donmullins - Posted - 02/01/2011:  12:47:00

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Just curious about the different methods beginners are using to learn the 5 string.

What method are you using? Instructor - In person or online; if online recorded video or live skype? Book/DVD? If so, what book? Using Tab or learning by ear?

If you are an advanced player..How did you learn the basics?

I look forward to reading your replies.

Caveat: I know this is a very individual thing - how one learns. Please if you don't agree with some one, let it go. Please don't turn this in to a "my way is the best way" troll thread. I am just getting back into the banjo and am asking for opinions. We all know the cliche about opinions. Let the readers decide which ones stink to them...

Thanks,

Don

bakerratliff - Posted - 02/01/2011:  12:54:50

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I started trying to learn from books, cds, etc. Personally it did not work for me. I am much more a learn by watching person. I had to go sit in front of an instructor so not only could I see what i was supposed to be doing but also to keep from developing bad habits (little things I didnt even notice but was quickly pointed out by a pro). The books only took me so far.

yoss - Posted - 02/01/2011:  12:55:24

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I am a rank beginner, "playing" since Christmas day 2010. I am basically working my way through the scruggs book, reading here, watching Youtube videos and trying to hold my banjo everyday. There is no instructor or lessons in my life or in my short term plans, but that could change in the future.

Bill2932 - Posted - 02/01/2011:  13:00:16

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I started with the Earl Scruggs book

ralph3820 - Posted - 02/01/2011:  13:03:59

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I have use books by Janet Davis and the Murphy Method to get started.

wrentree - Posted - 02/01/2011:  13:13:46

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I started with Tabledit playing the tabs that I could download, then slowing them down to get the individual notes in slow sound.

chickenwing - Posted - 02/01/2011:  13:37:38

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i also use tabedit but was difficult and a slow progression
i found this very helpful freeguitarvideos.com/banjo/right-hand.html
also check out some of the others freeguitarvideos.com/banjo/ban...alog.html
the i use davidcavage.blogspot.com/2009/...anjo.html
start from lesson 1 and dont skip david is an excellent teacher and player'
if you know someone who plays the banjo ,get them to help you.
you could take lessons
i do not have that luxury
i would take advantage or all the tools available now the are endless on the internet
tabedit and the banjo hangout tab archive , videos on you tube, books , dvds, listening to music ....etc try and see what works for you............and have fun

minstrelmike - Posted - 02/01/2011:  13:39:08

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I started back in 1970 using banjo method books and could do some stuff but I wasn't real thrilled with it. I was 15 working loading docks and a truck driver asked to play the banjo and I said sure and gave him a chord chart I had. By the time we were done with his truck, he was playing Proud Mary with just 3 chords and the run down using all the marked frets on the banjo.

It was incredible.
He told me by using that chord chart I could play any song out of any songbook that had the chords.
That was even more incredible.

Jimmy Buffet learned guitar at age 19 and couldn't believe he could play almost any song off the radio with just a few chords. That opens up the whole world of music. You don't have to read theory, you can just play the music and figure out the harder stuff as you go along. I would hangout in music stores and page thru the rock, pop and country books and memorize chord progressions then realized I could read the music on the staff if I wanted. I was just one-note-at-a-time melody. Using that I could place the chords better places on the 1st or 4th string and kind of thump those like a guitarist hitting just certain numbers of the strings on a strum motion.

By the time I got a (Sonny Osborne?) book with Train 45 in it which really clarified the sorts of sounds I could get 3-finger picking, I had already played with strumming and sometimes just picking in a rhythmic manner probably 300 different songs in 6 months. I got the hang of playing rolls with a melody using Grandfather's Clock out of that book.

That truck driver is who turned me on to how easy it was to play music I was already familiar with.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 02/01/2011:  14:03:53

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When I first started way back in the early '70s, there weren't many banjo books. I was lucky enough to find a teacher and have 6 months of lessons before he moved away. There was no one else to teach me and no internet at that time, so I put it up for 15 years.

When I came back, I got Jack Hatfield's Beginning Bluegrass Banjo Method Book 1 and then book 2 and then some of his jam tapes. I then learned about Camp Bluegrass and went there several years and went from the beginning banjo clear through to the advanced. That helped a lot, but what really, really turned me into a banjo player was finding a great teacher who taught me how to play by ear, how to make my own arrangements, do my own backup.

