kelthurk - Posted - 03/29/2014:  17:55:07

"Now ask yourself as a beginner am i just learning this particular song, if so then you defeated the purpose."

jonah4832, I must thank you -- I am REALLY hearing your advice! As much as I am compelled to jump in all the way, for whatever reason your sage advice to slow down and appreciate what I am learning has really resonated. I will keep all of what you said firmly in mind as I progress through the MM video.

I spent 3 hours practicing the other day and "learned" Banjo in the Hollow. I could play it through, badly and with plenty of mistakes, but have the moves memorized. I played the next day and whammo! I couldn't play it nearly as well, my fingers were quite confused and forgot everything. I am sure this is part of the process, so I didn't get frustrated and just practiced some rolls and fiddled around for 30 minutes. That counts!

I am really trying to stick with it this time around and appreciate this forum and the great advice and tips found within more than I can express. Thanks!

jonah4832 - Posted - 03/29/2014:  19:41:48

quote:

---

Originally posted by kelthurk

"Now ask yourself as a beginner am i just learning this particular song, if so then you defeated the purpose." jonah4832, I must thank you -- I am REALLY hearing your advice! As much as I am compelled to jump in all the way, for whatever reason your sage advice to slow down and appreciate what I am learning has really resonated. I will keep all of what you said firmly in mind as I progress through the MM video. I spent 3 hours practicing the other day and "learned" Banjo in the Hollow. I could play it through, badly and with plenty of mistakes, but have the moves memorized. I played the next day and whammo! I couldn't play it nearly as well, my fingers were quite confused and forgot everything. I am sure this is part of the process, so I didn't get frustrated and just practiced some rolls and fiddled around for 30 minutes. That counts! I am really trying to stick with it this time around and appreciate this forum and the great advice and tips found within more than I can express. Thanks!

---

Wow, 3 hours, that is alot and perhaps too much especially on one song.  One thing, try not to practice mistakes, it would be better to to work on one measure and go slow enough to get it right and practice it that way.  Not saying you want make mistakes because we all do and will, but we should not practice mistakes cause if we do then we are sure to make them.  I have found that the use of slow repetition works very well.  In other words take banjo in a hollow and play through it as slow as you have to in order to play it right for at least three times.  Then take a break let your brain process what it just learned.  And if you want to practice more come back later and try another the same way. However I try not to have but three songs in this process at a time, and as I get one down then I will add another to the process.  However keep in mind that there are other thing to practice then just songs.  There are only three major chord patterns on the banjo and i encorage you to learn these and practice them daily up and down the neck.  Also there are only there are only seven major chord triads in each scale,  Check out Jack Hatfields banjo backup teckniques page 61, practice this each day for about ten mins and in a month you will know your chord up and down the neck.  Then Practice some backup as you learn a song.  The good news is once you get your chords learned they are learned,  you dont have to repeat the process.  Once you learn how to vamp with the chord you can play basic backup to countless songs and the process gets so much fun.  Eventually you will get bored and start learning some lick to fill in the pauses and so on.  But while you are learning melody arragements you can play backup to as many songs as possible.  Murphy also has a vamping dvd.  But don't try and learn it all in one day, take you rtime and enjoy the proicess

pickn5 - Posted - 03/30/2014:  05:05:04

Yesterday, I sat down to practice and tuned my banjo as I do each session. After that, it just fell apart. My fingers just were not working. I just had to put the banjo down for the day as I did not want to practice bad habits. I'll be back at it today.

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/30/2014:  11:00:40

Kelthurk, when I am learning a new song I try and spend a day or two on each part of the song individually and not try to learn the whole song in a single sitting. I continue to practice each part till I can play it slowly and smoothly and then go to another part of the song and practice that while continuing to practice the previously learned parts. Then I start plugging them together in my practicing as I get them down. I don't really practice more than an hour or so a day if that.

I also warm up by either practicing licks, scales, or a song I already know well before I begin really trying to learn anything for the day.

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/30/2014:  11:02:51

quote:

---

Originally posted by pickn5

Yesterday, I sat down to practice and tuned my banjo as I do each session. After that, it just fell apart. My fingers just were not working. I just had to put the banjo down for the day as I did not want to practice bad habits. I'll be back at it today.

