Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/26/2013:  13:50:29

---

Today's Study Session 1 Hour 30 Mins

Today was not a very productive day.. I went over the licks for Daybreak in Dixie but I wasn't motivated to study in any detail. I also had other more urgent stuff to do so I wasn't really focused.

I have to head out early tomorrow so I wont be posting my usual early morning call but don't let that stop you... I should appear late morning or afternoon.

Happy Picking

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/26/2013:  14:01:10

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

Hi Marvin

 

KCRRB is in Drop C tuning there are a couple of tunes on that same DVD in Drop C... Home Sweet Home, Liberty and another that doesn't readily spring to mind.

---

Tam thanks for the tip, there must be another dvd with all those tunes you mentioned...maybe dedicated to drop c. The dvd i have is great banjo tunes and its all tunes in g except for the ksrrb. Nice to know i can get all those lessons though, and i.will soon.

I get bored easy and i dont like to tune, so having a couple of drop c tunes to tackle togethrr will be good for me...i think lol.

Marvin

---

Edited by - 3 finger ninja on 09/26/2013 14:04:24

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/26/2013:  15:59:20

---

Sorry Marvin

The tunes in Drop C are on the Soldiers Joy DVD

Soldier's Joy, Liberty, Home Sweet Home, Farewell Blues Casey also has a few Custom Lessons in Drop C - Polka on the Banjo  is one of my favorites,

Here is a clip.

 

capmike - Posted - 09/27/2013:  03:48:59

---

got in good practice session last night. Believe im ready to move to the next part of clinch mountain backstep. Whew, the timing sure seems difficult on this one.

Back Porch Banjo - Posted - 09/27/2013:  04:10:58

---

I've been working on that pull-off (3-2 on 3rd string) in Foggy Mountain Breakdown. My middle finger just doesn't want to push off upwards for some reason without hitting the 4th string. Thanks for the advice to try the ring finger and pull down. That seems to work much better! Of course, after I did the pull-off/lick a few hundred times last night, my significant other yelled from the other room where he was watching TV: "Are you ever going to play something?" I had a banjo teacher who said that when her young banjo students asked how long they had to practice, she told them: "When your parents run screaming from the house, you've practiced enough!" I'm taking that approach!

Seriously, thanks for the pull-off advice!

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/27/2013:  04:31:44

---

Good Afternoon Everyone                  Friday 27 September 2013   1230

Ready to get started on some serious practice his afternoon. I'll kick of with Daybreak in Dixie and see where I go from there.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/27/2013:  04:58:00

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Back Porch Banjo

 

I've been working on that pull-off (3-2 on 3rd string) in Foggy Mountain Breakdown. My middle finger just doesn't want to push off upwards for some reason without hitting the 4th string. Thanks for the advice to try the ring finger and pull down. That seems to work much better! Of course, after I did the pull-off/lick a few hundred times last night, my significant other yelled from the other room where he was watching TV: "Are you ever going to play something?" I had a banjo teacher who said that when her young banjo students asked how long they had to practice, she told them: "When your parents run screaming from the house, you've practiced enough!" I'm taking that approach!



Seriously, thanks for the pull-off advice!

---

Hi Back Porch

Your welcome.. Just to add a little to what I said. If your middle finger is hitting the forth string your using too much force. Try to get the string just under your nail and lightly push up and over the forth string. Do it dead slow and watch closely eventually you'll  find the optimum angle and pressure you need to get it to snap. Just push lightly for now then as you get more comfortable apply a little more pressure. You don't need to push hard, the string does all the work when you release the tension. Think of it like a bow an arrow. You should also follow through by picking the open third string with your index finger or the open first string with your middle finger. I suggest you alternate on those as you practice your push offs and your pull offs with the ring. At some point in the future your going to use both so you may as well start early. Also practice your 2-3 FMB Hammer-on on the second string. You have to build your finger muscles and coordination. If you watch TV sit with your banjo on your knee, hold all the strings with your right hand lightly to dampen the sound  and practice your Hammer-ons, Pull off and Slides

Delaware - Posted - 09/27/2013:  06:45:33

---

I have skipped practicing for a couple of days due to a continuing problem in my wrist.  I developed a type of tendonitis that gets worse unless I DILIGENTLY do my physical therapy routine - which I didn't.  I was so excited about practicing that I skipped the exercise and went right for the banjo whenever I had time.  Now I'm paying the price.  But this thread is some great motivation - and I think I'll be able to get back to playing this afternoon.  I'm going to give it a try and I'll let you know how it goes.  Wish me luck - my Murphy Method DVDs are calling me!

Peanutscreams - Posted - 09/27/2013:  06:50:08

---

Funny how a lot of us here in this topic seem to have our own little snags here and there. Been a week since I had anything of significance to post, and I still don't. Most in this topic seems to be working hard, practicing a lot, enjoying learning new songs, and moving along quite well. I'm playing everyday, practicing hard and enjoying also; but still pretty much the same songs from Vol I -II - and Misfits. I can't get past those because after two years, sad to say, still unable to play a nice D & F chord, I can play them, but trust me, there not all that. So that's my snag right now, and you really need to have those chords to play Old Joe and John Hardy for example.

