faulknej - Posted - 12/03/2011:  16:39:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by mudlakesandy





Ok, what is the trick to locating the bridge correctly to get the 12th fret harmonic?????? I am certain this will improve tone etc etc etc Checked the links, but not really clear-

-S

 

---

 The bridge is adjusted to make the 12th fret be exactly in the center of the nut to bridge length.

sam-i-am - Posted - 12/04/2011:  07:53:21

Information is available on other forums about where to place the bridge. Check out this information: banjohangout.org/topic/221348 

Scroll down for a few of responses.

Also if you go to search and type in bridge placement or bridge position you will find several forums on the subject.

Edited by - sam-i-am on 12/04/2011 07:57:38

banjobus - Posted - 12/05/2011:  22:43:37

went to my first beginner jam tonight. What a blast. I felt so lost and stupid the first half, stumbling all thru the simplest of chord changes, trying to figure out a roll pattern to fit the song. Luckly the one thing I seem to be decent at after months of practice in a small house with wife and kids is picking softly. After about half an hour I seemed to calm down and get my chords faster and manage to catch the speed and rhythm of the group or so I think. I found several things I am going to practice this week and will definatly be going back for more.
I wanted to thank all of you who post on here with advice and encouragement. It really helps knowing that others are going through the same strange journey of banjo.

sam-i-am - Posted - 12/06/2011:  05:22:56

That is the one thing that my instructor taught me that has really helped: play softly. He was taught it in college (music major). When you play softly you relax. The first time I tried it I was amazed how tense I had been. Now when I'm all thumbs, I'll just do the roll or tune softly and it all comes together.

flintlock54 - Posted - 12/06/2011:  18:51:53

Hello, been posting for a while, think this forum is great. My heading might say Rollin forward but still a newbie. What I notice is it is generally friendlier here. About to give up on other categories, seems like if you ask for information or advice on some you either get no response or get snubbed because you are not in the group that knows everything.

fiddlewood - Posted - 12/06/2011:  19:05:54

Banjobus, That's just great! playing with others will really get the learning mode charged up.



Sam - I couldn't have said it better. Relaxing while playing in time is one of my biggest goals, I find I have to make myself stop and regroup every once in a while cause i'll get too tense or too loud (they usually happen together for me). When I am playing at a sane pace and less volume I feel that I have much more control over how the instrument sounds.



I just had my first lesson online from a pro instructor and learned a ton of stuff to help fill in the holes in my playing. I have a few friends who can help me with licks & such when we get together, but building a relationship with regular instructor is, I think the way to go for me. It cost me some money but it was well worth every cent and more to learn from someone this attentive, intuitive, and talented at conveying ideas. I'll definitely be back for more lessons.



I've had my banjo for 3 1/2 months now and am playing stuff I never would have thought I was able to. It's not real fast but the notes are all getting there and so is the timing.



Banjo is so cool...

Edited by - fiddlewood on 12/06/2011 19:08:52

sam-i-am - Posted - 12/07/2011:  12:23:39

Edward, you are so right about the friendliness of the blog. Great folks from all over the world who just want to play a banjo. I have learned a ton from the folks here. Wouldn't it be great if we could find a place to meet up and play together for a weekend. What fun. Plus it would rid the place of rats for decades.

Peanutscreams - Posted - 12/07/2011:  17:49:53

JAFO - Posted - 12/07/2011:  18:00:10

Great to hear Butch. Glad you are 'back in the fold'. I am scared to death of losing ground if I miss a day or two, let alone months. After 4 months I still suck big time, but I am making daily progress. I do notice that when I slack off and I have short sessions for a few days I still do well or better at the next opportunity for a long session. I don't know why this is. Perhaps I should take a day off every once in a while, but I feel compelled to pick it up every day, even if it's just 15 minutes, or else I have either let myself down, broken a promise, or failed. Maybe I need a 12 step program?

Tom

Peanutscreams - Posted - 12/07/2011:  18:36:10

Thanks Tom. Yes, I know exatly what you mean about feeling a need to play / practice everyday. That is how I was for 5 months, believe me I never missed more than 3 or 4 days of practice. Now that I know I can get right back on track after missing some days I'm thinking I'll be a little easier on myself as far as feeling guilty or like you say - breaking a promise.

