caseyhenry - Posted - 02/07/2014:  05:24:28

quote:

---

Originally posted by articelk

Been working on Cripple Creek - got the brain & both hands together enough to get thru Murphy's lesson at a pretty good tempo for me - but when I put it all together, it just doesn't sound like the same tune that she's playing !? Tried all kinds of ways to alter my timing on the picking - just can't seem to get the song sounding like Murphy's Cripple Creek.  Anybody else had a problem with timing on this tune?  Maybe I just need to start over & unlearn what I've done - learn it all as new again.  Frustrated, mainly because I kinda like what I'm playing, but it just doesn't sound like the traditional Cripple Creek and I want it to.  Don't understand what went wrong 'cause I'm picking all the right notes with the slides, pull-offs, & hammer-ons in the right places - must be way off correct time for the tune?

---

What Tam said was correct. Also--how long have you been playing Cripple Creek now? Remember that Murphy had been playing Cripple Creek for at least 20 years when she filmed that DVD. It just needs more time. More repetitions. I know you want it to sound great right off the bat, but it does just take a long time. When you've been playing it for a year--literally a year--then come back and evaluate how close you're sounding to how Murphy sounds.

Good luck!

Casey

articelk - Posted - 02/07/2014:  06:07:22

Thank you Casey & Tam .... that's what this site is all about ... support and good advise - very much appreciated.  I've become attached to my desire for results - forgot that I was previously enjoying the journey ... good lesson there!

pbdeakins - Posted - 02/25/2014:  10:47:24

I read about this group in Eric Schlange's recent post. Happy to have found it! It's been encouraging to read through the threads and find several others at a slightly more mature age. I'm 46 and started up the banjo last year, a mid-life crisis perhaps. Anyway, I've found a great teacher and have been supplementing his teaching with Murphy's. As many have already stated, there still seems like a huge gap between what I am playing and what I am hearing. But I'm confident that it will come. Eric's first Tip about logging "2000 hours" before you can be up playing confidently with a group makes a lot of sense. So I'll just keep pickin' along.



Also thank you to Tam for the advice of Listen-Listen-Listen. I have a tendency to get through the lesson, work out the fingering and then keep practicing. I need to make sure I am taking time to NOT play along and just listen to her play the song at speed.



I am currently working on Old Joe Clark. I've got the parts down, now SLOWLY increasing tempo.

Edited by - pbdeakins on 02/25/2014 10:48:08

capmike - Posted - 02/25/2014:  15:35:46

Welcome to the group. Been kinda slow here the last month or so. I happen to be 55yrs old and started with the Murphy Method at 53. Can't say enough how great a instructional method it is! I would have never tried the Banjo without it.

just4fun63 - Posted - 02/25/2014:  19:25:20

Hi all I just found this group from Eric's post the other day and would like to join. I'm 51 and just beginning this journey. I've tried to learn twice before bit just could learn the tab way. I had given up and sold my banjo until I stumbled on to Murphy's site. I found my home. I bought the videos and a cheap banjo and wen to practicing. banjo in the hollow came fairly quick but I started to have problems with cripple creek, then i had a set back in the banjo world I got promoted and transferred and the banjo went in the corner a family illness came up and it sat there for a year. I thought the cheap banjo was holding me back and as I sat at a Dr appointment I bid on a gold tone OB 250 cosmetic blem. Oops I won. (75%off msrp) so I got the picks out and after all that time I was able to work myself back through 90% of banjo in the hollow and the A part of cripple creek. So the method works. The difference in the banjos was a major help and now I've been at it for about 1 month and am plating both songs well but slow.
Looking forward to all the good to come.

caseyhenry - Posted - 02/26/2014:  16:20:57

quote:

---

Originally posted by just4fun63

Hi all I just found this group from Eric's post the other day and would like to join. I'm 51 and just beginning this journey. I've tried to learn twice before bit just could learn the tab way. I had given up and sold my banjo until I stumbled on to Murphy's site. I found my home. I bought the videos and a cheap banjo and wen to practicing. banjo in the hollow came fairly quick but I started to have problems with cripple creek, then i had a set back in the banjo world I got promoted and transferred and the banjo went in the corner a family illness came up and it sat there for a year. I thought the cheap banjo was holding me back and as I sat at a Dr appointment I bid on a gold tone OB 250 cosmetic blem. Oops I won. (75%off msrp) so I got the picks out and after all that time I was able to work myself back through 90% of banjo in the hollow and the A part of cripple creek. So the method works. The difference in the banjos was a major help and now I've been at it for about 1 month and am plating both songs well but slow.

Looking forward to all the good to come.

---

Welcome to the group! Keep up the good work.

Casey

Back Porch Banjo - Posted - 02/27/2014:  04:18:35

Welcome to all the new "young whippersnappers" from one of your "elders"! You've found a great place!

smorrow61 - Posted - 02/27/2014:  07:23:28

Hey everyone, not sure how the practice group thing works. Lots of sudden emergencies lately to deal with so I've not got my head on straight to figure it out right now but I began the Murphy Method a few weeks ago. I'm on vol. 1 beginning banjo and am now on FMB. I am not a new player but have been away from it for a while. I have to say I picked up the first few songs very quickly and absolutely love the lessons over tab books.

