Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Styles Forum Feed

How many days to learn a song for a beginner?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:55:00 CST

I know this question may have a lot of answers. I consider myself a beginner. Not one just starting but can only play 8 to 10 songs in one position. I can also play just a few licks down the neck and little backup. Anyway I have started about a month ago on a song that is a big challenge and I gave up on it after practicing 7 to 10 days on it. Last week I have started back on the song and actually can get thru the first verse with just a few mishaps. However its going to take probably another week or so to get thru the song for it to be acceptable.

I just kind of feel like I could have used that time in learning a lot of other stuff to make me better over all player. Of I guess you all are wondering the song it's Alan Munde's Peaches and Cream. (just the first verse). Some of it actually sounds pretty good.

Just Starting

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:33:23 CST

Hello, I have been trying to learn the Banjo but my instructor no longer teaches in my area. I would like to know if anyone could recommend an online instruction that will take me from the beginning. I have tried some DVD's' but have not had much success. I have seen some online offers but confused which really works and wont cost too much. So any help would be wonderful.

Mike

NEW! Mando & Banjo Week at The Swannanoa Gathering

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:08:30 CST

The Swannanoa Gathering Folk Arts Workshops of Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC invite you to join us as we celebrate our 21st season with the debut of our newest workshops: Mando & Banjo Week, August 5-11, featuring a staff of some of the world’s finest players, and offering a wide variety of classes for mandolin, 5-string banjo, tenor banjo and guitar:

Mandolin staff:
Mike Marshall – (Improvisation, Brazilian Choro)
Mike Compton – (Monroe-style Bluegrass)
Don Stiernberg – (Swing/Jazz)
Radim Zenkl – (Bluegrass, Modern Mandolin)
Caterina Lichtenberg – (Classical Mandolin)
Marla Fibish – (Irish Mandolin)
Adam Tanner – (Old-Time, Beginner Mandolin)

Banjo staff:
Tony Trischka – (Intermediate & Advanced techniques)
Pete Wernick – (Beginner Bluegrass, Jamming)
Alan Munde – (Intermediate & Advanced Bluegrass)
David Holt – (Banjo Songs, Clawhammer Fiddle Tunes)
Ken Perlman – (Clawhammer Technique)
Seamus Egan – (Irish Tenor Banjo)

Guitar:
Jack Lawrence – (Bluegrass Accompaniment)
Joan Wernick – (Bluegrass Jamming)

In addition, Mando & Banjo Week runs concurrently with our Fiddle Week and students may take classes in either program. The Fiddle Week staff and classes include:

Fiddle:
Byron Berline – (Bluegrass)
Michael Doucet – (Cajun)
Joe Craven – (Improvisation, Blues)
Winfred Horan – (Irish)
Jason Anick – (Swing)
Tashina Clarridge – (New Acoustic)
Lissa Schneckenburger – (New England, Dance Fiddling)
Rayna Gellert – (Old-Time)
Ryan McKasson – (Scottish)
Duncan Wickel – (Irish, Improvisation)
Emily Schaad – (Old-Time)
Josh Goforth – (Bluegrass, Mountain Fiddling)
Tristan Clarridge – (Cello)
Kevin Kehrberg – (Bass)

Guitar:
David Surette – (Celtic Accompaniment)
Roger Bellow – (Swing)

For more information, visit our website, write or call for a free catalog.

The Swannanoa Gathering
Warren Wilson College
PO Box 9000
Asheville, NC 28815-9000
828-298-3434 (phone/fax)
www.swangathering.com
gathering@warren-wilson.edu

Rawhide

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:40:50 CST

Good morning BHO World

In the tune Rawhide, what chord configuration is Murphy Henry holding down at the 1:03 minute point here:

http://www.murphymethod.com/index.cfm?event=pages.product&pid=15

Thanks,

Lew

What style of banjo should I be learning?!?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:09:35 CST

I am just getting into playing the banjo. I started working with a clawhammer book, and I am trying to figure out if I am on the right track! I really like old string band and jug band tunes. I recently purchased a Old Crow Medicine Show CD and fell in love with their sound as well (I bought all of their CDs now!). I would eventually like to play these types of tunes with my girlfriend who sings and plays fiddle. Am I right in learning clawhammer or should I be going the bluegrass route?

thanks for your input!

