Larry121047 - Posted - 02/04/2012:  11:15:51

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Originally posted by Banjo Monty

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Originally posted by Paulf

You're lucky, wish Santa had left me a banjo (Deering please for next year) and due to funds at the time I bought a cheap SX.  I think I have learnt a valuabe lesson in not saving more and buying something decent to start off with.  I have had a few problems with it mainly with the neck so take it from me, don't get a real cheap chinese one like the SX.  Only been on this site a short while but really enjoy it. 

Bob, in regards to the pinky lifting I was told to use a rubber band around the two anchor fingers and it works really well for me.  Both fingers stay planted.

Paul

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Learned that the hard way.  Unfortunately, my cheap Chinese banjo was a gift from my SO, so I have reservations about replacing it this soon.  Besides, it's good enough to get the job done; a little quiet without the tone ring but a beautiful red color.  My belief is that you shouldn't immediately jump in with the most expensive variant you should find.  Give it time and see if this is indeed the hobby for you.  Don't want to spend 2 grand on a banjo just to put it in the closet in a month.  Find something middle of the road, not too cheap and not too pricey.  Of course, spend within your means.  I'm just a poor college boy, so as much as I would like to have one of them there fancy banjers, they'll have to wait a while.

Of course, it is taxmas season...

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 I got a Banjo for Christmas as well, a Liberty 100, and it sounds good enough for a beginning banjo and it was not that expensive. However, I am now saving for a Deering Sierra Professional Banjo and it is near 3 grand after taxes and case so I figure I will know a few songs by memory by the time I save up enough to afford it. Good Banjers are not very affordable. I have a Fender Stratocaster, a Dean Electric and an Epiphone acoustic guitar and all three together were not 3 grand. 

Deb D - Posted - 02/04/2012:  13:54:34

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Originally posted by Paulf

Bob, in regards to the pinky lifting I was told to use a rubber band around the two anchor fingers and it works really well for me.  Both fingers stay planted.

 

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 Thanks, Paul - I just spent the last hour with a rubber band around my two anchor fingers while I practiced...it bugged me a little at first, but I think it's really going to help.  Amazing what one little bit of advice can do!!!  See why this is such a great community?

Paulf - Posted - 02/04/2012:  14:42:47

Thanks Deb, should have mentioned though I have the band close to the bottom of my fingers.   If it is high up I still tend to move around.  You are right about it being a great community.

Max Sand - Posted - 02/04/2012:  15:14:32

thanks for that tip. I'm going to give that i a try at my practice session tonight

Paulf - Posted - 02/04/2012:  15:24:34

Let us know if it works for you.  I had a lesson a while ago and my instructor stated when he was learning he was made to tape his fingers together and I tried that and it just felt weird then I read somewhere about the rubber band and tried and liked that as long as I have it low on the last two joints.  Different methods suits different people and this one suits me better that tape.

Paul

Andym1214 - Posted - 02/05/2012:  12:37:18

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Originally posted by chickenbilljones



Hello to all my fellow beginners. It can be discouraging at the bottom, but why let it when your having so much fun? I started this forum to see if there is any other beginners that would like to share their thoughts about the banjo or their experiences as they start their banjo journey.

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Hi I had my banjo for about a year & started to try & learn it from a book, which didn't work to well, so the banjo started to gather dust. The thing that turned things around is I found a good local teacher, its made a big difference. A couple of problems I have run into, is slowing the right hand down to allow the left to keep up & getting short dumpy fingers to fret the correct strings & not tied in knots (could do with a few more joints in the fingers of my left hand), but this is down to practice. Well back to the practice, I am learning 2 tunes, "Good night ladies" (its starting to sound like a tune) & "Cluck old hen" (This one is taking a bit of working at). Andy

Banjo Monty - Posted - 02/05/2012:  13:34:23

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Originally posted by Andym1214

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Originally posted by chickenbilljones



Hello to all my fellow beginners. It can be discouraging at the bottom, but why let it when your having so much fun? I started this forum to see if there is any other beginners that would like to share their thoughts about the banjo or their experiences as they start their banjo journey.

