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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/191622/5
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OakMountain - Posted - 01/22/2011: 03:15:08
Hi all,
like many of you I am a complete newbie, I have always wanted to play the banjo and this is the year!! I had an old Kent that was basically condemned by the local music store so I had to find an instrument to learn on. After much talking and a lot of research I stumbled on the Hangout...What a find!!! I ended up buying a banjo (a week ago)from a great guy on this site and now I am anxiously waiting by the door for the delivery. Inside the door...its 11 degrees this morning!!!
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 01/22/2011: 04:36:46
quote:Hi Scott,
Originally posted by OakMountain
Hi all,
like many of you I am a complete newbie, I have always wanted to play the banjo and this is the year!! I had an old Kent that was basically condemned by the local music store so I had to find an instrument to learn on. After much talking and a lot of research I stumbled on the Hangout...What a find!!! I ended up buying a banjo (a week ago)from a great guy on this site and now I am anxiously waiting by the door for the delivery. Inside the door...its 11 degrees this morning!!!
OakMountain - Posted - 01/22/2011: 14:38:19
Thanks for the welcome and the advice Ken! That sure is some story about getting your first banjo, kinda funny I live on top a mountain in NJ in fact the 3rd highest point in the state. That where I came up with my company name (Oak Mountain).
thanks again for the warm welcome, meeting lots of nice folks already
scott
dirtygeorge - Posted - 01/22/2011: 18:17:27
didn't practice today. sigh. How often do you all practice or how often do you "recommend" someone just starting to practice? My goal is to practice M-S and take Sun off. I try to practice atleast an hour sometimes more sometimes less.
Richard Dress - Posted - 01/22/2011: 18:42:34
George,
This should be the beginner pattern.
1) enthusiasm for banjo 2) lessons 3) boring drills 4) begin to sound like real music and not so boring anymore
You can see there is a U-shaped curve of enjoyment: it's up, it's a drag, then it's up again. You may need to push yourself extra hard through the trough so you can reach the other side where you will become a self-starter who is always reaching for hia banjo with a smile.
This is the ideal, but it doesn't work for everyone. Many students get stuck at the bottom because they dont get the expected lift from a sense of success in making music. This is not good so watch out for it in yourself. It may creep up on you and normal impatience and boredom might grow into disappointment and dropping out. Don't let that happen to you. Once you get past the hard part you might find your practice time increasing to more than an hour a day. Right now you are doing OK but don't drop below the hour standard. Taking days off is probably a good thing now and then.
Edited by - Richard Dress on 01/22/2011 18:45:00
Magolli - Posted - 01/22/2011: 19:12:16
quote:
Originally posted by dirtygeorge
didn't practice today. sigh. How often do you all practice or how often do you "recommend" someone just starting to practice? My goal is to practice M-S and take Sun off. I try to practice atleast an hour sometimes more sometimes less.
sctoney - Posted - 01/22/2011: 21:02:59
I've owned a banjo for over 40 years, but never have progressed very far with it. I took lessons back in the 70's, and learned a handfull of songs, then gradually got away from playing. You know, life got in the way......job, kids, etc. I found out last fall that my pastor had taken up the banjo, and that renewed my interest in it. I've played trumpet for about 45 years, but we trumpet players only use three fingers, and read 1 line of notes. I've figured out that since I can type with 2 hands, that I must be able to learn to use my left hand to play the banjo, too. I've re-learned all of the songs that I had learned in the beginning, and now I'm trying to progress beyond that. I did get a new Deering Deluxe, since the import banjo I had was too hard for me to play. The Deering has really helped. Trying to learn on a sub-par instrument is counterproductive. I just found Rick McKeon's website, and think it is great. Since I've got the rolls down, I can jump right into the video lessons, and I think it's going to work. Check out his website at rickmckeon.com/banjolessons.htm. It is great, and the price is right (free). Good luck to all.
Jonny Rotten - Posted - 01/23/2011: 07:03:44
quote:
Originally posted by tex77
Great thread! I also just stared a couple of months ago, and am having a blast. I haven't mastered any actual songs yet, but I keep reminding myself it's the journey not the destination. I feel like I make a little bit of progress every day, so I try to make time to play a little bit every day.
This forum is great, while some of the stuff is waaaay over my head, there's some great info I've found. Discussions about how to plant the picking hand gave me a lot to think about, also the insistence that a metronome should be used (it's true, really helps!).