-Ryan

What is the Best Backward Roll Song for me ( not HSH)

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:25:19 CST

Hey Guys, I am looking for a good tune to learn that really features the backward roll alot. I 've read on here that Home Sweet Home is what typically gets recommended but I can't really get a handle on that tune from my Scruggs book.

Thanks,

John

Michigan Bluegrass Association

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:15:19 CST

Meets this Saturday, May 19th Armstrong Middle School off Belsay Rd ...6161 Hopkins Drive , Flint, more info, Bob Jones@ 810- 736-5332...4$ at the door 6pm till 10pm

Banjo Workshop, May 19, Jax. FL

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:48:44 CST

Hi All, just wanted to let you know about a banjo workshop on Saturday, May 19, 2:00pm in Jax. Fl. with Mike Elin. MIke is a Scruggs style teacher and has been teaching for over 25 years. The workshop is part of Acousticana Music Fair. See website for more info and It's posted in the calendar section.

Happy Pickin!

Patton Wages' banjo!?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:33:51 CST

I just watched a YouTube video of a player named Patton Wages who is playing a very modern looking banjo. Can anyone tell me anything about this instrument? Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o3v14pQpe8

trouble with hammers and slides...

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:37:38 CST

i'm a clawhammer player moving over to 3 finger and have a question about slides (and hammer ons).

if you were to slide the first note of a 3251 roll from fret 2 to 3 on the third string do you strike the second string as soon as the 3rd fret sounds? the tab i've seen seems to show the two notes sounding simultaneously (same thing with hammer ons).

i'm having big trouble with that but maybe it's just something i have to do over and over for hours. i play slides and hammer ons all the time in clawhammer but don't have to sound any simultaneous notes, at least the way i do it.

thanks for any help!

TEXTBOOK-BLUEGRASS-BACK-UP-BANJO

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:35:09 CST

Hello all,

After a 2 year long expedition into blu bop, I'm back into bluegrass and I really want to learn more textbook-bluegrass-back-up-banjo.

What are the quintessential recordings (songs specifically) for textbook-bluegrass-back-up-banjo?

Who ever this guy is KILLS the back up banjo at 0:56.. And I want to do stuff like this..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o3v14pQpe8

please let me know!

Rick

Metronome Meltdown

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:30:06 CST

Why do I completely fall apart when I use a metronome? I can't remember the next phrase, can't strike the right string, can't keep tempo. I am fine with backing tracks, play along DVD's and my instructor in a lesson. I have recorded myself with all three and sound fine. But that blinking light just causes me to lose it all. Any insights?

Old Time Religion , Help please

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:47:09 CST

Hi, I'm learning from the Jack Hatfield first lessons, and have hit my first problem with old time religion, the last but one cord at the end D7, do i have to try and hold all 3 notes down at the same time p. i. m needless to say this is the first time i have had to try and stretch my pinky this far down , or am i doing it wrong. Thank you for any advice and help you are able to offer.

Foggy Mountain Special?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:23:06 CST

I was at a jam the other day and someone wanted to play a tune that he said was the same as Foggy Mountain Special. I did not hear what he said it was. Any ideas?

What is the best fall back to roll for a really fast tune?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:55:01 CST

I know it will differ.

