I've worked my way through Beginning 1 & 2, Misfits and some other MM material. Have learned songs from other sources as well, but limited improvisation. In other words, playing the song as learned over and over. I have worked in the Wayne Erbsen Ignoramus book, where you're only given the melody and you work your own rolls around it, it's fun and one of the only ways I have been able to add some improv to my playing. Anyway, I've had the Kickstart DVD for a while, but never worked on it. So, today at lunch, I put it in and worked on the first song, Blue Ridge Cabin Home. The chord progression and rolls (roly polys) were incredibly easy, unless you are an absolute beginner, you will be playing this within minutes. BUT, I think I'm going to really like where this is going. Murphy says I will eventually be able to insert Scruggs licks when and where needed or wanted. This could very well be a lightbulb moment. I know a lot of the licks, but figuring out when and where to use them is the problem. I can insert ending licks here and there, but otherwise I'm weak in that department. I'll try to provide some feedback as I go. Anyone else work on this DVD, and if so, what are your thoughts?
14 Comments |
 | the Twanger says:
2/1/2017 12:31:48 AM
Hi, I'm really interested how you get on. I started with Tab and a tutor. Played this way for 4 years. My tutor passed away and I lost interest and let the whole thing slip. I live in the UK and it's difficult to find people to play with. Had been looking at this method and took the plunge. Used a few tunes by Casey and then as I started to get confused went back to basics and am working through beginning 1&2 and then looking at purchasing this as a download. Looking forward to seeing how you get on. Keep us posted.
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 | pickn5 says:
2/1/2017 6:00:42 AM
Please keep us posted on this. I'm in a similar situation. Completed the beginning 1 and misfits. Currently working on beginning 2. I have the Kickstart video and started on it then stopped until I finish 2.
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 | KYSLOWFINGERS says:
2/1/2017 11:15:38 AM
Thanks for the encouragement Twang and pickn. Played about an hour last night, including the roly poly rolls. Worked on the second song at lunch today, Bury beneath the willow. Again, if you can do Murphy's big 3, CC - BTCD - BITH, this won't be a challenge. Different chord progression and she introduces a split roly poly roll G-D. She emphasizes this is the most basic break and may not sound like the song at all, but singing to myself, I can hear a little of the chord progression. And, I have a lot of trouble with that, hearing the chords. It seems, even to myself that I'm moving pretty fast. But again, unless you are a true beginner, these first two songs are pretty basic without too much to digest. The next song is Do Lord, which is on the Misfits DVD, but watching the intro, she says not to skip it, new stuff will be included, so I'll watch every second. I'm sure I will come to a place where I will need to slow down. I know working on the other MM DVDs, at times I would sometimes spend a week or more on one measure, if it was something new. Again, I'm not a "natural", I have trouble at times hearing the music. That's what I hope this DVD helps with. Again guys, thanks for the motivation. I'll keep you posted!
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| KYSLOWFINGERS says:
2/2/2017 10:41:32 AM
Daily update. Did 3rd song, Do Lord. Again, nothing complicated, but I'll probably stand pat for the weekend, to make sure I keep the chord progressions for the three songs seperate in my mind. In classic Murphy style, she builds on previous songs. This time adding a C-G roly poly and a longer chord progession, while re-using the previously learned roly polys. One minor difference from other MM material is the vamping. She uses the same shape for G, C and D. I think it's a F shape. The C and D remain the same, while the G goes back to the 5th fret but keeps the same shape. I must admit changing from the D to the F aand back again while vamping has and still is a struggle for me. I rarely play with other people, so this is a skill I've neglected. But, I'll keep working on it. Anyway, I'll keep you posted as or if I progress.
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| KYSLOWFINGERS says:
2/7/2017 9:33:20 AM
Back again. I normally work a 4-1 schedule, so when I eluded to the the weekend above, I meant Fri-Sun. Unfortunately, this weekend life, or rather death, got in the way, so I was off Monday as well. It wasn't unexpected and was a life well lived that had run it's course. But, in thinking how to kick-off this post, I thought of why I like the Murphy Method. It's sorta pay as you go, with no set appointments, so when life jumps up, it's not a problem. At this point, it jumps up a lot for me LOL. Anyway, back to the subject. Actually did two new songs at lunch today, Working Gal/Man and Somebody touched me. They were actually presented as tests of my abilities. They weren't explained chord for chord, Murphy simply started singing and vamping, while Casey played guitar. As if you were at an actual jam, you had to figure out the chord progression and step up with a solo. I didn't hit a homerun first time through on either, but second time around on Working Gal, did pretty good. Struggled a little more with the latter song, but did ok. Probably should have only done one today. What was really fun and amazing for me, was that even tho' I was still only using the simple roly polys, it actually sounded very much like the song. I know a couple of different versions of Working Gal, MM of course being one, but this sounded pretty good. That ended the first section of songs on the DVD. May go forward tomorrow, or let this settle a day or two. Again, I consider myself an advanced beginner, these songs and rolls were pretty easy, but I really feel I could tackle several more songs with the G-C-D progression. The next set of songs will ramp things up, I'm sure. Stayed tuned......
