jps6882 - Posted - 05/11/2018:  22:52:38

I just got my first banjo (R35), a few days ago. I'm working on trying to keep good hand position so I hit the strings I wanted to.

Doug Knecht - Posted - 05/12/2018:  01:52:21

I'm slowly working through "Mary Had a Little Lamb."  Man those chord changes are rough.  

Mooooo - Posted - 05/13/2018:  11:00:16

quote:

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Originally posted by Doug Knecht

I'm slowly working through "Mary Had a Little Lamb."  Man those chord changes are rough.  

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If you are attempting to use the chords this guy is using, I suggest you ask if he has the piano tab. Mary Had a Little Lamb

BanjoKat2 - Posted - 05/13/2018:  19:07:52

Cold Frosty Morning & John Riley the Shepherd

phb - Posted - 05/13/2018:  23:30:50

I'm still adding jam favourites to my repertoire: "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"

Mooooo - Posted - 05/17/2018:  12:54:04

I've been working on Beating Around the Bush by Bill Keith and it's coming out a lot easier than expected. I learned it from the Bill Keith/Jim Collier recording then tabbed it out. It sounds really hard but it is really pretty logical, and not too finger-twisty.

Legend600 - Posted - 05/21/2018:  03:29:00

Banjo Ben Clarks "Turkey in the Straw"

Edited by - Legend600 on 05/21/2018 03:29:47

Ira Gitlin - Posted - 05/21/2018:  06:24:03

I'm playing for four hours at a wedding on Saturday, so we're padding our regular set list with instrumentals--mainly fiddle tunes--that I sort of know, but could stand to work on. So I'll be working out with "Squirrel Hunters", "Big Sciota", "Leather Britches", "Mrs. McLeod's Reel", "Sally's Drunk Again", "Shove That Pig's Foot A Little Further Into The Fire", and a whole bunch more.

kimjo - Posted - 05/21/2018:  07:05:13

So sad to see Riffstation go. Now I just find the song on youtube and the lyric/chords usually on "Ultimate Guitar" to play along (the fun after I've done the "work" part of my practice!)

FlyinEagle - Posted - 05/21/2018:  07:17:15

I was working on a couple standards I should probably already know over the mostly-rainy weekend.

Little Cabin Home on the Hill is just a ton of fun to play, one of those perfectly bluegrassy tunes that make me love the genre. I think I’ll learn the lyrics to this one.

And Sally Ann…another one that is really fun to play. I still have to get some choppy-ness out of the timing on the “B” section, but man am I glad to finally take some time to figure this one out. Really fun.

For both of these I used tabs to get the framework in place in my mind and then just make it sound like what I’m hearing in my favorite versions on the youtube. I had to listen to Sally Ann a bunch of times before I could make it sound right. Listening to the tunes I am learning is so important, and something that I wasn’t good about doing early on.

arnie fleischer - Posted - 05/21/2018:  08:49:11

We ('Chester 'Grass) are playing at the local green market in a few weeks (played there twice last summer) and I put together the set list, so I think I'll brush up on Steel Guitar Rag, Shuckin' the Corn, and my back up to Sitting on Top of the World (our mando player sings it in E, very bluesy, but with no minor).

Mooooo - Posted - 05/22/2018:  10:52:01

quote:

---

Originally posted by arnie fleischer

We ('Chester 'Grass) are playing at the local green market in a few weeks (played there twice last summer) and I put together the set list, so I think I'll brush up on Steel Guitar Rag, Shuckin' the Corn, and my back up to Sitting on Top of the World (our mando player sings it in E, very bluesy, but with no minor).

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Arnie, you've been picking a good long time. How do you go about learning a new tune? Tab, by ear, Banjo instructor, music Slow-downer/ear? Would be interesting to hear how you do it.

arnie fleischer - Posted - 05/22/2018:  11:49:58

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mooooo

quote:

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Originally posted by arnie fleischer

We ('Chester 'Grass) are playing at the local green market in a few weeks (played there twice last summer) and I put together the set list, so I think I'll brush up on Steel Guitar Rag, Shuckin' the Corn, and my back up to Sitting on Top of the World (our mando player sings it in E, very bluesy, but with no minor).

---

Arnie, you've been picking a good long time. How do you go about learning a new tune? Tab, by ear, Banjo instructor, music Slow-downer/ear? Would be interesting to hear how you do it.

First of all, Mike, a caveat:

I've been playing a long time, but there's nothing remarkable about how I play. My strengths are my rhythm and my timing, and I like to push the beat. I tend to play the melody as simply as possible, with very little ornamentation, probably a carryover from my clawhammer/old timey days (and maybe how lazy I am!). Even when I decide to learn something outside of bluegrass, like Mr. Sandman or White Christmas, it comes out sounding very straight. I have a very spare style that I try to play as solidly and smoothly as possible. 