What a Bummer !! ( snapped my "pip")

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:44:34 CST

Yesterday while practicing there was a "pop" and my 5th string lay dangling. At first I thought the string had broken but then I saw the problem; the "pip" between the fret and the 5th string tuner had broken off. RATS!! I found the slotted top portion of it on the floor and there was only about 3/16" left. The remaining portion was still down in the hole. So I drilled out the remaining piece in the hole and glued in the slotted piece which only had the 3/16" portion remaining. I'll give it a day for the glue to set before I place the 5th string back in the slot because there is a lot of pressure where the string exits the slot and takes a sharp angle towards the tuner. Here's hoping the shortened "pip" holds. Any reason why these "pips" are made from plastic or nylon?? I would have thought a metal "pip" would be a better solution !!!!! Anyone else had this problem??? I'll go back to Banjohut from where I purchased my Savannah and try to get a couple of these "pips" because sure as heck if it broke already it's bound to happen again. What a BUMMER!!!

Andy

Teacher in Lake Placid area

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:29:05 CST

I may have an opportunity to spend some time in the High Peaks area of the Adirondacks this summer, and was wondering if there is a Scruggs-style teacher in the area. Thanks for any leads.

right hand

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:03:45 CST

In my opinion, the right hand is the most important factor in learning to play banjo, and it has to be trained which can take years. I noticed recently that all of a sudden my right hand feels like it knows what it's doing, a lot more than it used to.

So I was trying to understand what changed, and I think one thing is that the middle joints of the fingers don't move much at all. They are partly bent, and the movement is mostly in the base joint, whatever that is called.

Does that seem right?

The result is a lot more leverage and strength, and the fingers are more relaxed.

I think I might have read about it at this forum years ago but it didn't mean anything to me then. I wasn't trying to do it, I just suddenly noticed a difference.

My feeling is that this results in much better timing and tone, and much less effort is required.

So I don't know, try it and see if you think it works. It could be my imagination.

Length of Thumbpick - Pick Noise

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:16:29 CST

I'm only a few months in and still experimenting with my picks. I've been using a thumbpick that's trimmed down considerably, only extends about 1/8" past the thumb band. It seemed like anything more was redundant, and I'm getting a pretty good sound on my rolls. Pick noise has been tolerable and I like the feel of the short pick. In the last week I've been working on some melodic stuff (Grey Eagle), playing slowly and quietly. For some reason the short pick is a lot noisier. I switched to a National that was untrimmed and it sounded better, but when I go back and play Scruggs rolls at speed I still prefer the short pick.

Advice would be appreciated.

Pike County Breakdown

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:32:01 CST

When you play Pike County Breakdown, do you and your group play an F, or do you stay in G. (measure 7, I believe) Is it regional, or traditional, or both.

Mike

Midnight Moonlight

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 21:13:22 CST

I heard that song many times but I only found out recently it was originally a bluegrass song. And I never even heard of Peter Rowan until the other day. I grew up in a bluegrass-deprived area. I was at a jam session the other day and someone mentioned Midnight Moonlight and I found it on youtube and could not believe how beautiful it is. Much better than the electric version I was familiar with.

I love the Old and In the Way version, where Jerry Garcia plays banjo. I am really crazy about this song right now, and I am working on learning it. I would like to get the banjo part right. It would be nice to have a tab, if anyone knows of a good one. i think I can figure it out, more or less, even without a tab though. It is not very complicated, and the challenge is playing it fast with perfect timing. Which of course I can't do.

I would like to play this song at jam sessions, once I have learned it. But the chords are definitely not standard bluegrass and it's hard to follow for anyone who doesn't already know it.