After that, going to jams, getting out at festivals and picking with any group that would allow me in it helped and then getting in several different local bands and finally having a band of my own. It's amazing how much better player you become when you're getting gigs and picking with the same people most of the time.

garman - Posted - 02/01/2011:  14:04:31

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I started with a local instructor but didnt progress much at all. Went to a one on one skype lesson format with Fiddlin Al and my learned has grown leaps and bounds.

steve davis - Posted - 02/01/2011:  14:11:41

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I started at home.
My Dad was a talented"ear" player on many instruments,
but was at his best on pedal steel.

He taught me to hear how Country and Western songs went.
My Mom was a talented piano player and there was music being played in my home
most of the time with a cheap banjo and guitar strung up which I played a lot.

No bluegrass,though.
I got started 3 finger picking using BNL and Pete Wernick's Bluegrass Banjo book
in '75.

donmullins - Posted - 02/01/2011:  14:16:36

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Thanks for all the great input..Keep it coming please.

Bill2932 and yoss - How is(did) the Scrugg's book going? I have heard that although it covers basic technique the songs and tab are a bit advanced for a rank beginner.

chickenwing - you seem to be in my boat. I would love to take lessons, but being recently unemployed in the state with the worst re-employment numbers in the US, I can't really justify the expense..hence this thread. Trying to pick people's experiences to get the most bang for my investment.

Mike and Sherry - thanks for sharing..You both have my ear, I have read alot of both of your posts. Gleaning good stuff each time.

Augie - Posted - 02/01/2011:  14:32:49

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I started taking lessons and then found The Murphy Method and bought the DVDs "Beginning Banjo Vol 1" and "Banjo for Misfits". I quit the lessons after a couple weeks and now work strictly from the Murphy Method DVDs. What's really neat about using a DVD is that you can replay parts of it as many times as you need to get the message. Murphy will take you from ground zero. She teaches you to play by ear, no tablature. By all means, practice regularly and often. Go slowly and do it right. Speed is not important. Timing and clarity are what's important. Get with other like-minded folks and have fun. Good luck and have fun.

Aaron Thomas - Posted - 02/01/2011:  14:35:37

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My advice to any beginner is to listen to banjo players as much as possible. Find a banjo player or two that you really like and listen to them a lot. You will find that after awhile those players will be engrained in your head then when you try to play you will hear those sounds.

Ken_in_IN - Posted - 02/01/2011:  14:43:00

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I owned my banjo for a month before starting once a week lessons with a local instructor. I've been with him for about 6 months now.

We worked through the Geoff Howald Banjo Primer working on technique, and have moved on to his Banjo Songbook. I basically had no stringed instrument experience before I started, so it's all been a challenge. I am also working with the Mel Bay banjo chord book, using the exercises to help get these old fingers limber.

I've also been going through Banjophobics LOTW videos and trying to incorporate some of his ideas as an addition.

marklori - Posted - 02/01/2011:  14:58:17

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I started with the Murphy Method, and will buy more vids from Murphy as it has been a good thing to be shown exactly how to do things. That helps me add to my vocabulary of songs and licks. I'm now learning from a Pete Wernick DVD on how to make up solo's. This has led me to spend more time alone with the banjo just trying stuff - which is making me better. I think books are good for getting concepts down but I find it nearly impossible to play from tab. I love videos, but I'm a very visual learner. I have not tried audio tapes yet, but feel it would still be preferable to tab for me. Tab is nice in support of vids though so I can go check on something I'm not sure of without playing the vid again, which can really cut into the practice time.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Bill2932 - Posted - 02/01/2011:  17:34:46

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HI Don
I did well with the Scruggs book but that more than 30 years ago. In today's choices there may be something better but back then my uncle told all I needed was the Scruggs book. My brother was also learning banjo at the same time, my dad plays guitar my uncle played banjo so I had some extra encouragement along the way. As far it being to advanced there maybe better choices today but a lot players got their start with it.

KYbrian32 - Posted - 02/01/2011:  22:18:15

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I'm a beginner right now. I started with the Banjo for Dummies book and now I'm into Earl Scrugg's book. I've decided to skip the clawhammer method for now and have been playing the Bluegrass/Scruggs way. Tabs both by the books and the computer is what I've been playing music with. Playing by ear really seems to be impossible right now. I bet I would need to get with a good banjo player in person to understand playing by ear.

eddb - Posted - 02/02/2011:  00:49:18

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Hi, I started with books, Sruggs book and tabs and advice from the BHO, but I noticed a definite leaning from members that a teacher was the best way to go so I now have one. I have noticed that I have learnt much more with my teacher and I feel that my technique is better.

