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

Setting a value for a rare Bluegrass Item.

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:22:47 CST

Dr. Banjo, Pete Wernick, donated a piece of Bluegrass history to a fundraiser that I am associated with. He gave us a band photo of the group Hot Rize from their heyday, and it is signed by all members of the band, including the late great Charles Sawtelle. There has been some discussion in my group as to what value to assign to this great collectors item. Does anyone have any insight as to how much we should list as it's value? We are raising money for Fisher House Foundation, and I don't want to undervalue this very nice item. Any help would be appreciated.

And by the way; The Wednesday Night Garage Jammers are sponsoring a 12 hour Bluegrass Marathon, a Jamathon if you will, on February 25, 2012. It is to raise funds for Fisher House, an organization that provides housing for the families of military troops that are wounded or sick. The families can stay near the hospital and support their loved ones as they recover from their wounds. (It is like the Ronald McDonald House, but for our troops.) We are in the Baltimore, Maryland area and we will be jamming from 1200 noon until 1200 midnight. If you are anywhere nearby and want to have a lot of fun and support a great cause, or if you would like to donate, e-mail me at dbageant@yahoo.com.

1,4,5 chords

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:38:23 CST

I kept hearing about the 1,4,5 but did not understand it. Last week I attended the workshop on the Pickers Academy website, Glenn explained it so I understand now. The light bulb came on. I now know a lot more on how to follow jam sessions. He is goinging deeper on it next week.

Getting the left hand to work with the right

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:55:34 CST

Anyone else having similar problems getting the left hand in sync withe the right? I know the basic chords. When I try to change chords let's say while doing rolls, I automatically stop while trying to finger the chords. Any advice? Scotty

Play Counts ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 21:50:40 CST

Tryed this question over there under the music theory topic but didn't get a reply, so let me try it here under a new topic,

Wanted to ask you good folks a question about playing counts, and what do they mean? I just today began working with BIAB and here's all these wonderful back up tracts with such a variation of different play counts from 22 - 300 !! Some higher than that, some lower; what in the world do they represent? I have all these wonderful back up tracts from "beckboys" site http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/music.asp?ID=52855 but haven't a clue how to read these let alone play with them.

Would some one give me a quick little tip in music theory, on how to play with BiAB. if this is part of what I need to learn, if it's related to music theory.

Sure hope so. Got this super nice Maple Blossom now with a Tony Pass Rim and I want to play it like everything.Thank You.

Butcg B,

Etiquette on sample lessons

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:15:02 CST

I'm thinking of starting with a new banjo teacher. I heard that a good thing to do was ask for a sample lesson. What's the etiquette on a sample lesson - is it just plain free, or do you only pay if you like it, or only pay if you have further lessons? Thanks for your help!

Accuracy

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 06:27:30 CST

Had my first lesson last night. It went well, my teacher is a BH member..really nice, talented guy.

I think I may know the answer to my question, but I will ask it anyway:

Are there other ways to improve accuracy, other then the obvious. Practice is going to be the best way, but I'm wondering if there are any tips or "trade secrets" out there.

Swampuh

Play Wedding March?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 06:22:16 CST

I just found out I have to play the wedding march. Anyone have a real simple version of the wedding march which I can learn in a few weeks time?

Help Me Figure Out A Steeldrivers Song...Please

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 06:16:32 CST

I've been trying to learn the Steeldrivers tune Ghost of Mississippi and am having some difficulty with the tuning. I watched a YouTube video to help but it opened up more issues on the tuning. The following video is what I've been watching

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g0TiYQYvek

The banjo is capo'd at the 2nd fret, and after the intro licks an ambient roll is played with the 1st and 4th strings open, 2nd string second fret and 3rd string third fret. Is this an alternate tuning? Am I missing something simple? What do you guys make of this?

Finger Picks

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:42:11 CST

Can anybody tell me what type of finger pick is better to use, the plastic on the thumb or the nickel steel? Also what has a better sound the brass finger picks or the nickel steel?? I have been using Dunlop nickel ones but I get a ringing sound from the strings. I talked to a co-worker and he suggested I switch to brass picks. What do you experienced pickers think?

