple weeks and now work strictly from the Murphy Method DVDs. What's really neat about using a DVD is that you can replay parts of it as many times as you need to get the message. Murphy will take you from ground zero. She teaches you to play by ear, no tablature, no chasing dots on a paper. By all means, practice regularly and often. Go slowly and do it right. Speed is not important. Timing and clarity are what's important. Get with other like-minded folks and have fun. Good luck and have fun.

Augie

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Edited by - Augie on 12/15/2010 06:19:42

njwater - Posted - 12/15/2010:  14:33:39

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"started" about 3 years ago, but practice has been very erratic.

I run in spurts and had stopped altogether for the 2nd half of this *year*... a combo of business
and discouragement.

But a friend wants banjo for a bluegrass band he put together and I'm the only suck... er, I mean, I was
available to *try* and help out a friend.

So, I'll be on a crash course to get back to the advanced introductory novice stage I had achieved as
I dive into the scruggs book, and probably some online workshops (I hope schedule permits).
Not to mention going back to torturing my poor wife again.

Hmmm, guess I'm in the club of all y'all beginners.

Have to look into getting a mute too :D :D

Gun slinger - Posted - 12/15/2010:  14:46:54

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I started 2 years ago this Christmas. I used the Ross Nickerson beginners guide to banjo and really enjoyed it. I practiced every day for 8 months and then started the process of buying a new house so the banjo kinda got put on the back burner. I started back 2 months ago and started lessons with and teacher 3 weeks ago and so far it is the best money I have spent. Even though I made great progess by myself, my teacher has fixed a couple of small bad habits that has already made great improvments in my playing. I know it has been said a hundred times but I would recommend a teacher as soon as possible.

BobbyG - Posted - 12/15/2010:  18:14:08

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Well I have been playing since April of this year and I have really enjoyed it. Although I have to admit it harder then Chinese Arithmetic. But I'm hooked and I will never give up, I am 58 years old and like many others here I wished I would have started earlier in life. When I was 16 I was given a banjo for my Birthday and I tinkered with it for awhile but didn't think it was that cool at the time so I did not pursue it and went with the guitar. What a mistake!

My Bad!

chickenbilljones - Posted - 12/15/2010:  19:13:03

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You ever just get stuck in the same old pattern on the banjo. Right now I'm playing the same things right over and over. I need a new banjo lesson bad!

Southern Gent - Posted - 12/15/2010:  20:25:17

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Vibrato anyone? I'm a 35 year rock guitar player and I can't make my hand quit the vibrato. It's killing my timing. Any advice on breaking the habit?

Vanbanjoboy - Posted - 12/16/2010:  03:26:54

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I have seen mentioned here a couple of times, a 'Mute'. I think they sound like a great idea and I'd like to get one, but which one is best?
I have seen one that fits over the bridge and this one eaglemusicshop.com/details1.as...ancer.htm(which I thought is a good idea?)

Can anyone help me get the correct one?

Thanks

Kennyj - Posted - 12/16/2010:  07:38:32

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quote:

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Originally posted by Vanbanjoboy

I have seen mentioned here a couple of times, a 'Mute'. I think they sound like a great idea and I'd like to get one, but which one is best?
I have seen one that fits over the bridge and this one eaglemusicshop.com/details1.as...ancer.htm(which I thought is a good idea?)

Can anyone help me get the correct one?

Thanks

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Are you trying to quiet your banjo? If so, I recommend using clothespins. I actually use a small plastic clip and it quiets my banjo in... almost half.

outoftune - Posted - 12/16/2010:  08:01:58

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Any suggestions on how to build speed. I do good at playing slow but when I try to move up the tempo - it's terrible!? Thanks for all the post.

Vanbanjoboy - Posted - 12/16/2010:  08:24:41

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quote:

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Originally posted by Kennyj

quote:

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Originally posted by Vanbanjoboy

I have seen mentioned here a couple of times, a 'Mute'. I think they sound like a great idea and I'd like to get one, but which one is best?
I have seen one that fits over the bridge and this one eaglemusicshop.com/details1.as...ancer.htm(which I thought is a good idea?)

Can anyone help me get the correct one?

Thanks

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Are you trying to quiet your banjo? If so, I recommend using clothespins. I actually use a small plastic clip and it quiets my banjo in... almost half.

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Hi KennyJ, Yes I'm trying to quieten it down a bit so as not to annoy anyone who doesn't appreciate my 'Fantastic beginner picking'!!! , plus my 4 year old son sleeps above where I practice in the evenings and the picking is sometimes quite loud.