Anyway, just wanted to post along with the other beginners and say keep it up. Maybe we'll all be famous pickers some day and can make the BHO band!
question: anyone else here play a lefty banjo?
dirtygeorge - Posted - 01/23/2011: 08:51:57
still doesn't answer My question about how much you all play. ie daily or weekly or when you can. I also didn't mean that I didn't want to practice just didn't get it fit into My day. I have been taking sundays off but, since I didn't get practice in one day this week I'll sure be practicing today. Thanks again for all your inputs.
Magolli - Posted - 01/23/2011: 09:36:49
quote:
Originally posted by dirtygeorge
still doesn't answer My question about how much you all play. ie daily or weekly or when you can. I also didn't mean that I didn't want to practice just didn't get it fit into My day. I have been taking sundays off but, since I didn't get practice in one day this week I'll sure be practicing today. Thanks again for all your inputs.
Kennyj - Posted - 01/23/2011: 09:50:34
I try to practice for 30-60 minutes every day. Sometimes I practice for more than an hour. I started in November and I've missed several days. I barely played much at all around Christmas. We had people staying with us and we were rarely at home any other time. It's hard to fit in practice because we live in a relatively small place, so I don't want to disturb others. Lately, I've found that practicing in the morning before work has been helpful, because my wife and son leave the house before I do.
I don't know how to judge my progress though. I can play several rolls comfortably. I can switch between chords comfortably. I'm ok at hammer-ons and pull-offs. I can do slides pretty easily. But I still make a ton of mistakes and I'm still pretty slow. I'm currently working on lesson 37 of 55 from Tony's beginner section. But I don't know that it means much. It make take me several months to get through them and it might still mean I'm not ready to advance yet.
Augie - Posted - 01/23/2011: 13:40:14
I'm retired and when the weather is not fit to be outside working with the horses, I get a lot of banjo time, maybe two or three hours a day. I do find that when you get tired and all your fingers turn to thumbs, you should lay the banjo down and go do something else. Maybe go to Banjo Hangout to see what's happening.
I have several Murphy Method DVDs and alternate between them to broaden my spectrum. As a friend of mine used to say, "She's got all her stuff in one sock". Many of my friends come up to me and say, "I envy you for being retired and having all that time. I tell them all you have to do is get old and then you can retire too.
This is a great forum. Lots of good stuff here. Augie
dirtygeorge - Posted - 01/24/2011: 02:58:27
thanks for all the replies to my question. Helps a great deal.
SharpsShooter50 - Posted - 01/24/2011: 08:13:03
I work a 7 and 7 shift, on my days on it's difficult to get playing time as I only have about nine hours of time to eat, shower and sleep. But I do generaly play for about half an hour. On my off days I average anywhere from four to six hours a day. I love to play and dont consider it a chore. I started last september and can play cripple creek, FMB, cumberland gap, old joe clark, banjo in the holler, and alot of general nonsense. I play in the garage, my wife told me that if I played in the garage that my strings would last alot longer, so I took the hint.
dirtygeorge - Posted - 01/24/2011: 08:26:46
GREAT day of practice today..!! worked on rolls.. Slide, Hammer-on. Not real sure about the hammer on though. it's kinda hard to get reading if from a book. Anyone know of any vids out there that would help with it? Thanks again for all your help.
dirtygeorge - Posted - 01/24/2011: 11:07:07
thanks Glenn, found some good videos that explained what I was missing in just reading text. Thanks for everyone's help.
Edited by - dirtygeorge on 01/24/2011 13:26:39
Dave Coin - Posted - 01/24/2011: 20:39:43
When you're in front of the TV, just keep the banjo on your lap. Pick through the commercials. You'll soon find that you're picking through the shows. It's good to keep the banjo on a stand next to your chair. Lotsa pickin' will naturally occur.
yoss - Posted - 01/25/2011: 12:29:32
quote:
Originally posted by Dave Coin
When you're in front of the TV, just keep the banjo on your lap. Pick through the commercials. You'll soon find that you're picking through the shows. It's good to keep the banjo on a stand next to your chair. Lotsa pickin' will naturally occur.
jerryloch - Posted - 01/25/2011: 12:45:37
Hey all - I have been playing a little over a month and I have played every single day, sometimes 30 minutes and sometimes for 4-5 hours straight (man that right arm gets sore!)
I've played guitar and piano for 20 years so learning the banjo isn't as much of a stretch for me as it might be for some other beginners. Regardless of that, I'm concerned with where I should be starting and I'm curious what you think about starting to learn expert tunes like Foggy Mountain Breakdown and I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky (at least the tab in the archive says this one is expert) as a beginner? I have already learned FMB by watching Rob Bourrassa's insanely great video series on the song. Old Kentucky is the 1st tab experience I've had and I feel like it's going pretty well.
