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Banjo beginners

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49 Members, Created 2/16/2014 -

Administrators: jparin (owner)

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From simesa on 3/25/2014 4:55:04 AM

Just a quick introduction and a hello to everyone.

I live in the midlands - near Hinckley - which is Leicestershire (UK).

I'm a real newby to banjo - been learning (not playing) since November 2013 - on an Ozark Resonater banjo. Have just upgraded from the 2109RG to the 2142G - if that means anything to anyone!

Mostly been trying to learn things on my own - with a few books - so mostly practising chord changes, rolls and so on. Have tried frailing but can't seem to get it right at all - the thumb pick of the 5th string is either silent or deafening - and I can't seem to control it (yet), so I'm mostly picking (slowly) at the moment.

I've taught myself a version of Cripple Creek that I can play (sort of) OK and Tom Dooley that I play picking the melody with thumb around an alternating thumb roll. I'm quite proud of it - but it's rubbish really!

I've played the Tuba in a selection of brass bands since I was 9 - and the banjo is the first stringed instrument I've ever tried to play. Would be nice to meet up with any fellow learners if you're in the area - just to practise!

5 Comments
	Penlee Joe says: 3/25/2014 6:17:17 AM Hi there Another beginner in the UK! I have been learning for a couple of months now but have gone about it the other way around by starting with clawhammer which I find better to get along with than picking... I have an openback Goodtime. Have you tried any DVDs? David Holts Basics and Beyond is what I have been using and it has really helped. Anyway, good luck and I hope you enjoy it as much as me!!! Joe
	simesa says: 3/25/2014 6:21:33 AM Thanks Joe, I've only used the books so far - and some YouTube stuff - the David Holt stuff looks good on YouTube - but regardless I can't get that thumb picking action right in clawhammer!
	simesa says: 3/25/2014 6:32:25 AM Thanks Joe, I've only used the books so far - and some YouTube stuff - the David Holt stuff looks good on YouTube - but regardless I can't get that thumb picking action right in clawhammer!
	jparin says: 5/27/2014 7:27:50 PM Thanks for the you tube tip. I too am struggling with clawhammer. Comforting to know someone else is in the same boat
	simesa says: 5/28/2014 5:34:27 AM I must admit I've pretty much given up on Clawhammer for the time being - learning to pick is taxing my poor brain and fingers enough without that too!
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