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Hi I had my banjo for about a year & started to try & learn it from a book, which didn't work to well, so the banjo started to gather dust. The thing that turned things around is I found a good local teacher, its made a big difference. A couple of problems I have run into, is slowing the right hand down to allow the left to keep up & getting short dumpy fingers to fret the correct strings & not tied in knots (could do with a few more joints in the fingers of my left hand), but this is down to practice. Well back to the practice, I am learning 2 tunes, "Good night ladies" (its starting to sound like a tune) & "Cluck old hen" (This one is taking a bit of working at). Andy

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Hi Andy,

I will second the notion that limiting yourself to instruction books and online "lessons" is a recipe for disaster.  I have found that you quickly get bored of them and start to think learning the banjo is only about playing the right notes at the right time.  This method of learning can't teach you what really counts, like how to make music and play in a group setting.  Best to supplement them with other methods of learning.  The secret is to find someone else to play with.  So if you can't find a teacher, at least find another learner--I used to jam with a guy who was not much more experienced than I was, but I still felt like I learned a lot from him.  I'm seeing the value of immersing myself in the music--got a teacher, (hopefully) got a jam group collecting, and am listening to bluegrass tunes when I'm not playing.

You made a good decision to find a good teacher sooner rather than later.

DrBobNeon - Posted - 02/05/2012:  13:56:06

I agree about the teacher. It took me 34 years to realize that looking at my banjo and trying it on my own was not good. At least for me it wasn't. My teacher has the patience of Job and has helped me a lot. I am still too green to play in front of anyone but my captive audience wife, but even I can see that I have progressed. Get a good teacher and you will not regret it. BTW: I restarted banjo lessons last June. I have the grinnin' down, but am still working on the pickin'.

Enjoying every minute of it!

Dr. Bob

sam-i-am - Posted - 02/05/2012:  15:11:17

The thing that a teacher can do that is invaluable is recognizing bad habits, wrong hand positions, and other things you wouldn't know on your own. My favorite part is when he plays the guitar and we play together. BTW, everybody screws up when they play for the instructor so don't worry about that.

Banjo Monty - Posted - 02/06/2012:  09:03:38

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Originally posted by sam-i-am

The thing that a teacher can do that is invaluable is recognizing bad habits, wrong hand positions, and other things you wouldn't know on your own. My favorite part is when he plays the guitar and we play together. BTW, everybody screws up when they play for the instructor so don't worry about that.

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True; it's because of my teacher that I learned I was playing too quietly and that I wasn't picking close enough to the neck on up-the-neck breaks.  That's something a book or a video lesson can't tell you.  Better to break those bad habits earlier than later

I will also agree that it's very easy to choke in front of a teacher (and I don't mean a bend).  But from my experience they will be able to get a good idea of where you generally stand skill-level wise and will assign you material accordingly.  I know I goof in front of my current teacher but he can tell that most of that goofing comes from nerves, not lack of skill.  Still, I have taken to practicing in front of the family more so that I get used to the "performing" part of learning the banjo.

AJ76 - Posted - 02/06/2012:  10:34:05

Hi all! I just started about three days ago, already addicted! I know everyone says it's best to have a teacher, but that's just not possible for me right now so I'm attempting to at least get started on my own. I have a bit of music background, but not much with stringed instruments. I'm really enjoying picking, but am struggling with chords... Can't seem to get the correct hand position without muting the wrong strings. I have this problem somewhat on guitar but it's way worse with my banjo. Any way to correct this without a teacher's help?

Max Sand - Posted - 02/06/2012:  13:31:46

looks like i'll be leaving this part of the forum to find a 'beginners on Clawhammer'. Heard some great playing last night and have decided that's the route i want to go.