Lucius - Posted - 02/02/2011:  07:25:52

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I've been going to lessons for about a month now. My instructor also had me buy Scruggs's book.

I could foresee not having to go to lessons after a couple of months honestly. My lessons really only consist of introducing me to new techniques and giving me certain things to practice. Ultimately probably 95% of my learning comes from practicing. But it's nice to make sure I'm not getting into bad habits and my instructor can kind of move me along at an appropriate pace. We've been jumping around a little bit in Scruggs's book.

phb - Posted - 02/02/2011:  08:19:48

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I'm a beginner but I have a solid guitar background. I'm learning from books because my work schedule doesn't allow for a fixed date and time for lessons and I probably wouldn't find a teacher anyway. In addition I'm confident that I know enough about finger technique, sound and music in general that I can find my way using books. I wouldn't have been able to do so when learning a first instrument, though.

Once I finished "You can teach yourself banjo" I will learn a few songs from tabs to build a small repertoire. I know the reservations on this forum against memorising prefabricated arrangements but I enjoy playing prefabricated arrangements if I like the tune and the arrangement is good. However, due to the advise on this forum I'm also eager to arrange some tunes of my own. Back in my guitar days I used to compose a lot and there is nothing keeping me from doing so on the banjo, too. My first tune to arrange for the banjo will be my daughter's favourite childrens' song (I need to do some PR work within my family to make them more tolerant to my banjo playing...)

jwinn - Posted - 02/02/2011:  08:31:31

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I have been playing just over a year now. Up tell now I have used a lot of books which is the way I started, and I also had a teacher for about 2 months. My teacher could play anything and was very good at the banjo but he just wasn't a good teacher (IMO). Im sure some of my not learning for him had some to do with me too but I've heard some of his other students say the same thing about him.
A local friend just gave me a Murphy Method dvd and Im now going to give it a try, he seems to be doing very well with them.

stymie - Posted - 02/02/2011:  09:38:59

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i used a teacher, a three finger mel bay banjo book, then progressed to portions of the scruggs book and lessons from fleck. i took weekly lessons for three years. my teacher began with showing me basics...tuning it, holding it correctly, and the main rolls. hours of practice with just the right hand then eventually adding simple slides and pull offs. then began with the mel bay arrangements. going through simple songs, my teacher pointed out chords within the tabs and after this he added more complicated playing but the majority of the work was done through tabs.

this, and making myself pick my beater up every single day, worked. by the end of the three years' lesson, i carried a fairly decent repertoire and could make a good run with many of earl's more popular pieces. i began to experiment with different tunings, like Dm for pieces like nashville blues, and i got a hold of a couple of keith tuners that were fun to fiddle with.

this happened in the early 90s and it all stopped cold when my son was born. presently, with hounding from my youngest daughter, and, with the spectre of my son moving off to college in the fall, i'm back to the beginning. learning rolls, going through old pieces that i once blew through like the wind.

reading here, i'm taking in all the methods that folks use and have used and believe it will help me progress a bit quicker than my previous stint. for example, i'm being attentive to the chords in the pieces i'm playing and practices them even without the songs. also, i'm more apt now to pick things out that i happen to like. a good example being, my teacher gave me three ways to play cripple creek. these were introduced to me over a long period of time when he thought i was able to handle them. now, i'm deciding what i like best and more importantly what sounds best to me. so it's sort of developing my own style or arrangement.

the bottom line though, no matter what you choose, you have to do it. writing about it or debating the merits over one or the other doesn't get it done. it takes work. at least for me.

b

FirstPicked - Posted - 02/02/2011:  11:42:03

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I started with Janet Davis "You can teach yourself banjo", and a couple lessons from an instructor. I stopped seeing the instructor because I was learning faster from the book. Halfway through Davis’s book I took a break and learned songs from tab on the BHO. This was fun but I went to my first jam and realized I knew how to play songs, but not the banjo. Tabs are like sugar; have a little here and there but don’t make it your entire diet. I have recently rededicated myself to finishing "teach yourself banjo" as well as learning backup banjo.

Everyone learns differently, try everything and stick with something.

