Hankon5 - Posted - 07/29/2013:  15:18:07

Dana...Fine goal!!!!!!!

icohen2 - Posted - 07/29/2013:  15:33:26

@ Silverado Common Ground id definitely an annual event. Check out their website, commonground.org . Randy is a great teacher. Wish he was closer to northern Maryland, but he lives in Northern Virginia. I appreciate the invitation and would love to find some beginning pickers up here in north Maryland. Hope you can get here next summer, it is really time well spent, intensive but worth the effort...

icohen2 - Posted - 07/29/2013:  15:34:59

@ Silverado Common Ground isdefinitely an annual event. Check out their website, commonground.org . Randy is a great teacher. Wish he was closer to northern Maryland, but he lives in Northern Virginia. I appreciate the invitation and would love to find some beginning pickers up here in north Maryland. Hope you can get here next summer, it is really time well spent, intensive but worth the effort...

Bigfoot21075 - Posted - 07/30/2013:  04:46:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by Silverado82481

 

I didnt make it this year but it seems like i found a diamond in the ruff with this forum at least now i will know what events are taking place in my area ( or at least close to my area) If this is a yearly event i will defenatly make it next year. I have always been a fan of bluegrass although i dont know many artist ( or PICKERS ) i do know some songs. while all the other kids are listening to All the rap and other crap on the radio. I was listening to Country and Bluegrass. I just droped about 250.00 in a stereo system for my car that accepts sirius satalite radio to at least have one blugrass station, thats dedication baby !!!!!!!!! there is nothing here in MD that i know of If i am wrong please share. I hope to be good one day. It does seem like there are not that many younger pickers lol. Im sure there is but it looked like most on this tread are 60s and 70s. either way if your close id like to get together and learn a few things. Ill defenatly check out Randy Barrett . any knowledge is better then nothing



 

I am in Elkridge and just started playing (46 years old). There are some good resources around here, there is a Baltimore Bluegrass open jam every month. People from ALL skill levels are invited - There are some GREAT players in our area - check it out!

meetup.com/Baltimore-Bluegrass/

Bigfoot21075 - Posted - 07/30/2013:  04:46:32

John Allison - Posted - 07/30/2013:  05:43:42

It depends entirely on what you consider late in life. I started playing in my mid 50s: however, I played guitar for many many years prior to that.

Nels - Posted - 07/30/2013:  05:53:10

Does startin' over at 67 count for this topic!! it's been about 40 years since life led me into other endeavors. 

icohen2 - Posted - 07/30/2013:  08:13:43

Looks like the Baltimore area is the place to be in Maryland. Hoping to find some folks in Carroll County. Started at age 62 last year, and still find that I'm very shy about playing in front of others. Would love to find a informal group up this way to jam with.

Hankon5 - Posted - 07/30/2013:  08:33:57

Hey..you guys are "cook'n"!!!!!!!

joe74 - Posted - 07/30/2013:  19:13:24

WOW! I just turned 39 and got myself a banjo for my birthday. I seriously had reservations thinking I was to old! Indeed I am not! Y'all that started in your 60s and 70s have inspired me! Thank you

Hankon5 - Posted - 07/30/2013:  19:42:39

Yep!! We mature folks  got a few pointers for you young wipper snappers........Have fun and make you banjo journey more funner!!!! Heh Heh Heh!!!  Welcome Joe....your never to old to do something you always wanted to do!!!  Joe..have fun and don't get down on yourself if things are not working out...just take a break and then  attack it harder than before..We have all experienced THE WALL.. As you break thru these walls they get thinner and thinner as go thru them..eventually they no longer become walls , but small obstacles, in which confidence is built larger and larger.  Focus on the areas you feel you need to work on and fix them before going to the next step... If you don't fix them early, such as your picking or hand techniques it will be a little tougher to do so later.  Remember how a pyramid is built.   The foundations are laid and then additional layers add added BEFORE the next one...You WILL enjoy that wonderful sound that only a banjo can give...Good luck and happy Pick'n!

joe74 - Posted - 07/31/2013:  17:01:10

Thanks for the advice Hankon5. I am pretty excited! I will definitely try to be patient and not get discouraged.