Butch B.

Young Guns - Posted - 12/08/2011:  01:50:11

Very new. Got my banjo and picks and that's about it. I try and mess around a bit and try to get my fingers used to finding the strings. I am finding it tough to keep my pinkie planted and reach all the strings. I found a great acoustic shop here in town and they give lessons for the banjo. The lady said she doesn't teach how to read music and stuff but teaches people how to jam with others. From reading on here it seems that is definitely a preferred method of teaching. I won't be able to start lessons until after the New Years. I can't wait. Until then I will continue playing around a bit and wearing out my Essential Earl Scruggs CD.....

Jim T - Posted - 12/08/2011:  08:32:58

quote:

---

Originally posted by Young Guns

Very new. Got my banjo and picks and that's about it. I try and mess around a bit and try to get my fingers used to finding the strings. I am finding it tough to keep my pinkie planted and reach all the strings. I found a great acoustic shop here in town and they give lessons for the banjo. The lady said she doesn't teach how to read music and stuff but teaches people how to jam with others. From reading on here it seems that is definitely a preferred method of teaching. I won't be able to start lessons until after the New Years. I can't wait. Until then I will continue playing around a bit and wearing out my Essential Earl Scruggs CD.....

---

Here's a source of lots of free lessons: freeguitarvideos.com/banjo/beg...html ; There's lots of good info here to get you started.

Jim

Young Guns - Posted - 12/08/2011:  11:26:09

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jim T

quote:

---

Originally posted by Young Guns

Very new. Got my banjo and picks and that's about it. I try and mess around a bit and try to get my fingers used to finding the strings. I am finding it tough to keep my pinkie planted and reach all the strings. I found a great acoustic shop here in town and they give lessons for the banjo. The lady said she doesn't teach how to read music and stuff but teaches people how to jam with others. From reading on here it seems that is definitely a preferred method of teaching. I won't be able to start lessons until after the New Years. I can't wait. Until then I will continue playing around a bit and wearing out my Essential Earl Scruggs CD.....

---

Here's a source of lots of free lessons: freeguitarvideos.com/banjo/beg...tml  There's lots of good info here to get you started.

Jim

---

Thanks Jim, much appreciated!

Max Sand - Posted - 12/08/2011:  13:34:35

quote:

---

---

 The bridge is adjusted to make the 12th fret be exactly in the center of the nut to bridge length.

---

 Hey, thanks for that tip. I was wondering how to figure that out. Now to get out my tape measure.  :)

Peanutscreams - Posted - 12/08/2011:  17:13:06

I'm really in need of a quality banjo that's not to hard on the wallet. Does anyone have any insight on the Deering Goodtime "Limited Edition Midnight Special "?

Butch B.

Edited by - Peanutscreams on 12/08/2011 17:19:15

Diablito - Posted - 12/08/2011:  18:05:04

great thread for newbies like me. spent the last several days reading through all 29 pages and jotted down many suggestions. what i've learned is that Old Joe Clark likes to Boil Cabbages Down, next to Cripple Creek in Banjo Hollow at the bottom of Foggy Mountain.

my story. i borrowed a friend's old bakelite Harmony banjo a couple months back, but have really only started playing with it in the last few weeks. i've always wanted to play a musical instrument and thought this would be a good study break tool. i tried to teach myself classical guitar about 20 years ago, but didn't get very far. lol

I bought the Progressive Banjo for Beginners book and have been working my way through it. slowly. it's on odd little book in that it shows what chords to strum while you accompany a song on the CD, or it has tabs showing which strings to pick for that same song. so you can go/do either way. however, you don't really learn a song to play solo like those mentioned above, but it does explain technique and chords and such. this could be good since my wife can play the guitar and piano. she's willing to play some of the songs with me since it shows the music and tab for them. I also just picked up a couple of books, Scruggs and the 5-string Banjo and Teach Yourself Bluegrass Banjo by Trischka, from the library today. so my practice is a little bit of picking, rolling and strumming.

i try and play a little bit everyday now, even if it's for just 15 minutes at a time. it's reassuring to hear that many of us are having the same challenges at the beginning. i didn't even know there were so many styles of banjo playing until i found this site last week. i like them all, so i don't know which to learn. i'm still playing around with picks, though most styles except bluegrass don't use them. so i don't know if should try and learn to use them or not. I've asked Santa for lessons, so we'll see what he can do. I'm also needing to start a fund to save some money for my own banjo because I think I'm really getting into this. this is a great site with a lot resources. it's also been inspiring to hear how many of you have progressed from your first post in this thread to later posts.

