Encouragement needed

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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 wolosp on 4/1/2015 8:33:51 AM

I was lent a really nice open back 5-string Banjo three weeks ago, with the possibility of buying it.

I have been practicing most evenings for about an hour or so, following YouTube Frailing technique videos. But despite my enthusiasm, I don't feel that I'm making much progress.

I've tried playing a simple tune from a video, thinking that it might help me feel that I've accomplished something, but it's proving harder that I thought to combine frailing with fretting! How long does it take to get averagely good at the Banjo?

Clawhammer 'picking' just seems inaccurate as far as consistantly hitting the right string is concerned, although I know that's wrong 'cos plenty of you guys out there manage it ok!

I'm guessing it's practice, practice and more practice?

Unless I'm just not meant to be a Banjo player !

Cheers,

Paul

8 Comments
	ohirider says: 4/1/2015 9:12:02 AM Did you say three weeks or three months or three years? I'm about three weeks into it and having a hard time making my stiff old fingers do banjo things. I just plan on sticking to it and at some point maybe a song will pop up.
	wolosp says: 4/1/2015 9:26:42 AM Thanks ohirider, it's good to know you're not alone!
	wolosp says: 4/1/2015 9:27:00 AM Thanks ohirider, it's good to know you're not alone!
	wolosp says: 4/1/2015 9:27:08 AM Thanks ohirider, it's good to know you're not alone!
	wolosp says: 4/1/2015 9:29:16 AM What happened here?? ;-)
	roadstar75 says: 4/1/2015 6:05:30 PM As far as I'm concerned very few were meant to be a banjo player. While many many folks have learned how to be a banjo player, it takes time and dedication and probably a little talent mixed in, but it can be learned is what is important to me anyway. I certainly was not meant to be a banjo player but I keep hacking away at it. If the challenge calls to you then it is possible to learn.
	wolosp says: 6/19/2015 1:15:04 PM OK, an update. Since my last post, I have watched many YouTube 'lessons' and decided I needed to have a one-to-one with a real teacher. I have been lucky in finding a well-known musician in the UK who lives not too far away, and who teaches clawhammer :-) I've just had my second lesson, and am really enouraged with my progress. Definitely better than sitting in front of the PC. I'm not up to posting a video of myself playing just yet, but maybe soon. I still have the banjo that has been lent to me, but I shall hopefully be buying it from its owner soon.
	wolosp says: 7/14/2015 11:57:18 AM Thanks for the encouragement guys. Three lessons under my belt now, and I'm making fair progress. I have now bought the banjo that I was lent, and progressing with pull-offs, hammer-ons and drop-thumb (although the latter is still a bit hit & miss at times!) :-)
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