Instead of isolating that snag and working hard on it; I have been fumbling over those while kidding myself into believing it'll be alright if I just do it fast, get it over with, and everything else will fall into place. Enough is enough. So my goal this week will be.

1. Stop experimenting with other tunes, for right now. (I have enough).

2. Concentrate on the D & F chord.

If I spunt half my time working on those two chords as I did skipping around and having fun on other tunes, I would be a happier picker. I know this to be true.

So until next post I'll be following along here continuing to learn new things from you guy's and gals. Have a great week-end.

Butch B.

jbgreen - Posted - 09/27/2013:  07:32:33

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Peanutscreams

 

Funny how a lot of us here in this topic seem to have our own little snags here and there. Been a week since I had anything of significance to post, and I still don't. Most in this topic seems to be working hard, practicing a lot, enjoying learning new songs, and moving along quite well. I'm playing everyday, practicing hard and enjoying also; but still pretty much the same songs from Vol I -II - and Misfits. I can't get past those because after two years, sad to say, still unable to play a nice D & F chord, I can play them, but trust me, there not all that. So that's my snag right now, and you really need to have those chords to play Old Joe and John Hardy for example.

Instead of isolating that snag and working hard on it; I have been fumbling over those while kidding myself into believing it'll be alright if I just do it fast, get it over with, and everything else will fall into place. Enough is enough. So my goal this week will be.

1. Stop experimenting with other tunes, for right now. (I have enough).

2. Concentrate on the D & F chord.

If I spunt half my time working on those two chords as I did skipping around and having fun on other tunes, I would be a happier picker. I know this to be true.

So until next post I'll be following along here continuing to learn new things from you guy's and gals. Have a great week-end.

Butch B.

---

I'm pretty much where you are right now.  I'm practicing the same songs and struggling with chord changes.  The F chord in Old Joe Clark is slowing me down, but it's the first song I've tried to learn that had an F chord.  No biggie.  I'll get it.  Wasn't too long ago that I couldn't form the D chord, but I'm doing a lot better with it now.

The important thing is to keep everything in perspective.  I mean, I've got no intentions of "going pro," so my goal is to improve and get to the point where I can jam with other folks of my ability level.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't be too hard on yourself.  You're doing the right things, and I'm sure you're a long way ahead of me.  Enjoy the journey.

Peanutscreams - Posted - 09/27/2013:  10:52:46

---

Thanks Jb. Yep, the F chord keeps me from playing Old Joe cleanly, and that is the only problem with that tune I have. The rest of the arrangement I find to be very easy, and always have from pretty much the beginning. Curious about how you are practicing your D chord. Partial has always been easy for me, but the full D is not coming along at all, Hopefully if I stick to my guns about only working on these two snags this coming week, I'll have some fine results to report back.

Thanks again for the encouragement. Always appreciated and received well.

 

​Butch B.

jbgreen - Posted - 09/27/2013:  11:47:03

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Peanutscreams

 

Thanks Jb. Yep, the F chord keeps me from playing Old Joe cleanly, and that is the only problem with that tune I have. The rest of the arrangement I find to be very easy, and always have from pretty much the beginning. Curious about how you are practicing your D chord. Partial has always been easy for me, but the full D is not coming along at all, Hopefully if I stick to my guns about only working on these two snags this coming week, I'll have some fine results to report back.

Thanks again for the encouragement. Always appreciated and received well.

 

​Butch B.

---

Well, I'm probably the last guy that should offer banjo playing advice, but I'll tell you what has helped me.

I started off taking "The Murph's" and my banjo instructor's advice and always form the full D chord.  There are obviously times when you don't need to, but I force myself to work on it, and now it just kind of happens naturally.  (Which is not to say that it doesn't need work.)

I also take 20 to 30 minutes of each practice to roll through chord changes down the neck.  While practicing my rolls, I'll change between a C chord, a D7 chord, a D chord, an E chord, an A chord and so on.  Kind of like killing two birds with one stone to me.

I also have begun working on memorizing chords up and down the neck using the D-shape, F-shape and Barre shape.  For some reason, I started with G.  I'll sit and form the G in each of the D, F and Barre shapes while playing rolls.  Then I'll find the A in those shapes up and down the neck and do more rolls.  I just sit for a while and switch back and forth between them.  I think it helps me remember where the chords are while allowing me to work on the different shapes.  I have no clue if this is a wise thing for me to be spending practice time on at this point of my banjo journey, but I enjoy doing it.  (I hope that makes sense.)

Finally, I've been working on the MM vamping DVD.  I start out playing along with Murphy and Casey and vamp using the G, C, D chords up the neck. I'm still pretty slow, but my speed is improving.

