So its been 3 years since I started playing the banjo regularly. I am pleased with where I am now and certainly still have much to learn. Guess I am still a beginner and I don't play in public. Maybe one day I will but at this point no. I really don't feel comfortable playing with others around. Even just recording a tune on here makes my fingers do stupid things. Guess I will have to suck it up and do it more so I get more comfortable with it. Moving out of your comfort zone is a good way to progress.
6 comments on “Its been 3 years”
WayneConrad Says:
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 @7:23:13 AM
Congratuations on three years! I like to say that "discomfort is where growth happens," but I don't like to take my own advice. What are you going to do next to move out of your comfort zone?
patrick martin Says:
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 @2:46:45 PM
Playing with others really is challenging yet uplifting and motivational.
Texasbanjo Says:
Thursday, August 22, 2019 @4:31:52 AM
Go for it. Go to jams, if you're unsure what to do, sit in the back of the group and watch, listen and learn. Watch a rhythm guitar picker and learn about chord changes. When he/she changes chords, you do, too. Eventually you'll feel a chord change coming up, although you may not be sure what it is. Eventually, you'll be fairly sure what the change is and then you just will know. Don't play guitar? Get a guitar picker to show you a few chord fingerings: G, D, A, E, C and you're on your way. Vamp along with songs until you feel more comfortable. Don't feel up to taking a break? If you get the nod, just shake your head no and it'll go to the next one in the group.
Yes, it's scary at first, but the more you go to jams, the easier it will be.
pickn5 Says:
Friday, August 23, 2019 @6:19:00 AM
Congratulations! I know how you feel about playing with others. Eight years in for me and still a closet picker and have only played for family and videos for here on BHO. My suggestion is take Texasbanjo's advice and get out there. Keep picking.
AndyW Says:
Sunday, August 25, 2019 @10:50:46 PM
I've just passed two years. Time does fly!! If you keep going at clawhammer that's probably an easier route into playing with others, you can sit back and get 'lost in the mix' at an old time session/jam.
Judith511 Says:
Monday, August 26, 2019 @5:18:52 AM
Thanks everyone. Thanks for the good thoughts. Sometimes I like my playing other times nothing seems to go right but I am sure everyone feels that way. I have been doing more clawhammer this past few months but now am gravitating back to picking. Clawhammer seems better for singing along with so I'll just do both.
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