I haven't been able to practice in the last five days or so but I'm looking forward to getting back to FMB when I get back home and things get back to normal. We had to pick up and head down to Texas as my father in law passed very unexpectedly. I have my banjo with me but it's been a crazy rush to get things squared away and things in order.

Anyway, not to dwell on that, I'm very impressed with the videos and had purchased vol.1&2 and misfits. I figure that I'll be drifting out of my comfort zone with my abilities here rather soon and I'll be happy to do so. I can't wait to slowly work through the material.

I've been practicing each song I've learned every time I practice before I start another part of the lesson and my accuracy and speed have been increasing quickly (from concentrating on accuracy) and I plan on doin a full review of the material before I move on to the next video. This has been the most fun I've had on the banjo since I started trying to learn years ago.

capmike - Posted - 02/28/2014:  03:12:23

I have been working on Fancy backup with Casey and Murphy. I plan on spending some significant time on backup the next few months, I'm going to put learning new songs on hold a while, until I have a good grasp of backup. I have about 15 songs down pretty well, and will continue to practice on those. So far I have gotten through Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes.After Fancy Backup I'm going to move on to Backup for Fiddle Tunes.

just4fun63 - Posted - 02/28/2014:  22:13:09

So I guess we are supposed to post what we did for practice each day.........foe me it was a pick up the tempo night. Started bumping the tempo up a bit. I was surprised. Not a long session hands are hurting tonight ( arthritis in my thumbs)

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/01/2014:  02:20:44

quote:

---

Originally posted by just4fun63

So I guess we are supposed to post what we did for practice each day.........foe me it was a pick up the tempo night. Started bumping the tempo up a bit. I was surprised. Not a long session hands are hurting tonight ( arthritis in my thumbs)

---

 Hi Tom

Welcome to the Hangout and to the Murphy Method Practice Group. If you go to the original post on page one it explains exactly what the purpose of this tread is all about. No one here is going to tell you what to do. The objective is to encourage each other to study, practice and basically share our learning experiences. Lately I have not been able to participate very much but that should not stop others from doing so.

Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 03/01/2014 02:32:11

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/01/2014:  02:26:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

Hey everyone, not sure how the practice group thing works. Lots of sudden emergencies lately to deal with so I've not got my head on straight to figure it out right now but I began the Murphy Method a few weeks ago. I'm on vol. 1 beginning banjo and am now on FMB. I am not a new player but have been away from it for a while. I have to say I picked up the first few songs very quickly and absolutely love the lessons over tab books.



I haven't been able to practice in the last five days or so but I'm looking forward to getting back to FMB when I get back home and things get back to normal. We had to pick up and head down to Texas as my father in law passed very unexpectedly. I have my banjo with me but it's been a crazy rush to get things squared away and things in order.



Anyway, not to dwell on that, I'm very impressed with the videos and had purchased vol.1&2 and misfits. I figure that I'll be drifting out of my comfort zone with my abilities here rather soon and I'll be happy to do so. I can't wait to slowly work through the material.



I've been practicing each song I've learned every time I practice before I start another part of the lesson and my accuracy and speed have been increasing quickly (from concentrating on accuracy) and I plan on doin a full review of the material before I move on to the next video. This has been the most fun I've had on the banjo since I started trying to learn years ago.

---

 Hi Stephen

Welcome to the Murphy Method Practice Group. It seems as though you have a plan and are working well.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/01/2014:  02:31:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by pbdeakins

I read about this group in Eric Schlange's recent post. Happy to have found it! It's been encouraging to read through the threads and find several others at a slightly more mature age. I'm 46 and started up the banjo last year, a mid-life crisis perhaps. Anyway, I've found a great teacher and have been supplementing his teaching with Murphy's. As many have already stated, there still seems like a huge gap between what I am playing and what I am hearing. But I'm confident that it will come. Eric's first Tip about logging "2000 hours" before you can be up playing confidently with a group makes a lot of sense. So I'll just keep pickin' along.



Also thank you to Tam for the advice of Listen-Listen-Listen. I have a tendency to get through the lesson, work out the fingering and then keep practicing. I need to make sure I am taking time to NOT play along and just listen to her play the song at speed.



I am currently working on Old Joe Clark. I've got the parts down, now SLOWLY increasing tempo.

---

 Hi Paul

Welcome to the Practice Group OJC is a tricky one when played at speed so be sure you know it well before you start to speed things up or your trip over the strings.

Buzzliteyear - Posted - 03/02/2014:  13:00:50

I would like to join, I read the intro and will read more...I started playing about 6 months ago, with bi-weekly one on one instruction here in the KC area, until recently. Due to life changes that are to happen in the months to come. Just purchased Murphy's beginning Banjo #1 and Vamping DVD. Should have them in a week or two.