Steve_gts - Posted - 08/03/2013:  02:36:31

I just bought my first banjo, thought I was starting a bit late in life, but based on the other posts, I'm actually starting relatively young at 43

Hankon5 - Posted - 08/03/2013:  08:52:14

Well Steve...Welcome to the BHO and our family!!! If your just startin' THIS IS THE PLACE!  Much help and instructional advice for FREE!!! I would suggest that you find a good instructor to start your banjo adventure.. If you can't (like me) Geoff Hohwald has some outstanding DVD's that take you to advanced stages. Jack Hatfield and Janet Davis has some great beginner books and cd's that has helped me.

freeguitarvideos.com/banjo/ban...ages.html     jdmc.com/category/books-courses-banjo.html  

hatfieldmusic.com/

Theses links will take you there...I have purchased lessons from all 3 and without a doubt..they aer some of the best!   Good luck on your new journey into pickn' and grinnin'!!!

hammer6913 - Posted - 08/04/2013:  14:25:15

i got a guitar when i was just a young shaver.  the lessons my mom got for me was a guy that yelled and scared the hell out of me.  how long do you think that lasted.  well im 53 now.  been playing about 3 years.  my mom handed me down her banjo.  she tried for years to pick it.  she 90 now and cant move fingers well enough now. i started with a ross nickerson book then a few others.  i taught myself most of what i know.  i hooked up with Ruthies Music Cafe in New Era Mi.  Dan sebolt was my instructor.  he is a great fiddleplayer.  he helped me out a great deal.  thanks Dan.  if anyone is ann arbor mi and want to play would love to hear from ya.  having trouble figuring out backup.  but i will get it figured. 

    Banjo on folks...    hammer

Hankon5 - Posted - 08/04/2013:  16:12:18

Welcome to BHO!!!Looks like your getting the help you need.. If you would like to get stronger in back ups.....Janet Davis, Geoff Hohwald and Jack Hatfield have some great books and DVD's on back ups... I first learned back up from Jack's back up book and used Janet's book/CD to further my abitilities...then the Creme de la Creme...Geoff Hohwald's Back up DVD's with great licks and showing you how to use them.  These worked for me ...it took a short time before I was playing back up on stage.  Good luck ..most of all..have fun!

Skyflyer911man - Posted - 09/03/2013:  01:08:30

Just started at the young age of 61! I don't think my age will hinder me as far as motivation, it's just that my fingers don't work like they used to.

chelseaoz - Posted - 09/03/2013:  05:42:13

I just started and I'm nearly 36. Playing the banjo makes me feel younger! Lifts the spirit :-D I don't think it's ever too late to learn an instrument so long as you have the drive and the means.

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/03/2013:  08:03:27

Scott and Chelsea --Welcome to Fun and addictive sound!!  Your right, you are NEVER to late to play the banjo!!! You would be surprised what pick'n can do to help those slow fingers!!! Good luck and most of all have loads of fun.  Don't let a few hurdles that new pickers run into...make it fun and your banjo journey will be an exciting one!

BanjoRW - Posted - 09/03/2013:  08:35:49

To anyone starting later in life, please consider doing finger and wrist stretching exercises before and after playing. When I first started on the banjer, at 61, I was shocked at how easily I got a repetitive stress injury. Almost had to have carpal tunnel surgery.

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/03/2013:  10:26:19

Thanks Bob.  Good advice, but many do not need to do these exercises, because playing is in fact an exercise.  I suggest some DVD's by Geoff Hohwald  an cd/books from Jack Hatfield that will help you with correct right hand positioning.  This is very important.  It is recommended that beginners start slow.  This will help fingers and hand to work into picking repetitively.  To many of us want to break the sound barrier when we first start...this can lead to bad habits and maybe  some aches and pains to some of us.  Just be aware to start slowly , until your speed is built up by muscle memory and dexterity.  Playing slow  and playing correcting is extremely important.......use instructional videos and books to start if you can't find an instructor.  Happy picking !!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 09/03/2013 10:26:53

icohen2 - Posted - 09/03/2013:  10:58:17

Have to agree with Hank and Bob, both. By playing too aggressively in the beginning and having small hands, the stretching and positions I had to put my left hand in caused some real problems in my wrist. So remember, slow and steady wins the race! Best of luck!

