I am a beginner with the banjo and I am having a somewhat difficult time learning to play. Have many DVD's / books (mainly Ross Nickerson) but have found that practice, practice, and more practice seems to be the consistent tone of all the learning material that I have and I do agree with this. Unfortunately things just are not working properly with my brain, right hand and left hand and lets not forget my eyes are not following notes as my fingers are ten miles ahead from memorization. Frustrating!!!
In short, I am a disabled veteran with a couple of severe TBI's and a whole host of other issues and thought playing the banjo would be helpful. I have just received The Laws of Brainjo and am intrigued by a neurologist developing this system as he should know how the brain functions and his method may be the key to what I need. I have no idea whether I want to do 2 finger, 3 finger, Scruggs, or clawhammer. I am just wondering if this is a better way to get the foundation and skills for progression to be able to comprehend and play this instrument. Before I invest in a monthly fee that I hopefully can afford I would like to know if it is a sound investment.
It’s worked well for me. Over the past year I’ve become comfortable with 2FTL and am building up a list I can play from memory. I’ve started the 3F. I would recommend looking at the free lessons here on BHO, the Jim Pankey ones have been worthwhile. I’m not sure how long I’ll stay with Brainjo, but for a beginner it worked for me.
I have been a student of Brainjo for 3 years now and I will say definitely worth it.
You can always cancel the membership. Give it a try!
I belonged to Brainjo for my first year of playing Clawhammer and found it very worthwhile. The initial progression of lessons was what I needed and I made extensive use of the available tabs and recordings (including the excellent Old Time Jam Machine). Eventually I started playing with a group and transitioned to learning by ear and getting pointers from other players in person, but Brainjo set me on the path!
If you are new to the banjo, please note that the most important thing is dedication and persistence. Many people start but then stop after struggling with some of the basics. Second, regarding Brainjo, I am of two minds on this site/approach. First, the content is good and the tabs provided excellent. However, the problem that I have had with it and the reason that I have soured on it is that canceling is difficult. I thought that I had canceled my subscription only to find that there was another one that I can subscribed to. All of my attempts to login and cancel it and to contact the site owner regarding my problems came up empty handed. In pure frustration, I had to contact my CC company and have them stop payment.
So, there you have it. Good contact; nice way of starting out but a bear to cancel.
Just remember - these experiences are not generalizable; your experiences and mileage may vary.
Finally, welcome to the largest fraternity in the world - banjo players whose wives hate the banjo (o;)).
I teach clawhammer at the Louisville Folk School and recommend Josh Turknett's YouTube videos to my students. I think his approach works well for many. I first encountered him in article he wrote for Banjo Newsletter years ago about neuroplasticity and learning to play the banjo, or any instrument. The 30-day free trial would give you a chance to try before you buy. Here are a couple of links that may be helpful (you may already know these)
Intro to different banjo styles - The Ultimate Guide to 5-String Banjo Styles (Banjo Essential Knowledge Series) - YouTube
8 Steps to learning Clawhammer - How to Play Clawhammer Banjo in 8 Essential Steps: STEP 1 - YouTube
7 Steps to learning 2FTL - How To Play 2 Finger Thumb Lead Banjo in 7 Essential Steps (crash course for the beginner): STEP 1 - YouTube
David
In these trying planned-demic times, I play the banjo to remain sane, unfortunately it drives the wife insane. Banjo spousal abuse, hope you have a banjo mute. hang in there.... banjered
banjered,
Have mutes but found that this which I bought on Amazon
2" X 18" X 18" Upholstery Foam Medium Firm Foam Soft Support (Chair Cushion Square Foam for Dinning Chairs, Wheelchair Seat Cushion Replacement)
$17.97 works phenomenal. Use a compass and make an 11 1/8" diameter circle, cut with a bread knife. I used 11 1/8" because it is hard to get a straight cut and it worked out perfectly for my 11" Deering Goodtime. Sits in there and does not move. For $18.00 you can make two of them. Can't beat the price and the dampening of the sound without interfering with tone etc. is excellent.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REPLIES
Edited by - 1DayIWillPlay on 01/28/2023 06:50:50
As I have suggested a thousand times, banjo takes time to learn. Your brain and body are involved for sure but it's really about time in the Saddle.....be patient....You will get there but it can take up to three years to really kick in--hopefully sooner.. Stay with it Andrew...Jack
Originally posted by 1DayIWillPlaybanjered,
H
Edited by - Jack Baker on 01/28/2023 07:24:07
A 30 day free trial is offered.