I wish there were some short-cut to learning them faster, but for me, it's just doing it over and over and over again.  But, hey, I've got the rest of my life to learn to play--be that one day or 30 years.

I hope the above helps and makes a little sense.  I'm still not so hip on the banjo playing lingo.

 

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/27/2013:  11:56:39

---

Todays Study Session 2 Hours 30 Mins

1st Hour worked on Daybreak in Dixie, Spent a bit of time on the Am - C Chord Combination Lick and the D Lick. Most of the other licks in this tune are from the Beginner Vols 1 & 2. 

2nd Hour I worked on Rolling BackUp - Holding down F and D shapes whilst playing continuous rolls. Working on endurance, timing and clarity.

30 mins Playing through, Clinch Mtn Back Step, Man of Constant Sorrow and Little Maggie

A fairly productive session

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/27/2013:  12:05:28

---

Hi Guy's

I hear what you say but changing from the F shape to the D shape is not really all that hard hard once you know how. Try this......

TAM's TIP's

 

The easiest and fastest way to learn is in three short phases.

 

Phase 1 Hold the F shape at the G on the 5th fret some folk refer to this as the first position G.

 

Study this position closely and in particular the fingers on the two inside strings. Now here is the easy part. With your pinky and ring finger firmly planted on the 5th fret raise your index and middle finger off the strings about two MM just enough to stop them touching the strings. Then place them back on the same strings. Practice this a few times just to get a feel for lifting the fingers off and on the strings. Be sure to keep the Ring and Pinky firmly planted think of these as your guide rail.

 

Ok once you are comfortable lifting the fingers off and on the next part is easy too. Still at the 5th fret lift off the two middle strings and this time when you put you fingers back down you switch strings, Your index finger goes to the 3rd string 3rd fret and your middle finger goes to the 2nd string 4th Fret making the D Shape. OK so far so good. Now lift off the fingers and place them back on the strings in the F Shape, off back on in the D Shape.

 

Now take your banjo with you and go watch some TV.. As you watch keep switching strings. After an hour come back and continue with phase two.

 

Phase 2

 

Ok your focus for now is your guide rail and the position of the Ring and Pinky.

 

Hold the F shape at the G on the 5th fret as before. Now slide that whole shape back one fret till your Ring and Pinky are resting on the 4th fret now lift off the middle two strings and switch fingers. You are now holding a D Chord at the first position. Now lift off the middle strings and on your guide rail slide up one fret to the 5th fret put down your index and middle finger in the F sha[e your now holding a G chord. Now go back to the TV and practice this for an hour.

 

Keep checking regularly to make sure you are placing your in the right place. Your objective here is to do this on auto pilot hence the reason your watching TV. Your educating your brain. It's like eating popcorn you don't look at the tub when your watching TV. Your hand stuffs corn into your mouth automatically.

 

Phase 3

 

This is the really easy bit... You already know the switch, you already know how to move between two chords. The final phase is just moving to the same chord at different location on the neck.

 

Back in your F Shape at the 5th using your guide rail move up four frets to the 9th fret switching as you go. You are now holding a G chord in the second position. Ok now reverse the process back to the G chord at the first position.

 

Ok popcorn time you know the drill. So each time you watch TV pick up the banjo and practice switching between chords all over the neck. Also mix in the Bar Shape.

 

Within a week or sooner you'll have it nailed

 

---

Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 09/27/2013 12:06:50

caseyhenry - Posted - 09/27/2013:  13:24:05

---

Also keep in mind that switching from F to D shape (and, indeed, moving your vamp chords around the neck even without changing shapes) is a LONG TERM project. It's not going to get significantly better the first couple weeks or first month you're doing it. It WILL get better over several months. You WILL get it. But it takes a long time. For everyone.

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/27/2013:  17:53:36

---

Well i had a busy day but managed to get started picking about an hour ago. I played thru limehouse blues, clinch mnt brkdn, hazel creek, bill cheatham and gold rush. I warmed up with duelling banjos...or banjo in this case. I'm watching the breaking bad marathom with one eye while i practice lol.

Marvin

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/27/2013:  19:36:39

---

Hazel creel is coming along good i just played it up to speed without any hickups for the first time. Feels good.

Marvin

nematode! - Posted - 09/27/2013:  23:12:48

---

I've found another possible "error' in Murphy's "Banjo in the Holler" from Beginning Banjo Volume One, DVD. I mastered Murphy's version of that tune long ago and is the tune I can play in my sleep or when people are staring at me and I can't think of anything else to play. Here's my dilemma: the other day I played Murphy's " Banjo in the Holler" in front of a very well respected banjo player and teacher. After I finished, he informed me that I played it slightly wrong. The "wrong" part was at the end of the B section, where, the last measure is split between a D chord (one beat) and a G chord (one beat), then, the B section is played through again. He said the Dillard's version (The Dillards wrote the tune) does not have a split D/G last measure, it is a full measure D chord that, moves back to a C chord for the second playing of the B section. I went to a youtube recording of the Dillards playing that tune and he is correct, there is no G in the last measure of the B section. However, I googled the chord progression for this tune and of the two chord progressions I found, both, had a D/G split measure a la Murphy's version. I've altered Murphy's version to accommodate a full measure D chord (like the Dillards played) and found that it feels unresolved in that section (deceptive cadence, I believe it is formally called). The banjo player told me if I played Murphy's version at a jam, I might get a "hairy eyeball" or two. I'm not sure which version I should play, Murphy's or the historically accurate Dillards version. Any thoughts? 