Thoughts on the May 2012 BNL

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 20:20:50 CST

I just finished reading the May BanjoNewsletter cover to cover. What a touching -- and thought-provoking -- issue. Among the statements that jumped out at me were these:

"I asked Earl, 'How do you feel about so many people wanting to play just like you?' 'Well, it's confusing to me,' he said. 'When I was coming up in Carolina, it seemed as if everyone had their own style. And they were all a little different. Maybe things have changed. I don't mind it. I just do what I do." (p. 35)

Responding to Tony Trischka (and Bela Fleck) about what made Earl's 3-finger style different: "I don't know. It's kind of like it is today; if somebody is going to put themselves in it, they're going to play notes that you're not playing. I know I do and I guess you guys do too, you just play whatever comes out. You don't think about the licks you're doing. It just comes out the way it does." (p. 43)

Pete Wernick: "Sometimes after we picked one, I'd ask him about a lick he just played. His standard reaction was to shrug and try to play it again, but it would come out different." (p. 36)

Plus there is a running theme throughout the entire issue that no one else, no matter how great the player or how dedicated to the task, has ever been able to sound like Earl.

Does all of this make anyone else wonder whether banjo players should spend less time trying to copy Earl's sound (apparently, a hopeless quest) and more time trying to copy Earl's banjo philosophy?

THUMB PICK

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 17:26:34 CST

Why would after a while of using the same thumb pick it gets a crack it it and i have to replace it?

Advice for my first own arrangement !!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 13:57:23 CST

So here's the deal am working on Rollin my sweet baby arm I know the melody I can play back up and sing but when I try to put the melody into a rolling patern am doing quarter notes instead of 8 notes roll. If I start with a foward roll I can put most of the melody in but I can't go back to the back up, it just doesn't work. I've been trying to get that right for a couple of weeks and I don't see any improvement. Any suggestion !

My Progress

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 11:17:05 CST

OK!!!! So iv been playing for about a month and a half, maybe a little more. I have no way to judge my progress. I only have a computer at work, so i cant take video or anything. And i dont take lessons. Iv been learning out of the earl scruggs book and have played guitar for about 13 years. so i was just wondering if this sounds about where i should be. I can play the Earl Scruggs Version of Cripple Creek at the same speed and clarity in its entirety (except his crazy backup during the fiddle part.) and at the same speed. I can also play Rick McKeon's arrangment of "You Are My Sunshine" and The begining of Earl's "Cumberland Gap", just not quite as fast as him, and i stop at that crazy chorus. I know alot of my rolls and am currently working on all the vamping variations and learning to really play up the neck by playing with others. I also know a couple different Hank III and Merle Haggard Tunes that i kinda just made up to play along with it. I just wanna make sure im on the right track and am not getting ahead of, or behind of myself. Any comments would be appreciated.

Tyler

John Hartford's Bear Creek Hop

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 09:11:41 CST

This tune sounded impossible (and impossibly fun) when I first started. Now I realize it's all standard stuff---but capoed at the 7th fret! (Unless I'm nuts).

Sounds pretty good to me.

Feedback From Geoff Hohwald

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 08:20:25 CST

Every once in a while I am asked which of my materials would help someone at a particular point in their learning so I thought I would clarify some things. I'm posting this to help banjo players to use material that will help them so they do not purchase things that are not useful to them. Also this is a request for ideas for new materials that banjo players would like to have. Before beginning I will mention that having weekly lessons with a teacher is the best way to learn. However there are many places where a teacher is not available and the student must learn from other resources. If mentioning the Watch and Learn products is in violation of the Hangout Rules I apologize and would expect it to be removed.

One other point, There are so many great materials out there by many dedicated and excellent players and teachers that each student will find things in these materials that provides exactly what they need to take them to the next level. Different material works best with different players. There is no one superior product or method. This includes published material, Banjo Hangout resources, Youtube and other things. I believe that banjo players are very lucky because of the wealth of resources.

Because the following materials starting with Banjo Songs 1 2 and 3 have been written over a 33 year period they do not necessarily work seamlessly so hopefully this will add some insight to what is going on.

Chronology

1979 to 1982 Banjo Songs Book 1,2 and 3 and the Billy McKinley Songbook. These were simply songbooks that included arrangements and licks that I had learned from many banjo players that had helped me. There were typically 3 solos for each song. Because I do not have a very good sense of pitch I was forced to learn, write down and and memorize the material exactly as it was played. If I had more musical talent I would have played something similar to what they were playing as opposed to learning it exactly. There was a Cassette Tape included that played each break at 2 speeds.These books were discontinued in 1995.