GlennM - Posted - 02/02/2011:  12:06:06

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pickersacademy.com/

rickshunter1 - Posted - 02/02/2011:  12:13:47

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Well I started with help from a lady who sent me tabs and I learned the basics from her Rolls,slides,pull-offs,hammer-ons, etc. Then I took lessons for about a couple months quit that due to reasons now trying to teach myself with help from people on here to play by ear,I started a group on my site called Playing By Ear

Prof - Posted - 02/02/2011:  12:16:16

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Started with Ross Nickerson's beginner book/cd, took a couple months of lessons with Lynwood Lunsford, then have been using tab, youtube videos, various books, pickersacademy (see 555Glenn's post above) listening to lots and lots of bluegrass over and over and over again.... next step, trying to get out to play with others more often.

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Edited by - Prof on 02/02/2011 12:17:27

dflowers - Posted - 02/02/2011:  12:18:51

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I dinked around for a couple of months then bought Pete Wernicks beginners dvd. Helped a lot, for sure. Lots of information and well taught, IMHO. Played in G for a couple more months, then bought Pete Wernick DVD and learned to play up the neck which opened up a whole new world. If I would not have watched these DVD's, I would still be stuck. Then I bought the Pete Wernick jam DVD, which is not for beginners. That helped a lot. Between these vids, practice and more practice and here is the big kicker to the situation; I listen a lot to old BG dvd's with Earl, Sonny and the rest of the good guys. Then when I find myself picking away, unconsciously, I slip into one of the songs I have been listening to. I think this is an important part of playing by ear and very much an important part of muscle and tune memory. Everyone has their own path, but for me, getting some basics down, learning the neck and listening a lot is my style.

Brian T - Posted - 02/02/2011:  12:55:33

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I started with the Scruggs book and had a really satisfying time. That was the mechanics.
I applied what I was learning and had learned to all sorts of arrangements, mostly from banjotom2.
Bought some things from Ross Nickerson, Tony Trischka, Nick Hornbuckle, Janet Davis and others.

I'm stuck.

There appears to be a speed threshhold that I need to break to move on.
On a good day, I can pick 2 notes per beat at 130bpm. I've tried to move up to 140 or even 150 but I can't sustain it.
TT's Cross-Eyed Cricket is a good example. . . . nice tune using the computer player. Not when I do it.

I have never been able to "memorize" music, although I'll recognize tunes and melodies. There are no jams and no teachers.

Case in point: I have been picking a tab version of Banjo In The Hollow for several years, it's printed on 3 pages.
I still can't tell you what the first roll on p2 is.
More than a little discouraging at the moment.

Slick Salmon - Posted - 02/02/2011:  13:24:13

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After a couple of false starts, I landed on the Janet Davis series: YCTYB; Splitting the Licks; Up the Neck; and Backup Banjo. I did each book in order from the first page to the last. Then came the Scruggs book and Janet's Ultimate Banjo Songbook, just picking tunes of interest. Now I'm working on JD's Acutab book, with emphasis on backup technique. My principle practice tools are BIAB and the Amazing Slowdowner.

Karen Kruske - Posted - 02/06/2011:  07:26:25

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Started with clawhammer, which I really like, but wanted that ringing BG sound so am learning the rolls now. Checked out Geoff Hohwalds lessons and now am using Pete Wernick's online lessons. All very helpful. I can't read tabs for anything, can't get my mind around it, but can play by ear. I am intimidated by the idea of a teacher (dumb huh!) so videos and youtube have been a life-saver for me.

Dave Magram - Posted - 02/06/2011:  09:38:40

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quote:

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Originally posted by donmullins

If you are an advanced player..How did you learn the basics?

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Donmullins,
I learned to play Scruggs-style a few years before Earl’s book came out, so I had no tablature to learn from.
I simply played my Flatt & Scruggs LPs over and over, until I was able to figure out some of Earl’s solos and backup licks. This helped me to learn to hear Earl’s timing, hear chord changes, how to play in keys other than G, and so much more.
Then I would practice with these recordings over and over, pretending that I was in the Foggy Mtn Boys (I was around 14). This helped me hear the various bluegrass rhythms—something a metronome can never do.
I was never ever bored playing with the Foggy Mtn Boys.

I would sometimes sneak into a local bar that had a great local bluegrass band (Mac Martin) with an excellent banjo-player, Billy Bryant. Watching Billy play helped me figure out some of Earl’s more complex licks.
Now, of course, you can buy the Flatt & Scruggs TV show DVDs and watch Earl over and over.