Delaware - Posted - 09/03/2013:  12:28:13

Bob and Iris - did you overcome the wrist problems?

I have been dealing with that since I first started trying to play banjo in 2011.  Have had numerous cortisone shots, physical therapy, and i have exercises I do regularly for the wrist (happens to be in the left wrist, my fretting hand).   I played the guitar for several years before trying the banjo, and the problem seemed to coincide with banjo playing.  It hampers my practice, for sure!

icohen2 - Posted - 09/03/2013:  15:21:55

@Delaware.... Same thing, cortisone shots, PT and keeping the thumb in a splint all the time at first and then when I wasn't practicing. I was surprised to see that I could play with the left thumb in a splint. A little slower, but doable..at least for me
Hang in there.

Draak - Posted - 09/03/2013:  15:52:29

I tried banjo 50 years ago. Only tried for 1 year then quit. I started again 3 weeks ago and I am doing much better and having fun doing it. I am 2 months shy of 78.

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/03/2013:  19:29:26

quote:

---

Originally posted by Draak

 

I tried banjo 50 years ago. Only tried for 1 year then quit. I started again 3 weeks ago and I am doing much better and having fun doing it. I am 2 months shy of 78.

---

Glad to hear your back!!   Welcome my friend, to the University of Banjo State.  Here, there is no diploma because it tales a lifetime to learn and have fun.  We have top notch instructors and coaches ready to help you obtain the level of banjo playing you strive for. It is a free college. All you need to have is a banjo and a smile!!!  Good luck!

BanjoRW - Posted - 09/03/2013:  21:47:07

@Delaware,

What worked for me was when the doctor examined my hand he manipulated my hand in several different ways, including bending it backward from the palm. Holding the thumb and little finger sides of my hand he twisted it, stretching the palm. Very painful and it hurt for a few days, but it seemed to 'unstiick' the ligaments and freed the pressure on the median nerve. The doc had me do the exercies in this video youtube.com/watch?v=TSrfB7JIzxY .

Since you've had PT and injections, I'm not sure this will help you, but it may be worth a try. At first, I had to limit my banjo time to 5-minute sessions, twice a day. Over the next several weeks I up'ed the playing time slowly. After about a year, I can play as long as I want to. However, I have to stretch my hands in the morning, before/after each playing session, and before bed.

I sure hope this helps. Best of luck!

Bob

torpedo - Posted - 09/04/2013:  07:36:09

Why is this topic now listed under playing Scruggs style., and why was it moved here?

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/04/2013:  08:44:56

It's all the moderator's fault!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 09/04/2013 08:46:30

Banjo oldie - Posted - 09/05/2013:  08:38:50

Boy o boy. I thought I would be an odd man out, when I decided to buy myself my first banjo for my seventieth birthday, I am 71 now. I feel less lonely now, having read many of these posts. I did push the boat out, a bit though, my first purchase was for the Deering Black Diamond. As an instrument, I love it. Though I have to say that I came to the world of banjo's through ignorance. I quite quickly found that the, 'Mad Dash' of Blue Grass just wasn't for me, preferring the more sedate relaxed world of Clawhammer. It's an age thing, I guess! Anyways, I enjoy my 'Complete Ignoramous' learning, it is working for me! I need to pull in my horns a bit, got the buying bug, Chuck Lee and Kevin Enoch being the BEST out of five open backs - But then, when I think about it, I think my money is best used on good banjos, rather than in some Faceless Bankers, dodgy establishment!

Edited by - Banjo oldie on 09/05/2013 08:41:17

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/05/2013:  13:23:38

Welcome Anthony!!! This the place where sound is addictive.  Claw hammer can be quite  "mad dashing" sometimes, but , I'm glad your playing the best sounding instrument (at least,most addictive} in the Western Hemisphere!   Good luck!

rodwhips - Posted - 09/05/2013:  17:07:27

I thought I was old enough at 53, but I love the banjo,to master it is another thing but I don't care.The challenge is great,keeps the brian active.