1982 Banjo Primer This was a beginning book that was influenced by the Christopher Parkening Classical Guitar Book that used lots of pictures to illustrate correct technique. At the time this was a unique product and as a result was used by many influential players and teachers. Included a cassette tape that progressed to a CD.

1996 Banjo Primer Video The student was able to see the hand movements for the techniques used in the Banjo Primer.

2001 Banjo Songs Book - We took all of the Public Domain songs from the Banjo Songs Books 1, 2, and 3 and published them in the book Banjo Songs. When this first started I figured we would spend 10 or 15 hours cutting and pasting. It in fact took over 400 hours as I went over each arrangement and made minor changes to make the arrangements flow better. This book contains licks and arrangements taught to me by over 30 excellent regional banjo players and contain arrangements that go from advanced beginner to very advanced. Many people purchase this thinking that it is the next step beyond the Banjo Primer. The easy song section in the freebanjovideos.com website was added to fill the gap between Banjo Primer and Banjo Songs.

2007 freebanjovideos.com The purpose was to provide songs and techniques in more detail to help the student focus. This has enabled us to focus in detail on Beginning Technique, Easy Beginning Songs, Moveable chords, Back up Techniques, Improvisation, Up the Neck Breaks and more Advanced Song arrangements.For beginners there is a lesson plan that incorporates the content on freebanjovideos.com and the Banjo Primer.

2007 Banjo Primer Jam CD’s Basically this takes the place of the band. Each of the songs in the Banjo primer is played with a full band at 5 different speeds starting slowly.

2008 Acoustic Guitar Jam CD’s Bert Casey plays and sings 19 songs at 3 speeds with Rhythm Guitar, Mandolin Chop, Bass and vocals. This is great for practicing Back up.

Well that’s it.

Geoff Hohwald

Left hand

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 05:41:29 CST

I am fairly new to playing and I would like to know if anyone has any advise on how to train the left hand. Some of the chords require stretching of the fingers that does not come naturally. I can do it but I have to stop and really put forth extra effort to stretch my pinky in particular. Other than the obvious practice and repitition, are there any excercises or tricks to speed up the process?

I can't figure out how this guy is playing this!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 00:43:49 CST

Hi guys,

I have been playing banjo for about 10 months so I'm not very experienced, and I am having an extremely hard time figuring this out...

I'm trying to learn Rob Bourassa's arrangement of Man of Constant Sorrow by following his video on youtube. I know the main verse by heart now, but now I am trying to learn the whole song and he makes some variations in his playing which is difficult for me to catch...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=efTRD9i_FD0#t=95s

About at this point in the video, he seems to be doing a pinch on the 1st and 2nd strings while sliding (first string - third to fourth fret, second string - second to third fret). That sounds about right when I do it, but then he continues with a forward roll up to about 1:38 in the video which I can't get at all! No matter how I try, it seems impossible to get that sound with his finger position!! I'm completely lost, even though this shouldn't be that hard...

Fireball Mail ending

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 8 May 2012 15:10:43 CST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pWnZFrdQFE

Can some one help me out with this ending that Earl does. I just cant seem to figure it out. Thanks.

Right Hand

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 8 May 2012 13:51:59 CST

Does anyone have a template to show how the right hand should be placed on the head.....

Sally Gooden

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 8 May 2012 12:15:48 CST

Just can´t stop see the this on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUZm9mBEE1I

(Guess 500 views are me)

Alan Kaufman on the fiddle and Jim Mill on the banjo. Wish I could see how Jim is playing the backup

behind the fiddle. I just love it and try to find the beat and feeling.

Anyone have some backup tabs or tips ?