It took me awhile, and I got a lot of stuff wrong at first, but within about eight months, I was playing in a little garage bluegrass band.
About three years later, Billy had surgery and couldn’t play for a few months, and Mac asked me to fill in with his band.
What a thrill and an honor!
And what an eye-opener that was.
I thought I knew most of Mac’s songs, but his repertoire was much bigger than I realized. The band never rehearsed. I had to learn to play solos and even intros on songs I had never heard before—on the spot.
My learning experience as a virtual Foggy Mtn Boy stood me in good stead.

Which is why I am on a crusade to convince more BHO beginners to learn Scruggs style the way that all of the great players like Osborne, Crowe, and Stanley did (along with the not-so-greats like me and my banjo-playing acquaintances)—by listening to Earl Scruggs over and over, and playing along with the Foggy Mtn Boys as much as possible.

I’d highly recommend that you purchase these three CDs (total cost about $30):

"Folk Songs of Our Land" combined with "Hard Traveling"
I have been recommending on other threads that a great CD to start with is this combo CD. It provides 24 songs and ballads, mostly at slow or moderate tempos, such as: 'All The Good Times', "Johnson Boys', 'Poor Ellen Smith', 'Wreck of Old 97', 'Jed Clampett', for around $10! (on Amazon.com in the USA).


”Flatt & Scruggs - Complete Mercury Recordings”
Virtually all of Earl’s classic backup licks and many of his classic solos can be found on one CD, currently available on Amazon.com for just $10!


"Flatt & Scruggs at Carnegie Hall"
After the Mercury LPs, the next recording I just about wore out was this one, now available on Amazon.com for just $10!
The CD includes all 36 songs from the concert, including Flint Hill Special, Dig a Hole in the Meadow, I Wonder Where You Are Tonight, etc.

Feel free to check out a couple of my audio-clips if you’d like to see what one can do without a metronome or tablature.
I tried my best to channel Earl when I worked up Little Liza Jane.
Not that my playing will ever be mistaken for Earl’s-- I just do the best I can.

- Dave

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Edited by - Dave Magram on 02/06/2011 09:46:26

paulandgale - Posted - 02/06/2011:  10:04:47

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I'm a late starter at 53, and 8 months in to this journey. I have used several books with an excellent teacher. Using books and provided tab with a teacher allows you to make changes to licks, create your own, etc. Also, if you're not already, listen to as much bluegrass music as you can, go to shows, festivals, etc. All of it is fun and a good way to learn. Subscribe to the Banjo Newsletter also. As you have already found out, there is no perfect way. Different strokes for different folks with the same goals in mind- to play correctly and to keep improving. I hope I'm on my way. Sure am having fun! Good luck.
Paul

Karen Kruske - Posted - 02/06/2011:  15:57:26

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Thanks for the direction, Dave. I'm off to check out those CD's . Even if I don't get too good from listening to that music, I'll love the time spent hearing it over and over.

Jim T - Posted - 02/06/2011:  18:25:38

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Dave,

I was able to buy "Folk Songs of Our Land" as an MP3 down load, but it looks like I'll have to order the cd for "Hard Times". I already have a couple of other Flatt & Scruggs cd's but will be getting the Carnegie Hall download.
Tnx for the recomendations. I'm not sure about learning the line a week, but they'll be great listening.

Regards, Jim

picKen - Posted - 02/07/2011:  00:23:05

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I'm using Janet Davis's " You Can Teach Yourself Bluegrass Banjo" book. I am about halfway through it working on John Hardy lead breaks up and down the neck(tab). I have recently started back at page one, though and have printed lyrics to tunes I already know and try to sing a round using a simple roll pattern, then vamp a round for simple backup, then lead, change a lick here and there just trying to learn the basics. We have access to so much info. and so many tools here at BHO that it keeps me busy and hungry for more. Just enjoying the ride.

Ken

Tonyfr - Posted - 02/07/2011:  08:51:02

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I too am new to learning the banjo. I am using Janet Davis' book with the CDs. I am also learning the chords and trying to figure out the root for each one. Figure that will help me learn the neck as well.

DonLohr - Posted - 02/08/2011:  08:48:54

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Hi All,

I was self teaching working on a couple of tabs when I lucked into a deal on two banjos. After I'd received the new instruments, it struck me that I had more banjos than hands, and needed to be more serious about playing. I talked to the bass player for a local band, who sent me to an acquaintance who was taking banjo lessons. I got the contact info and made arrangements to take lessons. I've had my original banjo for a couple of years, but have only been taking lessons a few weeks. Cool stuff !!!