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/09/2011:  05:50:41

quote:

---

Originally posted by Peanutscreams

I'm really in need of a quality banjo that's not to hard on the wallet. Does anyone have any insight on the Deering Goodtime "Limited Edition Midnight Special "?

Butch B.

---

Hey Butch - have you tried posting in the Shopping Advice forum on the site? I got loads of help there when I went shopping for my first banjo.

Larry

fiddlewood - Posted - 12/09/2011:  12:59:48

Yes! first snow hit the ground today and the Mail Lady delivered two new banjo/tab books. Two more sets of tab coming later this week. I'm definitely set for material to read for the Winter.

Peanutscreams - Posted - 12/09/2011:  21:10:29

No Larry I did not know about that site. Thank you. I did however research the Midnight Special, and although a fairly respectful banjo, ( Anything Deering is) It's not really my style. I will keep that site in mind. Thanks again.

Let me take this posting opportunity to share my excitiment about my two upcoming gifts from Santa. I get to attend Murphy Henry's  workshop in Portland Oregon in Jan.

The second and best gift - Good friend of mine is going to lend me his Terry Baucom Deering for this event. If anyone knows what Ju-Ju is, that's what I'm feeling now!

Butch B.

Edited by - Peanutscreams on 12/09/2011 21:13:18

flintlock54 - Posted - 12/10/2011:  15:37:51

Peanutscreams. Recording King has a couple models that have great sound for a good price. I have an RK-R35. Has mastertone style tonering and great sound and volume for good price.

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/10/2011:  17:22:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by flintlock54



Peanutscreams. Recording King has a couple models that have great sound for a good price. I have an RK-R35. Has mastertone style tonering and great sound and volume for good price.

---

That's the one I chose after much consideration. I'm glad I did for the reasons you said.

Larry

Peanutscreams - Posted - 12/10/2011:  19:52:34

Thanks so much flintlock, I am actually looking at the Recording King's. Looks really promising.   

courgettelawn - Posted - 12/11/2011:  09:35:55

I've had another 'click' moment when most of the time my fingers on both hands started to behave instinctively. I am now learning to perfect the Foggy Mountain lick on Train 45 which I love as a tune, it's got real drive but it is hard to do the roll with the thumb coming down to emphasise on the 2nd string (I'm following Janet Davis's tutorial for those of you who don't know). But I am enjoying the challenge.

I have also started recording myself. Nothing professional, just on a good quality phone. I can't tell you how much this helps, particularly when you don't have a teacher or a knoweldgeble audience to point out lapses in timing or rhythm or intonation. When you have an idea in your head of what it should sound like recording yourself can, I think, really help improve. 

I like the idea of playing softly to relax--I am going to try this as one of my regular pitfalls is my right hand tensing up and almost collapsing on the head. I have also finally found my (at present) ideal set of picks so trying out a few pairs was a really good idea. I am on split wrap brass propiks which I have shaped to my fingers so although they are quite large for my fingers they have moulded well to them. The brass is soft and doesn't dig into my fingers like my thinner nickel ones. I still prefer my adjustable propik thumb pick.

Now off to do a bit of evening clawhammer... Really enjoying learning the two in tandem. So far not confusing me.

flintlock54 - Posted - 12/11/2011:  11:36:56

There is another jam and performances third Sundays at Woldumar in Lansing. Trying to get up the nerve to take my banjo and try to find someone to play with. Don't know if it would be a joke at this point on my part.

Kevin714 - Posted - 12/11/2011:  15:06:32

Greeting everyone!