Tips for playing in "D" tuning

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 8 May 2012 09:49:36 CST

Been playing for just over a year. Decided to start working on Reuben and John Henry. Any good tips ?

Thanks in advance

Greg

Tone, Taste, and Timing - let's talk tone for now

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 8 May 2012 05:41:17 CST

Ok, usually referred to as the 3 Ts, Tone, Taste, and Timing . I still have some timing issues, but I am slowly correcting those. How are y'all working on improving tone. Sometimes my notes sound a little unclear, particularly at the top of the neck. I would guess it's mostly fretting, so maybe there are ways y'all use to improve your fretting, and overall sound. I want to play "as clean as country water" but right now I'm sometimes the muddy Mississippi.

Thanks.

Tutor lessons...worth it??

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 8 May 2012 02:06:19 CST

Hi,

I am considering some lessons from a banjo tutor however wondering if the effort and expense is worth it?

At more than $1.00 per minute for lessons is it likely that there would be a marked improvement in my technique (of course given that I in turn put in the effort).

I do practice about 2 hours each day but I am guessing that I am full of bad technique and grinding in bad habits, just stumbling along with tableture really.

Interested in others experience with tutors.

Regards,

D tuning Randy lynn ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 8 May 2012 00:27:46 CST

Having regard for all the different types of "D" tuners out there it is said that the Apollo's amongst others are not able to be adjusted to play Randy Lynn Rag so the question is how many other common "D" tuner songs are there that bend the string up rather than down etc and therefore can't be played ??.

One of those nights

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 7 May 2012 19:30:07 CST

Ever had one of those nights that you just could play very well? I have had a couple and tonight was one of them. Fingers just did not want to do what they are supposed to do. Struggle through about 45 min and finally just quit.

John Henry Left Hand Fingering...Help, please

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 7 May 2012 11:37:47 CST

I'm working through some Scruggs tunes and just finished with Rueben and noticed John Henry was also D tuning. So I thought I'd work through it as well.

In the first half of the first phrase there are 7, 9, and 12 frets played, all on the first string. I started, Left hand, index on 7, ring on 9, sliding ring up to 12 for the M,M, TIMT roll. and then back to index on 7, fret 9 with ring, and choking 8 of 2nd string with middle. I do this with no problems and after a few open strings the phrase continues, repeating some of the first but adding 9 on second string with a different roll pattern So the phrase continues with both 7 and 9 played on first string, and 8 and 9 on second string, finishing with 9th fret at both 1st and 2nd strings.

How would a teacher recommend learning this section of John Henry? I am having trouble hitting the 9th fret on both first and second strings, because eventually I'll need both down for the roll through that section. I've only started the song this morning and can easily re-learn the fingering for the first phrase if that's necessary, it was smooth and easy the way I did it though. My problem is with the two "A" measures.

Any help would be appreciated....Thanks

Runs

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 7 May 2012 10:47:53 CST

I am learning Dixie which I down loaded the tab from this site. There are a number of places where there are single note runs. If the notes are on the same string is it the accepted way to play them with the same finger or to alternate the fingers? On finger style guitar the advice is not to play two following notes on the same string with the same finger.

Roll Question

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 7 May 2012 08:54:23 CST

If the roll is the following strings in this order - 3-1-2-1-2-1 would you pick it like this: TMTMIM or would you pick TMIMTM? Sounds like it could be done either way but wondering if there is a reason to pick it one way rather than the other. Thanks.

Oh and I guess the other option would be to just keep using the thumb the whole way - TMTMTM.

How many started playing late in life?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 6 May 2012 23:35:35 CST

I seriously started at age 62. I wanted to for years but was to busy at work. Retired and decided to take it up and accomplish one of my long time dreams of being a banjo picker. Being retired gave me all the time I wanted. I usually practice 2-4 hours per day and love every second of it. The joy of hearing myself progress and jam with others has been a tremendous satisfaction for me. It really does give me peace of mind and great confidence in knowing that I will progress further.