I work out my own arrangements by ear and rarely use tab. When I was learning bluegrass in the mid-'70s, I would slow down records (especially Flatt and Scruggs and Bill Monroe). I no longer care about getting someone else's version of a tune note for note, so I see no reason to slow stuff down anymore.

When I want to learn a new tune, I'll locate a recording and/or video of it that I find easy to follow. I'll listen/watch until I can play the melody back in my mind. I determine the key and locate the melody notes on the fingerboard by comparing what I play with the melody I hear in my mind. Then I figure out whatever combination of right hand techniques allows me to play the tune with as little effort as possible (for me). In turn, that process often causes me to find different places on the fingerboard for my left hand to play the melody notes. So what I work out, especially with banjo instrumentals and fiddle tunes, will often include a little Scruggs style, a little melodic style, and a little single string style. My final step is to play along with the recording/video to see how close I am and whether any part of what I've worked out is such a significant departure that I have to correct it. When I can play the tune through five times in a row with minimal mistakes, I'm comfortable enough to try it out in a jam. 

Mooooo - Posted - 05/22/2018:  12:20:54

Thanks arnie fleischer, I think it is interesting how people approach learning new tunes. We can learn from each other and find different ways to learn/figure out new material. Hopefully someone will be inspired to try a new method. I appreciate your humility but believe your method as valuable as anyone else's whether pro or amateur. Thanks again.

chuckv97 - Posted - 05/22/2018:  12:29:53

I’ve started on “Blue Train”, the Dave Allen song recorded by the Nashville BB. They do it in G ,(G sharp actually,,,they tuned up), but I can’t sing it there, so I’m arranging it in D ( capo ll , C formation). All those flatted 7ths are cool.
Also working on the singing for “Daniel Prayed” , with the in and out response voices. My galpal likes it and wants to do it like the Patty Loveless/Ricky Skaggs version on YouTube.

Astrobanjo - Posted - 05/22/2018:  12:42:43

I'm still a noob, but I'm working on Whoa Mule Whoa at a slow speed....working on those 431 rolls and skipping the 2nd string mostly is challenging(after practicing so many 421 rolls), but I think it will have great rewards. I will work on the parlor trick stuff later, just working on getting it smooth and clear and slow for now.

Shout out to Jim Pankey for his most recent vid..it's great---the guy gets better and better at explanation with each instructional vid

Edited by - Astrobanjo on 05/22/2018 12:45:11

Neil Allen - Posted - 05/22/2018:  22:07:53

I'm working on perfecting these three:

Wounded Hoosier, inspired by Don Borchelt's version in graveyard tuning = aDF#AD

Sally Goodin, inspired by Nick Hornbuckle's version in eC#F#AC#

Cold Frosty Morning, again inspired by Nick Hornbuckle's version, but I'm using sawmill tuning for my version (gDGCD) instead of the tuning (f Bb F Bb C) that he uses on his YouTube video.

Also noodling around with Wild Hog in the Woods, adapted from my clawhammer version in sawmill tuning, which itself is based upon Dan Levenson's tunetorial version.

dr4dpet - Posted - 05/23/2018:  20:15:28

Just starting Home Sweet Home in gCGBD. (Is that Drop C tuning?) My instructor played through it once, then walked me through each of the phrases in the A & B parts. Tomorrow I will use the video I made to go back over it, because by then I will have only the vaguest recollection of what we did.

Mooooo - Posted - 06/09/2018:  13:14:10

I am now sinking my teeth into Alan Munde's Peaches and Cream. Got that first break down pretty clean, now I am chewing on that second break. It's a great tune.

adl1132 - Posted - 06/15/2018:  15:09:40

All of them. Progress is really, really slow.

Mooooo - Posted - 08/10/2018:  10:51:54

Stymied, from the Alan and Sam LP. Alan really knows how to write great melodies. Probably my favorite composer for the 5-string, and in my top 5 favorite pickers....also, El Cumbanchero - Vic Jordan's version.

Edited by - Mooooo on 08/10/2018 10:58:27

chuckv97 - Posted - 08/10/2018:  11:04:28

Dark Hollow in C..., Last Old Shovel ( love that break on the Phyllis Boyens vesion - I think it's Richard Underwood)..., and Keep on the Sunny Side ( BanjoBen Clark's version)..., and trying to perfect Earl's utn break to Earl's Breakdown...., and of course there's a bunch I haven't played/repeated " a thousand times" yet.

dr4dpet - Posted - 08/10/2018:  11:31:45

Just starting on Salt Creek.

cedarwax - Posted - 08/10/2018:  11:40:41

I'm trying to learn "Tennessee Waltz". Always loved this melody. I'm a 'newb'; I gauge my progress by how quickly my dog gets up from his nap, and walks out of the room. It'll be a while before I subject any humans to my playing.