---

I have days like this as well. I just put my banjo up till I am feeling more apt to practice or until the next day like you. I think it's smart. 

pickn5 - Posted - 03/31/2014:  07:04:38

Yesterday, I only put in a 1/2 hour of practice and it went smoothly. Practiced the 3 tunes I know slowly to get the muscle memory. I also practiced my 1,2,3 string pinch with D and F shape chord changes.

pickn5 - Posted - 03/31/2014:  07:13:46

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

Kelthurk, when I am learning a new song I try and spend a day or two on each part of the song individually and not try to learn the whole song in a single sitting. I continue to practice each part till I can play it slowly and smoothly and then go to another part of the song and practice that while continuing to practice the previously learned parts. Then I start plugging them together in my practicing as I get them down. I don't really practice more than an hour or so a day if that.



I also warm up by either practicing licks, scales, or a song I already know well before I begin really trying to learn anything for the day.

---

Sounds like a good way to practice. If you have Beginning Banjo 1&2 and Misfits, go the the Murphy Method site and check out the beginning banjo track posted there. As others have stated Murphy teaches the licks in the tune and the next tune builds on that. Your ear gets better and you start to see how licks fit in other tunes.

I'm  a retired infantry soldier also.

caseyhenry - Posted - 03/31/2014:  07:18:25

Here's the link to the beginning banjo track blog post: blog.murphymethod.com/2008/10/...jo-track/

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/31/2014:  13:19:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by pickn5

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

Kelthurk, when I am learning a new song I try and spend a day or two on each part of the song individually and not try to learn the whole song in a single sitting. I continue to practice each part till I can play it slowly and smoothly and then go to another part of the song and practice that while continuing to practice the previously learned parts. Then I start plugging them together in my practicing as I get them down. I don't really practice more than an hour or so a day if that.



I also warm up by either practicing licks, scales, or a song I already know well before I begin really trying to learn anything for the day.

---

Sounds like a good way to practice. If you have Beginning Banjo 1&2 and Misfits, go the the Murphy Method site and check out the beginning banjo track posted there. As others have stated Murphy teaches the licks in the tune and the next tune builds on that. Your ear gets better and you start to see how licks fit in other tunes.

I'm  a retired infantry soldier also.

---

Yes, I have all three videos. I'm done with vol. 1 until I swing back around for FMB and John Henry. Just trying to work on those songs some more before I begin the next video. My practice has been pretty inconsistent here lately. Lots going on so I haven't had my usual time to practice like I usually do but I've got the songs memorized. I've got a pretty decent ear as well, I just have to get back in the swing of things. I'm coming back into this after a pretty long break from the banjo. Nice to meet other infantrymen on here too. 

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 04/02/2014:  06:20:33

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

quote:

 

 

 

 

---

Originally posted by jonah4832

 

Fmb is a great song and whats your hurry, it sounds good slow too.  We played it at our jam this week at about 90 bpm and it sounded great.  Nothing wrong with going in the batters cage occasionally and just bumping up the speed in increments to find your breaking point, but it is those slow practices that produce the best results.  One thing you do not want to do is practice or learn a new song with mistakes, cause then you have to go back and correct those mistakes which to me is extra time wasted.  Play it as slow as you have to in order to play it right, for a few day then when it is in grained you can bump up the speed slightly.  Now for jams, unless you can find a slow jam you will get discouraged at first, because they play alot of tunes that you will not know, so take a peice of paper and pencil, and as they play there numbers, find out the name of song and key, this will be homework after you get home, find songs played and practice vamping with them.  I suggest working on your chords at least the three major patterns up and down the neck every day for at least 5 mins, Doesnt seem like much time but it produces result, and the more time you put into this the faster you will be able to change.  Dont worry about melody on everything you here at jams just rhythum.  Ok so one we have the songs from jams, 2 we are working on chord changing, so whats 3, timing.  Timing is very inportant cause if your vamping on every beat then your timing is bad, if your timing on beat one and 3 then timing is bad.  Good news you only have to vamp on beat 2 and 4 in a 4/4 time song.  Bottom 4 means quarter notes and the top 4 means 4 beats per measure.  so if your listening to a song trying to vamp, vamp on 2 and 4 beat only.  Now when you get to play with really fast songs it gets harder to count this way, so i prefer to count 1 and 2 and for each measure and do my chops on the ands.  Hardest part I have is trying to play songs at a jam that i dont know or have not heard, so do your homework, and play with confidence.