Here's an online guitar to play along with.

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 6 May 2012 16:18:55 CST

Make your own guitar chord progressions to play along with them.

Montana banjo players

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 6 May 2012 15:30:27 CST

I am looking for some banjo players to jam with in Helena or Great Falls. Is anyone interested?

How Did You Learn the Fingerboard

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 6 May 2012 08:48:59 CST

I have been playing the banjo since September of 1980, almost 32 years. For most of those years I did not play well, Today, I am proficient, but not professional. I play by ear, and practice about an hour a day.

I am observant enough to realize that most of the greats like Bela Fleck, Scott Vestal, Courtney Johnson, Bill Keith, Vic Jordan, Alan Munde, to name only a few, really know and understand the fingerboard and music theory. I know it would be of great benefit to spend some time getting to know the fingerboard and having at least a basic understanding of some music theory. I've read Alan Munde can play any song, in any key, without using a capo. I was listening to Courtney Johnson with the NGR on youtube and he was amazing. Vic Jordan made a recording with Kenny Baker and his ability to capture the feel of a song and the sheer taste of his playing was awesome. Bela Fleck and Scott Vestal just have raw talent that few are blessed with, and you can not take away the years of hard work both have dedicated to the banjo. There are many other amazing pickers, you could write a huge book filled with many others, and this has actually been done.

At least one common denominator among these individuals is they know and understand the fingerboard. For those of you who have done so, how did you go about learning the fingerboard, then applying that? A couple of years ago, I made some flash cards, one card for every note on the entire instrument. That was boring and tedious, but I did it. It pretty much got me nowhere, and I've probably forgotten much of it by now.

I'm sure I could put my life on hold, go to the library, spend years and years with books, notes, flash cards, drawing pictures with different colored pens, studying till 3am every night, like I did when I was in pharmacy school, driving myself to sheer exhaustion. That DOES work. I learned organic chemIstry, calculus, physics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, biopharmacetuics, dosage calculations, business and law, over the course of 6 years. I was not a straight A student, but I did make a 99 on the National Board.

I'm never going to push myself like that again. If that's what it takes then I'm just not up for it. Surely there is another way to approach this. Surely, someone, somewhere must have devised some type of system, or series of steps, that is banjo specific, in learning how to actually learn and apply fingerboard knowledge and music theory, and how things fit together.

If you have accomplished this own your own, or perhaps if you are a professional level banjo player / teacher, what advice could you give ?

Thanks,

Leslie

Roll Pattern in the Seldom Scene's "C & O Canal"

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 6 May 2012 02:39:36 CST

Hi all,

I recently purchased Pete Wernick's Beginning Bluegrass Banjo and it has me working with renewed interest on getting my basic rolls fluid and correct. I'm employing the metronome a bit more and revisiting places I should have been 2 years ago. For me, the banjo is truly one-step forward, two-steps back. But, that will change, I am confident.

My question though is this.... can someone tell me what is the roll performed by Ben Eldredge in "C&O Canal". I am sure it is supremely simple and obvious, but my hear still is not really tuned to picking this stuff up. I not trying to learn the song at this time.... I'm just curious.

Thanks.... Scott

Help please, Tuning

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 5 May 2012 13:03:08 CST

Hi All. Have only been playing five string banjo for four months so still very raw. I have a new deering goodtime and so far doing ok with the Jack Hatfield

first lessons. the first tuner i had was really rubbish, i did however managed to tune by ear, well it did take me about 3 days, once tuned the deering holds well and i can manage to fine tune along the way. However when it comes to changing strings this i find an uphill struggle, so looking on the internet everyone seems to be going for the snark sn-2, so i got one today, whoops again still can't seem to grasp it, i'm hitting the green needle every time with each string and still the banjo is way off, not even close, where am i going wrong? the banjo is in fine condition it was brand new everything is as it should be, are the F C E and so on for guitar settings? hope you can help with any ideas. thanks Trevor.