Q1: Is it absolutely necessary to learn the basic stuff like Cripple Creek if you think you can start beyond that point and still practice slowly and with a metronome and play the tunes in time?
Q2: Can anyone point me to another post or forum that talks about the banjo songs every self-respecting player should know?
Thanks everyone! I love this website and this is a great community. I'm 38 and hope I'm sitll playing when I'm 98.
cheers,
Jerry
minstrelmike - Posted - 01/25/2011: 12:49:41
With extensive guitar experience, you can start wherever you want.
OTOH, my recommendation to folks who play other instruments is to start on the banjo by playing the songs they already play on other instruments.
You don't have to learn new music and you get to explore what is different about the banjo.
jerryloch - Posted - 01/25/2011: 17:44:12
Thanks for the reply minstrelmike .. I'm still looking for a sort of top ten list for songs that I would need to know if I walked into a bluegrass jam; or maybe a top 20 or 30 but I'm just trying to find songs I should be learning right now after playing for a month .. essential banjo songs that every pretty good banjo player would know.
I'm doing my own research but I thought comments on this topic would help me and other beginners looking for songs they can start to work on.
Thanks ya'all! ![]()
Jerry
OakMountain - Posted - 01/26/2011: 02:38:23
IT HERE ITS HERE.....open the box dig through the packing penuts, cut open the bubble wrap(man, was this well packed) open the case a little more bubble wrap and ....there she is.... beautiful . Gently lift her out of the case and (nice case I might add) stand up the bridge ( thanks for the pencil marks cuzzin donny) and pluck a string. Thats it I'm hooked , Thanks to cuzzin donny I am the proud owner of a BG 250 and this morning the DVD is in the player and I'm ready to go....
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 01/26/2011: 04:42:50
Go Scott!
Your biggest enemy will be sore fingers
& having to go to work.
Hope you can sit in front of a good mountain view and pick all day.
Congratulations. I'm happy for you and the excitement of the new banjo.
Ken
Edited by - From Greylock to Bean Blossom on 01/26/2011 04:45:11
Cuzzin Donny - Posted - 01/26/2011: 05:24:01
Congratulation an a big Welcome to the Hangout. Welcome and enjoy the Journey a pickin an grinnin.![]()
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wb4yal - Posted - 01/26/2011: 05:33:06
Welcome, and congrats on the BG250. You are on your way to the Great Banjo Adventure!
Good luck,
JohnD
dirtygeorge - Posted - 01/26/2011: 06:35:58
Welcome Scott, This place is fun and full of experiance, guidence, and encouragement. Welcome and congrats on the BG..!!
Enjoy
George
Edited by - dirtygeorge on 01/26/2011 07:01:25
jsf - Posted - 01/26/2011: 18:20:57
Hi all,
New to BHO, first post ever. I'm a rank beginner, 47 years old, never played an instrument in my life, at it about a month but having great fun, frustrations and all. I've enjoyed learning along with Pete Wernik's DVD for absolute beginners. Much to digest there—chords, chord progression, rolls, roll accompaniment, etc. It encourages learning slow and basic (perfect for me!), but plenty of room for growth within the one DVD. Got some helpful tips from the book Banjo for Dummies, too, especially on basic right-hand positioning and technique.
Jim T - Posted - 01/26/2011: 18:30:08
quote:
Originally posted by jsf
Hi all,
New to BHO, first post ever. I'm a rank beginner, 47 years old, never played an instrument in my life, at it about a month but having great fun, frustrations and all. I've enjoyed learning along with Pete Wernik's DVD for absolute beginners. Much to digest there—chords, chord progression, rolls, roll accompaniment, etc. It encourages learning slow and basic (perfect for me!), but plenty of room for growth within the one DVD. Got some helpful tips from the book Banjo for Dummies, too, especially on basic right-hand positioning and technique.
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 01/26/2011: 18:44:30
quote:I would encourage you to get a good instructor. they can make you progress much faster and increase the enjoyment you can get from your music. If you don't have one in your hometown there are some great ones here on the hangout that teach through skype.
Originally posted by jsf
Hi all,
New to BHO, first post ever. I'm a rank beginner, 47 years old, never played an instrument in my life, at it about a month but having great fun, frustrations and all. I've enjoyed learning along with Pete Wernik's DVD for absolute beginners. Much to digest there—chords, chord progression, rolls, roll accompaniment, etc. It encourages learning slow and basic (perfect for me!), but plenty of room for growth within the one DVD. Got some helpful tips from the book Banjo for Dummies, too, especially on basic right-hand positioning and technique.
adriansmith - Posted - 01/26/2011: 19:38:56
Hey,
I'm pretty wet behind the ear myself, but I think that to get the most bang for your buck, you should wait some time before hiring a teacher. With the resources here and other places online you can learn a lot of the basics.