I'm as new as a banjo player as anyone could be. My Dad is 78, and has played bluegrass as long as I can remember. I hated it with a passion when I was younger. I'm a photographer, and had several gigs where I had to cover bluegrass festivals. The more I heard the more I started liking it.

Three weeks ago my Dad gave me his Gibson Bow Tie Arch Top, and told me if I got interested in it, I could keep it.

I'm not sure if there are any teachers in my area, but I've been watching a few lessons on youtube. Mostly this one youtube.com/watch?v=pWJUNq8ZT8M&NR=1  I've got it down up to where he starts playing down the neck.

I'm still trying to figure out how to read tabs.

Am I doing myself more harm than good, by using youtube type lessons? My Dad doesn't live close, so getting lessons from him is out. He stopped playing the banjo, and went full time on his guitar several years ago.

Edited by - Kevin714 on 12/11/2011 15:08:27

flintlock54 - Posted - 12/11/2011:  15:51:02

Kevin714. Still learning myself. I am using both the Janet Davis book, " You can teach yourself the banjo", comes with both cd and DVD. Recently got the Jack Hatfeild book 1 with cd. Both teach you to read tab and the Hatfeild book is great, even shows more on finger Placement etc. If you don't have a store in area you can get all from Janet Davis or Elderly instruments online.

sam-i-am - Posted - 12/11/2011:  17:26:09

Kevin, go to the lesson tab on the home page and fill out the form to find an instructor. There are several in FL but you have to determine if they are near enough to you.

Kevin714 - Posted - 12/11/2011:  23:07:03

I checked, and the closest one is around 100 miles away.

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/12/2011:  05:08:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kevin714

I checked, and the closest one is around 100 miles away.

---

The closest one is only as far away as your screen - there a plenty of good instructors here on the Hangout that teach through Skype. I know it's been said many times, many ways, but one good lesson can make a huge difference in your progress.

Larry

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/12/2011:  05:10:49

quote:

---

Originally posted by courgettelawn

I've had another 'click' moment when most of the time my fingers on both hands started to behave instinctively. 

---

Don't you love it when that happens? The "click" is cosmic.

Larry

sam-i-am - Posted - 12/12/2011:  16:36:31

Here is a teacher within 50 miles +/- of you in Orange Park.

Name: Alan Dalton

Style: All Bluegrass Banjo Styles ( Beginner to Advanced)

Email: bigal118@juno.com

URL: alandaltonbanjo.com



Another one about 65 miles away:



Name: Allen Eisenman

Style: Scruggs / Bluegrass - 30 yrs exp./performing, recording, touring (Beginner to Professional)

Email: pcsvc@cfl.rr.com

407-332-8921  



Sam





 

Peanutscreams - Posted - 12/12/2011:  17:59:00

Kevin, lucky you on getting your Dad's banjo, wow, that's really cool. Up at the top of this page click the tab & lessons and you may find a instructor in your area. Keep us posted on your progress.

Tehmina good for you on perfecting FMB, that's great. Didn't know you were clawhammering also. Good luck, sure sounds like fun, may have to give that a try myself since your claiming it's not confusing.

Butch B.

Kevin714 - Posted - 12/13/2011:  19:59:12

We have a Palm Coast local forum that I'm thinking about posting on to see if anyone might be able to teach me a thing or two closer to home.

Peanutscreams, yep it's a beautiful banjo in near flawless condition, but I feel most unworthy holding it in my lap at times.

courgettelawn - Posted - 12/14/2011:  01:39:25

Hey Butch,

Definitely give clawhammer a go. I think as beginners, unless you have a clear idea of what you want to learn and play, it helps to try things out while you persevere with your main tutorials. However don't do what I just did and cut your right hand nails quite short, suddenly it was harder to play!

BTW I find this the most useful thread on BHO at the moment. I have been looking for the most live beginner clawhammer thread but without success. Is there anyone else on here also dabbling with clawhmmer/frailing that is active on other threads?

All the best,

Tehmina

roboto65 - Posted - 12/17/2011:  06:16:39

Well I am new here and have not even got a Banjo yet but cannot wait for now I have been reading and for now look forward to the trails and tribulations to come.

