I'm a real newbie, 4 months Bluegrass, & sort of hit a plateau. I want to play something recognizable, so I've tried recording myself on my iPhone. It's not working very well for me. I was thinking maybe a little voice activated recorder might help? Does anyone here have experience/advice on the subject? I appreciate all of the info on this blog, it's nice to know I'm not the only impatient banjo player here! I'm playing at least an hour a day, but still have trouble with the chord changes. Thanks for any help the folks here can offer.
13 Comments |
 | RB4picker says:
11/19/2017 7:39:16 PM
Practice with your I Phone a little. Placement etc. It actually does a good job. You'll get used to it
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 | gone2k9z says:
11/19/2017 7:48:28 PM
Thanks, RB. I'll try it again.
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 | WayneConrad says:
11/19/2017 9:23:41 PM
Welcome to the practice group!
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 | n1wr says:
11/20/2017 12:38:50 AM
Christina: Four months - you are just getting started! It is a long journey to learn bluegrass on the banjo. Enjoy the journey, and take it slow.
Tell us how you are practicing, do you have a teacher? If you're learning on your own what are you doing?
Welcome to the group, and to BHO.
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 | StuartJohn says:
11/20/2017 7:15:26 AM
I use a Tascam DR-05. Voice activated recorder which can be set to start at lower or higher dB depending on when you want it to begin recording. Getting it to start with a loud open G brush works. The sound quality of the recording is much better than a phone. I would highly recommend them.
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 | pickn5 says:
11/20/2017 8:40:48 AM
Try plugging in your earbuds as they have a microphone built in. I used to use that and thought it was better sounding than the built in mic. Now I record my videos with my inactive iPhone 5s using a Zoom iQ5 mic. The video I linked to this group was done that way. Welcome and keep picking.
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| gone2k9z says:
11/20/2017 11:01:04 AM
Thanks, Wayne! Looking forward to learning from this great group.
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| gone2k9z says:
11/20/2017 11:13:51 AM
Wayne Rogers-I started weekly lessons to supplement my self-learning at home via Geoff Howalts book & DVD. Wanted the guidance and critique of a good teacher in person. Now I'm doing lessons twice a month & so far it's going well. I'm concentrating on rolls, chord changes & learning tabs & melodic style. I'm learning by ear for the most part, but putting the rolls & melody together, add chords, & it ain't spelling MOTHER, if you get my drift. Yes, patience was not my virtue, but I'm learning it's a must to learn this fine instrument. I play at least an hour every day and am determined to play a recognizable song by 2018. Thanks for your kind words.
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 | Banjojono says:
11/20/2017 12:47:23 PM
4 months is just the start. I'very been playing for around a year and have found that for me at least, progress comes in bursts. You'll start off quite quick, then you will seem to hit a peak which you think you won't improve on. Sometimes you'll get worse, then all of a sudden another burst of improvement. Just enjoy the journey and enjoy playing. 😉
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| gone2k9z says:
11/20/2017 6:52:31 PM
Stuartjohn & pickn5-I'm going to look into both your suggestions. Thank you both!
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| gone2k9z says:
11/20/2017 6:59:30 PM
Banjojono-thanks for your input. I guess it's like anything, really. Highs & lows, good days & bad. Here looking for more peaks and less valleys. I am enjoyinging this new journey having never played an instrument other than a year of piano when I was 10. I love the sound of the banjo. Nothing compares.
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| StuartJohn says:
11/21/2017 7:01:16 AM
Agreed. We're all with you, so go for it :)
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 | mbrin says:
11/23/2017 10:20:15 AM
I am one year into plectrum. Nevertheless, you said that you wanted to “play something recognizable “. 5ere are several apps that can link to your iTunes library and slow down the tune, or change the key. The one I use is called AnyTune Pro+. I find it very helpful, and keep the speed a little faster than I can play comfortably so I keep pushing forward.
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