   FYI: Over the last 18 months or so, I've memorized Murphy's Volumes 1 & 2, Misfits, part of Jam Session Standards and part of Improvising DVDs (along with working with her jam videos, vamping video, etc). I learned "The Gold Rush" this week in two days with out much difficulty (aside from the snag I posted about earlier) and I am no prodigy, by any means. I say this not to brag, far from it, just that, Murphy's Method must be working for me and I think it will for you too. I've been to two of her weekend workshops and am planning to attend her next one out here in the Pacific Northwest. 

  Happy playing.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/28/2013:  00:54:04

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by nematode!

 

I've found another possible "error' in Murphy's "Banjo in the Holler" from Beginning Banjo Volume One, DVD. I mastered Murphy's version of that tune long ago and is the tune I can play in my sleep or when people are staring at me and I can't think of anything else to play. Here's my dilemma: the other day I played Murphy's " Banjo in the Holler" in front of a very well respected banjo player and teacher. After I finished, he informed me that I played it slightly wrong. The "wrong" part was at the end of the B section, where, the last measure is split between a D chord (one beat) and a G chord (one beat), then, the B section is played through again. He said the Dillard's version (The Dillards wrote the tune) does not have a split D/G last measure, it is a full measure D chord that, moves back to a C chord for the second playing of the B section. I went to a youtube recording of the Dillards playing that tune and he is correct, there is no G in the last measure of the B section. However, I googled the chord progression for this tune and of the two chord progressions I found, both, had a D/G split measure a la Murphy's version. I've altered Murphy's version to accommodate a full measure D chord (like the Dillards played) and found that it feels unresolved in that section (deceptive cadence, I believe it is formally called). The banjo player told me if I played Murphy's version at a jam, I might get a "hairy eyeball" or two. I'm not sure which version I should play, Murphy's or the historically accurate Dillards version. Any thoughts? 

   FYI: Over the last 18 months or so, I've memorized Murphy's Volumes 1 & 2, Misfits, part of Jam Session Standards and part of Improvising DVDs (along with working with her jam videos, vamping video, etc). I learned "The Gold Rush" this week in two days with out much difficulty (aside from the snag I posted about earlier) and I am no prodigy, by any means. I say this not to brag, far from it, just that, Murphy's Method must be working for me and I think it will for you too. I've been to two of her weekend workshops and am planning to attend her next one out here in the Pacific Northwest. 

  Happy playing.

---

Whoooooooooooow Mark

We are not here to Judge or find fault with YOU or the Murphy Method. Were here to help and encourage each other to learn to play the banjo. Period.

 

FYI There are many ARRANGEMENTS of Banjo In the Hollow, Murphy's arrangement is based on Doug Dillard's tune. Arrangements aren't Note for Note. they are loosely based around the melody. Go listen to "He's in the Jail House Now". by Jimmy Rogers, then listen to Doc Watson, then Webb Pierce, then  Johnny Cash after that  Tim Blake Nelson.  Which one sings it word perfect ?

Answer - probity none of them, even though credit for the song goes to Jimmy Rogers. The earliest copyright for the song is a 1915 version by two African - American theater performers named Davis and Stafford

The same is true of Foggy Mountain Breakdown even Earl is reported to have played it differently every time. If we listen closely to Murphy's arrangement she missed out a whole section. If you go nit picking your bound to find fault everywhere you look.

 

This is a practice group. WE are NOT here to debate any flaws with the Murphy Method... So if you have issues regarding the Murphy Method open up a new thread and we will discuss the matter THERE -----  JUST NOT HERE if you please. THANKS.

 

So you have been working with the Murphy Method for 18 months. Good for you.. I have been working with it for five and a half years and I still learn new things from it every day. But I am not BRAGGING - I accept the fact that I have much to learn.. And I really don't want to spend valuable time debating it when I would sooner be practicing and helping others who are interested in learning to play their banjos.

If you want to RANT carry on I will just ask Eric to hide your post's ----- RANTS are not welcome here.

OTOH If you want to share your goals and your progress your most welcome to stay.

 

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/28/2013:  01:08:12

---

Good Morning Everyone                   Saturday  28 September 2013  0900

My plan for today is to warm up with some Vamping and Rolling Back Up to Clinch Mountain Back Step, Man of Constant Sorrow Key of D, Little Maggie and Daybreak in Dixie.

My main focus today will be on the Am C and D Chord licks on Daybreak in Dixie and the F Chord lick in Little Maggie.