DB-90 Rhythm Coach

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:16:04 CST

Does anybody who has a DB-90 use the rhythm coach feature? Does it work with banjo (no pickup)? If so how well does it work?

Thanks,

Dan

The importance of Music Theory

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 08:12:46 CST

Hi al!

I actually have my very first lesson this afternoon, and I am absolutely psyched! I have wanted to learn the Banjo for some years now and it is finally come to pass.

My question: As an absolute beginner to ANY form of music, how important is music theory and notation when it comes to the banjo, particularly in folk and bluegrass. I have zero knowledge of theory and can not read music.. Obviously I will pose this question to my instructor but I wanted to get a general feeling from you lot.. I have been reading posts for several days and the amount of knowledge here is incredible. Thanks in advance!

Swampuh

Chimes - Clarity - Volume

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 02:22:33 CST

Hi Guy's

Lately I have been trying to get a good balance of clarity and volume on playing chimes but no sooner do I think - Yep I've got it - I start hitting bum notes..

I guess there is no right or wrong way so I thought maybe a consensus of opinion might help myself and others who struggle with this.

How do you get the best clarity and volume from your chimes.

Do you pick close to the bridge or the neck?

Do you pick hard or soft?

Do you Bar all strings or touch each in turn?

Do you lift off after picking to allow the string to vibrate ?

Do you keep your fingers anchored on the head or do you let your picking hand float freely to allow the head to resonate more/ not dampen the volume?

Remember, you can't play bluegrass banjo well if...

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 00:47:03 CST

...you don't plant your ring finger and you look at your left hand. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMRlu1Q4B4E&feature=related

Finger stretch

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 22:53:54 CST

I have a tab from banjotom (heart and soul) the beginning line is a c bar chord at the fifth fret and in the roll you are suppose to hit the fifth string at the 10 fret. I cant do it .Can people do a finger stretch that far?

strings???

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:44:15 CST

Hey everyone, I have a quick question for the group. I was wondering if there is a noticeable difference between medium strings and light strings. I am new to this and had medium strings put on an old banjo that was in my family, at the time I didn't know any different. Now one month in and having trouble with pull-offs and curious if it would make a difference. I know its not much money but, why replace them now when they don't need it. Thanks to everyone on this site, you people are just great.

Buffalo Girls mixed tempo (buffalo GALS!)

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 11:51:44 CST

I have a memory of hearing a banjo recording of Buffalo Girls played mixed tempos. Real fast on the verse or chorus and real slow on either the verse or chorus ( I can't remember which was fast or which was slow, the verse or chorus) Does anyone recognize what I mean? Can you name that player and recording? Thanks. (not really sure if this is a reconstructed memory or not)

Jack

pull offs on the first string

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 02:34:22 CST

Just learning Jim Mills "The old hen" from the tab from BNL by Bill Evans. I can do pull offs on most part of the finger board but the 3-2 pull off on the first string I am finding a bit of a challenge. I don't seem to be able to get enough pressure down on the second fret to hold and stop the string from trying to jump off the side of the neck and have never found push offs a better bet for me than pull offs

I have checked to make sure my strings are not too close to the fret board edge etc. Whatever I do so far doesn't sound so good.

Any body else had this problem and overcome it ??

Can't Get This Right

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 14:04:04 CST

As I play this song, it seems to me I'm just waiting to make the first mistake. In three solid weeks of working on this, I've managed to play through it twice without mistake. And I think they were accidental. LOL

John Boulding Workshop this Saturday Feb 11th eastern NC!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 14:18:33 CST

Just a reminder we have two more spots left for the John Boulding workshop being held at Banjo Island in Frisco NC on Hatteras Island. The weather has been really nice come on down enjoy some jamming learn some banjo with the world famous John Boulding and go to the beach go fishing, hang out and enjoy yourself. $75.00 thats it. John as most of you all know is world class and will be able to help everyone with their picking!!!! Contact me and I will get you all set up!!

