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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/276252/2
schlange - Posted - 01/06/2014: 08:37:18
Hour and 15 minutes this morning. Started working on Lonesome Road Blues--I actually have a Murphy Method video of it (it's the last song on her Beginning Banjo 2 DVD) so I did that. It was a lot of fun!
I'll post more about Lonesome Road Blues sometime today.
guitardude - Posted - 01/06/2014: 13:27:27
Hi everyone, I'm the FNG here. New to this site and to banjo (I have played guitar for about 30 years though, about 15 of those semi-professionally). This site looks great, btw! I wasn't sure where to get the first post in but I liked the practice group idea you have going here, so I figured this would be a good place to say hello.
hskrfn - Posted - 01/06/2014: 15:13:55
Welcome Dude. Lots of great info and really nice people on this site. the first or second thread on this portion of the site is from Rob Bourassa who is a pro guitar player who does great free banjo lessons.
schlange - Posted - 01/06/2014: 15:53:46
This week's TOTW is "Lonesome Road Blues," also known as "Going Down the Road Feeling Bad." Ralph Rinzler called it "a white blues of universal appeal and uncertain origin." While it does have lyrics (which vary from version to version) Scruggs played it as an instrumental. This is a well-known tune in bluegrass circles, and the first known recording of it was from Henry Whitter in 1924.
Earl, of course, played the dickens out of this tune. I've attached a couple videos below.
There are a bunch of versions of this in the tab archive, but I found Lee Marcus' version here to be pretty thorough, containing high and low breaks and variations. I'm actually working on this tune using the Murphy Method Beginning Banjo Volume 2 videos--the high break for this song is lots of fun and the last song on that volume.
There are 54 versions of this tune in the MP3 archives, so it's obviously a popular one! Here's a list of 9 that are all excellent (I just searched for "Lonesome Road Blues" with more than 10 likes).
I created some backing tracks as well, attached below, at 4 different speeds.
piscesgrrl - Posted - 01/06/2014: 18:28:12
I love this song. Now that school/work has started again I've got to find time to practice during the day. Alas, this is one Murphy DVD I don't. But, I'll see if I can hear what's going on. Thanks Eric!
illilian - Posted - 01/06/2014: 19:03:07
I squeezed in a bout 40 minutes of practice this evening. being a banjo beginner, i took it slow. it's a fun tune. I didn't use the version posted. i needed to find one that wasn't so up-the-neck. (when tunes go higher than, say, fret 10, i'm still in the fret counting newb stage ) :-(
hskrfn - Posted - 01/06/2014: 19:31:11
Check out CosmicGlenn instruction on you tube. I' still on banjo signal.
schlange - Posted - 01/06/2014: 20:15:06
Hey gang, I've got some good news!
I talked to Casey Henry (of Murphy Method fame) and she has agreed let me feature particular video lessons from her archive (see caseyhenry.net/lessons.html) on a weekly basis. You'll be able to buy the lesson for $6 (instead of the regular price of $30) and this way everyone will have access to a nice thorough ear-training lesson for a particular song. Her videos are about 15 minutes long and walk you through each part--for me, at least, it's been unquestionable the best way to learn a tune.
I'll post a bit about each tune still, as well as links to tabs, videos, and MP3s (because some folks prefer tabs, and it's always good to hear others play the tune) but I think Casey's videos will be really helpful!
Next week our first tune with a Murphy Method video option will be "Wreck of Old 97". I'm going to post it as a new topic, but I'll put a referencing post on this thread as well so you'll know where to find it. I think posting each week as a new topic will get more participation, much like they do over in the clawhammer forum.
piscesgrrl - Posted - 01/07/2014: 07:18:28
Casey and Murphy are two upstanding individuals and amazing teachers. This is a wonderful resource and I am so excited we'll have an incredible discount on their teaching materials. Thank you!!!
hskrfn - Posted - 01/07/2014: 13:45:23
Worked on both songs today for two or so hours. Fingers got sore. Thats great news Eric and will be a big help to all. Used Janet Davis book for low part and you tube for high part of LRB. Looked at advanced tab for Banjo Signal and I think it has some of the left hand positions used by Casey Henry in her u tube video.
schlange - Posted - 01/07/2014: 13:55:08
Practiced about an hour today. Got the rest of the high break for LRB down--now I just need to play it a lot! It's a great sounding little break, though. I can just barely keep up with the slowest backing track I made. 