I'll read the rest of the 16 pages here, just happy to be here...and learning the Banjo.

P.S. I have "turned" a wrench all my adult life (56) and I REALLY appreciate the true TALENT, time and dedication it takes to be a Musician...My hat is off to all those out there making a living with Music.

just4fun63 - Posted - 03/02/2014:  16:28:04

Thanks Tam Zeb

My goal for this month is to be able to play along with Murphy at the slow speed, both banjo in the hollow and cripple creek. I've been doing 30 min sessions trying to bump up the tempo. I'm very close on banjo in the hollow. I can keep up for a bit then I'll mess up. Usually in the pull off. Then I have to start over. Cripple creek will be a challenge.

Tam zeb. We have to talk sometime. I've always dreamed of visiting Scotland.

Edited by - just4fun63 on 03/02/2014 16:43:27

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/02/2014:  23:41:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by just4fun63

Thanks Tam Zeb

My goal for this month is to be able to play along with Murphy at the slow speed, both banjo in the hollow and cripple creek. I've been doing 30 min sessions trying to bump up the tempo. I'm very close on banjo in the hollow. I can keep up for a bit then I'll mess up. Usually in the pull off. Then I have to start over. Cripple creek will be a challenge.

 

Tam zeb. We have to talk sometime. I've always dreamed of visiting Scotland.

---

 Hi Tom

Ok so you know your tripping point. Guess wha,t that's what you need to focus on. But not just the pull off the two measures before and after the pull off. My guess is that your anticipating that pull off coming up and you get a little tense as it draws near,your brain starts wondering will I do it or will I flunk it. The only way to get past that stage is to tackle it in isolation and as the group of measures surrounding the pull off. You need to be able to play the pull off with confidence, without hesitation before you start to speed things up otherwise you will always stall there. I should add that PULL OFFs take a while to master I think it took me close on two years before I began to get a good snap. So lots of repations

If you can find a way to loop Murphy playing slowly then LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. get the timing in you head, For me I used to hit the rewind button.

We all mess up. nerves, excitement lack of concentration, distractions. Your not alone. Eventually things will start to click.

As for Scotland drop me a PM with your questions

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/02/2014:  23:43:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by Buzzliteyear

I would like to join, I read the intro and will read more...I started playing about 6 months ago, with bi-weekly one on one instruction here in the KC area, until recently. Due to life changes that are to happen in the months to come. Just purchased Murphy's beginning Banjo #1 and Vamping DVD. Should have them in a week or two.



I'll read the rest of the 16 pages here, just happy to be here...and learning the Banjo.



P.S. I have "turned" a wrench all my adult life (56) and I REALLY appreciate the true TALENT, time and dedication it takes to be a Musician...My hat is off to all those out there making a living with Music.

 

---

 You just did Welcome aboard

mdmheath - Posted - 03/03/2014:  23:38:44

Hi, I'm Mick Heath. I'm 65 and I've been playing for 2 years. Struggled at first with conventional lessons and tab. Then a friend introduced me to the Murphy Method. This has really worked for me. I have beginners vol 1 and BFM. I  can play 5-6 tunes slowly. 

Last December I got a Deering Eagle 2 to replace my entry level banjo - it's superb!  I also have a Tranjo for use in my RV. 

I live in Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. There are plenty of skilled musicians up here, but not many lowly learners - so I almost always practice on my own. I did pluck up courage to join an open session last month and I hope to do more n the future. 

A big objective for me is to attend a Murphy workshop in the US. We plan to ship our RV over for a 6 month road trip next year so maybe I can achieve my objective then. 

Looking fowrad to being in this group. 

Mick

Edited by - mdmheath on 03/03/2014 23:39:58

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/04/2014:  01:26:14

quote:

---

Originally posted by mdmheath

Hi, I'm Mick Heath. I'm 65 and I've been playing for 2 years. Struggled at first with conventional lessons and tab. Then a friend introduced me to the Murphy Method. This has really worked for me. I have beginners vol 1 and BFM. I  can play 5-6 tunes slowly. 

Last December I got a Deering Eagle 2 to replace my entry level banjo - it's superb!  I also have a Tranjo for use in my RV. 

I live in Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. There are plenty of skilled musicians up here, but not many lowly learners - so I almost always practice on my own. I did pluck up courage to join an open session last month and I hope to do more n the future. 

A big objective for me is to attend a Murphy workshop in the US. We plan to ship our RV over for a 6 month road trip next year so maybe I can achieve my objective then. 

Looking fowrad to being in this group. 

Mick

---

 Hi Mick

Welcome to the Hangout and to the Murphy Method practice group.

"There are plenty of skilled musicians up here" Really ? So that's where they are awe hiding. I guess the fish suppers must be tasty too.

Buzzliteyear - Posted - 03/04/2014:  04:20:36

While I am waiting for MM DVD's to arrive in the mail, I worked on my timing ( 70 bpm), slow rolls, basic chords and basic vamping, for nearly an hour... but I have noticed and need some idea's...

