schlange - Posted - 09/15/2013:  07:19:02

I'm looking for 3-5 folks who want to become more consistent in their practicing, and want to encourage others to do the same.

You may not have this problem, but me, life always gets in the way, and my poor banjo gets neglected as a result. I've got nice banjos, and lots of learning material.... but I need a kick in the buns to take my playing to the next level.

I want to try an experiment for a month, just to see how it works. I want to practice daily, for at least 30 minutes, then write a quick post about what I practiced on a dedicated forum thread. And I want to find a handful of people to do the same. We'll all post to the same thread, so it will be an ongoing record of our practices for a month.

We'll help each other to stick to our goals, but we'll also build some comaraderie, answer questions, etc. I think it'll be lots of fun.

Let me know if you're interested! All skills welcome (the more diverse the better, in fact).

Joe the banjo guy - Posted - 09/15/2013:  07:23:43

I'm interested. 

Joe the banjo guy - Posted - 09/15/2013:  07:24:28

I'm in the same boat.  I know where the resources are to help me get better.  I just need the motivation to make myself dig into them.

polarbeardave - Posted - 09/15/2013:  07:45:39

Eric,

Yes, count me in! Life has a funny way of distracting me from regular practice. Plus a little motivation, and making the time everyday would help!

Looking forward to your group.

Dave

andspence - Posted - 09/15/2013:  07:49:56

I'm in.

Are we going to define "practice"?  Sometimes when I don't want to work something out, I just sorta noodle around or play the 10 songs I know over and over (I'm a beginner). Does that count as practice?

Kirk Jacobs - Posted - 09/15/2013:  08:30:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by andspence

Are we going to define "practice"?  Sometimes when I don't want to work something out, I just sorta noodle around or play the 10 songs I know over and over (I'm a beginner). Does that count as practice?

---

For me if I am playing I am practicing.  So I would say yes to that.  Just don't get caught up in only playing only what you know.   I find myself in this boat more than I would care to admit.    I think this will be great if it can keep players motivated. 

winnipegbanjoman - Posted - 09/15/2013:  08:58:50

I'm interested too. Sounds like a great idea.

kmwaters - Posted - 09/15/2013:  09:33:19

Eric - I am not a candidate at this time but I like the concept and think it will be a good thing for many members.

swamplunker - Posted - 09/15/2013:  10:30:18

I'll do that gladly. Since reading and writing on the computer about banjo has ironically eaten some of the banjo time I had, I'd like to take the opportunity to use the BHO dialogue (monologue?) time to reinforce actual practice. And I suspect that since everyone practices a little differently, we might be able to get useful ideas from each other. I guess this thread here is the place to write about it, let me know if there's some more exotic location. Meanwhile, I gotta go practice!

Edited by - swamplunker on 09/15/2013 10:33:51

Doconc - Posted - 09/15/2013:  11:20:46

I would like to be in the group. I practice pretty regularly, but would be interested in hearing how others practice

Debs - Posted - 09/15/2013:  12:00:12

I'd be interested - I practice (although I just regard it as playing - it's certainly not a chore for me!) several times a day when I get the chance, but because I'm self taught it's difficult to know whether what I'm practicing is right, or whether I'm just reinforcing (self taught) bad habits.  Perhaps after our practice sessions we could also post a sound file or video and have some feedback on our progress  from the more experienced Hangout members.  Anyway, I think it's a good idea; as other people have mentioned, it is always interesting and informative to know how others practice, and I'd love to take part.

kinggrumpy - Posted - 09/15/2013:  14:46:37

Hi  Eric  Looks like you have your 3 or 4 folks. I'm interested if you have room.

gclaunch - Posted - 09/15/2013:  15:27:29

Good afternoon:
I, also, would like to participate in such an experiment. I am retired, have the time, and usually put in about an hour a day, but because I do not get together on a regular basis with other players, many times find it hard to maintain my motivation.
Thanks for your consideration.

mattoxh - Posted - 09/15/2013:  16:35:32

I am not ready to join a group but I am in desperate need of some recommendations on how  to learn to play Bluegrass.  I have had my banjo for about 30 days, I have several books and tapes none of which I really like.  I am practicing rolls and cords but keep going back to trying to learn a song as I feel would help motivate me.  I am about to give up in Cripple Creek and try something easier. I would appreciate hearing what books or DVDs others are using before I buy more, I need to settle down and follow some sort of regiment.  By the way there are no Teachers nearby that I can take advantage of.  Any help will be much appreciated.  I am 58 so learning anything at my age is a chore.

sseiple - Posted - 09/15/2013:  16:40:13

Eric,

I am interested.

--Steve Seiple

Sunner - Posted - 09/15/2013:  18:37:27

This would be a big help to me.  I would like to be a part.