What have I done?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:26:33 CST

After playing guitar for 30 years of all styles, mostly classic rock I've bought a banjo. Starting getting more and more interested in bluegrass a few years ago and I'm a civil war buff and love the period music from the civil war era. Advice for a newbe. I'm hoping my guitar experiance will help me. Guess I'm getting old and starting to mellow. Turning down the volume and chasing after more traditional music. Stumbled across this website today while searching for banjo info. Looks like a great site. Carry on, dc

wide neck banjos

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:52:37 CST

I started on banjo about 6 months ago, bought a Fender 54 at the time and am happy with it (except it is considered a student level model).

I recently came across wide neck banjos (maybe 1/8 inch wider at the nut than mine) on Internet.

I would think playing one would improve my playing, since less "finger crowding" when playing many chords. For example, in playing Amin at first fret, things are a bit crowded. A little more spacing between strings would seem to be more comfortable.

Anyone have any experience with and advice about these type banjos?

newbee

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:58:21 CST

hi everyone

just bought 5 string g banjo

never played a musical instrument before,im 67years old,hope i am not to old to learn.

hoping to recieve it next couple of days

looking forward to getting tips from you guys,

what is the best book or dvd to getting started

welcone to other newbees.

fantastic site,wish me luck

What is this tune?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:52:35 CST

(the first one) The great Jim Mills - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuKrURXI3d4&feature=related

Sounds a bit like Southern Flavor but it's in C. And does anyone know tuning?

Am I on the right track after 6 weeks - short video

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:53:17 CST

Hello to all - I have been practicing since Xmas and I am keen to get some feedback just on my basic technique, because if I have a fundamental problem at this stage I can hopefully correct it before it's too late, so I have made a short video. This is the natural position that my arm and hand likes, and it feels comfortable like this. If you have time to look and comment, that would be great, and very much appreciated.

Regards

Stretching fingers to reach frets …. looking for advice

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:45:11 CST

Should I be practicing trying to extend my finger stretching ability to reach frets down the neck? What’s realistic? Should I be able to reach from fret 1 to 3, or fret 1 to 4, or fret 1 to 5? I suppose it’s somewhat dependent on the size of your hand and length of your fingers, correct? And..if you can’t easily stretch your fingers to reach widely spaced frets down the neck, do you compensate by developing hand quickness and accuracy in making the reach to the next fret without losing your rhythm?

-Joe

Developing arthritis? Should I quit?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:43:30 CST

My fingers in right hand have been a little swollen for a while.
I can make a fist but not tight .
Slight aching in the finger joints when make a fist.

My right hand index and middle finger tend to be curved down some after playing,
I can straighten them by applying pressure.

Doc says start of arthritis.

My question is should I give up playing?
Has anyone out there with arthritis in fingers solved the problem if still playing?
Maybe the playing (bluegrass style by the way) will help with future arthritis.

Bugle Call Rag (Play-Along)

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 08:18:58 CST

Here's another sample from The Session Book to give you a feel for playing along to stops, starts and tempo changes with the click track to guide you.

The first video includes the banjo and the second one is without the banjo.

Opinians please, of RK-75 Elites

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 16:46:53 CST

Want to know what longer time players think of recording king 75 elites. Considering buying a secounds banjo, and was going to get a hatfield, but money dictates spending less. Open to options.

Beginner BG'ers and String Choice - light, medium, or heavy?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:57:53 CST

Here's a question: A newcomer to the blood sport of Bluegrass banjo playing comes into the shop and asks me to put a new set of strings on his banjo in preparation for starting BG lessons.

Is there a conventional wisdom out there in BHO land about whether beginners ought to use light or medium or even heavy steel strings?

I generally stick with the middle of the road answer, both for myself and for new learners -- so the new players can figure out for themselves whether they need a thinner, lighter string or something more like barbed wire.

What do BG teachers say?

Thanks.

Lew

newbee here intro

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:38:38 CST

Hi all. New to banjo or any instrument for that matter. I was young and forced into watchimg Hee Haw but at 45 i remember loving the banjo jams that Roy, grandpa, and string bean would play. So i decised i wasnt too old to learn something new and picked up a banjo (cheap Reynolds) and take 2-3 lessons a month.
My lessons have consisted od theory and playing. I have been learning about 8 diffrent rolls, scales, several diffrent cords and several options for each of those. The g-lick or a variation of that ( not sure if that baries or not). And one song i am working on in tab is cripple creek. I have been into this about a month and really enjoy it so far. Looking forward to learning all i can from this forum as well. Nice site and alot of information. Thanks

My first post! And online lessons...