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/05/2013:  17:25:33

The point is having fun....we don't all  want to be professionals!  Welcome Rod, from down under!!!!

Edited by - Hankon5 on 09/05/2013 17:26:41

Banjo oldie - Posted - 09/05/2013:  23:57:33

Hi Hankon5, and thank you for the welcome.
As a new comer to the world of Banjo, I sure have a lot to learn, but with the help and advise, taken from the unstinting Hangout subscribers, I am gaining in confidence sufficiently enough to be prepared to make minor adjustments to my instruments. And thanks to items that I read on Hangout, I have replaced the bridges on my Tradesman and Chautauqua, with Moon Bridges, supplied by Zepp, BOY the difference, even to my untrained ears is incredible. I am one happy oldie with the results. so far! To all of you Hangers-out, that offer up your knowledge, for folk like me, to pick-over, I thank you.

krukabman - Posted - 09/06/2013:  06:02:26

Thought I was getting a late start at 46, I played the cornet for a short time in 4th. grade & remember NONE of the things I learned about reading music! or anything musical for that matter.

we cleaned out the inlaws house after they passed & came across the wifes grandfather's OLD tenor banjo, needed restoring, seems her mother got it & was going to get it restored for Grandmother & well we found a receipt for strings that mo-inlaw bought 20 years earlier? mo-inlaw needless to say never got it restored! we took it & found a feller to work on it & spent about $150 getting it put to looking like a banjo, but needed sty'et a LOT of work well my plans of learning on that Banjo took a back seat for a while, it is a nice wall hanging tho' :-)

I finally got around to doing some research & found a decent deal on a mastercraft Banjo & started at Christmas 2012, I am a Damn Site better than I was in Dec. but the learning seems to be going in sperts, I hit what I call plateaus, my Banjo instructor is 22 & is VERY good. playing Banjo only 2 years BUT is his probably 10th. or 15th. instrument, he started with piano at 6 & has an almost 100 year old Violin, has a Cello, couple Guitars, a Cajon, & the list goes on!! the thing that amazes me is he goes from one to the other & flows with out even so much as stopping to think about what instrument he has in his hands?? well anyway he says just stick with it & that he defiantly sees much improvement! makes me feel good, but is a bit discouraging none the less, I do have fun with it & look forward to 6 months from now, {not wishing my life away, but I know I will be twice as good in 6 months as I am at this very point}, well as far as the original topic. started at 46 & good Lord willin' & the Creek don't rise I'll be at it till I'm at least twice that in years.  :-) 

I could go on for hours, but I have to get to practicin'  :-)

krukabman 

---

Originally posted by Hankon5

 

I seriously started at age 62.  I wanted to for years but was to busy at work.  Retired and decided to take it up and accomplish one of my long time dreams of being a banjo picker.  Being retired gave me all the time I wanted.  I usually practice 2-4 hours per day and love every second of it.  The joy of hearing myself progress and jam with others has been a tremendous satisfaction for me.  It really does give me peace of mind and great confidence in knowing that I will progress further.

---

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/06/2013:  08:46:26

Way to go Ron!!!! Welcome to BHO!!!

rstieg - Posted - 09/09/2013:  10:37:25

I started playing Scruggs style at age 56 in 2002, though I had learned to play "frailing" style in college during the Folk Music period and played on stage a few times with a fraternity brother who played a Dobro like a regular guitar. After leaving college I really didn't play again until age 56 when I discovered training materials on the Internet. Early on I took a few lessons from Bill Evans, started playing in jams after about a year and a half, and I've been running a couple of local jams for several years now. I started singing about 5 years ago and now I enjoy singing as much as playing the banjo. I started a band in early 2010 and I've enjoyed that enormously. Three of us sing lead and I sing a little baritone and plan to expand on that.

I've been fortunate to have had very few physical problems. And yes, I wish I'd started earlier, but glad I started early enough to learn to play reasonably well. I'm hoping I can play into my 80's like Earl did, though nowhere near as well, of course.