Reuben

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 5 May 2012 05:24:29 CST

Reuben has been a fun tune to learn ,EXCEPT the timing on those dadburn chokes, They are killing me, especially the first line.I am learning out of the new Scruggs book.I listen to Earl Play it on the CD Foggy Moutain banjo but the chokes does not sound like the tab ,maybe just Me.

New Member

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 4 May 2012 17:12:30 CST

Won my Gold Tone on a $6 raffle ticket last Nov. Played around on my own for a few weeks and decided I had neither the ability nor the want to play. It went in the closet until I found a friend on Facebook who plays. I asked if she gave lessons and we got together. She plays clawhammer and I want to play bluegrass. I found a great instructor locally and had my first lesson May 1. We'll see if I take to it. I practice at least an hour a day.

Free Rolls, MP3s to practice with.

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 4 May 2012 11:47:04 CST

Howdy Folks.

To celebrate Pickers Academy's ninth birthday we are giving away this Free Beginner package. To BHO folks.

Banjo History: What you get. Articles on The Modern Five String Banjo,Bluegrass Music,DeWitt “Snuffy” Jenkins,William Smith “Bill” Monroe,Earl Scruggs,Don Reno,Ralph Stanley,Raymond Fairchild,Sonny Osborne,Bill Keith. This section is free and has a quiz sys. Read each article and that the quizzes as many times as you like to improve your score.

Equipment: What you get. Simple articles on the stuff you need to start playing. Banjo Case,Banjo Picks,Banjos,Banjo strings and Care,Banjo Tuners,Banjo Capo's,Banjo Strap,Music stands,Metronome,Banjo Stand . This section is free

Banjo Tech: What you get. Banjo-Setting The Intonation,Banjo X , Y Position,Banjo Head Tightening,Banjo Tech Info (The Pot),Banjo Tech Info (Two Main Sections),Banjo Tech Info (The Neck Illustrated ).This section is free.

How to read tab: What you get. Lesson 1 (The Staff) ,Lesson 2 (The Measure),Lesson 3 (Bars / Repeat Bars / End Bars),Lesson 4 (Ending 1 and 2),Lesson 5 ( Reading Banjo Tablature Picking Hand ),Lesson 5.5 (Reading Banjo Tablature Fret Hand),Lesson 6 ( Timing ) Lesson 6.5 ( Metronome Which Click ),Lesson 7 (Note Timing),What are the "G4 C4 D4 G4" in the corner ? This section is free.

Rolls: What you get. Lesson 1 ( The Alt Thumb Pattern ),Lesson 2 ( The Backward Roll ),Lesson 3 ( The Forward Roll ),Lesson 4 ( The Reverse Roll )This section is free.

Chords: What you get. The 3 Basic Banjo Chords. This section is free.

Start Picking: What you get. Lesson 01 The Pinch,Lesson 02 (The Alternating Thumb Pattern),Lesson 03 combine them,Lesson 04 (Chords),Lesson 05 (The Slide),Lesson 06 (Cripple Creek Ver 1),Lesson 07 (The Hammer),Lesson 08 (Cripple Creek Ver 2),Lesson 09 (The push Off),Lesson 10 (Cripple Creek Ver 3),Lesson 11 (Advance Push Off),Lesson 12 (Cripple Creek Full Version) This section is free.

Just register for the free membership.

http://www.pickersacademy.com/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=registers

Thanks

Glenn Miller

www.pickersacademy.com

How Fast is Too Fast?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 4 May 2012 10:53:16 CST

After reading Angies Banjo Silver Strings online magazine I viewed the cited youtube video of Long Journey Home by the Johnson Mountain Boys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNRFoFjphOk&feature=related

These guys are insanely fast. Maybe they were behind schedule and had another gig to play that night. It almost looks like they sped up the video. I wondering if these guys were a fire hazard.