Max Sand - Posted - 02/06/2012:  13:35:45

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Originally posted by AJ76



Hi all! I just started about three days ago, already addicted! I know everyone says it's best to have a teacher, but that's just not possible for me right now so I'm attempting to at least get started on my own. I have a bit of music background, but not much with stringed instruments. I'm really enjoying picking, but am struggling with chords... Can't seem to get the correct hand position without muting the wrong strings. I have this problem somewhat on guitar but it's way worse with my banjo. Any way to correct this without a teacher's help?

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 If it were me, i would take a few lessons even if just for a couple of weeks to make sure i had the correct hand position. I'm about to change my style from Scruggs to Clawhammer and this is the first thing i am going to do. You can get an online teacher who you can interact with on your pc.

Calv - Posted - 02/06/2012:  16:10:49

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Originally posted by Paulf

Bob, in regards to the pinky lifting I was told to use a rubber band around the two anchor fingers and it works really well for me.  Both fingers stay planted.

Paul

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 Thanks for that tip Paul, i'll try that later.

Reminds me of an old training tip that the boxer Rocky Marciano used to use....he often put a folded newspaper under each armpit whilst training to encourage him to keep his arms from flailing about, keeping the papers tight to his body kept his arms tucked in. Not quite sure how he threw a punch but apparently it was a technique he used lol.

Calv.

Banjo Monty - Posted - 02/06/2012:  19:17:58

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Originally posted by AJ76



Hi all! I just started about three days ago, already addicted! I know everyone says it's best to have a teacher, but that's just not possible for me right now so I'm attempting to at least get started on my own. I have a bit of music background, but not much with stringed instruments. I'm really enjoying picking, but am struggling with chords... Can't seem to get the correct hand position without muting the wrong strings. I have this problem somewhat on guitar but it's way worse with my banjo. Any way to correct this without a teacher's help?

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Hi AJ76, welcome.

Finding a good banjo teacher is easier said than done, but I would be on the lookout for some kind of in-person lessons, even if you only go to one.  One lesson is enough for the teacher to spot any bad habits you might be forming or making sure that you have the right basic technique before you get too advanced.

As for your issue with chords, I would say that's a natural thing to be encountering at this stage; heck I've been playing for half a year and still have some trouble "making chords in the air."  The F chord used in Little Maggie, for instance, trips me up surprisingly more than the D in say, John Hardy.  According to my teacher, this sort of thing just comes with practice...lots and lots of it.  One bit of advice I got from my brief stint in guitar is that you shouldn't "walk" the chords--that is, putting each finger down one at a time.  Instead, you should be able to form the chord in the air and place all fingers down on the fretboard at the same time.  This makes them harder to do but is a good habit to form earlier on.

But you might also seek some feedback from more seasoned pickers, as this is just my own personal experience.

jackhatfield - Posted - 02/06/2012:  21:57:51

In the SPBGMA/BNL workshop last Friday James McKinney suggested a very useful exercise for this: Form the four-finger chord,anywhere on the neck, whether it be the F formation, D formation, or a minor or seventh Bar F or D formation...ANY four-finger chord. Lift your fingers slightly from the fingerboard, just a half inch...then immediately replace them, no right hand activity at all. Maintain the shape. Do this ten times, then try it with another four-finger chord. This is a very efficient way to get a lot of changes in a short amount of time, and it's something you can do while watching TV without annoying your family. 

Paulf - Posted - 02/07/2012:  01:38:49

Thanks for that advice.  Will give it a try as I am still struggling with the C chord.

Paul

AJ76 - Posted - 02/07/2012:  07:55:12

Great advice, thanks!

Is it similar enough to guitar that I can have a seasoned guitar player help me through my positioning issues? Or do I need more banjo-specific help?

jackhatfield - Posted - 02/07/2012:  08:02:01

it's a technique that is effective for all stringed instruments. In fact James probably learned it from a guitarist. i remember he mentioned once he took lessons from a jazz guitarist.  