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:17:23 CST

Hello all at BHO. I only joined about two weeks ago and have found myself glued to the forums ever since! Unbelievable topics and discussions and an astounding amount of great advice.

I also just had my first online lesson with Fiddlin' Al (www.fiddlin-al.com) after good recommendations here. And it was superb. Can't wait for lesson 2 next week.

And if anyone's in any doubt... I'm at home in Spain and connect through Skype to Al in Florida. It's like he's sitting right in front of you and he doesn't miss a trick.

Hope to be able to offer some advice or helpful thoughts of my own sometime soon!

Happy picking to all. And thanks again for the great posts.

Simon

Cumberland Gap Part B

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:14:56 CST

I have been playing for two years now and progressing. However, When playing part "B" on Cumberland Gap I can not move my pinky across the 11 and 10 frets on the 2nd string well enough to produce a clear sound on the adjacent 1st string {pinky is always muting the 1st string). My pinky is somewhat curved which seems to be a hinderance to the 1st string on the 9-8-9 triad. I play this song quite well at Scugg's speed. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can overcome this partial muting of the 1st string. Thanks all. I am always reading feed backs to this forum which has helped me greatly. All of you are my banjo teachers!

Thanks

Hank

Begginer, what roll style do I start with? Modern Country Music

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:18:46 CST

I'm a begginer hoping to learn the banjo to like most of your modern day country songs. What roll technique should I start to practice with. I heard there is 3 basic rolls but also more? any help would be greatly appreciated.

Nashville Blues

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 06:54:55 CST

Just started learning this tune last night after listening to JD Crowe and the New South's recording of it (GREAT, by the way). Of course, I'm nowhere close to playing it like JD, but turns out it isn't that difficult of a tune. If you can play Reuben, you can learn this in a pretty short amount of time (pretty similar patterns/licks). I'm not using tab at all, and I had the basic tune figured out in short fashion. I'm not ready to record yet, but I'm happy with it so far! Anyway, if you're looking to try something new, and you don't know this one yet, give it a try -- but, don't forget to tune to ADFAD first!

Hitting the head with picks. Tips?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 04:30:33 CST

Hello,

I have been recording myself lately and I noticed a nasty habit I must have developed. I tend to hit the head with my picks (thumb and IM) and also scratch it slightly when my fingers aren't well anchored (the frosted head makes it sound worse, like you are sanding a piece of wood), which comes out pretty loud in a recording. This seems more common when I strum with my thumb pick (drop thumbing?). I realize these are just bad habits, but do you guys have any suggestions on how to improve this problem? Or is this normal and just a question of mic placement to minimize the effects?

Thanks in advance.

Hello from a new member.

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 03:04:48 CST

Hi all, new member saying hello. Been visiting the site for the last few weeks and decided it was time to join. Been learning for about 4 weeks now and am loving it. I am a lefty and my first banjo is a cheapy (SX) but hopefully will be getting a Deering in the next few months. I have been practicing for about an hour a day and feel I am improving ok but still having a lot of trouble with my C chord, hopefully this will improve with time. As a beginner I am grateful for all the advice and experience that the members offer on this site so expect regular questions.

Cheers, Paul

questions from a ultra beginner. please help

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:42:28 CST

So I have been playing banjo for a couple of weeks and have a few questions that probably seem silly to most of you. Anyhow, here they are

1. when playing my forward rolls and reverse rolls I have been trying to count them out 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +. so that i can keep track of when to start repeating the roll. I've found that I I can play them faster if i don't count but I mess up more often. Should I be concentrating on counting them out or should I just try and get the feel of the roll so I can play them naturally?

2. I have moved on to lesson number 3 in my book. How well/fast should I be able to play lessons before I move on? I have been making sure i can play them clean but definitely not fast.

3 . do you need to practice at getting faster or does that just come with time and regular practice.

thanks for all the help in advance.