Kirk Jacobs - Posted - 01/07/2014: 15:39:20
I've been playing everyday, every chance I get. I'm guessing about an hour. The ending of the Casey Henry video is still giving me fits. I am closer but still not quite right. This next song is more familiar to me so hopefully it won't be as bad.
schlange - Posted - 01/07/2014: 16:09:03
quote:
Originally posted by Kirk JacobsI've been playing everyday, every chance I get. I'm guessing about an hour. The ending of the Casey Henry video is still giving me fits. I am closer but still not quite right. This next song is more familiar to me so hopefully it won't be as bad.
The nice thing about being able to buy the FULL lesson videos like we'll be able to do soon is that she plays it slowly and explains exactly how to play it all--much better!
OldFox - Posted - 01/07/2014: 16:35:53
LRB is coming along - need more practice on both . Dealing with loss of electricity for a few days. Thanks Eric for your efforts. Good job!
swamplunker - Posted - 01/07/2014: 18:41:03
illilian, as hskrfn has noted (and where the heck do y'all get these names?), Janet Davis has a killer root-position Scruggs-style lead for Lonesome Road Blues tabbed in her book Splitting the Licks if you want a lead that sounds great in that position. Fifth version (Roman Numeral V), bottom of page 29. After you learn it, I want you to trade a few of your vowels to hskrfn for some of his consonants. That's all I ask.
buzzart410 - Posted - 01/07/2014: 20:28:01
I really like Janet Davis's versions. I think she put it in one of her beginning banjo books!
But now I get to add a break from Murphy!
Just got a new mute from "Mike's Mutes" so the neighbors won't call
the cops on me again!!!
buzzart410 - Posted - 01/08/2014: 03:49:17
One tune a week is pretty challenging for me but ill give it a whirl!
I work 7P- 7A as an RN , sometimes I get home in the morning plop on the couch and work on some tab/tunes till I fall asleep..or something. I keep a heavy music stand set up with my current tabs and the computer next to it for sound. Now Im learning to use the smart TV to play the U tube stuff. Im lucky enough to try out my new tunes with my jam group on wed and sunday afternoons at the lighthouse in JUPITER,FL. A GREAT group of folks who are really open to all sorts of acoustic music.
illilian - Posted - 01/08/2014: 05:31:53
quote:
Originally posted by swamplunkerillilian, as hskrfn has noted (and where the heck do y'all get these names?), Janet Davis has a killer root-position Scruggs-style lead for Lonesome Road Blues tabbed in her book Splitting the Licks if you want a lead that sounds great in that position. Fifth version (Roman Numeral V), bottom of page 29. After you learn it, I want you to trade a few of your vowels to hskrfn for some of his consonants. That's all I ask.
lol.... great tip of the Janet Davis book. and we'll negotiate the ABC's
schlange - Posted - 01/08/2014: 07:32:54
45 minutes today, playing through my set list, working on roll speed, and of course playing through LRB. I'm just sticking with learning the high break this week... it's starting to come out automatically now, which is a good sign.
schlange - Posted - 01/08/2014: 10:55:47
FYI--you can buy Casey Henry's full "Banjo Signal" video lesson for $6 through the end of this week here: banjohangout.org/lessons/murphy/
hskrfn - Posted - 01/09/2014: 18:42:52
Practiced both songs today and bought Casey Henry banjo signal instruction. Got mostly through banjo signal but not up to speed. Jack Hatfield in his second book has good tab and audio of upper and lower breaks for lrb.