Tdi Frank - Posted - 02/07/2012:  08:07:53

Hello to all I am just starting on the the road to play a banjo. And I have question to the pros and to the beginners If you didn't have a banjo and was going to buy one which of the 2 would you buy? 1 a Deering GoodTime Special with the resonator or 2 a Gold Tone BG-250=F. Thank for your help and suggestions.

jackhatfield - Posted - 02/07/2012:  08:42:39

The GOLD TONE, no comparison. It has a 3/4 inch wood rim, BRASS tone ring, a fretboard, and enclosed tuners. The Goodtime Special has a 1/2 inch rim, steel tone ring, no fingerboard (the frets are inlaid directly into the neck) and open tuners which are not lubricated.The BG-250-F is a much heavier banjo. You can't get a big sound from a lightweight banjo. A lightweight banjo absorbs some of the vibrations instead of being a solid mass that forces the head to vibrate more, projecting the vibrations outward into the air, hence more volume and better midrange tone. All lightweight travel banjos sound tinny. This s why the BRASS tone ring and the 3/4 inch rim is important as well as the heavier flange assembly on the BG-250-F. The GTS flange is stamped out thin steel. This is not to say the GTs are not good TRAVEL banjos, just saying that you are comparing apples to oranges, one class of banjo construction to the next level up.

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 02/07/2012:  09:07:39

The Gold Tone is a nice banjo and sounds terrific. Have you considered an RK-35? Also a nice banjo and not much different in price from the Gold Tone. Having played both, I like the RK better. Nothing against Gold Tone either since I also have a Gold Tone WL -250, I just think the RK has more teeth.

DrBobNeon - Posted - 02/07/2012:  09:22:30

More experienced players will be able to give you more information than I am able to give. I am a newbie (6 months and a slooow learner). I have a Gold Tone BG-250 I bought two months ago. I know nothing about the Good Times Banjo. All I can say is that the Gold Tone's sound is better than my Saga kit banjo that I ignored in my closet for about 30 years. The man is right. The Gold Tone is heavy, but carrying it to my banjo lessons is a labour de amour.

Good luck on your decision.

Jazz Country - Posted - 02/07/2012:  10:42:49

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Originally posted by Tdi Frank

Hello to all I am just starting on the the road to play a banjo. And I have question to the pros and to the beginners If you didn't have a banjo and was going to buy one which of the 2 would you buy? 1 a Deering GoodTime Special with the resonator or 2 a Gold Tone BG-250=F. Thank for your help and suggestions.

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Hey Frank - If you post your question in the Shopping Advice section of the forum you'll get a whole lot of good advice. You'll also be able to read Q&A's relevant to your question.

Larry

rfreeze - Posted - 02/08/2012:  12:56:46

Hi Tdi, Rich Freeze here from, Plymouth WI. I have a Gold Tone OB 250+gold plated that I bought from Ross Nickerson Banjoteacher.com  I really like it but it's a little on the heavy side.  What ever you buy just take it slow and don't try and learn it all at once. I'm going to buy another but I doin' t know what kind yet. I've been Playing about a year now . I started out with Third level songs that my weekly teacher Sandy Hauman, a local teacher here from Plymouth WI.  said I should try Melodic style songs  I Bought Tony Trischka's Master Collection of Fiddle tunes for Banjo and now I'm enjoying it a lot more. I 'm on my third song and doing pretty well. With my next purchase off a banjo I'll try it out first, I couldn't do that with my first purchase. I have another Teacher thats helping me, who is a Banjo player with a band from Sheboygan Falls, WI.  "Beef Tea"  and he and I get together about once a month. Whatever you do buy get someone to push you in a good deriction. Have fun and keep pickin.

Rich Freeze

Nev52 - Posted - 02/11/2012:  16:21:31

I've been playing since November and not quite hearing the song yet.  Does anyone have any advice as to how long it takes until a song sounds like it should?  My instructor thinks I'm doing fine, but I don't feel that I am progressing with my playing ability.

Edited by - Nev52 on 02/11/2012 16:31:51

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 02/11/2012:  20:56:09

Nev52, I would suggest taping yourself and see if you can hear improvement. It is a slow progress but when it all starts coming together it sure feels good. Concentrate on the mechanics and the speed will follow almost my itself. November until now is really not a very long time. Pick one song and work on it until you have it down perfect and then move on. Just my opinion but it is what has worked for me.