FlyinEagle - Posted - 08/10/2018:  13:04:45

I've barely been able to play for the last month or so but before vacation I had started working on that tab (Moooo) posted of "I Wonder Where You are Tonight". I just love the way Hartford picked...he was so creative.

I was also working on my rolling back-up while singing. It still needs more work...

Jonny5 - Posted - 08/10/2018:  14:14:42

Forked Deer. Downloaded the complete learning package from Mike Hedding 16 months ago and I'm just getting started now. All the tools are there just gotta put the time in.

steve davis - Posted - 08/10/2018:  15:56:02

I've got Bye Bye Blues very close to where I want it.

I've been listening to examples that don't have a banjo in the mx.

I first heard "...Pig's foot..." at this years Benton Fiddlers Convention,Ira.Beautiful tune.and I learned a pig's foot is a two fingered fireplace iron.

Edited by - steve davis on 08/10/2018 15:58:35

Patanjali - Posted - 08/11/2018:  09:00:50

Rockwood Deer Chase
Old Home Place
Hot Burrito Breakdown

I learn new tunes by slowing down recordings and sometimes by TAB if I am feeling lazy.

pickin_fool - Posted - 08/11/2018:  09:06:34

I am working on three originals right now..one is a playful little melodic ditty..in A..capo up 2 frets...another is also capoed up 2 frets but I dropped the 2nd string down a semitone, putting it into A minor tuning..this song has that pensive mountain tuning "feel" to it..both previous tunes are mainly melodic..i have two nice ascending arpeggios..but the fingering in both licks has to be dead nuts..the last one is a breakdown..in G...played very fast..in Scruggs style..

omce i get these tunes polished i will post them

FlyinEagle - Posted - 08/11/2018:  11:04:22

I got to spend some time in the basement last night and I was working on Moooo's tab of Me and My Old Banjo. It's a nice easy playing tab and blast to sing along and and pick to.

Lemon Banjos - Posted - 08/11/2018:  11:16:13

Foggy Mountain Special, and I learned it by videoing my teacher and slowing the video down. It has tons of melodic fancies in it. It's really amazing.

Mooooo - Posted - 08/11/2018:  11:20:19

quote:

---

Originally posted by FlyinEagle

I got to spend some time in the basement last night and I was working on Moooo's tab of Me and My Old Banjo. It's a nice easy playing tab and blast to sing along and and pick to.

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It's nice to know that you're using the tab.  I hope it works out good for you. It's fun to sing with it too.

Waldguy - Posted - 08/11/2018:  12:13:35

Bach Cello Suite #1 - Prelude.

Took me a month to memorized it as nearly every bar is different. But I LOVE this piece to relax. Brings me back to some of my classical roots. Just have to smooth it out and provide a little more interpretation. Kruger inspired.

youtube.com/watch?v=rLyM4gCrn1k

benandren - Posted - 08/11/2018:  12:48:59

I'm working on Blue Moon of Kentucky by tab from Janet Davis' Ultimate Banjo Songbook. It starts out in a slow 3/4 then switches to a fast 4/4. I can't get enough of it! I'm also trying to make sure I practice backup for the chord progression.

Catman - Posted - 08/14/2018:  03:55:01

Working on "Downtown Blues" from Emerson & Waldron"s Bluegrass Sessions LP. Always loved Bill Emerson's banjo breaks on this instrumental. Learning it from the recording and the wonderful tab Mooooo recently posted here on the Hangout.

Edited by - Catman on 08/14/2018 03:56:25

steve davis - Posted - 08/14/2018:  08:06:35

I'm listening to "Tin Pan Alley" songs for "New/Old" inspiration.

Richard Hauser - Posted - 08/14/2018:  08:22:12

Two ways -

1. Play a tune, using Amazing Slow Downer, and just keep making changes until I come up with a version I am satisfied with. This can take time. I am never satisfied with some tunes. All done by ear. I use the recording as a guide and don't try to play an exact copy of the tune. I either can't or when think I have something better.

2. Same as above except I also use tab to learn an initial version.

Except for Scruggs classics, any tune can be subject to change. I am always trying to learn and try new licks. When I play my complete banjo repertoire, one of these new licks will become commonly used, and in some cases, replace another lick. Lately I have spent more time learning phrases that can be used for chord changes, especially when playing up the neck.