My RH index finger some times - alot - is missing in action!..trying to get a good 90* angle of fingers to string, tried angling my finger pick around my finger tip a bit..but still my Index finger is MIA, ...Muscle memory? not quite there?

Thoughts?

pbdeakins - Posted - 03/04/2014:  05:27:35

I'm trying to find a post that Murphy made about the "recommended" song progression. Must of been in the last couple months. Anyone have a link? (She jumped between vol 1,2 and misfits, not straight through the series)

jbgreen - Posted - 03/04/2014:  05:43:43

quote:

---

Originally posted by pbdeakins

I'm trying to find a post that Murphy made about the "recommended" song progression. Must of been in the last couple months. Anyone have a link? (She jumped between vol 1,2 and misfits, not straight through the series)

---

This one?  blog.murphymethod.com/2008/10/...jo-track/

pbdeakins - Posted - 03/04/2014:  06:58:08

Perfect! Thank you. Just what I was looking for.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/04/2014:  07:50:09

quote:

---

Originally posted by Buzzliteyear

While I am waiting for MM DVD's to arrive in the mail, I worked on my timing ( 70 bpm), slow rolls, basic chords and basic vamping, for nearly an hour... but I have noticed and need some idea's...



My RH index finger some times - alot - is missing in action!..trying to get a good 90* angle of fingers to string, tried angling my finger pick around my finger tip a bit..but still my Index finger is MIA, ...Muscle memory? not quite there?



Thoughts?

---

 When I first started playing rolls I missed hitting strings a lot. I wouldn't worry too much about it. As for angles I was never much good with a protractor and I didn't know I needed to know what angle my fingers were. I think many folk over analyze things too much. Keep it simple.

Make a fist place it slightly in front of the bridge open your fingers slightly to make a cup shape place your pinky and your ring finger on the head near but not touching the bridge or first string your good to go.

If your constantly missing strings. Slow down. 70 bpm is obviously too fast for you right now. Don't worry with practice it will come just be patent. How many times did you fall over before you learned to walk?

If you hit the wrong nail with the hammer whilst hanging a picture do you carry beating the same nail regardless ?

You gotta apply a little common sense

Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 03/04/2014 08:01:10

Buzzliteyear - Posted - 03/11/2014:  04:09:30

All Righty, received Beginning Banjo Vol. #1, last night in the mail, and making progress on" Banjo in the Hollow"... :)

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/11/2014:  15:11:47

Finally got my life back on track somewhat after two weeks of hell. My first lesson back is starting into Foggy Mountain Breakdown. And man it sure is a lot of info coming at you fast. Maybe just the pain pills keeping my head groggy but dang. Just a lot is all I guess.

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/12/2014:  10:38:18

And I'm guessing that posting here isn't gonna make a difference at all. Just not feelin it.

Buzzliteyear - Posted - 03/12/2014:  14:56:09

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

And I'm guessing that posting here isn't gonna make a difference at all. Just not feelin it.

---

Well, I hope you feel better!  I started playing 6 months ago, and like any training, there's up's and down's...I am learning that there are / maybe different approaches towards learning to play...This Method "Murphy's" I guess is just one facet.  I will attend a local jam here in the KC area, soon, so I think between an instructor one on one, Local Jam, video, etc...something or something(s) will stick!

But I hope whatever medical issues you had, are behind you!  

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/12/2014:  15:44:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

Finally got my life back on track somewhat after two weeks of hell. My first lesson back is starting into Foggy Mountain Breakdown. And man it sure is a lot of info coming at you fast. Maybe just the pain pills keeping my head groggy but dang. Just a lot is all I guess.

---

 Hi Stephen

FMB is quite a challenge, it's one of those tunes that need a lot of work to master. If it was easy it wouldn't be such fun to learn. Ok here is one of Tam's tips.

Practice the FMB Roll without the hammer on's. Forward Roll 21 21 5215 IM TM TIMT practice this every day for a week  10 - 15 minutes each day, practice it slowly, accuracy NOT speed is what your goal should be. . Then add the hammer ons.  I think it too me three months to learn this tune, then a further two years practice to smooth out the wrinkles.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/12/2014:  15:51:17

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

And I'm guessing that posting here isn't gonna make a difference at all. Just not feelin it.

---

 Hi Stephen perhaps it's not a good time right now for you to be studying, so soon after your family bereavement.   Leave it a few weeks, let things settle then try again.

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/12/2014:  21:32:41

No I'm good there. Just the practice group. That is good info you posted and thank you for it, just maybe I was expecting more of a turnover on the group. Just my bad I guess.

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/13/2014:  02:32:30

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

No I'm good there. Just the practice group. That is good info you posted and thank you for it, just maybe I was expecting more of a turnover on the group. Just my bad I guess.

---

 Not sure what you mean.

Are you expecting everyone to chip in and offer you encouragement? That's not really the function of this thread although the majority of the participants do that anyway.