I'd work on the popular rolls, learning chords, and basic music theory before getting a teacher.
Just my two cents.
Adrian
jsf - Posted - 01/26/2011: 19:56:23
Back from tonight's practice session and already three replies. I love this place!
I did sign on with a local instructor after a few weeks. I didn't want to ingrain too many bad habits from the start, and I wanted the direct feedback to my many questions. It's been tremendously helpful to get me on my feet, but I plan to dial it back while I explore some of the many of self-help resources out there. Maybe go once a month with questions and suggestions for what to work on more, etc. I don't know; I'm still working all this out in my head. Finances are an issue, but I sure do enjoy my weekly hour with the guy.
Thanks for the advice, everyone! This particular thread has been terrific.
jsf - Posted - 01/26/2011: 19:56:29
Back from tonight's practice session and already three replies. I love this place!
I did sign on with a local instructor after a few weeks. I didn't want to ingrain too many bad habits from the start, and I wanted the direct feedback to my many questions. It's been tremendously helpful to get me on my feet, but I plan to dial it back while I explore some of the many of self-help resources out there. Maybe go once a month with questions and suggestions for what to work on more, etc. I don't know; I'm still working all this out in my head. Finances are an issue, but I sure do enjoy my weekly hour with the guy.
Thanks for the advice, everyone! This particular thread has been terrific.
jdeluke137 - Posted - 01/26/2011: 19:58:21
Geoff Hohwald pointed me here, and I'm glad I found you guys. My wife and daughter gave me a banjo for Christmas, and I've been practicing an hour a day since then. Since I was a kid I've wanted to play the banjo, but finally asked for one at 57. I thought the right hand would be difficult, but that's simple as compared to the left! I've been trying to get my fingers to hit the right strings at the right frets, but it's taking a while . I found Geoff's lessons at freebanjovideos.com, and purchased the download of his Banjo Primer. It's helping, but I'm still working on the first break of the first song in the book - Boil Them Cabbage Down. If you haven't checked out Geoff's site, you might want to have a look. What I particularly like about the Banjo Primer pdf file is the embedded audio links. Once you download it, you can practice the exercises, and then click on the audio button and play along with Geoff at a couple of different speeds, without messing with a CD.
Disclaimer! I don't have any financial interest in freebanjovideos.com - I just like Geoff's teaching style and the materials he provides!
Thanks for posting your comments and stories! It helps to know that everyone else seems to have similar challenges. Looks like patience may be the key to learning the banjo - but that seems to be the case in a lot of areas of my life!
Edited by - jdeluke137 on 01/26/2011 19:59:15
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 01/26/2011: 20:02:18
quote:Here is why I disagree. A good teacher will help you set and efficient path to get you quicker for A-B and get you playing actual music (as opposed to drills) quicker. If They will also help you with mechanics like fingering and hand positions. If you form bad habits at the start you can spend a lot of time breaking them and relearning them. You said you have never played an instrument before. If you were an experienced guitar player it might be different. I just think you will have the most fun if you make the most progress. the tools you have will be a good addition to the lessons.
Originally posted by adriansmith
Hey,
I'm pretty wet behind the ear myself, but I think that to get the most bang for your buck, you should wait some time before hiring a teacher. With the resources here and other places online you can learn a lot of the basics.
I'd work on the popular rolls, learning chords, and basic music theory before getting a teacher.
Just my two cents.
Adrian
adriansmith - Posted - 01/26/2011: 20:24:54
For sure, everybody has their methods. I can see where weekly or monthly lessons could help by guiding a player away from bad habits.
A teacher can and should teach things like efficiency of motion. You don't want to pick with the same finger you're about to play the next note with (most of the time).
However, they might also teach you their own personal bias. For example, I took a beginning banjo class at my college and my teacher was not a music theorist. If I asked questions about lesser known chords or what to do about the 5th string, he would just say something like, "well banjo music doesn't always have to be exactly right." this is true, but for my technical and scientific brain I wanted more.
I guess to boil these cabbages down to the point, I'd say do lots of readings, take lessons if you want or can afford them, but take everything with a grain of salt. What's really important is that what you're doing sounds good to you and you're happy with the progress you make.