I has "dawned" on me that learning techniques using tunes works better than practicing exercises. I use more patience when learning like this. This approach is more enjoyable, adds tunes to my playing repertoire, and teaches new something I can often use.

steve davis - Posted - 08/14/2018:  15:45:49

Except for one lesson I've learned from one tune to the next.
There are lessons in each tune.

RB3 - Posted - 08/14/2018:  15:55:59

I'm working on "When You Wore A Tulip And I Wore A Big Red Rose".

A while back I changed my cable TV service provider and I now have the Turner Classic Movie channel. They broadcast a lot of old musicals from the thirties and forties. Judy Garland and Gene Kelly did the song in the movie "For Me And My Gal". I liked the melody and the chord progression and I thought it might work on the banjo. The song lyrics are a reminiscence of the protagonist about his first meeting with his sweetheart "in a garden in an old Kentucky town" and "down where the Bluegrass grows", so I figured it would be legal to play it on the ol' five.

Most recordings of the song include only the chorus. I found it interesting that the chorus has 32 measures, as is customary with Tin Pan Alley compositions, but the verse has only 24 measures. For my arrangement I use the last 8 measures of the chorus as an intro to kick off the first verse.

The song was published in 1914 and it's been recorded by a rather curious cohort of performers. In addition to Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, it's been recorded by Bing Crosby, Jerry Lee Lewis, Slim Whitman, Teresa Brewer, The Platters, John Fahey, Jimmy Dorsey, and . . . The Three Stooges.

For an old song like this that's in the Public Domain, it's pretty easy to find a copy of the sheet music on the Internet. After I found the sheet music in a pdf format, I entered the melody into Finale Notepad. The sheet music was in the key of Bb, so I used the software to transpose the melody into the key of C. With the software, I was also able to play the melody and verity that it was correct. The Internet also provided me with the chord progression associated with the lyrics. From there I just started figuring out how to fit the melody and the chords into a Scruggs style arrangement.

If I can get a satisfactory recording of the arrangement, I'll post it in the Sound Off forum.

Mooooo - Posted - 08/14/2018:  17:48:40

Richard Hauser and RB3, thanks a lot for each of your in-depth analyses of how you are learning tunes. I am sure they will help out some people still trying to find their groove for self-teaching.

Richard Hauser - Posted - 08/14/2018:  18:17:52

Physical problems with my physical hand resulted in my not playing for quite a while. I used to be obsessed with learning another new tune. Now I am pretty much relearning tunes I used to play. I am working on -

Banjo Signal - fun tune and good single string practice.

Deputy Dalton - a tune listeners really like. All those quick chord changes in the "B" part. Hoping that playing the "B" part will add some speed to both hands. Lots of right hand "M-I-M-T" work. For me, that has always a more difficult picking patterns, especially when played as fast as this tune. For all I know the composer might have created it just for these purposes.

chuckv97 - Posted - 08/14/2018:  20:06:06

I have trouble doing M-I-M-T fast, so I've played it M-T-M-T for years now.., as in the B part to "Bill Cheatham". (Gettin' old's not for sissies.)

Rawhide Creek - Posted - 08/14/2018:  22:34:28

quote:

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Originally posted by chuckv97

I have trouble doing M-I-M-T fast, so I've played it M-T-M-T for years now.., as in the B part to "Bill Cheatham". (Gettin' old's not for sissies.)

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A while back (when I was schedululed for cataract surgery) my son sent me an e-mail saying, “This ageing thing isn’t working well for you.  I think you should give it up.”

Richard Hauser - Posted - 08/15/2018:  08:35:44

Rawhide - Funny that you should mention cataract surgery. I will probably have it in October. I swim laps every morning, and that is when the put the dome on the homeowner association pool and the pool will be closed.

Mooooo - Posted - 08/15/2018:  09:06:09

Guys please keep it on topic. You can start another thread on cataract surgery in the Off-Topic Forum. Or you can send private messages to each other. Please, Thanks.

jlsorbit - Posted - 08/15/2018:  11:15:28

"Flint Hill Special" from Earl's book. Learning to use the D-tuners.

steve davis - Posted - 08/15/2018:  14:41:59

I thought I'd never get Huckleberry Hornpipe right and then I found an issue of Frets magazine that had a column by Alan Munde and he wrote the tab for HH in one of them.
All of a sudden the seas parted.

Rawhide Creek - Posted - 08/15/2018:  14:42:20

quote:

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Originally posted by Mooooo

Guys please keep it on topic. You can start another thread on cataract surgery in the Off-Topic Forum. Or you can send private messages to each other. Please, Thanks.

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Mister Bossy Boots has spoken!

(He’s working on his Assistant Moderator merit badge.)

Edited by - Rawhide Creek on 08/15/2018 14:43:12

steve davis - Posted - 08/15/2018:  14:43:59

He's simply asking for common courtesy,Russ.