If you need direction go read the the very first entry on page one

pickn5 - Posted - 03/13/2014:  06:00:33

Hey all, I would like to join in your practice group. After two and a half years of learning from other resources and feeling stuck, I'm currently about 2 1/2 months into the Murphy Method after getting Beginning Banjo 1&2, and Misfits. I really like Murphy's teaching style and feel I'm making good progress again. I'm following her beginning banjo track. It took me two weeks for Banjo In The Hollow, and following the track, I took a month on Cripple Creek, and now I'm a couple of weeks into Boil Them Cabbage Down. I've got the singing (for me, saying) the words down on the strumming and square roll going ok. Singing with the break licks is going to take longer. I might have to stretch Boil Them Cabbage Down to more than a month, as I have to get the singing with the licks right and work on the vamping with the chord changes. I practice every day, usually for 1 1/2 hours. I plan on continuing with the MM when I complete the lessons I have now. I'm one of those people with hearing loss and could never carry a tune. With the MM my ear is getting better. You just have to listen, listen, listen, and practice, practice, practice.

Goals:
Learn to play the banjo well with proper techniques, timing, tone, and taste.
Get out to jams and learn to play with others.
Learn enough tunes, well and try busking, or maybe an open mic.

Keep picking.
Jeff

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/13/2014:  06:29:51

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

No I'm good there. Just the practice group. That is good info you posted and thank you for it, just maybe I was expecting more of a turnover on the group. Just my bad I guess.

---

 Not sure what you mean.

Are you expecting everyone to chip in and offer you encouragement? That's not really the function of this thread although the majority of the participants do that anyway.

If you need direction go read the the very first entry on page one

---

I guess I am an extremely goal oriented person in the first place so the thought of posting on here merely as a way to follow a goal kinda went past me. To me, words of encouragement or some friendly advice seems more logical. Oh well, I'll continue to chart and monitor my progress. Thanks. 

caseyhenry - Posted - 03/13/2014:  11:59:06

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

Finally got my life back on track somewhat after two weeks of hell. My first lesson back is starting into Foggy Mountain Breakdown. And man it sure is a lot of info coming at you fast. Maybe just the pain pills keeping my head groggy but dang. Just a lot is all I guess.

---

If you're doing FMB right after Cumberland Gap (which is the previous song on Beginning Banjo Vol 1) it IS a lot of stuff coming at you very fast. In fact, Murphy recommends (in a blog post here: blog.murphymethod.com/2008/10/...jo-track/) doing the ENTIRE Banjo for Misfits DVD before tackling FMB. It is perfectly okay if you don't, of course, but just keep that in mind as you're working your way through it. It's a lot of new info and new skills and it will take at LEAST a couple months of practice. Good luck!!

Casey

jonah4832 - Posted - 03/16/2014:  05:29:17

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.

Buzzliteyear - Posted - 03/26/2014:  04:11:55

Morning, Everyone... :) Love the BHO Backing Tracks, been practicing everyday after work...and having fun! Love the sound of the Banjo. Have a great Day!

kelthurk - Posted - 03/26/2014:  09:45:20

Hi!  I've just skimmed quickly (maybe 5 minutes?) through this thread and think I've found a place to park myself!  I am 47 years old and have absolutely no musical talent, ear or ability.  Can't sing, can't dance, can't play.  I have always loved the sound of the banjo and have always harbored a secret dream of being able to play.  Not professionally, not on a stage, not even in front of people necessarily, but enough so I can pick the thing up and play a recognizable tune or 10.  I bought my Gold Tone CC100R (I think) 5 years ago, and played for about a month or two, using Murphy's DVDs mixed with a couple of books and play-along things on the internet.  I could kinda play Boil Them Cabbage, Old Grey Goose, and a very poor Cripple Creek.  Then I saw something shiny, or whatever, and the banjo got moved to the corner and I did not touch it till yesterday.  It just sat there, collecting dust and mocking me.

Well, times are changing and yesterday I picked the banjo up again.  I've forgotten most everything I once knew, even though it wasn't much.  I DID remember how to put the picks on the right way, which is an improvement!  So I am starting from pretty much nothin'.  I intend to try and learn the way I did before, mostly with the MM intersperesed with a few other instructional techniques.  I do NOT presently have access to a teacher, so it's all on me.  

In a month or two, I will be selling my house and moving into my truck camper for a GIGANTIC life change.  This is what re-ignited my banjo interest.  Very soon, I presume I will have much more time to devote to hobbies and interests, and number one on the list in banjo.  Until I'm actually on the road I'll be playing my Gold Tone, but for the sake of sturdiness and portability, I've ordered a Tranjo and will be taking that along with me.

Time is not on my side at the moment and I won't initially have too much time for dedicated practice, but that will change in the next couple of months.  I look forward to getting back into it.  I am posting this here as a motivation for myself to connect with other people (not a skill of mine, really), to commit to something somewhere, and perhaps to act as motivation for me to STICK WITH IT!

