grantus - Posted - 11/19/2009:  06:46:34

---

Hello,

Like the title says, is there a publication that is generally regarded as the best for total beginners?

I have very little music theory knowledge and the only instrument I play is the drums (not very well either).

I want to get a banjo and haven't yet decided between tenor or 5-string but it would be helpful to know what is well regarded

Thanks a lot,

Grantus

beegee - Posted - 11/19/2009:  06:53:34

---

To decide what kind of banjo you need, you have to decide what kind of music you want to play on it.

Jazz, Irish, Dixieland, etc are usually played on a tenor or plectrum(4-string)
Folk, country, old-time, bluegrass are usually played on a 5-string, either resonator or open-back
New Age, alternative, rock, fusion, avant-garde etc can be played on a 4, 5, or 6 or 8 string.

Once you decide what type of music, then you decide what type of banjo and then which brand of banjo.

THEN, you can figure out what's the best learning system.

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there."-Lewis Carroll

---

Edited by - beegee on 11/19/2009 06:55:28

erstokke - Posted - 11/19/2009:  06:54:04

---

First you have to decide what kind of style you want to learn. Roughly it is like this:
4-string: Dixiland jazz, irish folk
5-string: Bluegrass, old-time, folksongs etc.
6-string: Isnt really a banjo, but a guitar.
8-string: Isnt really a banjo, but a mandolin

The majority here at Banjo Hangout play 5-string banjo. Which again has two main playing styles: Bluegrass three-finger picking and clawhammer.

Tell us what kind of music - and artists - you like, and we will tell you what instruction material to use.

erstokke - Posted - 11/19/2009:  06:54:59

---

You beat me by 30 seconds, beegee!

beegee - Posted - 11/19/2009:  06:56:14

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by erstokke

You beat me by 30 seconds, beegee!

---

great minds think alike Your post had farther to travel....

---

Edited by - beegee on 11/19/2009 06:56:58

R Buck - Posted - 11/19/2009:  06:59:51

---

The best book is the one that makes sense when you look at it. That will be different for every person. If the lives we live are books, a person is even better than a book.

grantus - Posted - 11/19/2009:  07:00:45

---

Ok, I saw Hayseed Dixie three years ago when they came to Glasgow so I guess a 5-string will be the likely answer!

P.S. thanks for the quick replies

Texasbanjo - Posted - 11/19/2009:  07:22:20

---

If you're going to learn bluegrass 3-finger style banjo, there are a lot of excellent books out there from which to choose.

If you decide to learn by tablature, check out:
1. Jack Hatfield's Beginning Bluegrass Method Book #1 with CD. Jack highlights the melody notes so you know where they are then plays the song slowly so you can pic along at at tempo. He also has book #2 and 3 and many, many others from which to pick after you get through with the first book. www.hatfieldmusic.com
2. Janet Davis' You Can Teach Yourself Banjo. Janet is a prolific author of banjo books and after her beginner book you can check out Back Up Banjo, Up the Neck, Splittin' the Licks or many, many other books. www.banjostore.com.

Of course, there, as I said, there are many other excellent books/teachers out there but these two I have used in the past both in learning and teaching.

If you want to learn to play strictly by ear, then look up Murphy Henry. Sorry I don't have the URL to her site, but someone on here will undoubtedly post it for you.

Good luck.

grantus - Posted - 11/19/2009:  07:26:58

---

Nice one mate, thanks

loggerhead - Posted - 11/19/2009:  08:44:06

---

I agree with Texasbanjo's recommendations. I started 3-finger-style banjo a bit over a year ago, without the benefit of a local teacher. If you are unable to get a teacher, I recommend starting with Janet Davis' book AND the DVD. It is helpful to be able to watch what she is doing, not just to listen to a CD of how the song or technique is played. After awhile I think Jack Hatfield's book has a more coherent and progressive approach, building steadily on what you have learned in the previous lesson. Knowing where the melody notes are also helps. I'd also suggest getting his or Janet Davis' back-up material as well. It helps you learn moveable chord shapes; and if you ever fancy yourself playing with other folks, you'll need to know how to disappear into the background while still sounding good.

I know this sounds like alot all at once. It slowly does begin to come together with practice. I'm nowhere near proficient yet, but the main thing I have found is to approach it as fun. If you think to yourself, "I will master this," then the banjo is your enemy. If you pick it up and think of it as a friend with whom you'll share some good times, you'll do fine.

Lastly, don't get too hung up on what banjo book or CD to get. To me, choosing a banjo method is a bit like buying a toothbrush. Just get one and use it.

Good luck.

Gill

Poppy - Posted - 11/19/2009:  09:04:03

---

Earl's book and CD also, and then there's The Murphy Method DVD.

grantus - Posted - 11/19/2009:  09:43:29

---

Cheers all.

R Buck - Posted - 11/19/2009:  09:47:19

---

Earl's book will kick your butt down the hall. Don't start there. Jack's stuff is good as are books by Janet Davis and Eddie Collins. I actually like Splitting the Licks. It is not a tutorial but breaks tunes down to the melody and then moves through rolls and licks to build a tune. Very informative if you can analyze the material and watch how it builds the break.

rickeym - Posted - 12/06/2009:  09:30:33

---

I would look at the murphy method DVD's. They are running a Christmas special on their DVD's.