 

---

 

In no way was I talking about playing the song fast. I was saying that it is a lot to learn and quite a jump from the previous songs on that video. 

 

---

 Hi Stephen

When I started out six years ago I just worked my way through Beginning Banjo Vol 1 in the order the lessons were laid out on the DVD. It's only in recent years that Murphy has given out guidance on what order to study the lessons. What you have to realize is as you progress the lessons get progressively more difficult. Just take your own time to learn, stop the video, rewind as often as you need to. Your not the first to struggle with a lesson we have all been through this. We can't fix it for you you go to do it yourself.

If you have a specific question we will do our best to answer your query although there is no guarantee we know all the answers. We are not experts were are just the same as yourself students of the Murphy Method.

 This was a real challenge to learn. You just got to work at it.

Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 04/02/2014 06:29:41

jonah4832 - Posted - 04/02/2014:  11:05:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

quote:

  how many banjo's can you play, I counted three, lol, nice job by the way.

 

 

 

---

Originally posted by jonah4832

 

Fmb is a great song and whats your hurry, it sounds good slow too.  We played it at our jam this week at about 90 bpm and it sounded great.  Nothing wrong with going in the batters cage occasionally and just bumping up the speed in increments to find your breaking point, but it is those slow practices that produce the best results.  One thing you do not want to do is practice or learn a new song with mistakes, cause then you have to go back and correct those mistakes which to me is extra time wasted.  Play it as slow as you have to in order to play it right, for a few day then when it is in grained you can bump up the speed slightly.  Now for jams, unless you can find a slow jam you will get discouraged at first, because they play alot of tunes that you will not know, so take a peice of paper and pencil, and as they play there numbers, find out the name of song and key, this will be homework after you get home, find songs played and practice vamping with them.  I suggest working on your chords at least the three major patterns up and down the neck every day for at least 5 mins, Doesnt seem like much time but it produces result, and the more time you put into this the faster you will be able to change.  Dont worry about melody on everything you here at jams just rhythum.  Ok so one we have the songs from jams, 2 we are working on chord changing, so whats 3, timing.  Timing is very inportant cause if your vamping on every beat then your timing is bad, if your timing on beat one and 3 then timing is bad.  Good news you only have to vamp on beat 2 and 4 in a 4/4 time song.  Bottom 4 means quarter notes and the top 4 means 4 beats per measure.  so if your listening to a song trying to vamp, vamp on 2 and 4 beat only.  Now when you get to play with really fast songs it gets harder to count this way, so i prefer to count 1 and 2 and for each measure and do my chops on the ands.  Hardest part I have is trying to play songs at a jam that i dont know or have not heard, so do your homework, and play with confidence.

 

---

 

In no way was I talking about playing the song fast. I was saying that it is a lot to learn and quite a jump from the previous songs on that video. 

 

---

 Hi Stephen

When I started out six years ago I just worked my way through Beginning Banjo Vol 1 in the order the lessons were laid out on the DVD. It's only in recent years that Murphy has given out guidance on what order to study the lessons. What you have to realize is as you progress the lessons get progressively more difficult. Just take your own time to learn, stop the video, rewind as often as you need to. Your not the first to struggle with a lesson we have all been through this. We can't fix it for you you go to do it yourself.

If you have a specific question we will do our best to answer your query although there is no guarantee we know all the answers. We are not experts were are just the same as yourself students of the Murphy Method.

 This was a real challenge to learn. You just got to work at it.

 

---

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 04/02/2014:  14:18:31

 posted by jonah4832

  how many banjo's can you play, I counted three, lol, nice job by the way.

 

  Two Banjos and a Banjo Ukulele.... Ha ha just one at a time... The Fender FB58 on the stand was my third banjo, it's five years old, Fender gave me that as a replacement under warranty for my second banjo also a Fender FB58 which developed a fault in it's first year. My first banjo was an Asian build Ridgewood bottle cap which I had for about two weeks before the nut on the fifth string snapped and I traded it in as part exchange for my first Fender. The Stelling Masterflower I have had for a year this month. It was a retirement gift to myself as an incentive to study hard and fullful all my goals. The Banjo Ukulele I bought to encourage my two youngest granddaughters to learn to play the wooden ukulele's I bought them.  