Nev52 - Posted - 02/12/2012:  14:15:25

Thank you for the advice.  My instructor also suggested I do this, and I'm going to try it this week.

Winnieff - Posted - 02/12/2012:  17:21:22

A newbie with no previous musical skills, I got my Savannah SB100 left-handed banjo 8 days ago. Working on my clawhammer bum ditty and rolls. So far I have 13 hours of practice using online material but tomorrow is my first scheduled lesson with an instructor. My biggest problem is trying to play chords; my fingers are constantly muting the adjacent strings. Here's hoping my instructor can help spot the problem. So far I'm really enjoying learning something brand new (the banjo).

Andy

Paulf - Posted - 02/12/2012:  17:51:51

Hi Andy.  It's good you are seeing an instructor.  I have been learning for about six weeks and have been for one lesson in which he help me correct a lot of hand positions.

Paul

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 02/13/2012:  13:38:47

I live in a rural area and there are not very many instructors around so instead, I have found other people to practice with and that has been an amazing help. It  feels good when someone asks you how to play a certain lick or how to do a pulloff. Taping myself has really helped me develop rhythm and control my speed.

UnkeptSanity - Posted - 02/19/2012:  15:37:26

Hi everyone. After taking the past week or so reading through a good portion of posts on the site I figured I would take a few minutes to introduce myself to everyone. My name is Mike, I'm 33, married, with three boys (ages 10, 8, and 5).

After a LONG TIME of wanting a banjo, I'm pulling the trigger this month. Right away I knew I wanted a Deering Goodtime after all the good things said about it. The problem is... I ​still​ can't decide on clawhammer vs bluegrass (Goodtime vs. Goodtime 2). I've done extensive research online trying to figure out what is best  for me. I've taken the advice here and listened to numerous hours of both clawhammer and bluegrass top 100 and honestly... I love the sound of both. 

Recently I've been enjoying Old Crow Medicine Show and the bluegrass style (at least I think it is). Yet, I see so many posts about bluegrass being "harder" then clawhammer to learn. I never had any instrument experience and that starts worrying me. I have no doubt I will keep with either choice. I'll prepared to keep the banjo out and around me whenever possible as also suggested.

I do plan on checking out a music shop local to me to see their prices on the banjo and find out how much lessons are (it looks like they do have a few teachers for the banjo). Obviously I'd love to buy local and support the store (making friends in the process), but if the prices are too far off, I'll end up going online for it. 

So long story short -- I've searched and learned everything I could so far, but I keep tossing up between the two styles. Is bluegrass that much more difficult? Is it possible to start with the Goodtime 2 and pull the resonator off to change over to clawhammer or is that not how it works? Any advice is GREATLY appreciated! I'll continue to be reading here!

Nice to meet everyone!

Edited by - UnkeptSanity on 02/19/2012 15:38:06

Paulf - Posted - 02/19/2012:  15:45:19

Hi Mike, welcome to the forum.

Paul

aeroweenie - Posted - 02/19/2012:  16:24:14

UnKeptSanity - you can learn either (or both) styles on either of the Goodtime banjos.  And yes, you can play without the resonator if you like that sound better for clawhammer.  Just get one or the other, you can decide later which style, or both, to pursue!

Jazz Country - Posted - 02/19/2012:  16:41:10

Unkept - congratulations on getting drawn into the inescapable vortex. Once you're in there's no turning back, because you won't want to! I think there's time in the beginning to explore both styles, but you'll probably settle on one for a while. It's tough to make progress on two different styles simultaneously. I've heard a number of claw hammer players say it's much easier to learn than bluegrass, but who's to know until you try? 

 Here's an excellent series of claw hammer videos to get you started: youtube.com/watch?v=aLvmJMmUBVM

Have fun!