Bill
Kirk Jacobs - Posted - 01/09/2014: 19:15:42
quote:
Originally posted by schlangeFYI--you can buy Casey Henry's full "Banjo Signal" video lesson for $6 through the end of this week here: banjohangout.org/lessons/murphy/
Now I have the ending down and just have to work on the speed. After watching the lesson it only took Casey 5 minutes to teach me what I couldn't figure out for days.
schlange - Posted - 01/10/2014: 08:18:29
Started working on "Wreck of the Old 97" today, since it's the TOTW for next week. Also played through my songs--got the high break for LRB down pretty good--can play it at 90BPM decently. Fun stuff!
jonah4832 - Posted - 01/11/2014: 07:50:22
hey Eric how bout posting a video showing us how how well your playing lonesome road blues @90 bpm.
schlange - Posted - 01/11/2014: 12:14:42
An hour and a half today. Got thru Casey's "Wreck of the Old 97" video (for the next TOTW), now I just need to keep playing it to build up speed.
jonah4832, just for you, (almost) live from my bathroom studio: youtube.com/watch?v=-naLQI46BO...=youtu.be
Anyone else want to post a video?
caseyhenry - Posted - 01/11/2014: 16:04:21
quote:
Originally posted by schlangeAn hour and a half today. Got thru Casey's "Wreck of the Old 97" video (for the next TOTW), now I just need to keep playing it to build up speed.
jonah4832, just for you, (almost) live from my bathroom studio: youtube.com/watch?v=-naLQI46BO...=youtu.be
Anyone else want to post a video?
That sounds really good!! Good timing, good tone.
Casey
Kirk Jacobs - Posted - 01/11/2014: 16:18:33
quote:
Originally posted by schlangeAnyone else want to post a video?
If I were to post a video it would be harder for me to convince you I am better than I am.
hskrfn - Posted - 01/11/2014: 20:44:49
Great playing Eric. Didn't practice today spent time with grandkids. Listened to casey's banjo signal last parts and getting it figured out. Looked at wreck of old 97 tab and instruction on you tube and books i have. Liked Casey's rendition better so ordered it. If you could tell us how to do a video that would be great I am a computer doofus.
Bill
- - Posted - 01/11/2014: 20:55:55
quote:
Originally posted by schlangequote:
Originally posted by DoconcThis looks somewhat challenging, at least for me. I noted in the videos that the fifth string is fretted with the middle finger. I don't fret the fifth string much but when I have I've used my thumb. The middle finger looks easier to me. Can't wait to try this out when I get home! BTW, the Rick McKeon tab you posted is for banjo in the hollow.
Updated the tab link for ya. Rick's version is quite easy, as I recall. One reason I chose this tune was because of the 5th string fretting--makes it more fun!
You don't have to fret the fifth string if you don't want to. I don't, at least not yet.
Unclouie - Posted - 01/12/2014: 04:52:51
Is anybody else having trouble viewing/streaming Casey's videos. I purchased BAnjo Signal and watched it once and know I can't get it to play. Tried my ipad, iphone and PC.
caseyhenry - Posted - 01/12/2014: 06:16:16
quote:
Originally posted by UnclouieIs anybody else having trouble viewing/streaming Casey's videos. I purchased BAnjo Signal and watched it once and know I can't get it to play. Tried my ipad, iphone and PC.
I don't have a solution for the streaming issue, but I can send you the file via Dropbox. Message me directly if you'd like me to do that.
Casey
schlange - Posted - 01/12/2014: 13:49:59
The video works fine for me. Are you starting here to get to it?
banjohangout.org/lessons/murphy
Unclouie - Posted - 01/12/2014: 17:24:07
Go to Tabs & Lessons>More Video Lessons in the main site navigation.
Eric
Above is what you said in an email to me on the 9th. I still can not access the video from that direction. Says I need Adobe player. I have it.
I viewed the video using banjohangout.org/lessons/Casey and I also received it from Mrs. Henry by email. Seems going through the site tabs to open it causes me trouble on this end.
thanks
schlange - Posted - 01/12/2014: 17:50:03
Yeah, something's broke. I'll fix it tomorrow! Until then, access them at Www.banjohangout.org/lessons/Murphy/
hskrfn - Posted - 01/12/2014: 20:28:40
Practiced couple hours today. Got notes and sequence for banjo signal. 2/3 way through lrb high part.. lower fingerboard part easier. Neither tune up to speed. I was able to drag murphys lesson page to my desktop so I can open without going into bho. Started Murphy's wreck of the 97 and think it will go quicker than first two.