 

pickn5 - Posted - 04/03/2014:  07:35:04

Now that April has arrived, and in keeping with the Beginning Banjo Track one song a month, I have started to learn Cumberland Gap. From my limited experience, Murphy knows what she is talking about. Playing the newly learned tune for a month really helps with the muscle memory. As I practice the tunes I know, they get smoother with less mistakes and the tempo seems to increase naturally. I will continue to practice vamping with chord changes along with the other tunes I know. I'm not sure about learning to sing while playing as I have never been able to sing. Even when the tune is in my head and I know the words, the singing is off key. I'm one of those people who just can't sing. Keep picking.

Jeff

pbdeakins - Posted - 04/03/2014:  08:36:47

When I first started the Murphy Method, I got Vol. 2 and the Misfits CD since I had been playing for a year or so. Last week, I went back and ordered Volume 1, since I'm finding that a lot of the songs build on licks from the previous songs. I'm excited to start on Banjo in the Hollow this weekend, since I've already know several of the licks! And since MN is expecting a 5-7" snowstorm tonight, it'll be a nice weekend to hunker down and do some pickin'!
Paul

pickn5 - Posted - 04/05/2014:  04:58:37

Yesterday, I started on the part B of Cumberland Gap and I am having trouble with the little finger stretch in the second lick. I cannot reach fret 11 and have trouble getting a clean fret at 10. I worked on it for an hour until my fretting hand and forearm were cramping up. It was getting better at fret 10. Any suggestions on getting the little finger stretch at fret 10 and eventually at 11 would be appreciated. I have small hands and that may be part of the problem.

caseyhenry - Posted - 04/05/2014:  05:21:22

quote:

---

Originally posted by pickn5

Yesterday, I started on the part B of Cumberland Gap and I am having trouble with the little finger stretch in the second lick. I cannot reach fret 11 and have trouble getting a clean fret at 10. I worked on it for an hour until my fretting hand and forearm were cramping up. It was getting better at fret 10. Any suggestions on getting the little finger stretch at fret 10 and eventually at 11 would be appreciated. I have small hands and that may be part of the problem.

---

Everybody, and I mean everybody, has trouble with this. The first time I got to this song (Age, I don't remember--12 maybe) I decided it was too hard and quit banjo. Obviously I got back around to it eventually. But you don't have to do anything special to stretch. Just keep at it. Keep working with the lick. In a few months you'll have it.

Good luck!

jonah4832 - Posted - 04/05/2014:  05:23:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by pickn5

Yesterday, I started on the part B of Cumberland Gap and I am having trouble with the little finger stretch in the second lick. I cannot reach fret 11 and have trouble getting a clean fret at 10. I worked on it for an hour until my fretting hand and forearm were cramping up. It was getting better at fret 10. Any suggestions on getting the little finger stretch at fret 10 and eventually at 11 would be appreciated. I have small hands and that may be part of the problem.

---

When working on something this extreme, streching your pinky be very careful that you don't over do it, and an hour is a bit extreme.  I would suggest five to 10 minutes at best, kind of like going to the gym and exercising, each day will build it slowly so that you do not tear it down to much.  I realize you want to get there as soon as you can we all do,  Keep at it each day slowly and you will get it.

flatheadmatt - Posted - 04/05/2014:  21:41:09

What a great thread!

Ive been using the murphy method videos off and on for a few years now. My big obstacle is that I leave for the summers for work. I cant play my banjo for almost four months. When I return,

its like I have to get my fingers back! Ive been through the beginner videos and the gospel one. Im about to embark on jam session standards. BTW, the easy songs for banjo video was a great one! Thanks Casey!