Don

srb1194 - Posted - 02/08/2011:  16:53:07

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I took lessons from a local instructor for almost a year. I was disappointed with his methods and decided to try something different. I enrolled in the Tony Trischka School of Banjo. It's $20 bucks a month and so far I love it. The feedback you get from Tony is great. I would encourage anyone interested to give it a look. What I like about it so far is the continuity of the lessons and the "road map" he has laid out. The link is below if you're interested.

Thanks.

tonytrischkaschoolofbanjo.com/home

Nancy2555 - Posted - 02/08/2011:  18:36:34

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I've been playing just shy of a year and a half. I'm taking regular lessons from a local teacher. Actually some of you might know him. He's Mikey5string. I've also bought a few dvds here and there; splitting the licks, murphy method, bluegrass banjo workout, a few downloads from geoff howalt but the driving force for me is the face to face with a good teacher.

chrisgal - Posted - 02/08/2011:  19:24:00

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Hi Guys, I have not been writing but I have been reading. Since last I was on, I decided to not try to repair one of my Harmony banjo's (the one with the resonator) and I purchased a new Fender (got a deal I could not pass up).
I am learning from a book and looking at video's on the net. I try to put in about an hour 5 or 6 days a week, broken down into practicing rolls for about 20 minutes, left hand fretting for about 20 minutes and trying songs for about 20 minutes. I am seeing advancement in my playing ability but not fast enough for me! That's ok, I need to show patience and practice. Have a fine evening all.

MWB - Posted - 02/09/2011:  14:35:26

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I am 47 yrs old and am just starting . I've odrer Earl's new book and cd. Practicing rolls for now. I feel sure we all can get good at this picking one day practice practice. They say to give 30 min's a day, but I been doing a hour. I really like it and want to get really good at it.

Silver Bullet - Posted - 02/10/2011:  15:52:33

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I'm 48 yrs old and started playing about 8 months ago. I started with the Janet Davis books, and then found a teacher at a local music shop. I took lessons from him for a few months, but felt like I was learning more on my own at home and quit going. He knew how to play banjo some, teaching lessons on a number of instruments. He would ask me what I wanted to learn each week and I was like, "You're the teacher -you tell me". I met a guy on this forum who has been playing for 40 years and I've learned twice as much in a month of playing with him than I did up to that point. I am twice as motivated as I ever was and really want to master this thing. I think it is essential to find someone early on that really plays to get you going in the right direction.
SB

tgaryc - Posted - 02/10/2011:  16:28:09

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go to jams and watch some banjo players up close see what they are doing. If you can find a banjo play or teacher to play with all the better, Find a guitar play as a picking buddy to play with. I use most of the books that are listed in the comments and keep going back to them, I will start my 4th year on banjo in March. If you don't play any other stringed instrument the other players will show you what you need to know to play backup to basic tunes, start with Vamp and simple rolls. best of luck, and don't get discouraged.

jfk - Posted - 02/10/2011:  17:43:17

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I take Lessons in person But also have a DVD I play along with and go to jam sessions.

ady - Posted - 02/23/2011:  11:27:30

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I've just started learning the banjo properly, after just bashing around some chords for the last couple of years. I've found youtube.com/user/robbourassaguitarist a really good free source of lessons.

kb2dhg - Posted - 02/23/2011:  12:00:26

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Just into it a month now and at 53 years old this is some journey! I have Geoff Hohwalds DVD and so far I am doing OK with it, I also got the Ross Nickersons beginners book and dvd/cd's I don't really like it as much as Geoff's dvd. The book has not been too helpful to me as I had hoped? What I have been doing is practicing all the excersizes and not trying to learn a song as much as training my mind and hands to work together... In the mean while in using Geoff's DVD I do have boil them cabbage down fairly well! If I have learned anything in this short time playing is that it takes total dedication, lots of repitition practice and driving your family CRAZY!

thehurricane - Posted - 02/23/2011:  13:41:08

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Got a Mel Bay First Lessons book. When I started playing guitar I got a Mel Bay's basic chords book first. When I know little or nothing about anything I try to start off as basic and simple as possible. Been working since the book got here so I really haven't had a chance to get into it. But it is very basic, which is what I need at this point.

heyhellohi - Posted - 02/25/2011:  09:12:12

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Right now I am doing the Murphy Method and I really like it a lot. I highly recommend it. Plus I love her country accent. It always brings a smile to this northeastern boy's face :)