Anyhow, Hello all! and thanks for all the great tips and advice already offered.  Just reading through these posts makes me want to pick up the banjo, and that's what I need to do most!

to paraphrase: "The best time to learn to play banjo was 20 years ago; the second best time is Today"

Thanks for reading, 

Kelly

(edit: apparently I'm 46!)

Edited by - kelthurk on 03/26/2014 09:49:07

jbgreen - Posted - 03/26/2014:  10:20:05

quote:

---

Originally posted by kelthurk

Hi!  I've just skimmed quickly (maybe 5 minutes?) through this thread and think I've found a place to park myself!  I am 47 years old and have absolutely no musical talent, ear or ability.  Can't sing, can't dance, can't play.  I have always loved the sound of the banjo and have always harbored a secret dream of being able to play.  Not professionally, not on a stage, not even in front of people necessarily, but enough so I can pick the thing up and play a recognizable tune or 10.  I bought my Gold Tone CC100R (I think) 5 years ago, and played for about a month or two, using Murphy's DVDs mixed with a couple of books and play-along things on the internet.  I could kinda play Boil Them Cabbage, Old Grey Goose, and a very poor Cripple Creek.  Then I saw something shiny, or whatever, and the banjo got moved to the corner and I did not touch it till yesterday.  It just sat there, collecting dust and mocking me.

Well, times are changing and yesterday I picked the banjo up again.  I've forgotten most everything I once knew, even though it wasn't much.  I DID remember how to put the picks on the right way, which is an improvement!  So I am starting from pretty much nothin'.  I intend to try and learn the way I did before, mostly with the MM intersperesed with a few other instructional techniques.  I do NOT presently have access to a teacher, so it's all on me.  

In a month or two, I will be selling my house and moving into my truck camper for a GIGANTIC life change.  This is what re-ignited my banjo interest.  Very soon, I presume I will have much more time to devote to hobbies and interests, and number one on the list in banjo.  Until I'm actually on the road I'll be playing my Gold Tone, but for the sake of sturdiness and portability, I've ordered a Tranjo and will be taking that along with me.

Time is not on my side at the moment and I won't initially have too much time for dedicated practice, but that will change in the next couple of months.  I look forward to getting back into it.  I am posting this here as a motivation for myself to connect with other people (not a skill of mine, really), to commit to something somewhere, and perhaps to act as motivation for me to STICK WITH IT!

Anyhow, Hello all! and thanks for all the great tips and advice already offered.  Just reading through these posts makes me want to pick up the banjo, and that's what I need to do most!

to paraphrase: "The best time to learn to play banjo was 20 years ago; the second best time is Today"

Thanks for reading, 

Kelly

(edit: apparently I'm 46!)

---

That sounds cool.  I've secretly dreamed of doing the same thing.

jonah4832 - Posted - 03/26/2014:  10:47:49

quote:

---

Originally posted by kelthurk

Hi!  I've just skimmed quickly (maybe 5 minutes?) through this thread and think I've found a place to park myself!  I am 47 years old and have absolutely no musical talent, ear or ability.  Can't sing, can't dance, can't play.  I have always loved the sound of the banjo and have always harbored a secret dream of being able to play.  Not professionally, not on a stage, not even in front of people necessarily, but enough so I can pick the thing up and play a recognizable tune or 10.  I bought my Gold Tone CC100R (I think) 5 years ago, and played for about a month or two, using Murphy's DVDs mixed with a couple of books and play-along things on the internet.  I could kinda play Boil Them Cabbage, Old Grey Goose, and a very poor Cripple Creek.  Then I saw something shiny, or whatever, and the banjo got moved to the corner and I did not touch it till yesterday.  It just sat there, collecting dust and mocking me.

Well, times are changing and yesterday I picked the banjo up again.  I've forgotten most everything I once knew, even though it wasn't much.  I DID remember how to put the picks on the right way, which is an improvement!  So I am starting from pretty much nothin'.  I intend to try and learn the way I did before, mostly with the MM intersperesed with a few other instructional techniques.  I do NOT presently have access to a teacher, so it's all on me.  

In a month or two, I will be selling my house and moving into my truck camper for a GIGANTIC life change.  This is what re-ignited my banjo interest.  Very soon, I presume I will have much more time to devote to hobbies and interests, and number one on the list in banjo.  Until I'm actually on the road I'll be playing my Gold Tone, but for the sake of sturdiness and portability, I've ordered a Tranjo and will be taking that along with me.

Time is not on my side at the moment and I won't initially have too much time for dedicated practice, but that will change in the next couple of months.  I look forward to getting back into it.  I am posting this here as a motivation for myself to connect with other people (not a skill of mine, really), to commit to something somewhere, and perhaps to act as motivation for me to STICK WITH IT!

Anyhow, Hello all! and thanks for all the great tips and advice already offered.  Just reading through these posts makes me want to pick up the banjo, and that's what I need to do most!

to paraphrase: "The best time to learn to play banjo was 20 years ago; the second best time is Today"

Thanks for reading, 

Kelly

(edit: apparently I'm 46!)