My biggest obstacle so far is finding people to play with here in Montana. I dont get out much, but have some neighbors who play fiddle and guitar...time to bite the bullet and see if we can jam this spring.

pickn5 - Posted - 04/06/2014:  04:33:50

Casey, jovah4832, thanks for the encouragement. I don't plan on giving up. I realize that practice is the answer, there are no magic formulas. I just started on the B part and by the end of the month it should be much better. Keep picking.

jonah4832 - Posted - 04/06/2014:  08:27:34

had a great practice with Murphy and Megan Lynch, with backup for fiddle tunes. Worked on Sally Goodwin, One tough song but it's coming, then went and and took what I learned and played it with the backup tracks on the hangout, started at 60 and took it to 100, which got alittle fast almost lost my pick. then slowed it back down to 80 and played the melody and backup almost sounded like a banjo player.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 04/06/2014:  08:42:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by pickn5

Yesterday, I started on the part B of Cumberland Gap and I am having trouble with the little finger stretch in the second lick. I cannot reach fret 11 and have trouble getting a clean fret at 10. I worked on it for an hour until my fretting hand and forearm were cramping up. It was getting better at fret 10. Any suggestions on getting the little finger stretch at fret 10 and eventually at 11 would be appreciated. I have small hands and that may be part of the problem.

---

 Hi Jeff.. Cumberland Gap up the neck is a tough one. But you've got to start UTN sometime, Sally Goodin is another tough one to crack. A little practice every day.

When I first tried Cumberland Gap I could barely move my pinky let alone fret a note. I found that Alan Munde's Bluegrass Banjo Workout helpful in stretching my fingers and getting better left hand co-ordination. These are just a bunch of warm up exercises which help you improve your overall dexterity.

almundesbanjocollege.com/Instr...html#DVDs

Ah I just remember another thing I did. This may sound crazy but it seemed to help me.

The pinky is not a finger that works independently of the other fingers on your hand. So the brain seems to find it difficult to get it to move independently. Since your already holding three fingers down in that V position all you can do is stare at the pinky and hope it moves.

Ok here's what I did. Using my right hand I physically moved my pinking between the 10 and 11 frets. I did this every day for several weeks until I could move my pinky ever so slightly without the aid of the right hand. The more I worked on this the better it got.   But I think it was really Alan's DVD that helped me most.

Casey's absolutely right just keep working at it, a little every day, it will take a while but one day you'll wake up and you'll not look back.

Thinking back on it now I do believe I was close to tears through the shear frustration of not being able to move my pinky. Alan Munde said much the same on his video now that I think on.

Reading Casey's comments I couldn't help but smile.. Just wait till you tryout her arrangement of Blackberry Blossom.. I still cant make that long stretch and maintain good timing. That reminds me I haven't tried to play Blackberry Blossom in over a year so I think I'll just dig it out this week and see how I get on.

Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 04/06/2014 08:55:42

pickn5 - Posted - 04/07/2014:  07:27:46

Hey all, thanks again for the advice. I took Saturday off from practice and on Sunday I practiced for a half hour. I put about 10 minutes in on the little finger stretch to fret 10. It started to work and was sounding clean. I then went on to the other tunes I know including the A part to Cumberland Gap. I'll be back at the B part today along with the other tunes. Keep picking.

flatheadmatt - Posted - 04/07/2014:  10:25:45

Ive been good about practicing every night. I really want to commit to taking my banjo with me on my four month hiatus. I think taking such a long time off from it impedes my progression. It will be hard to find the time to play, but I think it can be done. The downside is no TV to watch my MM videos while im in the bush!

One thing ive noticed.....sometimes if playing seems difficult and I just cant get into it...i grab a couple of ounces of whisky in a glass and all the sudden I loosen up and can practice like a madman. Im not saying to get intoxicated, but a wee pull can get the fingers rolling!

kelthurk - Posted - 04/07/2014:  10:48:45

quote:

---

Originally posted by flatheadmatt

Ive been good about practicing every night. I really want to commit to taking my banjo with me on my four month hiatus. I think taking such a long time off from it impedes my progression. It will be hard to find the time to play, but I think it can be done. The downside is no TV to watch my MM videos while im in the bush!



One thing ive noticed.....sometimes if playing seems difficult and I just cant get into it...i grab a couple of ounces of whisky in a glass and all the sudden I loosen up and can practice like a madman. Im not saying to get intoxicated, but a wee pull can get the fingers rolling!

---

My own practice has been a bit middling as of late, but I intend to up my commitment very much in the next month or so as I get life sorted out a little.  I will post details of my progress, once I experience some.  Meanwhile, plugging away at Banjo in the Hollow and focusing only on that, and rolls.  AND keeping my pinky planted . . . 

As far as travelling goes, you do NOT need a TV for the MM videos; if you to her site, you can download the videos onto your computer, phone and/or iPad for replay "in the bush".  Granted, this does require a "digital donwnload" re-purchase, but for me it is worth the extra $$ just to be able to bring the video with me anywhere . . . 

