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Absolute Beginners

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For anyone who hasn't yet mastered Cripple Creek.

379 Members, Created 1/28/2011 -

Administrators: Wallster (owner) , Texasbanjo

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From JvK on 8/29/2012 11:48:00 AM

Ok, I'm an "old guy" 63 young, I have been trying since 1974 on and off...mostly off. Now I'm retired, I have 3 banjos and cannot play..... Since this is a beginning group... where do I simply begin... I have books, picks, strings, etc I need to commit myself..... what is the best way to learn 3 finger picking?

When I sit down and try to begin, I'm not sure that what I'm doing is good or bad.

Starting today, I'm going to set aside for myself 30min each day on my banjo...my goal is by summer 2013 I can play at least 1 song.

So, all of you far wiser than myself what should I do first.

Thanks

6 Comments
	Larry121047 says: 8/29/2012 12:34:14 PM JvK, get a teacher. I have had one for a while and then lost him as he moved and for a month I struggled like you would not believe. Or maybe you would believe it. Any way, I got a new teacher and they will give you so many tips and helpful things to do you will notice the advancement right away. If you practice a song and the rolls for 30 minutes a day you will be playing a song in no time. Cripple Creek, Earl Scruggs version, is what most of us learn to play first, that and Boil dem Cabbage Down. Gotta tell you, I am 64 and some days the old fingers are not quite as cooperative as I would like but I have been playing since January 1 of this year and I have 9 songs learned. So, your goal of one song by next year is very doable if you practice 30 minutes a day you will find that song ready this year. Have fun.
	RB4picker says: 8/29/2012 1:58:00 PM JvK, I agree with Larry. An instructor is the quickest route to success with the banjo. Wow! Retired at 63. Look at all that pickin time available. Promise yourself 30 minutes to an hour a day. But try to put in two or three times that amount. The more practice, the better playing. The better playing , the more you'll want to play and then practice is FFUUNNNNN! Good Luck, David
	RB4picker says: 8/29/2012 1:58:41 PM JvK, I agree with Larry. An instructor is the quickest route to success with the banjo. Wow! Retired at 63. Look at all that pickin time available. Promise yourself 30 minutes to an hour a day. But try to put in two or three times that amount. The more practice, the better playing. The better playing , the more you'll want to play and then practice is FFUUNNNNN! Good Luck, David
	thisoldman says: 8/31/2012 6:23:50 PM As you can see from my screen name, I am also an "old guy", and a beginner as well. Keep us posted on your progress.
	ITACUD says: 8/31/2012 8:19:12 PM Noobie here too....... had a cheap asian banjo that won't stay tuned in the closet for the last 20 years and decided to pull it out and learn... got so frustrated with the banjo I went and bought another better one today and started my training. I spent about an hour watching youtube vids ....one for basic strums and rolls and the other basic slides, pulloff and hammers..... I am ready to learn a song but first things first..
	JvK says: 9/3/2012 6:59:55 PM An instructor is a good idea, I had one long ago but in my area there is only one available and she is 50 miles away.... I'm on my own here but my will is strong.... just gotta practice.
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