Gary

bluenote23 - Posted - 09/15/2013:  19:01:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by mattoxh

 

I am not ready to join a group but I am in desperate need of some recommendations on how  to learn to play Bluegrass.  I have had my banjo for about 30 days, I have several books and tapes none of which I really like.  I am practicing rolls and cords but keep going back to trying to learn a song as I feel would help motivate me.  I am about to give up in Cripple Creek and try something easier. I would appreciate hearing what books or DVDs others are using before I buy more, I need to settle down and follow some sort of regiment.  By the way there are no Teachers nearby that I can take advantage of.  Any help will be much appreciated.  I am 58 so learning anything at my age is a chore.

---

If you want some structure at a  price, then I would recommend Banjo Ben Clark's online video lessons at banjobenclark.com. It is a subscription service. For about $12.50 a month, you will have monthly access to all his video lessons for banjo as well as mandolin and bluegrass guitar.

He has three levels of lessons starting at beginner. In general, he will take a song and, using tab (which you can download, as well as .tef files for the same song), go through the song measure by measure talking about technique, fingering and timing and basic music theory. You can watch as many lessons as you want as long as you are subscribed.

I have played piano since I was a child and guitar for over 25 years. I started playing banjo using only Banjo Ben's lessons about nine months ago and I am very pleased with the progress I have made.

The practice group sounds interesting (though I practice a few hours a day, every day and at least so far, haven't lacked motivation). It could be a good way for us beginners to talk about our problems and the solutions we have found .

Edited by - bluenote23 on 09/15/2013 19:02:41

CreekRunner - Posted - 09/15/2013:  19:01:38

Eric, sounds like fun. I try to find practice time each day. At minimum 1/2 hour,preferably 1 1/2 - 2 hours. My problem may be finding time each day to log on and update.

David

capmike - Posted - 09/15/2013:  20:43:13

Sounds like a great idea, Ive been playing about a year and a half. practice 1-3 hours a day and feel i still need more.  sometimes a practice when i really dont want too, but stick it out anyway. Maybe you should start a new group. Im in.

schlange - Posted - 09/15/2013:  21:44:55

Thanks everyone for your responses! Glad to see there's a lot of interest in this.

I'm going to pick the first 5 people who said they wanted to do it. So that's:

• Joe the banjo guy


• polarbeardave


• ​andspence


• winnipegbanjoman


• swamplunker

I want to keep it a small group initially just because I think it'll help us help each other if the group is small.

I'll start a new thread for our group to use. You can find it here: banjohangout.org/topic/270544

If other folks are interested in this sort of thing I encourage you to use this thread to form other groups!

5 finger ninja - Posted - 09/15/2013:  21:51:18

Im interested as well.

swamplunker - Posted - 09/15/2013:  22:46:34

Mattoxh: Here is why you shouldn't feed a punster--Don't give up in Cripple Creek, we don't want any drownings, and don't follow a regiment, the army is no place for a banjo player (except for roll call). OK, now I'm done. The Murphy Henry DVD's are very much like having a teacher, plus she teaches in a can't--miss way and teaches technique at the same time. After that, I would recommend Janet Davis's Splitting the Licks book, which requires reading tab, you can e-mail me if you have any trouble with that. Good Luck.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/16/2013:  01:24:13

quote:

---

Originally posted by mattoxh

 

I am not ready to join a group but I am in desperate need of some recommendations on how  to learn to play Bluegrass.  I have had my banjo for about 30 days, I have several books and tapes none of which I really like.  I am practicing rolls and cords but keep going back to trying to learn a song as I feel would help motivate me.  I am about to give up in Cripple Creek and try something easier. I would appreciate hearing what books or DVDs others are using before I buy more, I need to settle down and follow some sort of regiment.  By the way there are no Teachers nearby that I can take advantage of.  Any help will be much appreciated.  I am 58 so learning anything at my age is a chore.

---

Hi Heyward

Welcome to the Hangout...

Let me offer a few words of encouragement to help you on your journey. I didn't start learning to play the banjo until was 61. Like you I didn't have any teachers on my doorstep so I did the next best thing. I joined the Banjo Hangout and started researching. I asked lot's of questions and got tons of great help and encouragement from Hangout Members.

I started using the Murphy Method that gave me a good kick start learning the fundamentals of Scruggs Style. As I progressed I built on what I already learned and made great progress in my first year.

I  tried to learn from TAB Books early on and I have to say I found it painfully slow. I never seemed to make any real progress with TAB. So I knuckled under and got stuck into learning the Murphy Method. I started to see progress immediately and got the first lesson nailed on day 1. As I worked through the DVD the lessons got more challenging but I was building on what I had already learned so I continued to see progress. After about 8 months working solely with the Murphy Method I tried my hand at TAB once again and started to hear what I was reading from the page. The secret is listening and identifying the sounds your making. From that point onwards I got into lots of other instructional material and my use of TAB books got me learning even more challenging material but I  could not have got to where I am without the help of the Murphy Method.