I plan to spend two hours study/practice today so depending how my session goes I may take a look at Ridin on that Midnight Train

caseyhenry - Posted - 09/28/2013:  05:07:39

---

The difference in the arrangement of BITH is not an error so much as a choice to make the song suitable to be the first one people learn. I've actually never asked Murphy if the arrangement is totally hers, or if she got it from somewhere else. Yes, Doug doesn't resolve to the G at the end of the first B part. Yes, Murphy does. Differences in arrangements of tunes tend to be regional (at least before the internet). In Murphy's arrangement both B parts are the same, which is one less thing the student has to learn/remember right off the bat. I love how Doug plays it, though, and I play it like that sometimes myself.

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/28/2013:  07:03:19

---

Plan for today-play thru my current list which is gold rush, limehouse blues, clinch mnt, hazel crk, bill cheatham. Beyond that i may do some hard work on single string and melodic exercises. I will post my progress at the end of the day. Have a great day everyone!

Marvin

nematode! - Posted - 09/28/2013:  10:38:05

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by nematode!

 

I've found another possible "error' in Murphy's "Banjo in the Holler" from Beginning Banjo Volume One, DVD. I mastered Murphy's version of that tune long ago and is the tune I can play in my sleep or when people are staring at me and I can't think of anything else to play. Here's my dilemma: the other day I played Murphy's " Banjo in the Holler" in front of a very well respected banjo player and teacher. After I finished, he informed me that I played it slightly wrong. The "wrong" part was at the end of the B section, where, the last measure is split between a D chord (one beat) and a G chord (one beat), then, the B section is played through again. He said the Dillard's version (The Dillards wrote the tune) does not have a split D/G last measure, it is a full measure D chord that, moves back to a C chord for the second playing of the B section. I went to a youtube recording of the Dillards playing that tune and he is correct, there is no G in the last measure of the B section. However, I googled the chord progression for this tune and of the two chord progressions I found, both, had a D/G split measure a la Murphy's version. I've altered Murphy's version to accommodate a full measure D chord (like the Dillards played) and found that it feels unresolved in that section (deceptive cadence, I believe it is formally called). The banjo player told me if I played Murphy's version at a jam, I might get a "hairy eyeball" or two. I'm not sure which version I should play, Murphy's or the historically accurate Dillards version. Any thoughts? 

   FYI: Over the last 18 months or so, I've memorized Murphy's Volumes 1 & 2, Misfits, part of Jam Session Standards and part of Improvising DVDs (along with working with her jam videos, vamping video, etc). I learned "The Gold Rush" this week in two days with out much difficulty (aside from the snag I posted about earlier) and I am no prodigy, by any means. I say this not to brag, far from it, just that, Murphy's Method must be working for me and I think it will for you too. I've been to two of her weekend workshops and am planning to attend her next one out here in the Pacific Northwest. 

  Happy playing.

---

Whoooooooooooow Mark

We are not here to Judge or find fault with YOU or the Murphy Method. Were here to help and encourage each other to learn to play the banjo. Period.

 

FYI There are many ARRANGEMENTS of Banjo In the Hollow, Murphy's arrangement is based on Doug Dillard's tune. Arrangements aren't Note for Note. they are loosely based around the melody. Go listen to "He's in the Jail House Now". by Jimmy Rogers, then listen to Doc Watson, then Webb Pierce, then  Johnny Cash after that  Tim Blake Nelson.  Which one sings it word perfect ?

Answer - probity none of them, even though credit for the song goes to Jimmy Rogers. The earliest copyright for the song is a 1915 version by two African - American theater performers named Davis and Stafford

The same is true of Foggy Mountain Breakdown even Earl is reported to have played it differently every time. If we listen closely to Murphy's arrangement she missed out a whole section. If you go nit picking your bound to find fault everywhere you look.

 

This is a practice group. WE are NOT here to debate any flaws with the Murphy Method... So if you have issues regarding the Murphy Method open up a new thread and we will discuss the matter THERE -----  JUST NOT HERE if you please. THANKS.

 

So you have been working with the Murphy Method for 18 months. Good for you.. I have been working with it for five and a half years and I still learn new things from it every day. But I am not BRAGGING - I accept the fact that I have much to learn.. And I really don't want to spend valuable time debating it when I would sooner be practicing and helping others who are interested in learning to play their banjos.

If you want to RANT carry on I will just ask Eric to hide your post's ----- RANTS are not welcome here.

OTOH If you want to share your goals and your progress your most welcome to stay.

---

So sorry, I guess my post was completely misinterpreted. I did not mean it as a rant or criticism of Murphy or her teaching. I LOVE Murphy ( in terms of teacher/student ). I encourage fellow aspiring banjo players to check her ( and Casey) out. I tell my local friends when she is coming to our area to lead a workshop. I would post paper flyers at local music shops or venues about her upcoming workshop if Casey sent me some. 