I also find that tequila helps my Spanish-speaking skills immensely!  So, it's whisky for banjo, eh? 

caseyhenry - Posted - 04/07/2014:  11:21:50

If you have bought the MM DVDs directly from us we'll be glad to set you up with a download code so you can get the download version. We don't make you pay for the same content twice!!

kelthurk - Posted - 04/07/2014:  11:26:35

Wow, even better!  I bought mine years ago from Amazon, so I had to re-purchase -- but again, *SO* worth it!  The digital download is FANTASTIC! and easy to fast forward/rewind/or find exactly what piece you are looking for, and beautifully simple to install and use on the computer and/or "mobile device" of your choosing.  

pickn5 - Posted - 04/08/2014:  06:33:34

I'm psyched, yesterday I had one of those practice sessions where it all just clicked. I got the complete Cumberland Gap memorized including the bridge from the high to low parts. My little finger behaved well also at the 10th fret and the notes were clean most of the time. Of course this still playing slow and having to think about the moves. Someday, I'll reach that 11th fret. The practice time of 1hour and 20 minutes just flew by and I ran out of time before I could get to the other items on my practice list. I think I made good progress. Will be back at it today. Keep picking.

mdmheath - Posted - 04/08/2014:  23:26:11

Murphy Method to learn to play Bach?

I'm slowly and happily working my way through my MM songs. At some point I want to try to play some classic Bach music. I have some TAB but I'd much rather learn by a MM type of approach. Can anyone suggest some good learning material?

Mick

pickn5 - Posted - 04/09/2014:  05:23:02

Yesterday, 1 hour of practice on all the tunes I know so far and some vamping with chord changes per the beginning track. I'm going to have to lay off the little finger today, the end is sore as all get out. I have a callous on it but I must be hitting the string in a different place when playing up the neck on Cumberland Gap. I'll rest it for a day then go back at it to build a larger callous area. Oh, the memories of when I first started learning!

caseyhenry - Posted - 04/09/2014:  05:34:23

quote:

---

Originally posted by mdmheath

Murphy Method to learn to play Bach?

I'm slowly and happily working my way through my MM songs. At some point I want to try to play some classic Bach music. I have some TAB but I'd much rather learn by a MM type of approach. Can anyone suggest some good learning material?

Mick

---

The way to do it would be the same way you'd learn a new bluegrass song. Take a recording of it and slow it down and try and pick out the notes on the banjo. That would be the by-ear way! You'd have to do it a note and a time, though, since you won't be able to fall back on any familiar licks. I'd suggest working from Bach pieces people have recorded on the banjo. It will be somewhat easier if it's a banjo playing it, rather than, say a piano or violin.

pbdeakins - Posted - 04/09/2014:  09:04:52

I started Banjo in the Hollow this weekend. I had started the method with Old Joe Clark on Vol. 2 and now am going back to start at the beginning...

I was reminded about how the method builds on itself, As I started Banjo in the Hollow, I realized that one of the main licks in OJC, was first taught in "the Hollow" (if you do them in the recommended order.) Already having that lick down brought me up to speed rather quickly on Banjo in the Hollow and can play through the entire song at a slow speed.

It is so important to isolate those licks and phrases that are tricky and play them over and over and over until you get them down. Chances are they will resurface in later songs or you can bring them into breaks on your own.

Happy Pickin'

kelthurk - Posted - 04/09/2014:  10:03:36

I've been practicing Banjo in the Hollow and rolls ONLY, really finding some comfort in the MM videos and enforcing the "one song a month" theory (last time I tried to learn to play I was all over the place, learning multiple songs at the same time and actually accomplishing little). I practiced for a couple hours yesterday and am noticing big improvements. Even if I'm still kinda unable to play through without mistakes, it's getting smoother and I know my fingers are learning. I am not at all trying for speed or even thinking about it. I am managing to play with my pinky down almost all of the time, which is a big improvement for me.

