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fcathey - Posted - 04/15/2026: 12:09:32
When I try to browse video lessons, it goes to a page for “Purple Player” I can’t get past. Reviews of it are so bad I don’t want it. Can the video lessons be found without getting purple player?
Old Hickory - Posted - 04/15/2026: 13:28:18
quote:
Originally posted by fcathey
When I try to browse video lessons, it goes to a page for “Purple Player” I can’t get past. Reviews of it are so bad I don’t want it. Can the video lessons be found without getting purple player?
Then don't browse through the "Video Lessons" link. Everything there appears to be product that's sold by or through the Hangout to help pay the bills for this place being here. Nothing wrong with that. The site can't exist without revenue.
If you're looking for free video lessons -- also nothing wrong with that -- then hover your cursor over "Media" in the left navigation column, click "Video Library" in the pop-up window, then enter "lesson" in the "quick search" box and see what turns up. You'll see stuff that generous members here have posted.
Also, just go straight to YouTube and enter "banjo lesson" in the search box. Or a narrower search such as "beginner banjo lesson."
Good luck. have fun.
CrazyCatLazy - Posted - 04/15/2026: 13:35:09
An idea of what you want to learn would help
fcathey - Posted - 04/15/2026: 13:42:56
You guys pretty much nailed what I was looking for. I live rural so it would be a 40 mile jaunt into the city to take lessons so finding stuff on line is the best option. I was going for purchasing the video lessons but these options are a good start for a beginner. Thank you
chuckv97 - Posted - 04/15/2026: 14:04:31
Thank you , Mark ,, much appreciated!
Owen - Posted - 04/15/2026: 14:07:54
A 40 mile jaunt you say??? No sympathy here, Fred. We're 2 hours [one way] from Brandon, 3 from Regina, 4.5 from Winnipeg. I'm not complaining .... but for some "perspective" (?) 40 miles is more-or-less "next town over."
... Now back to regular programming. 
chuckv97 - Posted - 04/15/2026: 14:14:20
You can watch your dog run away from home for 3 days in Sakatchewan….
jdeluke137 - Posted - 04/15/2026: 17:12:15
quote:
Originally posted by chuckv97
You can watch your dog run away from home for 3 days in Sakatchewan….
I don't know much about Canada but I laughed out loud at that. 
Owen - Posted - 04/15/2026: 17:48:09
There's l-o-t-s of exceptions, but these help feed the notion:
From the "Parkland" region:
...and one from a bit farther south in the "Regina Plains" :
Old Hickory - Posted - 04/16/2026: 06:06:53
quote:
Originally posted by fcathey
You guys pretty much nailed what I was looking for. I live rural so it would be a 40 mile jaunt into the city to take lessons so finding stuff on line is the best option. I was going for purchasing the video lessons but these options are a good start for a beginner. Thank you
Click here for an index to over 170 free lessons in former Hangout member John Boulding's "Lick of the Week" video series. While these started as licks, the series evolved into lessons, and groups of lessons, on a full range of banjo playing topics of interest to players at nearly all levels of ability.
Jim Pankey's YouTube videos home page. Excellent teacher for beginners and all-around great guy.
There are plenty of teachers offering one-on-one personal/private lessons by Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other online video call. So distance doesn't have to be an issue.
The paid online programs from ArtistWorks, Peghead Nation, and Banjo Ben Clarkall have their fans.
But free works, as long as you don't have questions.