I was not bragging about my banjo skills in my post. In fact, I think I pointed that out in my post. Go back and reread it. I was encouraging others to stick with Murphy ( and Casey, of course) or so I thought. I was attempting to illustrate how the Murphy Method has been working for me.

I mention these "errors",  "interpretations" of the melodies because I'm fairly ignorant of the musical making process. I started banjo as a true beginner. No prior experience in any kind of musical instrument, at all. I'm kind of a blank slate. I have been reading music theory books lately, so, I'm getting more enlightened as I continue on this rewarding journey. My questions concerning Murphy's interpretations of these tunes is part of my learning process. Casey has kindly addressed my queries in a prompt and concise manner. Thank you Casey for doing that. Casey has enlightened me in these areas of concern. I feel that her (and other posters) have helped me understand this rather complex style of music a bit better. I feel that, by posting my questions, others will learn from Casey's and other reader's ( including yours), responses. These are questions that I won't have to ask Murphy when I next see her in person. I always am one of the people who ask her lot's of questions at her camps. 

Everyone reading this: please do continue with the Murphy Method. It works. It's fun. It's a worthwhile lifetime pursuit. Look forward to the next unopened Murphy Method DVD, I know I will (I've got a few I haven't opened yet and am chomping at the bit to get to them). Please carry on.

Best Regards,

Mark

 

 

 

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/28/2013:  12:27:28

---

Well my plan for today didnt go as planned...i learned a new tune...bluegrass brkdn. I thought it would be a breeze but once i started i quickly realized that ain the case lol. Its too late to turn back now. Ive pushed myself a lot since this group started and i now see im capable of learning a lot of new tunes faster than i could before...maybe my brain grew back some of those cells i killed in my younger days!

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/28/2013:  12:36:17

---

That's fine Mark.. Lets draw a line under it and move forward.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/28/2013:  12:48:40

---

Today's Study Session  went well, got through everything I had planned to do. Although  I didn't feel up to tackling Ridin on that Midnight Train I think I  leave it until next week. Busy day tomorrow so I may just  unwind with practing a few tunes. Mat revisit Casey's Fancy Back Up I haven't practiced those licks in a while so it will stimulate the old brain cells

---

Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 09/28/2013 12:49:06

capmike - Posted - 09/28/2013:  21:14:44

---

Good,solid practice today. learned Part A of clinch mountain backstep. Now to start working on part B. Got a lot of slow, deliberate practice on everything else  today.

More practice tomorrow.

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/28/2013:  22:14:42

---

Bluegrass breakdown...check. I was already familiar with all the licks but just not in that order. I might actually start another tune tommorrow...maybe how mountain gals can love, or dani lyn rag. Keep on pickin boys!

Marvin

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/29/2013:  00:33:12

---

Good Morning Everyone     29 September 2013    8030

 

Fine sunny day today... Just had a quick browse through the thread this morning and it would seem a few have dropped out.. Where's that commitment guy's Surely your not giving up that easily.

Well a busy day today I am playing my Banjo Ukulele in Church Today at the Harvest Festival.... I am hoping this will help me overcome my Stage Fright with the Five String.

 

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/29/2013:  06:02:18

---

Tam your right, it seems a few of us havent commented in a while.
Have fun playing at church services...thats something i would like to do someday.

Today i will be busy but may get in a couple of hours broken up in sections. I was looking thru my mm vids and realized that i had started foggy mnt special a while back and stopped...dont know why but im going to learn it...no excuses!

Marvin

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/29/2013:  12:22:36

---

Hi Guy's

Well my day turned out to be a lot busier than I thought it would. The Church Service went  really well and after lunch I visited my daughter to give my granddaughter a Ukulele Lesson - She is six and the lesson was Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. We spent most of the lesson on the chorus that being the hardest part and she took to it like a duck to water.. Alas the attention span is still very short so I popped Murphy's Ukulele DVD into the player and managed to extend the lesson by 15 mins...  After the lesson I got to chatting with my son-in-law so that kinda pushed back my schedule for the rest of the day. I hope to squeeze in 30 mins later this evening.

I will definitely try to extend my practice tomorrow to make up for time lost today.

Happy Pickin

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/29/2013:  12:34:27

---

Tam's Tip for today...

When your learning a difficult tune/lesson - work on an easy one at the same time. When you start to get frustrated switch to the easy tune for ten to fifteen mins - That will ease the tension. When you go back to the difficult lesson you'll be more relaxed. .

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/29/2013:  14:12:47

---

Well I managed to squeeze in 1 Hr 30 Mins Practice.

I ran through What a friend we have in Jesus and Amazing Grace about half a dozen times, before going onto Thinking tonight of my Blue eyes. It's been a while since I learned these Fancy Back Up licks and I was surprised at how easy everything just fell into place.

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/29/2013:  14:53:07

---

Way to go man, glad to see your sticking to the program. This group has been a good thing for my playing. I hope we keep this going and encourage each other , thats what the hangouts all about!

Good tip by the way.