Here's a question, though . . . at this super early stage of learning for me, is it OK when playing the C chord to omit the middle finger on the 4th string, since it's not actually played? or will this end up hurting me greatly down the road. I know I will have to put that finger down eventually but right now it just sounds so much better when I'm only fumbling with two fingers and not all three . . .

caseyhenry - Posted - 04/09/2014:  11:14:57

quote:

---

Originally posted by kelthurk

Here's a question, though . . . at this super early stage of learning for me, is it OK when playing the C chord to omit the middle finger on the 4th string, since it's not actually played? or will this end up hurting me greatly down the road. I know I will have to put that finger down eventually but right now it just sounds so much better when I'm only fumbling with two fingers and not all three . . .

---

Yes, that's fine for now. You don't need that middle finger for the first few songs, and when you get to needing it you'll be a few months into playing and should be able to add it with no problem.

Casey

BanjoJohnny - Posted - 04/09/2014:  12:59:43

quote:

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Originally posted by pickn5

Yesterday, 1 hour of practice on all the tunes I know so far and some vamping with chord changes per the beginning track. I'm going to have to lay off the little finger today, the end is sore as all get out. I have a callous on it but I must be hitting the string in a different place when playing up the neck on Cumberland Gap. I'll rest it for a day then go back at it to build a larger callous area. Oh, the memories of when I first started learning!

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There is a good product called Tuf-Foot or Tuf-Pad, depending upon whether you get the same product for human feet or dog feet. This toughens pad on feet or dog pads. And is is great for applying to the end of your fingers to toughening them. I have bought it from directly from the owner who is a nice guy but you can find it also on Amazon and other sites.tuffoot.com/

Edited by - BanjoJohnny on 04/09/2014 13:03:39

MountainMoose - Posted - 04/09/2014:  15:56:20

quote:

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Originally posted by BanjoJohnny

 

There is a good product called Tuf-Foot or Tuf-Pad, depending upon whether you get the same product for human feet or dog feet. This toughens pad on feet or dog pads. And is is great for applying to the end of your fingers to toughening them. I have bought it from directly from the owner who is a nice guy but you can find it also on Amazon and other sites.tuffoot.com/

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Thanks for the link.  I'm still going through the tender finger stage as well as I work through Banjo in the Hollow.  I'm enjoying MM style of teaching after struggling with tab.  I can already play Cripple Creek, but decided that I should start at the beginning since I had not picked up a banjo in waaay too long and the song is brand-new to me.

Kurt

jonah4832 - Posted - 04/09/2014:  18:15:54

Just a word of encouragement, your all doing great, keep it up

pickn5 - Posted - 04/11/2014:  06:22:10

Practicing every day. I recorded the slow with guitar play along parts from the MM videos for Banjo In The Hollow, Cripple Creek, Boil Them Cabbage Down, and Cumberland Gap and put them on my MP3 player. Now I can listen and play along for practice without having to set up my computer each time. I'm getting to the point I can play along with Banjo In The Hollow and Cripple Creek without to many mistakes. Boil Them Cabbage Down still gives me some trouble, especially part B. I'm not to the point on Cumberland Gap where I can play along, yet. My little finger is better and yesterday I practiced Cumberland Gap again including the part B. The little finger is behaving and I'm getting clean notes at fret 10. When picking that 2121 I have to concentrate to remember it's IMTM and not IMIM. I think for now, I will practice these 4 tunes until I can play along with the recordings with only a few mistakes before moving on to the next tune. Keep picking.

jonah4832 - Posted - 04/13/2014:  05:28:04

Always keep in mind, that there is always someone better than you, however you will be better than some.  As you continue your journey into learning banjo, you may be learning and having a time with cumberland gap and think well other are just better than me, however they may be having time with fireball mail.  every where in our journey is a learning curve, one in which when we get around the curve it gets a little easier.  I have noticed when learning something I thought was hard, As i started something that was ever more difficulty the first became easier.  Also it seems at times we are not progressing, remember it is these times you are laying foundations, such as with a new chord or lick that you will use in your banjo career.  Again there are times when we feel we really can't play at all, when you feel this way get out and play with someone and listen to them give you words of encouragement. as they tell you you are doing good.  And if you don't believe great banjo players make mistakes, then watch the bloopers section of the murphy dvds, and laugh a little, because laughter is like a medicine . 

pickn5 - Posted - 04/15/2014:  05:25:12

jonah4832, thanks for your words of encouragement. I figure I'll practice the 4 tunes I know until I can play along with the slow with guitar version without many mistakes. The muscle memory will be fully ingrained. After that I will move on to the next tune. I'm guessing it will take at least to the middle, maybe the end of May. I have been isolating the trouble spots and playing them over and over. I then play them with the lick before and after smoothing out the transitions. I feel there has been improvement since my last posting here. Keep picking.