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| KYSLOWFINGERS says:
2/9/2017 10:05:04 AM
Went on to next song, Will the Circle Be Unbroken. More of the same, just different chord progression. It is surprising to me, that when played along with the DVD, the simple break doesn't sound terrible. This roly poly system is the same as a rhythm guitar strum, simply follows the chord structure. But for a beginner like me, it's making music. I've started vamping along to all the songs as well. Keeping the same shape, as I mentioned previously, has helped a lot. I need to get to the point of changing the four finger shapes, but for now being able to vamp along sorta stress free is fun. I'll continue to work my way through the rest of the songs, it looks like at the end is where Murphy starts to substitute some licks. I tried some of my own last night, some worked better than others. Anyway, don't want to wear you guys out. This is by far the most I have ever posted on the BHO. When something new pops up, I'll let you know. If nothing else, I can say this DVD has raised my abilities and confidence, that I could take the Bluegrass Fakebook, and if it's a G-C-D song, I could probably work up a break of some kind. Take care
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| pickn5 says:
2/10/2017 7:30:53 AM
Nice updates Adrian. I might have to start working on that DVD again along with the Beginning Vol. 2. Thanks for the updates.
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| KYSLOWFINGERS says:
2/17/2017 9:49:53 AM
Good day to all! Thought I would throw out an update, while I had the chance. I've worked my way through all twelve songs on the DVD. Again, all with the basic roly poly. Murphy, I think, is trying to get the chord progression for these songs burned into my memory. I must admit, I did jot down a couple of them on a post it note, when I was struggling, sorry Murphy LOL. But, I'm close enough on most of them, that by watching Casey chord the guitar, I can follow along pretty easy. Today, went through the G tag lick upgrade lesson. It is a standard Scruggs lick that I already knew and one of the few I can use prior to this DVD. I sometimes do it 3 times in a row to end a song, not sure that's musically correct, but it sounds pretty good. This lesson did expand my thinking on using it. I wouldn't suggest this DVD as your first MM DVD, she does speed past some of the things taught in depth on the Beginning 1 & 2 and Misfits. And, it helps to go in with an open mind, I know the MM break to John Hardy, and the roly poly break is so basic, but she's building on that, so by the end, maybe I'll be able to play John Hardy a different way each time I play it, as is often said about EARL! Not anywhere at his level, but I hope you get what I'm saying. I honestly feel like my banjo IQ has increased substatially in the last month. As I stated in an earlier post, I feel I could take one of the fakebooks or any songbook, and if it was a G-C-D song, I could come up with something. I honestly couldn't do that before. Upgrades for the D and C chords are upcoming on the DVD. After this DVD, then I can look to learn licks in other chords. I already know a little E minor from FMB and Blackberry Blossom. Whew, long post, maybe I should've been a politician or preacher LOL. Normally, not this long winded. Take care, I'll be back
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| KYSLOWFINGERS says:
2/28/2017 9:34:52 AM
Good afternoon! I have worked my way completely through the Kickstart DVD. I can say it has definitely expanded my banjo playing, in the "insert this lick here" sense. All the breaks for the songs on the other MM DVDs are more complicated and follow the melody, but this should get you on the path to jamming. If you have worked through Beginning 1 & 2 and Misfits, you won't have any issues. Rolling in My Sweet Baby's Arms on the Jam Session Standards DVD is also a good one to have under your belt, as it uses most of the upgrade licks (maybe all of them in one form or another). I worked on that song a few years ago, but had forgotten it exactly, so I went back and revisited it, picked it back up pretty quick. I would recommend this Kickstart DVD to someone looking to quickly jump into jamming or someone. like myself, who is looking to start some improvisation. Take care!
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 | rfrizzle2 says:
3/30/2017 9:37:21 AM
What is CC - BTCD - BITH, I don't understand, Thank You Rich Freeze
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| KYSLOWFINGERS says:
3/30/2017 9:52:46 AM
Cripple Creek, Boil them Cabbage Down, Banjo in the Hollow
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| rfrizzle2 says:
3/30/2017 12:34:38 PM
Casey, Rich Freeze here, I see You redid some of your DVD's Are We all going to have to buy all new DVD's to get the new versions of some of the songs your team redid, Not Fair
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| rfrizzle2 says:
3/30/2017 12:37:28 PM
Thank You KYSLOWFINGERS Rich Freeze
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| rfrizzle2 says:
3/30/2017 4:40:08 PM
Sorry Gang the Murphy DVD's are not changed just reorganized, Rich Freeze
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