Marvin

capmike - Posted - 09/29/2013:  17:40:35

---

I got in a lot of practice this weekend. at least six hours worth. I have a big jam session coming in a couple of weeks, and am trying real hard to get ready for it. Clinch mountain backstep coming along real well, still have a slight problem with the second part of the A part, but i'm working it out.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/29/2013:  23:30:42

---

Good Morning Everyone          30 September 2013   0730

Plan for today is to continue on with Casey's Fancy Backup I had a ball last night so I am still on a high. I will also run through the licks I have bee working on with Day Break in Dixie, Little Maggie, and play through  Man of Constant Sorrow and Clinch Mountain Back Up.

Well the clock is ticking no time to loose.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/29/2013:  23:34:16

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by capmike

 

I got in a lot of practice this weekend. at least six hours worth. I have a big jam session coming in a couple of weeks, and am trying real hard to get ready for it. Clinch mountain backstep coming along real well, still have a slight problem with the second part of the A part, but i'm working it out.

---

What seems to be the problem Mike ?

Is it the last phrase before you go to the B part ?

If so just go work on the B part, I kept stumbling with that but after playing through the B part a dozen times the A part and the B part all came together.

---

Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 09/29/2013 23:36:14

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/30/2013:  03:51:48

---

Today's Practice Session.. 4 Hours Straight

I revisited Casey's Fancy Backup DVD and you could say I lost track of time. I got so immersed in playing along I just couldn't stop. I had forgotten how great this DVD is. I just wish Casey and Murphy would do more back lessons like this. It really get's you playing along with some classic Scruggs licks.

Anyway I didn't get through everything I had planned to do.. When your on a high you've just got to enjoy the moment.

I have a Ukulele Class tonight so this afternoon I plan to work on material for that. I have a scales exercise to work on and two tunes Only a Paper Moon and These Boots are made for Walking. which has a great little leadi n run  which repeats throughout the tune.

Happy Pickin

capmike - Posted - 09/30/2013:  04:09:16

---

Tam, it is the last section of the A part.The timing seems to be throwing me off a bit. I want to make the G note an eighth note like the first time through, then play the 4th string open-1st open. I know its wrong,just gotta keep working it out.

Back Porch Banjo - Posted - 09/30/2013:  04:49:13

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

 

Tam's Tip for today...

When your learning a difficult tune/lesson - work on an easy one at the same time. When you start to get frustrated switch to the easy tune for ten to fifteen mins - That will ease the tension. When you go back to the difficult lesson you'll be more relaxed. .

---

I've found this Tip works for me.  I've been working through Foggy Mountain Breakdown a little bit at a time (the pull-off still slows me down but I'm working on it).  For some reason I've been finding that tune difficult to learn even though I love it and really really want to learn it.  I do find that switching to another one (Cumberland Gap) that I know fairly well when I get frustrated with FMB helps a lot.  I play CG for a while, then go back to FMB refreshed and ready to try again.

I have been getting at least my pledged 30 minutes of playing time in every single day -- usually a LOT more than that.  This thing called "work" interferes with my banjo pickin' a little too much......

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/30/2013:  07:23:38

---

Well today i plan on revisiting foggy mnt special. I also have the urge to jam so im calling my buddy ray up , maybe he. Will bring his guitar over.

I might try to mix match some a and b parts from diffent tunes im learning just to see how it sounds...like a part ofof bill cheatham with b part of goldrush. Might be fun.

Marvin

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/30/2013:  15:16:43

---

Extra Session 1 Hour 30 Mins

Managed to squeeze in an extra hour and a half tonight when I got home from my ukulele class.

I spent the first hour on the A part of Titanic. I am revisiting these lessons as it's been a while since I worked on this Fancy Backup.

I played through the rolls a few times to warm up then I practiced the Long Fancy D Lick. This is a classic syncopated Scruggs lick with a slide a choke and a bit of nimble fingering. After playing through the lick  a few times. I put the whole sequence together and starting off at the normal video speed and increase the speed by 10% increments using the VLC Player until I was plying at double the speed. Not sure how many BPM that was but it still felt reasonably comfortable. Good clarity on the rolls and on the D  lick without any fumbles at all.  Beyond that speed  I started to loose the timing and missed strings. I am quite pleased at the clarity and speed I was achieving as an exercise

 The last 30 mins I played through What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Tennessee Waltz, Maple Leaf Rag and Folsom Prison Blues, at near normal playing speed

Peanutscreams - Posted - 09/30/2013:  16:24:21

---

Spent a good deal of time over the weekend mostly playing Old Joe Clark and really concentrating on that F chord. Didn't stick straight to my guns about only working on that though. I did go back to John Hardy and had fun learning that. I also had learnt Gum Tree Canoe the week prior, and that was a very simple and short arrangement that can be learnt very quickly if anybody wants a fun tune to play that challenges using your thumb a lot on the b string and leading off the break with index, thumb on third, then index again on third. Hope that's the correct right hand order, anyway that's how I did it.