Diablito - Posted - 12/18/2011:  22:14:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by courgettelawn

BTW I find this the most useful thread on BHO at the moment. I have been looking for the most live beginner clawhammer thread but without success. Is there anyone else on here also dabbling with clawhmmer/frailing that is active on other threads?

All the best,

Tehmina

---

Edited by - Diablito on 12/18/2011 22:22:48

Larry121047 - Posted - 12/22/2011:  09:56:36

Day one with my teacher is 12/30/11. I get my Banjo Christmas day, I will take a picture of it and post it. I was told it is a Liberty 100. I will also get the hard case, some instruction booklets, picks, a strap, at tuner and extra strings. I have been looking at all types of banjos and have about gone nuts trying to figure out which one to buy. Well, my wife ended that with the gift. Now, my first question is this; of all the songs played in the Bluegrass Earl Scruggs style, which is the best one for a beginner to learn? I am excited to learn.

GiantYorkie - Posted - 12/22/2011:  10:20:59

Hi,

    I got my left handed Antoria Banjo 2 weeks ago and on the same day I had my first lesson. My teacher was showing me the rolls and trying to get me to copy, even slow the coordination blew my mind. So I went home and practiced with a book until i could do the rolls fairly well.

I had my second lesson this week and the teacher asks me to demonstrate the rolls. I was shaking like a leaf, missing the strings etc! we made a joke out of it but eventuially I settled in to demonstrating the rolls. Next was a lesson on changing chords. I went into brain fade!!!

I have moved my lessons to once every 2 weeks to give me practice time and wince wednesday because of work i have not been able to practice but I should get a couple of hours per day in over Christmas.

I am left handed, I have fingers like sausages and I have a condition called Dyspraxia which leads to poor motor control of the fingers. Its an uphill struggle but so is Everest and lots of people get to the top of that. I will keep you posted.

                   Ian

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/22/2011:  10:54:30

quote:

---

Originally posted by Larry121047

Day one with my teacher is 12/30/11. I get my Banjo Christmas day, I will take a picture of it and post it. I was told it is a Liberty 100. I will also get the hard case, some instruction booklets, picks, a strap, at tuner and extra strings. I have been looking at all types of banjos and have about gone nuts trying to figure out which one to buy. Well, my wife ended that with the gift. Now, my first question is this; of all the songs played in the Bluegrass Earl Scruggs style, which is the best one for a beginner to learn? I am excited to learn.

---

Hey Larry - Hang in there until 12/30 and you'll find out. I think your teacher will tell you there isn't such a thing as the "best" song, though a lot of instruction books seem to zero in on Cripple Creek and Boil the Cabbage Down. Have fun with your new banjo. Hope you become as addicted as the rest of us!

Larry

The Hat - Posted - 12/22/2011:  13:45:59

Hi all, superb forum by the way and reading through this thread really inspires me to keep going. Ive recently became the very proud owner of a Deering Goodtime Special and cant stay away from it. Ive only been practising just over a week and love every minute but was wondering how long i should be practising certain things for before moving on. Im using the Janet Davis book, beginners banjo, but was wondering at what stage do i move onto the next lesson. Im up to doing the 4 basic rolls, which i can do cleanly but slowly with no problems. I tend not to have to look at my right hand, but sometimes i have to. Ive just started introducing the left hand using the C and D7 chord. How long in time should i be practising this for, not in time per day but in weeks and months ?

Larry121047 - Posted - 12/22/2011:  14:56:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jazz Country

quote:

---

Originally posted by Larry121047

Day one with my teacher is 12/30/11. I get my Banjo Christmas day, I will take a picture of it and post it. I was told it is a Liberty 100. I will also get the hard case, some instruction booklets, picks, a strap, at tuner and extra strings. I have been looking at all types of banjos and have about gone nuts trying to figure out which one to buy. Well, my wife ended that with the gift. Now, my first question is this; of all the songs played in the Bluegrass Earl Scruggs style, which is the best one for a beginner to learn? I am excited to learn.