Bill
schlange - Posted - 01/13/2014: 08:24:25
An hour today. Got "Wreck of the Old 97" down to where I can play it pretty consistently.... at 60BPM. Whew! We're flying now!
schlange - Posted - 01/14/2014: 08:59:48
An hour today. Got "Wreck of the Old 97" up to 80BPM fairly consistently. Worked on playing rolling backup to some BIAB backing tracks, just trying to build up that rolling speed. Wish I had a regular jam group to play with to do this, but that's not the case here in my small town at this point.
jonah4832 - Posted - 01/14/2014: 19:55:15
Glad to hear your working on your backup, there for a while i thought i may be the only one that tries to mix the two. Just curious Eric I have tried playing with the backing track of I saw the light, and for some reason it just doesn't seem quite right, maybe it's just me, but i can play it with Murphy's slow jam dvd, no problems. Can you check it out and see if there right. And those backing tracks really help. Havent got around to wreck of ole 97, been trying to get old joe clark griswald down, off murphys dvd, and amazing grace out of jack hatfield method 2, And i ask my self where does the time go.
schlange - Posted - 01/15/2014: 14:12:43
I checked out "I Saw the Light" but it seems correct to me--I can play along to it and I learned it with Murphy's DVD (although a different DVD from the Slow Jam one).
Practicing backup is hugely important--since that's what you do 75% (or more!) of the time when you're playing with a group. It's not as much fun as picking out a melody, but I'm trying not to get stuck in that "just learn the solos" trap.
jonah4832 - Posted - 01/16/2014: 15:27:56
thanks Eric, I guess it was me, I went back and played it this morning and got through it just fine. Also played a few tunes for my mom this afternoon she told me that I make it look so easy, and i thought as many times as I have said that to someone else, I never thought i would hear those same words. Kind of give you a good feeling.
hskrfn - Posted - 01/16/2014: 18:30:38
Can play banjo signal with backing track at 80 bpm with some mistakes. Getting better with lrb and started wreck of 87 yesterday. Backing tracks are big help.
schlange - Posted - 01/17/2014: 09:08:28
Practice practice practice! I've started working through Pete Wernick's "Bluegrass Banjo Backup" videos for the "backup section" of my practice. A lot of it is review for me, but there are some nuggets in there (a cool new forward roll pattern today, and just good "playing well with others" advice from Pete).
schlange - Posted - 01/20/2014: 17:28:31
45 minutes today. Started up on Mountain Dew (this week's tune). Got halfway through it using Casey Henry's video. I've been listening to it a lot, too, so the tune is stuck in my head. I guess that's good?
schlange - Posted - 01/21/2014: 08:52:45
An hour this morning. Got through the rest of "Mountain Dew"--now I just need to get it up to speed. Worked through more of Wernick's backup DVD as well, picking up a couple little licks/ideas here and there.
Kirk Jacobs - Posted - 01/21/2014: 14:38:17
Practicing regularly. Still stumbling over Banjo in the Hollow but getting better. Doing okay with the rest, not as good as I would like, but okay. Still getting at least an hour through out the day. Practicing back up when playing with the tracks.
schlange - Posted - 01/22/2014: 14:18:08
Hour 15 today. Got "Mountain Dew" up to 75BPM, and worked on backup stuff more.
Looks like I may have found a guy to jam with, so that's good! Not a lot of folks locally looking for that... but it's so helpful.
schlange - Posted - 01/28/2014: 09:27:55
One hour this morning, working through "Eight More Miles to Louisville"--this one's a lot of fun to play, and pretty easy.
jonah4832 - Posted - 01/28/2014: 17:13:22
Manage to get get salt creek learned man it was a toughy, but it is coming along now. Hey Erik any way you can take request's for backing tracks. I have songs that the tracks would really help on.
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