Now with John Hardy solved and todays "Murphy Misfits Group" blog in reference to "Learning By Ear" I know exactly where I am suppose to go next and I even have that DVD, yeah! It's unopened, but I am ready for it. The song is Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms. It's on the Jam Session Standards DVD.

That's my assignment and goal for this week. Wish I had something to contribute to those struggling with their tunes, but ya'll playing out of my league. I can't get close to Clinch Mountain, Gold Rush, Bill Cheatham or Foggy Mtn. Special yet.

Good news though for me, that F chord is sounding much better and I'm getting to it quicker.

For Back Porch Banjo, I may add - If your pull off is difficult, maybe try pushing off, flicking your middle finger up and off that third string I find much easier. Anyway, keep at it, it'll come. And best of luck to you.

Until next post, warm regards to all

Butch B.

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/30/2013:  18:10:53

---

I spent about an hour and a half on some hard focused picking. I played mostly tunes i know well and practiced speed, drive and tone...its hard to keep all three together without getting sloppy. Ive mostly been practicing slow and smooth lately but i like to let loose sometimes. What a workout! I finally have to right combo of picks (propik delrin thumb and propik angled.finger)that provide comfort and the tone i like and the stay put when playing hard. Very good day of practice. Tomorrow back to slowly learning new tunes.

Marvin

3 finger ninja - Posted - 09/30/2013:  18:16:43

---

Ive always been a speed demon on guitar whether playing with fingers or a pick...i ve had to hold back and focus on playing slow so i dont develop bad habits...but i do intend to play fast and faster as i grow as a player.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/30/2013:  23:21:34

---

Good Morning Everyone      1 October 2013  0715

Plan for today is to work through the second half of Titanic - I know it's tricky so I am thinking I will focus all my time on that today. Maybe at the end of the session I'll pick through a few tunes. We'll see what unfolds

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/30/2013:  23:30:07

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by capmike



Tam, it is the last section of the A part.The timing seems to be throwing me off a bit. I want to make the G note an eighth note like the first time through, then play the 4th string open-1st open. I know its wrong,just gotta keep working it out.

---

Hi Mike

That's exactly where I was tripping up... Go work on the B part - Forget the A Part for now just focus on that connection on the end of the B Part 1st time through. It's exactly the same as the end of the A part 2nd time through.

The end of the B part 2nd time through is the same as the A part 1st time through... Good Luck

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 09/30/2013:  23:49:32

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Peanutscreams

 

Spent a good deal of time over the weekend mostly playing Old Joe Clark and really concentrating on that F chord. Didn't stick straight to my guns about only working on that though. I did go back to John Hardy and had fun learning that. I also had learnt Gum Tree Canoe the week prior, and that was a very simple and short arrangement that can be learnt very quickly if anybody wants a fun tune to play that challenges using your thumb a lot on the b string and leading off the break with index, thumb on third, then index again on third. Hope that's the correct right hand order, anyway that's how I did it.



Now with John Hardy solved and todays "Murphy Misfits Group" blog in reference to "Learning By Ear" I know exactly where I am suppose to go next and I even have that DVD, yeah! It's unopened, but I am ready for it. The song is Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms. It's on the Jam Session Standards DVD.



That's my assignment and goal for this week. Wish I had something to contribute to those struggling with their tunes, but ya'll playing out of my league. I can't get close to Clinch Mountain, Gold Rush, Bill Cheatham or Foggy Mtn. Special yet.



Good news though for me, that F chord is sounding much better and I'm getting to it quicker.



For Back Porch Banjo, I may add - If your pull off is difficult, maybe try pushing off, flicking your middle finger up and off that third string I find much easier. Anyway, keep at it, it'll come. And best of luck to you.



Until next post, warm regards to all



Butch B.

---

Hi Butch

Sounds as though your making good progress to me. The tunes most of us are working on are from Murphy's Advanced Section on the whole they are not that my more difficult than Old Joe Clark or John Hardy the reason being that most of us have been trough the Beginning stuff and all that leads into the more advanced lessons. For example the slides you learned in John Hardy and pull offs and F chord in Old Joe Clark appear in some of the tunes in the advanced section. Having already learned these skills at the beginning stage makes the more advanced lessons easier. FWIW I consider John Hardy and Old Joe Clark as intermediate lessons well beyond the beginner stage. Gum Tree Canoe is also an intermediate lesson. It has some tricky sections. So good job....... Best of Luck with Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms...

jbgreen - Posted - 10/01/2013:  08:02:15

---

No much new to report.

I've been getting in at least an hour a day of practice for the last four or five days.

I'm really focusing on my timing and tone on all of the songs in my tiny repertoire. I'm trying not to be sloppy with pull-offs, slides and such. Slowing everything down and playing it over and over.  Seems like when I get one kink ironed out, another pops up.  Maddening sometimes.  

I've been working every practice session on Old Joe Clark.  It's getting better, but it still doesn't sound like it's supposed to.