3 finger ninja - Posted - 04/15/2014:  08:42:09

I havent posted in a while but I was one of the first participants in this thread. I've got what looks to be the makings of a band, minus the bass. I "unloaded" a couple of my MM tunes on the guys last time we picked together. I think Bill Cheatham and Gold Rush are going to be part of our set. :)

pickn5 - Posted - 04/18/2014:  05:17:46

Practicing Banjo In The Hollow, Cripple Creek, Boil Them Cabbage Down, and Cumberland Gap playing along with the MM slow versions with the guitar. Doing so helps me get the timing down. My practice sessions are going well and I might have my play along goal of minimal mistakes completed sooner than I anticipated. I'll play it by ear (pun intended). Getting to the next tune on the Beginning Banjo Track and having enough tunes under my belt to try busking or an open mic are the carrot on the stick.

Indoors at home, I have to practice with a banjo mute. I've been checking out some of the city parks to see where I can practice outdoors. Four of them are close by and have pavilions and places to sit.
My back deck will probably work also. Come on warm weather!

tommygun - Posted - 04/18/2014:  10:36:36

Count me in!!  I have been using the MM for about a month now and really enjoy it.  My goals are to practice 30 minutes a day learning the songs on Volume 1 and  Misfits DVD.

Tom 

pickn5 - Posted - 04/19/2014:  07:50:08

Tom, welcome to the group. The MM has really helped me. If your not already, try using Murphy's Beginning Banjo Track. blog.murphymethod.com/2008/10/...jo-track/
She jumps around the BB1&2 and Misfits some, however, it all makes sense building on the licks and lessons learned. Keep picking.

flatheadmatt - Posted - 04/19/2014:  08:20:23

I slacked off for almost a week. Its amazing how your fingers just slow wayyyy down if ya dont keep at it. I put in MM slow jam video and played along through all the songs but old joe clark. It really helps with the progression of the songs to get ya warmed up. I find its a painless way of getting my fingers "back" when I dont play for a couple of days. It also helps me improvise a bit with some of the songs when im practicing backup and also with the solos. Nice video to have when ya dont have anybody close by to jam with in an instant!

pickn5 - Posted - 04/23/2014:  04:30:25

Had a little life interuptis Sunday and Monday so only got 15 minutes in Monday. Yesterday, 1 1/2 hours of practice playing the 4 tunes I know getting the muscle memory ingrained. I also practiced vamping, the 1,2,3 pinch with F, D, and Barre shape chord changes. It took a while to get warmed up. After that it went well. Today I'll try play along with the lesson music. Soon, I hope, to try playing with a backing track. Eric has put some nice ones in the archives. Thanks Eric.

Keep picking.

pickn5 - Posted - 04/24/2014:  06:35:04

Yesterday, 1 hour of practice. Tried playing Boil Them Cabbage Down and Cumberland Gap with the lesson music. It went better than I thought it would, but, still needs a lot of work. Played the other 2 tunes I know also. I will continue with the 4 tunes until I can play along with the lesson music with few mistakes. It gets better each day. Keep picking.

CGbownut - Posted - 04/24/2014:  13:29:41

So first lesson with Casey last Sunday. Now I have a practice plan. Today was. Banjo in the hollow. 5 times through. cripple creek. 5 times. Cumberland gap 5 times. F shape vamping. G C D G. 5 times through. Been doing this each day this week. Tomorrow I am going to look at watching. Boil them cabbage down. And see if I can start a lick or two of that.

pickn5 - Posted - 04/25/2014:  06:51:15

Yesterday, I practiced my playing along with the slow versions w/guitar from the MM lesson DVD's. I nailed Cumberland Gap the first time through and then could not get the high part at that speed for the rest of the practice session. On Boil Them Cabbage Down I was having trouble even though I had been able to play along in the past. Just gotta practice, practice, practice. I'll be back at it today.

pickn5 - Posted - 04/26/2014:  05:46:02

Practice on the play along went much better yesterday.   Got to make my goal so I can try using backing tracks and move on to the next tune. Keep picking.