I'm going back to tab

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:17:52 CST

Atleast on the song Pullin Time by Steve Huber. I have been playing by ear for a while now but This tune had me whipped. Sure, I could play it and it would sound ok but on certain tunes I want to play it like they do. So I ordered the BNL that had the tab in it and have been playing it using the tab. Are there some tunes that you just want to get the tab to and play it like the original. Kind of like Beverly Hillbillies, I wanted to play it just like Earl, so I used tab. My ear just hasn't developed enough yet to do some songs justice.

THE EARL SCRUGGS STORY an Original Song

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:50:48 CST

Hi Pickers,

Here's something you might find fun. I moved here to the US from England in 2004 and owned a banjo, but never learned to play it. One day I just decided to give it a go....and I was hooked. So, I have only been playing banjo for a few years but I realized right from the start the enormous influence over style and taste he exerted over all players worldwide. I attended a Dr Banjo Camp up on the American River near Placerville, California, and really got inspired there by the teaching and the people I met, and also the great beauty of America and that part of California in particular. I really wanted to as the song says, 'Be a 5-string picker and play like the great Earl Scruggs'. One day I was inspired to write this song as I wanted to create a respectful, but fun song about his life and at the same time capture the spirit of his style in the playing. So here it is:

www.youtube.com/user/geoffbanjo

I couldn't actually play or sing (I haven't quite got the twang right yet!) what I heard in my head at the time, but the late John Shlocker (a great friend inspiration to me personally) introduced me to Bob Applebaum, a virtuoso mandolin player, and he assembled the awesome band to play the song. Many thanks, obviously to Herb Pedersen who really captured the sound and style perfectly for the song, and also Gabe Witcher for a rousing fiddle solo.....and of course Bill Bryson who sang lead vocals.

Anyway take a listen....and hopefully enjoy!

Earls Sally Ann version help

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:32:29 CST

I have always struggled with Earls Version of Sally Ann but just the B part where you go down to the 8-9 tirangle positon. I generally do better with tunes that have some lyrics or strong melody but this part of the tune just never sounds melodic to me. The words and melody of Sail Away ladies or Have you ever seen a muskrat sally ann don't seem to fit that part of the song to me. Anyone got any suggestion on helping me to clean up this part... I always seem to just slop my way through that section.

Gainesville, FL jam anyone?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:36:59 CST

I'm new to banjo but improving quickly and would love a jam somewhere in North FL but preferably Gainesville.

My First Banjo Workshop.

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:59:44 CST

Okay, so I attended my first ever banjo workshop this past week-end and would like to share a couple things. I'm not a blog writer, or any kind of writer so hang on.

The workshop was held in Portland Oregon and was hosted by the good folks at Harold's Automotive and instructed by one of the all time greats; Murphy Henry.

At first I was a bit anxious in a nervous kind of way because of my beginning level of play, and the fact that I had never been mixed in with a group of other banjo players. (I'm an introvert, some would call me a minority of the general population).

But this workshop was not specifically designed for any particular level; just bring your banjo and Murphy will know how to do what she does best. Teach you to play the banjo. (Speed is not important when learning to play the banjo)

I learned more about my banjo, other banjo's, other banjoist's, and myself than I had in 7 months at home reading instructional books and sitting in front of DVD's.

Some topics included learning chords, chord formations, vamping, capoing, chord changes, and improvising backup playing. Even got some singing time in ~ lot's of fun.

Murphy was informative, clear, and personable to each student that attended, and boy can she make her own Banjo POP! Really looking forward to another workshop someday down the road, but more importantly, I'm looking forward to my first Jam session with other players because I now have the confidence I need to get out and mix it up (if you will).

I can now actually vamp and play backup to such tunes as "Bury Me Beneath The Willow Tree" and "Blue Ridge Cabin On The Hill" This is so exciting! So much information and knowledge packed in to only two big fun filled days.

Wandering if anyone else walked away from their workshops with this degree of knowledge and this type of thrill after attending their first ever workshops? And who's workshop did you attend, and where?

Thanks to Harold's Automotive for hosting this event, and thanks to Murphy Henry and her ensemble for the fantastic instruction and entertainment.