---

If I may make a suggestion.  Doesn't take alot of time to practice, to begin with perhaps 15 min to 30 min, Dont over do it r take on to much at one time.  Forget other books for now and stick with the beginning banjo volume one, practice the roll she shows you each day, and only one song a month till you get going good.  Stick with it and you will see results which will please you and you will continue.  Dont try to keep up with her, learn the song, i suggest practicing with a metronome at a slow speed, then when you can gradulaaly speed it up, you will know when it is time to speed it up some, because you can play it so well slowly.  Then when you know all of those five songs it will probally take you 6 months to a yr, then get banjo for misfits, by this time you will be catching on a little quicker.  Learn those five another 6 months to a yr, now you have ten songs.  Then I would suggest her slow jam dvd to learn to play with others.  By all means havve fun.  Beginning banjo vol 2, is a little harder, but you should be ready for it go slow one phrase at a time, and tell yourself you can do it because you can too many ppl have already done it.  Faith is the substance of things hoped for yet the evidence of things not seen.  So have some faith, put your time in and you will accomplish your goals.

kelthurk - Posted - 03/26/2014:  12:21:01

"That sounds cool.  I've secretly dreamed of doing the same thing."

I've been dreaming and planning for 2.5 years.  Now that it's actually just on the horizon, I AM FREAKING OUT!  But I'm ready for it, and can't wait to get started on this next chapter of an already weird life!

"If I may make a suggestion.  Doesn't take alot of time to practice, to begin with perhaps 15 min to 30 min, Dont over do it r take on to much at one time.  Forget other books for now and stick with the beginning banjo volume one"

Thank you for your encouragement!  I'm hopeful that THIS TIME I'll stick around more than a month or two.  I tend to get super-obsessed with things, buy all the books and accoutrements, be really focused for a little while, then . . . eh.  (familiar story, no doubt).  It is interesting that you counsel not biting off more than I can chew, and leave the other books, etc. on the bookshelf and just make slow progress.  I'm fully aware that one should PLAY the banjo slowly ("Speed is not important") but I haven't really thought about PRACTICING slowly.  

So, just rolls and Banjo in the Hollow for a month, huh?  My mind says "but But BUT!" and wants to immediately start working on 3 songs or so.  Perhaps I am shooting myself in the foot with this philosophy.  I am willing to try to slow down (but I so looove all the books and stuff I have! ;-)  Patience!! 

edit: formatting (still ain't right)

Edited by - kelthurk on 03/26/2014 12:22:01

Tam_Zeb - Posted - 03/27/2014:  01:23:36

Hi Guy's

I haven't been posting here in a while. I am working through "other stuff" mostly back-up lessons - not Murphy Method lessons - although I have been working on the MM Fiddle Backup and Casey's Fancy Back-up on and off.

Also I have not been spending as much time on the BHO in general.

So this is just a heads up to let you know I haven't given up the banjo I still set new goals and practice every day I just don't record it here. Over the summer I will be spending even less time here but will continue to look in from time to time  to see how your all progressing. If I read that someone is struggling I do my best to help out. But I think on the whole my job is done here which was really just to motivate you guy's to study and practice regularly.

Hopefully you saw a marked improvement in yourself during this period. I certainly have improved.

Best Wishes and Happy Pickin

Edited by - Tam_Zeb on 03/27/2014 01:27:25

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/27/2014:  11:31:55

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. 

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/27/2014:  11:45:45

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tam_Zeb

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

No I'm good there. Just the practice group. That is good info you posted and thank you for it, just maybe I was expecting more of a turnover on the group. Just my bad I guess.

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 Not sure what you mean.

Are you expecting everyone to chip in and offer you encouragement? That's not really the function of this thread although the majority of the participants do that anyway.

If you need direction go read the the very first entry on page one

---

Actually, yes. I did expect a group of people traveling the same path to reach a common goal to be supportive. That's how I try to live my life and treat others. Maybe I was just a little down over the last two months of dealing with what my family and I have been going through as well, but yes I thought that encouragement and words of wisdom would be... well... encouraged. 

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/27/2014:  11:51:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by caseyhenry

quote:

---

Originally posted by smorrow61

Finally got my life back on track somewhat after two weeks of hell. My first lesson back is starting into Foggy Mountain Breakdown. And man it sure is a lot of info coming at you fast. Maybe just the pain pills keeping my head groggy but dang. Just a lot is all I guess.

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If you're doing FMB right after Cumberland Gap (which is the previous song on Beginning Banjo Vol 1) it IS a lot of stuff coming at you very fast. In fact, Murphy recommends (in a blog post here: blog.murphymethod.com/2008/10/...jo-track/) doing the ENTIRE Banjo for Misfits DVD before tackling FMB. It is perfectly okay if you don't, of course, but just keep that in mind as you're working your way through it. It's a lot of new info and new skills and it will take at LEAST a couple months of practice. Good luck!!