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/09/2013:  11:10:43

Rich...another great story of  how a banjo can change your life ...FUN!!!

swamplunker - Posted - 09/09/2013:  12:42:51

Not me, but hum a few bars, maybe I can figure it out........

banjoup - Posted - 09/09/2013:  19:05:06

I'm really encouraged reading this post. It's good to know that there are others, like me, who want to start something new at midlife. Banjo has opened my life to a magical world of nice people and "no worry, be happy"! Keep pickin'!

Spoekenkieker - Posted - 09/09/2013:  19:47:46

Hi all, this is Tom in Germany.

I turned 56 in June, feels sometimes like it’s quite late in my life, and I haven’t even had my first banjo in my hands yet—I expect it to arrive within 13 hours, this is SO exciting, can’t wait to explore new worlds, in music and within myself.

Herzliche Grüße, Tom

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/10/2013:  09:10:16

Banjoup,,,Welcome ,You haven't seen anything yet!!! Have fun!

Tom....Welcome to the realm of fun,  Banjoitis is a non curable viris.  Looks like you got it bad!  So keep picki'n and grinnin',,,

Buddy04284 - Posted - 09/11/2013:  06:18:50

I started playing at the age of 52. I retired from the Navy 2 yrs ago, am 100% disabled through the VA. This past spring (March) I decided to learn something new, so I bought a Banjo. I did not spend alot of money ($250.00), because I wanted to make sure I was going to stick with it. I have played a few other players Banjo's, and notice a huge difference in quality and sound. I hope to someday be able to afford a nicer one

BanjoRW - Posted - 09/11/2013:  11:28:23

Welcome to the BHO Buddy, and Thank You for your service! Keep an eye on the BHO classified ads. You can find good banjos at resonable prices there.



Keep pickin' and most important -- have fun!

Edited by - BanjoRW on 09/11/2013 11:29:05

Hankon5 - Posted - 09/11/2013:  15:57:51

Good to see you are playing THE happy instrument.. Have fun and get those fingers pickn'!!!

Svenn - Posted - 11/03/2013:  04:40:54

After playing guitar for decades I decided 6 months ago to really get into the banjo (I had screwed around with it for years but never really focused).



It was like learning to walk and talk again. Can't put my finger on it but it's more fun then any instrument I've played.  If y'all already haven't, find others to play with.....the benefits are countless.

As far as starting late in life,,,,I knew an old man in hospice who said he always wanted to learn the banjo....I taught him soldiers joy and he fell in love with it, playing proudly for his remaining months.  

It's never too late.  

Sven

Naperville

Edited by - Svenn on 11/03/2013 04:45:00

Randomphoto - Posted - 11/03/2013:  08:46:48

Well, I'm 50 now, and definitely don't consider that to be "late", but I've just started about 2 months ago. Not able to practice as much as I would like to, but for sure have 'the bug'. Loved Bluegrass all my life, and listen to a LOT of it, and just decided it was finally time to learn to play Bluegrass banjo. Currently have a Hoener 5 string open back, but pretty sure I'm going to move to a resonator soon. Absolutely love it, and getting better each day (I think, anyway!)

roadstar75 - Posted - 11/04/2013:  12:51:14

Good topic.  I started just 6 months ago at age 75. Never really stuck with learning a musical instrument, tried violin when a teen then bought a Martin guitar  in 1963 that is virtually unplayed that is still sitting in the closet and now that I have more time somehow decided to try the banjo of all things.  As luck would have it there was the perfect beginner banjo on craigslist and the rest is still in development.  Attend weekly tutor sessions of 1 hour and it is a slow process.  Found learning banjo somewhat similar process I went through in learning to ride a motorcycle at age 66, the learning curve is steeper at this age.  At least the worst that can happen here is you fall off your chair.

Richard

Placentia, CA

my blog:  blog-richard.com

Edited by - roadstar75 on 11/04/2013 12:52:23

BanjoRW - Posted - 01/01/2014:  21:49:59

Hey, now that the holidays have come and gone -- and maybe some folks got banjos -- any new banjo players that are starting later in life?