Adrian
njwater - Posted - 01/26/2011: 20:27:49
My learning to date has been: 1. the intro dvd that came with my rogue starter banjo. actually not too bad looking back at it through the lens of time. 2. earl scrugg's book / cd. while some things are good, much is over my head and I'll likely just refer back to it from time to time for specific techniques of his. and 3. Geoff H's downloads... which have been extremely helpful!!
that, and playing along with some other musicians (guitar/bass) has helped get me going.
would like to find a teacher, but none are local, so I'll stick with downloads/youtube's/books and practice!
From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 01/26/2011: 20:36:38
quote:Go to the hangout homepage. On the left hand side click on reviews. See teachers and look at the ratings. Then you can look on the search page above your "My Hangout" stuff on the right side of the page and enter skype lessons and see who teaches on the hangout. There are some guys teaching that are great. They have taught a long time and are professional level players and if the didn't love the banjo they wouldn't be hanging around the hangout.
Originally posted by njwater
My learning to date has been: 1. the intro dvd that came with my rogue starter banjo. actually not too bad looking back at it through the lens of time. 2. earl scrugg's book / cd. while some things are good, much is over my head and I'll likely just refer back to it from time to time for specific techniques of his. and 3. Geoff H's downloads... which have been extremely helpful!!
that, and playing along with some other musicians (guitar/bass) has helped get me going.
would like to find a teacher, but none are local, so I'll stick with downloads/youtube's/books and practice!
njwater - Posted - 01/26/2011: 20:38:05
thanks, have considered the skype teachers and *may* indulge :)
really want to find some local experienced players as well....
Ziggy - Posted - 01/27/2011: 02:14:16
Work and sleep mostly get in the way of my practicing. I try to do Daves' thing of picking thru the commercials. I think it'll be better when the weather warms up and I can play outside and not bore hell outta my wife with the drills.
paulandgale - Posted - 01/27/2011: 05:22:28
From another newbie: I'm 7 months in to playing my banjo and loving every minute of it. I too have a fantastic teacher who motivates me and pushes me to keep working hard. I had a lesson just last night that went very well. Yes, it can be frustrating, confusing, daunting, and challenging at times, but busting through all of that makes us better players right? My only regret is that I didn't start playing much earlier in my life. (I'm 53) Oh well, you're as young as you feel, and playing banjo makes me feel great. Keep practicing and sharing your experiences fellow beginners!
Paul
wb4yal - Posted - 01/27/2011: 06:28:05
I agree with getting a teacher early on. The feedback and the shepherding that you get will help you to not only progress faster but also to develop good skills as you go along with your learning. Also, find other players soon and jam whenever you can.
Edited by - wb4yal on 01/27/2011 06:30:14
gilbo - Posted - 01/27/2011: 07:15:32
I am new to playing banjo I had my first Lessing from
A teacher not far from me well 10 miles
Got me picking and learned a couple of rolls as well
Not bad in 1hour
I have me 2nd lesson in a couple of days he reckons he will have me playing a song by week 3
Let's hope he his right
Grant
jerryloch - Posted - 01/27/2011: 07:27:57
I tell you ... I don't know how many times I've heard or read it in the last month, but there is no replacement for just holding the banjo and playing the banjo a lot to make you better. If you play every day, you will get better. If you play a lot on one day as a beginner, then you pick up the banjo the next day, you're going to be much better just starting out that next day.
I don't ever put the banjo away .. it's sat out on my couch or next to the couch in the living room an arms-length away and there hasn't been a day that's gone by without playing at least 30 minutes.
As a beginner myself, that's the best advice I can give any other beginner!
cheers,
Jerry
Kennyj - Posted - 01/27/2011: 07:29:52
Not all of us have that luxury. I have to schedule my time with the banjo. I have a wife and kids who don't necessarily want to hear me practice.
dirtygeorge - Posted - 01/27/2011: 07:41:17
Music..!! I made MUSIC today..!! I wasn't just plucking roll patterns or fretting chords. My Banjo Sang today..!! Just a forward roll pattern and Bile Dem Cabbage down. It was Beautiful.
Ziggy - Posted - 01/27/2011: 07:48:32
quote:
Originally posted by dirtygeorge
Music..!! I made MUSIC today..!! I wasn't just plucking roll patterns or fretting chords. My Banjo Sang today..!! Just a forward roll pattern and Bile Dem Cabbage down. It was Beautiful.
dirtygeorge - Posted - 01/27/2011: 07:50:31
Did that when I grew up in IN. That's why I retired in NC..!! And thanks for the Congrats Ziggy..!!
Edited by - dirtygeorge on 01/27/2011 07:51:39
jerryloch - Posted - 01/27/2011: 08:17:56
quote:
Not all of us have that luxury. I have to schedule my time with the banjo. I have a wife and kids who don't necessarily want to hear me practice.
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