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UK 5

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For 5 String Banjo Players based in the British Isles.

523 Members, Created 1/27/2011 -

Administrators: alfiedog (owner) , HSmith

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From Loucifer on 1/1/2016 11:48:59 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if I'm putting this in the right place or not (apologies if I'm not!), but I wanted to introduce myself.

I'm Lou (short for Louise) and I'm very new to banjo. In fact, I've only been playing for about 4 hours! My birthday is on the 6th January and my other half bought me a banjo and has let me have it a few days early. I have a week off work at the moment, so I'm hoping to have lots of fun with my new banjo in that time!

In terms of music, I'm pretty much a metalhead, so a banjo may seem like a bit of an odd instrument choice. However, this year I discovered three fairly modern bluegrass bands and they just completely blew me away. I loved the sound so much that I've been talking about banjos for the last few months (hence the gift!) and I want to create a similar sound for myself.

Like I said, I'm a complete beginner, so I'd be really grateful for any help. So, if you know of any good books, DVDs or online resources, please point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Lou

9 Comments
	Debs says: 1/1/2016 12:23:39 PM Welcome Lou, and congrats on your new banjo! There are many good resources out there, and plenty of good quality, free tuition here on the Hangout too. One of my favourite resources is the Janet Davis "You Can Teach Yourself Banjo" (Book/CD/DVD) - it will get you off to a good start and will help you build up a solid foundation of the basics. PM me, and I'll see if I can help you out with some other stuff! :)
	foggers says: 1/1/2016 12:27:48 PM Hello Lou: where in the UK are you? There is quite a lively bluegrass scene, with festivals and picking weekends, and regular sessions. If you tell us where you are we might be able to help you to make some links. And welcome!
	Loucifer says: 1/1/2016 12:33:19 PM Thanks Debs and foggers - it's great to meet you! Debs - Thanks, I'll see if I can track that down. foggers - I'm in Croydon (South London-ish).
	flatfootjohnny says: 1/2/2016 1:03:07 AM Hey welcome... dont forget the old time. Clawhammer is another avenue to explore... just saying lol
	Buzzbomb says: 1/2/2016 2:18:58 AM Hi Lou, Welcome to BHO... What were the 3 'fairly modern bluegrass bands' that made you want to pick up the banjo? In terms of direction/resources, it might influence what people suggest.
	Banjo Island says: 1/2/2016 3:05:17 AM Hehe. Nothing odd about that at all. It's all just music, after all. Most of the bluegrassers I know are either erstwhile rockers, metalheads, or in to a.n.other incongruous-seeming music or other. There's some amazing contemporary stuff around, so don't listen to anyone who tries to call out your "oxymoron" of "modern bluegrass", tries to pigeon-hole whoever it is as definitely not what they want it to be, etc. Enjoy your music your way. Unless it's Mumford and Sons, of course. They're evil... :)
	annapaws says: 1/2/2016 5:08:08 AM Hiya Lou, just saying hi & have fun :)
	HSmith says: 1/5/2016 4:32:08 AM Hi You might learn a lot from meeting fellow bluegrass musicians at the Croydon Bluegrass Sessions. 3rd Wednesday of the month at The Builders Arms, 65 Leslie Park Road, Croydon, Surrey. CR0 6TP from 8pm – 11pm.It’s a 10 minute walk from East Croydon station.Facebook group where the events get posted: facebook.com/groups/1527898510755041/?
	Loucifer says: 1/13/2016 7:38:43 AM Hi everyone, Sorry for the radio silence! Thank you for all of the messages. I think I've made a good start in my banjo journey as I have already started to learn a couple of songs. The bands that have been floating my boat are Murder Murder, Grandpa's Cough Medicine and Greensky Bluegrass. HSmith - Thanks for the link to the Croydon Bluegrass Sessions! Nice and local!
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