Larry

UnkeptSanity - Posted - 02/19/2012:  16:47:56

Thanks for the warm welcoming and answers Paul, Aero, and Larry. I don't plan to learn both styles at once, i'm leaning toward bluegrass, but don't want to hit a point where I feel clawhammer might have been better (who knows if that will happen... I could start bluegrass and just love it and never look back). I really didn't expect to love how each of them sound as much as I do. My wife thinks I'm crazy and I hear her telling her friends "My husband is getting a banjo... yeah, a banjo!". I laugh a little too, but I know what I like and that's the sound of banjo.

I'll check out those videos next, Larry! Thanks guys!

Max Sand - Posted - 02/19/2012:  18:22:45

I've just recently switched over to Clawhammer from Scruggs style. I got myself a good teacher and totally dig the sound of the Clawhammer style. 

My teacher explained the two styles quite simply.....Scuggs style is good for playing in a band or jamming with a group. You can also do this with Clawhammer but the beauty of Clawhammer is that it sounds great by itself.  The sound is like two instruments playing and it's easier to sing songs to.

I played Scruggs style for about four months and picked up the rolls and chords easily enough.....if you practice enough you'll get there. However, after hearing a bunch of Clawhammer players at a gig I decided that it was the sound i was looking for.

somarmd - Posted - 02/19/2012:  19:33:00

This is a great thread. I too am a newbie, 5 weeks into it. I decided to buy an open back banjo because I enjoy the old time, folk, mountain music. However I read and it's true that the open back works just fine for bluegrass music. I also realized that the show I grew up loving...Hee Haw.....Grandpa Jones played unbelievable "frailing" and used a "closed back" bluegrass banjo.

IMHO....purchase a banjo that excites you, in your price range, and play as much as you can.

By the way I'm learning bluegrass from the Academy of Bluegrass with Tony T. and Frailing from Patrick Costello. Both are great teachers and work for me. I suggest looking at many sources and choose the one's that you can relate to the best.

Happy playing Newbies!

somarmd - Posted - 02/19/2012:  19:42:51

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Originally posted by Jazz Country

Unkept - congratulations on getting drawn into the inescapable vortex. Once you're in there's no turning back, because you won't want to! I think there's time in the beginning to explore both styles, but you'll probably settle on one for a while. It's tough to make progress on two different styles simultaneously. I've heard a number of claw hammer players say it's much easier to learn than bluegrass, but who's to know until you try? 

 Here's an excellent series of claw hammer videos to get you started: youtube.com/watch?v=aLvmJMmUBVM

Have fun!

 

Larry

 

​I second the link above....the real reason I decided to buy a banjo!

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ddavidv - Posted - 02/20/2012:  03:36:36

"I never had any instrument experience and that starts worrying me."

That's a plus. If you don't "know" that one style is harder than the other it won't matter. Everyone told me the banjo was one of the most difficult instruments to play, but having no prior experience I didn't know if it was true or not, so just bought one and began playing. Nothing that takes skill is ever easy, but I'm doing just fine picking bluegrass with no other string instrument experience, a DVD and a couple of lessons. If you want to learn it, and stick with it, you'll get it. Banjo may take longer to become proficient at, but I don't really care. The journey itself is still a lot of fun.

Nev52 - Posted - 02/20/2012:  06:50:57

Bald-Banjo-Man

I tried taping myself. Boy do I sound bad!!  I am going to tape myself every week and see if I see any  improvement.  Thanks for your advice.

 Nev 52

Edited by - Nev52 on 02/20/2012 06:54:35

thetexan - Posted - 02/20/2012:  10:37:54

No, I dont think scruggs style is harder than clawhammer...from a beginners point of view.  However, going from clawhammer to scruggs will probably be more difficult than the other way around.  I suggest Scruggs style first if you like that then pick up clawhammer.  

tex

jackhatfield - Posted - 02/20/2012:  12:10:47

Nev:

I would tape every month, or even as long as three months intervals. You won't hear much progress in a week, and it may just be discouraging. Often one will even backslide for a few days or weeks before reaching a plateau. Learning is never a smooth curve.

