Jazz Country - Posted - 12/13/2012:  07:55:56

Thanks Bryan! Sometimes it's the little things that can make a world of difference. This is very useful information.

Larry

Edited by - Jazz Country on 12/13/2012 07:58:20

pickonSue - Posted - 12/13/2012:  08:02:40

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Originally posted by ITACUD

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Originally posted by mulligan31

Hi all, first time poster. I don't have a banjo yet and never even have held one. I am real keen to learn though. I will probably pick up a Deering Goodtime banjo soon. This might have been addressed here before but i couldn't find it. Lessons are pricey so i am curious about how many on here are self taught as opposed to learned with a teacher. Also if anyone knows of a better beginners banjo than the goodtime but in the same price range i would welcome suggestions.

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Just do a search on the forums in shopping advice and you should find tons of opinions on the topic of what banjo is best...there have been several threads in the last few weeks on this topic.

Disclaimer that I'm a complete novice, but as far as lessons, I used books and videos for the last few months until I finally secured a spot with a guy who can teach me.....  there weren't many options here in my town for teachers so I had to wait.   When I finally took my first lesson 2 weeks ago, I found out my body/hand position was all wrong....  I feel like I'm starting all over so it's probably best to take some lessons even if you can only afford a few.  I also found out that I completely freeze in front of strangers and turn into a statue and can't move my fingers...

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Yeah I bought videos and downloads but no books too and I really didn't think I needed a teacher. At my husbands prompting to do so, I did and I'm finding it very helpful. Of course the first few lessons I was so nervous that my fingers would start to sort of freeze up and then my brain would short circuit !  So, I started to show up earlier since I would be the first student that day and got my banjo out and just played every song I knew to calm myself down and it's working in that I'm starting to relax as I go to each lesson. It'll get better from here on out I'm sure.

gospelman97 - Posted - 12/13/2012:  08:04:24

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Originally posted by Jazz Country

Thanks Bryan! Sometimes it's the little things that can make a world of difference. This is very useful information.

Larry

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You are most welcome, Larry.  The little bend is not that difficult to do and most professional players do it EVERY time.  It should become automatic so why not learn it this way to begin with?  I should have also mentioned that you can do the bend not only on Cripple Creek but every time you do the standard Scruggs tag lick that you hear 30 times in every song.  I think it just helps you sound more like a bluegrass player a little earlier.

rbishopp - Posted - 12/13/2012:  12:42:18

I've been playing that as a 2-4 slide on cripple creek.   I'll try to push up on the string a bit (bend) to see what that sounds like.

Thanks.