steve davis - Posted - 11/15/2012:  13:06:29

In our pursuit of banjo betterment I think it's very important to play outside the lesson plan.

I have found great value in just playing because you like the sound and not with any real goal at the moment...just to play around for the fun and joy of doing it.Keeping it light and easy.

kmwaters - Posted - 11/15/2012:  14:43:09

Absolutely Steve.  I find myself noodling for what I feel was a few minutes until I look at the clock and realize an hour has gone by.  Fun when you love the magical sound of the banjo.

Rick McKeon - Posted - 11/15/2012:  20:53:17

Good point Steve. I'm not a professional banjo player so why play at all? To enjoy it. :)

Rick

Edited by - Rick McKeon on 11/15/2012 20:53:51

banjoman56 - Posted - 11/16/2012:  06:59:46

I couldn't agree more!

steve davis - Posted - 11/17/2012:  06:51:22

I'll never forget the joy I felt when I was allowed to play the family banjo.

OldTimeGal - Posted - 11/17/2012:  10:58:33

That's such a nice thing to say, Steve, and so encouraging - and so where I'm at right now - although I do retain some lesson pointers to consider. Except for specific song research I'm currently undertaking, lately I've stopped trying to learn songs and have just been creating/exploring, I keep a little notebook when I practice. This week I am writing a waltz piece containing rolls, pinches, side-steps and a few pull-off twangs, just finished tabbing Part A yesterday. When it's finished I'll post it in the sound-off, and we can all have a good laugh at it.:-) I'm sure many beginners like me get discouraged - thank you for reminding us of what is important:-)

quote:

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Originally posted by steve davis

In our pursuit of banjo betterment I think it's very important to play outside the lesson plan.

I have found great value in just playing because you like the sound and not with any real goal at the moment...just to play around for the fun and joy of doing it.Keeping it light and easy.

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maryzcox - Posted - 11/17/2012:  14:53:07

This is what I enjoy doing most of the time. I'm lucky to have a few different banjos with totally different sounds and tunings. It is just so pleasant to just sit and play different sounds with the banjo. All of my banjos have really nice tone and it is a pleasure to just sit and play them :)
Mzc

aeroweenie - Posted - 11/19/2012:  13:09:28

Couldn't agree more.  I usually have a few songs I'm working on, but most of my playing time is playing stuff I already know, trying variations, playing them in different tunings, and just noodling around wherever my ears and fingers lead me.  I am also lucky to have a number of banjos with very different sounds and playability which keeps things interesting.

James Stiltner - Posted - 11/19/2012:  13:59:20

Right on, Steve!

rgoad - Posted - 11/19/2012:  14:19:49

My instructor tells me to play like a baby learns to talk: imitate the rhythm and sounds and eventually it makes sense.  I relate strongly to that.

TulsaTime - Posted - 11/19/2012:  19:46:25

I think this applies to everything in life: Do it for love or it's wasted.

Big I - Posted - 11/20/2012:  04:47:41

Well said. 

figmo59 - Posted - 11/21/2012:  15:08:42

I dun't think that I will ever..git ..passed.noodelin..


N...that's.....OK.....

steve davis - Posted - 11/21/2012:  15:36:57

Whatever makes you grin.

bosborne - Posted - 11/27/2012:  13:02:49

quote:

---

Originally posted by steve davis

In our pursuit of banjo betterment I think it's very important to play outside the lesson plan.

I have found great value in just playing because you like the sound and not with any real goal at the moment...just to play around for the fun and joy of doing it.Keeping it light and easy.

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Absolutely Steve! 

Hankon5 - Posted - 12/05/2012:  20:43:43

Two things I love right now on this Earth(not including my wonderful wife) RETIREMENT and BANJO PLAYING. IT's what I do everyday and twice on Sundays!!! JOY JOY JOY!!!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 12/05/2012 20:45:33

Klondike Waldo - Posted - 12/08/2012:  11:23:15

Banjo is for my own enjoyment and relaxation.  For some reason, I never fall asleep playing my bagpipes, but often do picking my banjo.

bturn - Posted - 12/09/2012:  10:30:43

As of today, I have 4 scheduled working days and I  will retire for the second time at age 71. The only thing I am sure I will do on any given day is play my Banjo sometime During that day. A good portion of my playing time is spent Noodling.