Also thanks to the many new friends I met along the way. Most importantly, thanks to a special friend of mine who was trusting and kind enough to loan me his Maple Blossom (with a Tony Pass rim) to make this experience a true reality.

Butch B.

Back up midis for...

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:22:30 CST

Does anyone know where some back up tracks may be available for the following songs?

I Wonder Where You Are Tonight

Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone

Sweet Blue Eyed Darlin

I Hear a Choo Choo Coming

Love of the Mountains

Little Georgia Rose

Are You Washed in the Blood

My Home is Across the Blue Ridge Mountains

White Freightliner Blues

I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home

I use midi backups for practice, but have been unable to locate these. I use most of the songs on virtual bluegrass band backup and a couple of other sites. They are excellent, but they don't include these songs. Thanks for any help.

Barry

Earl Scruggs Roll

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:23:11 CST

Hey, what exactly is the Earl Scruggs roll,is just another name for a forward roll?BTP

1 1/2 year mark

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:46:40 CST

Hello all ya'll out in banjo land!

I've been playing banjo now for about a year and a half now and I absolutely love it. I am completely self taught, and have never had a lesson. However, I feel like I have accomplished very little. I can't really play many songs, and I can't even begin to build a solo or build a picking pattern around a melody. I have never even played with anyone. (The reason for that mainly being because I feel that I do not "know enough" and aren't "good enough" to be comfortable playing in a jam session.) I guess my main point here is, how can I get over my fear of playing with others, and what should I know in order to play with others? Should I just suck it up, get over myself and go out and play? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I just really don't know what to do.

This is Tough!

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:09:09 CST

A year ago I decided I wanted to get back into banjo after a 15 year break.(no good excuses ). It didn't happen. Well, now I've been laid off work for the winter and I'm hitting it pretty hard. Let me tell you, it seems a lot more difficult the second time around! The only thing that keeps me going right now is BHO, XM bluegrass channel and youtube. Those and a real desire to play again . Sure want to stay with it so I can get good enough to jam again. WHEW! It's "TUFF"!

I think I'm starting to get the hang of this

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:00:05 CST

Hi everybody, I've just been playing a little while, I am working with Janet Davis's book "You can teach yourself Banjo." I have been taking a week with each lesson,my practice time gets a little longer each week as I still practice the first lessons

a little each day. That is not a problem as I am starting to enjoy my practice more. I start with the old lessons to warm up,then I work on the new lesson. My fingers feel a little less like they are made of stone now and I don't fumble as much

as I did when I started. I am still really slow but I am concentrating on accuracy now. I am now starting lesson 7. I still need work on staying with the beat of the song, but this lesson is" Worried Man" and I know the words well and I think if

I sing it while I play it that will help me with my timing. Does anybody have any suggestions on what I could do better? Thanks, Patrick

"Fat" of my ring finger muting 3rd string

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:46:22 CST

When I make a full D shape chord, the fat of my ring finger mutes the 3rd string. The full F shape seems to be fine. I have tried several ways of positioning my hand in relationship to the neck but it just seems like my finger is too fat. See the line in the picture? It seems to have a point on it there. That's where the finger hits the string. Any suggestions?

sonny osborne tunes

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:34:27 CST

Does sonny osborne have any signature banjo tunnes? I'm puttting together a small repertoire of osborne bros tunes

but havent found any banjo tunes I really like.

Critique my Right Hand (Video)

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:29:59 CST

Another member here inspired me to share a short practice video. I've never had a formal lesson, and I'm specifically looking for some input on my right hand. I've been practicing for about two years (an hour a day), and my right hand has been "evolving" the entire time. After all of this time, I'm still not sure if I've really made any progress. I feel like my thumb sticks out to the side, but I can't seem to find another hand position where my thumb moves more towards the palm. Oddly enough, when I loose the picks, my thumb doesn't seem quite as rigid (but picks are a necessity when it comes to bluegrass. . .) Anyway, please let me know what you think. This is me practicing the forward roll at 60 BPM. On my very best days, I can comfortably get the forward roll up to about 110 BPM- today was not one of those days!