Casey

---

Thank you for the advice. This was just what I needed. I will indeed work through the misfits video before FMB. I tend to try and take a regimented approach to things being retired military so jumping around isn't something that comes to me naturally sometimes. 

jonah4832 - Posted - 03/27/2014:  14:10:53

When learning from any method, you got to take alot into consideration, 1 chord progression, 2 rolls 3 songs 4 licks that make up the song ect..  Now ask yourself as a beginner am i just learning this particular song, if so then you defeated the purpose.  The whole purpose inlearning songs in a method approach, is 1 to learn chords to use in other songs. 2 to learn rolls to use in other songs.  3 to learn a song and build your reportior. 4 to learn licks that will be used in other songs.  5 learning the melody and how to apply the rolls around it so you can start to figure out your own arrangments.  And 6 when you  learn to play the melody to a song, and no longer have to look at it or watch it, then you should work on some backup to it, vamping backup, rolling backup, and learn some not all tag and fill licks to put at the end of phrases kind of where a comma or periiod would be in a sentence.    Take it slow, use a lot of repition, and keep at it, through faith and hard work you will see results.

smorrow61 - Posted - 03/27/2014:  14:26:35

quote:

---

Originally posted by jonah4832

When learning from any method, you got to take alot into consideration, 1 chord progression, 2 rolls 3 songs 4 licks that make up the song ect..  Now ask yourself as a beginner am i just learning this particular song, if so then you defeated the purpose.  The whole purpose inlearning songs in a method approach, is 1 to learn chords to use in other songs. 2 to learn rolls to use in other songs.  3 to learn a song and build your reportior. 4 to learn licks that will be used in other songs.  5 learning the melody and how to apply the rolls around it so you can start to figure out your own arrangments.  And 6 when you  learn to play the melody to a song, and no longer have to look at it or watch it, then you should work on some backup to it, vamping backup, rolling backup, and learn some not all tag and fill licks to put at the end of phrases kind of where a comma or periiod would be in a sentence.    Take it slow, use a lot of repition, and keep at it, through faith and hard work you will see results.

---

Yes, thank you. I agree with every word you say here. I practice not only the songs I am learning every day, but also the new licks and chords. I always play at a manageable tempo. This is my second time learning the banjo. I had a bad head injury some time ago and it's been quite a time trying to just get back to where I could start learning again. When I was younger I went for speed more than accuracy and can clearly see the fault in that and how it showed in my playing. Now I focus on accuracy. I also play for ten or fifteen minutes at the end of my practicing by improvising some and adding in the new things that I have learned along with everything else. 

Just was saying that going from Cumberland Gap to FMB where I currently am in the learning stage is kinda like going from learning addition one day and straight to calculus the next. Not saying it isn't possible... Just sayin...

pickn5 - Posted - 03/28/2014:  07:16:39

Hey all, I'm practicing about 1 1/2 hours most days. Working on the beginning banjo track and currently on Boil Them Cabbage Down. I was initially going to follow the one song per month advice Murphy gives in the track, however, due to my not being able to carry a tune in a bucket, I'm going to take more time on Boil Them Cabbage Down and get the singing in with the lead parts up and down the neck done before moving on to the next tune. I continue to work on the vamping part also. My chord changes are getting cleaner and faster and my 1,2,3 string pinch is improving. I found that I was losing some skill on previously learned tunes due to concentrating practice on the new song. Now I practice all three tunes each day. After a while, I'll have to extend practice sessions as I learn new tunes in order to keep up on them all or pick and choose what to practice each day. Keep picking.

Edited by - pickn5 on 03/28/2014 07:18:24

jonah4832 - Posted - 03/28/2014:  08:42:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by pickn5

Hey all, I'm practicing about 1 1/2 hours most days. Working on the beginning banjo track and currently on Boil Them Cabbage Down. I was initially going to follow the one song per month advice Murphy gives in the track, however, due to my not being able to carry a tune in a bucket, I'm going to take more time on Boil Them Cabbage Down and get the singing in with the lead parts up and down the neck done before moving on to the next tune. I continue to work on the vamping part also. My chord changes are getting cleaner and faster and my 1,2,3 string pinch is improving. I found that I was losing some skill on previously learned tunes due to concentrating practice on the new song. Now I practice all three tunes each day. After a while, I'll have to extend practice sessions as I learn new tunes in order to keep up on them all or pick and choose what to practice each day. Keep picking.

---

Sounds like your doing great.  Practice should always consist of what you can't play.  Whether it be a song  or a lick or backup pattern.  Focus on the hard parts bring them up to speed with the easy parts.  Usually about 15 min to 30 min's a day practice is effecient, then let the brain process what you learned.  Then use the rest of your 30 min or hour or whatever playing what you already know, and this will provide breakthroughs for your learning, your timing will improve, your speed will improve and your having fun, always try to add backup techniques or licks your learning to songs you already know.  Playing can sometimes seem like practice but the two should always be separate.