Paulf - Posted - 02/20/2012:  12:38:22

quote:

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Originally posted by jackhatfield

Nev:



I would tape every month, or even as long as three months intervals. You won't hear much progress in a week, and it may just be discouraging. Often one will even backslide for a few days or weeks before reaching a plateau. Learning is never a smooth curve.

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 Really good advice.  I started recording myself every week and gave up for the above reasons.  Was going to do it every month but on Jackhatfield's comments I reckon I will leave it later as I do find I am backsliding a bit. 

Paul

somarmd - Posted - 02/20/2012:  16:11:03

quote:

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Originally posted by Paulf

quote:

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Originally posted by jackhatfield

Nev:



I would tape every month, or even as long as three months intervals. You won't hear much progress in a week, and it may just be discouraging. Often one will even backslide for a few days or weeks before reaching a plateau. Learning is never a smooth curve.

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 Really good advice.  I started recording myself every week and gave up for the above reasons.  Was going to do it every month but on Jackhatfield's comments I reckon I will leave it later as I do find I am backsliding a bit. 

Paul

 

​Today I happened to stumble on a recording I made on my iphone a month ago.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear that I have improved.  Not a lot but enough to give me positive feedback.  I split my time between clawhammer and bluegrass. Probably not the wisest thing but I love both styles.

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UnkeptSanity - Posted - 02/20/2012:  16:34:20

quote:

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Originally posted by thetexan

No, I dont think scruggs style is harder than clawhammer...from a beginners point of view.  However, going from clawhammer to scruggs will probably be more difficult than the other way around.  I suggest Scruggs style first if you like that then pick up clawhammer.  

tex

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I appreciate the information! Right now, after hearing some of the bluegrass picking on an open body banjo (i.e. Deering Goodtime) I see it still sounds pretty good! I'm leaning toward that model right now and learning clawhammer. I want to be completely honest... I haven't had this much trouble picking between two things in such a long time. I'm feeling very dedicated no matter how little or much I might progress. I loved the sound of the Scruggs style, but think I'm really loving the old time folk style of the open body clawhammer style. 

Such decisions! My wife has already called me obsessed for coming home from work each evening and jus absorbing all this information while listening to the BHO Jukebox comparing the two styles. 

Thanks again. This kind of support and help mean a great deal in my success down the road!

Bald-banjo-man - Posted - 02/20/2012:  18:06:09

Nev52,  I would suggest waiting longer than a week to tape yourself. I only do it every couple of months. That way there is no pressure and I have plenty of practice time in between. One thing that has also helped me is playing with someone else. Getting instant feedback is priceless. But the bottom line is that we all learn by different methods. Find what you feel works best for you and go with it. Don't try to be just like someone else, be better.

somarmd - Posted - 02/20/2012:  19:34:30

quote:

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Originally posted by UnkeptSanity

quote:

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Originally posted by thetexan

No, I dont think scruggs style is harder than clawhammer...from a beginners point of view.  However, going from clawhammer to scruggs will probably be more difficult than the other way around.  I suggest Scruggs style first if you like that then pick up clawhammer.  

tex

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I appreciate the information! Right now, after hearing some of the bluegrass picking on an open body banjo (i.e. Deering Goodtime) I see it still sounds pretty good! I'm leaning toward that model right now and learning clawhammer. I want to be completely honest... I haven't had this much trouble picking between two things in such a long time. I'm feeling very dedicated no matter how little or much I might progress. I loved the sound of the Scruggs style, but think I'm really loving the old time folk style of the open body clawhammer style. 

Such decisions! My wife has already called me obsessed for coming home from work each evening and jus absorbing all this information while listening to the BHO Jukebox comparing the two styles. 

Thanks again. This kind of support and help mean a great deal in my success down the road!

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I say time to get a banjo and start experimenting......you will love it!  Good luck..:)

jackhatfield - Posted - 02/20/2012:  20:04:17

UnkeptSanity:

It's easier to take the resonater off a resonater banjo than to add one to an open back banjo...