Progress varies as you study, you'll get good days and there are days when you'll feel your going backwards.. The brain needs time to digest all the stuff your learning. Your multitasking all the time so  it's tough at the start so don't beat yourself up. Just try to stay focused, keep moving forward. When you hit a wall take a break for a day then get back in the saddle.

Stick with Cripple Creek there are lots of valuable lessons in that tune which you will use further down the line.

Good Luck

Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 09/16/2013 01:37:31

DrBobNeon - Posted - 09/16/2013:  04:51:22

Hey Eric:

The next time you start a practice group, can you put me on the waiting list. I'm waiting (but I will practice while I am waiting).

DBN
Newbie Needing a Kick (NNAK)

mattoxh - Posted - 09/16/2013:  08:25:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by bluenote23

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mattoxh

 

I am not ready to join a group but I am in desperate need of some recommendations on how  to learn to play Bluegrass.  I have had my banjo for about 30 days, I have several books and tapes none of which I really like.  I am practicing rolls and cords but keep going back to trying to learn a song as I feel would help motivate me.  I am about to give up in Cripple Creek and try something easier. I would appreciate hearing what books or DVDs others are using before I buy more, I need to settle down and follow some sort of regiment.  By the way there are no Teachers nearby that I can take advantage of.  Any help will be much appreciated.  I am 58 so learning anything at my age is a chore.

---

If you want some structure at a  price, then I would recommend Banjo Ben Clark's online video lessons at banjobenclark.com. It is a subscription service. For about $12.50 a month, you will have monthly access to all his video lessons for banjo as well as mandolin and bluegrass guitar.

He has three levels of lessons starting at beginner. In general, he will take a song and, using tab (which you can download, as well as .tef files for the same song), go through the song measure by measure talking about technique, fingering and timing and basic music theory. You can watch as many lessons as you want as long as you are subscribed.

I have played piano since I was a child and guitar for over 25 years. I started playing banjo using only Banjo Ben's lessons about nine months ago and I am very pleased with the progress I have made.

The practice group sounds interesting (though I practice a few hours a day, every day and at least so far, haven't lacked motivation). It could be a good way for us beginners to talk about our problems and the solutions we have found .

---

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE HELP.  I WILL TAKE A LOOK AT BANJO BEN.  ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS PLEASE SEND THEM ALONG.

THANKS again

HEYWARD

mattoxh - Posted - 09/16/2013:  08:27:59

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mattoxh

 

I am not ready to join a group but I am in desperate need of some recommendations on how  to learn to play Bluegrass.  I have had my banjo for about 30 days, I have several books and tapes none of which I really like.  I am practicing rolls and cords but keep going back to trying to learn a song as I feel would help motivate me.  I am about to give up in Cripple Creek and try something easier. I would appreciate hearing what books or DVDs others are using before I buy more, I need to settle down and follow some sort of regiment.  By the way there are no Teachers nearby that I can take advantage of.  Any help will be much appreciated.  I am 58 so learning anything at my age is a chore.

---

Hi Heyward

Welcome to the Hangout...

Let me offer a few words of encouragement to help you on your journey. I didn't start learning to play the banjo until was 61. Like you I didn't have any teachers on my doorstep so I did the next best thing. I joined the Banjo Hangout and started researching. I asked lot's of questions and got tons of great help and encouragement from Hangout Members.

I started using the Murphy Method that gave me a good kick start learning the fundamentals of Scruggs Style. As I progressed I built on what I already learned and made great progress in my first year.

I  tried to learn from TAB Books early on and I have to say I found it painfully slow. I never seemed to make any real progress with TAB. So I knuckled under and got stuck into learning the Murphy Method. I started to see progress immediately and got the first lesson nailed on day 1. As I worked through the DVD the lessons got more challenging but I was building on what I had already learned so I continued to see progress. After about 8 months working solely with the Murphy Method I tried my hand at TAB once again and started to hear what I was reading from the page. The secret is listening and identifying the sounds your making. From that point onwards I got into lots of other instructional material and my use of TAB books got me learning even more challenging material but I  could not have got to where I am without the help of the Murphy Method.

Progress varies as you study, you'll get good days and there are days when you'll feel your going backwards.. The brain needs time to digest all the stuff your learning. Your multitasking all the time so  it's tough at the start so don't beat yourself up. Just try to stay focused, keep moving forward. When you hit a wall take a break for a day then get back in the saddle.