---

Hey Larry - Hang in there until 12/30 and you'll find out. I think your teacher will tell you there isn't such a thing as the "best" song, though a lot of instruction books seem to zero in on Cripple Creek and Boil the Cabbage Down. Have fun with your new banjo. Hope you become as addicted as the rest of us!

Larry

---

 Larry, after reading several pages of this forum I have come to the conclusion that it would benefit me greatly if I were to get with a group every now and then to jam, once I get going of course, so how do I find that group to jam with. I am in Los Angeles County so I am not quite in the heart of Country or Bluegrass, living here.

LarryC

Jazz Country - Posted - 12/23/2011:  04:23:30

Don't know much about LA, but I searched and found a place called the Mandolin Cafe that hosts jams for all experience levels. Attending a jam camp is a great way to learn how to play ensemble and meet other pickers who may want to follow up with regular workshops. I went to one of Pete Wernick's camps a few months ago and it was the best! Here's one coming up in California soon at the Blythe Bluegrass Festival:

drbanjo.com/classes/2012-01-ma...lythe.php

I just checked the festival web page - I'd love to check it out myself.

Larry

Edited by - Jazz Country on 12/23/2011 04:25:46

Larry121047 - Posted - 12/23/2011:  09:10:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jazz Country

Don't know much about LA, but I searched and found a place called the Mandolin Cafe that hosts jams for all experience levels. Attending a jam camp is a great way to learn how to play ensemble and meet other pickers who may want to follow up with regular workshops. I went to one of Pete Wernick's camps a few months ago and it was the best! Here's one coming up in California soon at the Blythe Bluegrass Festival:

drbanjo.com/classes/2012-01-ma...lythe.php

I just checked the festival web page - I'd love to check it out myself.

Larry

---

 Thanks.

bkdraft - Posted - 12/23/2011:  12:50:24

I have been playing about a month now, have Banjo in the Hollow down enough to play with Murphy on the slow speed. Cripple Creek is coming along fine also. Fingers just now starting to callus up, so thats helping with my chords. The guys I played with in a band (guitar) back in the late 70's are going to start getting together once a month and jam, really looking forward to that, prolly start in January. 

Peanutscreams - Posted - 12/24/2011:  16:03:30

Congrats Larry on that new banjo your getting tomorrow. Can't wait to see a picture of it when you post. Like the other Larry stated, many suggestions for first songs to learn will lean towards "Cripple Creek" Banjo In The Hollow" is another cool little tune that is very easy to play. I started with Foggy Mountain Breakdown but I'm also kind of what some would call a minority to the general population. I just had to know FMB, and that I feel has really helped me with other songs because FMB incorporates so many rolls and licks used in lots of arrangements. (So I've been told) I'm still under 6 months. Merry Christmas.
Butch B.

Larry121047 - Posted - 12/24/2011:  18:39:21

quote:

---

Originally posted by Peanutscreams

Congrats Larry on that new banjo your getting tomorrow. Can't wait to see a picture of it when you post. Like the other Larry stated, many suggestions for first songs to learn will lean towards "Cripple Creek" Banjo In The Hollow" is another cool little tune that is very easy to play. I started with Foggy Mountain Breakdown but I'm also kind of what some would call a minority to the general population. I just had to know FMB, and that I feel has really helped me with other songs because FMB incorporates so many rolls and licks used in lots of arrangements. (So I've been told) I'm still under 6 months. Merry Christmas.

Butch B.

---

 Thanks. Merry Christmas to all. Can't wait for the new day to dawn.

trock - Posted - 12/25/2011:  08:24:40

Merry Christmas everybody!

courgettelawn - Posted - 12/25/2011:  10:34:31

Happy Christmas everyone! Thanks for the last few months. This is a great community to be part of. Really look forward to next year.

Keep yer banjos warm ;-)

Tehmina

Peanutscreams - Posted - 12/25/2011:  12:45:38

Thank you Tehmina, Merry Christmas to you as well. I agree, great new community to be part of and looking forward to next year cause we will all be playing much better.

I've got great plans and they involve learning new arrangments through lot's of fun practice time. Kicking off the new year by attending a workshop with Murphy Henry in Portland, Oregon.

Best to you and your Goodtime Crow in the upcoming new year ;-)

Butch B.