Stick with Cripple Creek there are lots of valuable lessons in that tune which you will use further down the line.

Good Luck

---

I WILL DEFINITELY LOOK AT THE MURPHY METHOD. THANKS FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND ANYTHING ELSE THAT COMES TO MIND.  I WILL POST ANY IMPROVEMENT.  I APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE.  SO GLAD I FOUND THE SITE.

HEYWARD

 

schlange - Posted - 09/16/2013:  09:13:54

quote:

---

Originally posted by DrBobNeon

Hey Eric:

The next time you start a practice group, can you put me on the waiting list. I'm waiting (but I will practice while I am waiting).



DBN

Newbie Needing a Kick (NNAK)

---

Like I said, anybody can start a practice group--there are more than enough folks interested to start a second one! I would encourage someone to do that!

ScratchJohnson - Posted - 09/16/2013:  09:36:52

quote:

---

Originally posted by bluenote23

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mattoxh

 

I am not ready to join a group but I am in desperate need of some recommendations on how  to learn to play Bluegrass.  I have had my banjo for about 30 days, I have several books and tapes none of which I really like.  I am practicing rolls and cords but keep going back to trying to learn a song as I feel would help motivate me.  I am about to give up in Cripple Creek and try something easier. I would appreciate hearing what books or DVDs others are using before I buy more, I need to settle down and follow some sort of regiment.  By the way there are no Teachers nearby that I can take advantage of.  Any help will be much appreciated.  I am 58 so learning anything at my age is a chore.

---

If you want some structure at a  price, then I would recommend Banjo Ben Clark's online video lessons at banjobenclark.com. It is a subscription service. For about $12.50 a month, you will have monthly access to all his video lessons for banjo as well as mandolin and bluegrass guitar.

He has three levels of lessons starting at beginner. In general, he will take a song and, using tab (which you can download, as well as .tef files for the same song), go through the song measure by measure talking about technique, fingering and timing and basic music theory. You can watch as many lessons as you want as long as you are subscribed.

I have played piano since I was a child and guitar for over 25 years. I started playing banjo using only Banjo Ben's lessons about nine months ago and I am very pleased with the progress I have made.

The practice group sounds interesting (though I practice a few hours a day, every day and at least so far, haven't lacked motivation). It could be a good way for us beginners to talk about our problems and the solutions we have found .

---

I paid 20 bucks for a month on his site just to check it out and it turned out to be the best 20 bucks I ever spent on a music learning related item. His lessons have the visual instruction that is great and also provide the tab to go along with it it. And he's amusing which never hurts.

mattoxh - Posted - 10/06/2013:  06:49:19

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by mattoxh

 

I am not ready to join a group but I am in desperate need of some recommendations on how  to learn to play Bluegrass.  I have had my banjo for about 30 days, I have several books and tapes none of which I really like.  I am practicing rolls and cords but keep going back to trying to learn a song as I feel would help motivate me.  I am about to give up in Cripple Creek and try something easier. I would appreciate hearing what books or DVDs others are using before I buy more, I need to settle down and follow some sort of regiment.  By the way there are no Teachers nearby that I can take advantage of.  Any help will be much appreciated.  I am 58 so learning anything at my age is a chore.

---

Hi Heyward

Welcome to the Hangout...

Let me offer a few words of encouragement to help you on your journey. I didn't start learning to play the banjo until was 61. Like you I didn't have any teachers on my doorstep so I did the next best thing. I joined the Banjo Hangout and started researching. I asked lot's of questions and got tons of great help and encouragement from Hangout Members.

I started using the Murphy Method that gave me a good kick start learning the fundamentals of Scruggs Style. As I progressed I built on what I already learned and made great progress in my first year.

I  tried to learn from TAB Books early on and I have to say I found it painfully slow. I never seemed to make any real progress with TAB. So I knuckled under and got stuck into learning the Murphy Method. I started to see progress immediately and got the first lesson nailed on day 1. As I worked through the DVD the lessons got more challenging but I was building on what I had already learned so I continued to see progress. After about 8 months working solely with the Murphy Method I tried my hand at TAB once again and started to hear what I was reading from the page. The secret is listening and identifying the sounds your making. From that point onwards I got into lots of other instructional material and my use of TAB books got me learning even more challenging material but I  could not have got to where I am without the help of the Murphy Method.

Progress varies as you study, you'll get good days and there are days when you'll feel your going backwards.. The brain needs time to digest all the stuff your learning. Your multitasking all the time so  it's tough at the start so don't beat yourself up. Just try to stay focused, keep moving forward. When you hit a wall take a break for a day then get back in the saddle.

Stick with Cripple Creek there are lots of valuable lessons in that tune which you will use further down the line.

Good Luck

---