When I started a few years ago my internet access was a bit limited. I needed a method that allowed me to download complete lessons and I was interested in Clawhammer.
I found Cathy Finks excellent series on Truefire. They were perfect for me, reasonably priced and there was no continuing monthly fee.
my personal experience with Brainjo was not a good one. My computer screen is smaller (laptop) and I couldn't read the tabs. My problem not Brainjo. But I also had a bear of a time cancelling. No response(s) and no results from the website. Three or four attempts. I finally contacted Josh thru BHO and got results.
If you’re into “method” learning it may be fine… as with anything, though, it won’t work for everyone. People learn differently, which is why i don’t teach or learn with “methods”. Look up VARK. These kinds of approaches don’t take that into account. That said, try everything you can, and it sounds like there’s a risk-free trial…..which is awesome. Just remember, Earl didn’t know nuthin’ ‘bout no neuroplastickistity.
Ha! How can you call yourself "novice" You're a pro player. Everything that teaches is a "method" of some sort. Very hip post but I get what yer a doin'. Be careful now, you don't want to make beginners feel even more insecure....HA! You youngins--you've got your own fancy dancy website...J
Originally posted by ClawJamIf you’re into “method” learning it may be fine… as with anything, though, it won’t work for everyone. People learn differently, which is why i don’t teach or learn with “methods”. Look up VARK. These kinds of approaches don’t take that into account. That said, try everything you can, and it sounds like there’s a risk-free trial…..which is awesome. Just remember, Earl didn’t know nuthin’ ‘bout no neuroplastickistity.
Edited by - Jack Baker on 01/28/2023 14:04:01
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Originally posted by JayCeeA 30 day free trial is offered.
Free is a pretty good price.
quote:
Originally posted by Jack BakerHa! How can you call yourself "novice" You're a pro player. Everything that teaches is a "method" of some sort. Very hip post but I get what yer a doin'. Be careful now, you don't want to make beginners feel even more insecure....HA! You youngins--you've got your own fancy dancy website...J
Originally posted by ClawJamIf you’re into “method” learning it may be fine… as with anything, though, it won’t work for everyone. People learn differently, which is why i don’t teach or learn with “methods”. Look up VARK. These kinds of approaches don’t take that into account. That said, try everything you can, and it sounds like there’s a risk-free trial…..which is awesome. Just remember, Earl didn’t know nuthin’ ‘bout no neuroplastickistity.
hi Mr. Baker. i’m not sure of all that you’re referring to. i don’t know where i called myself a “novice”? i call myself a beginner….a “tyro”, as that’s what i am on the banjo… and i’m not trying to be “hip”….i’m extremely unhip…ask any of the friends i don’t have…. and, i do my bestest not to make beginners, such as myself, feel insecure…..quite the opposite....i try and make them feel like they can do whatever they want, and i try to help facilitate that.
i’m 50-something….i don’t think that’s a”youngin’”,….then again, my mum and dad are 96…..so they may think that. which website are you referring to, sir? (and i'm not sure what you saw that makes you think i'm a "pro" player....but that is a great compliment from you if you meant it....as i have seen your work and you are truly a pro player)
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Originally posted by 1DayIWillPlayI have no idea whether I want to do 2 finger, 3 finger, Scruggs, or clawhammer.
I don't know anything about 2-finger banjo, and just a little more about clawhammer, but to my ear Dr. Turknett is a superb clawhammer player and seems to be a more-than capable teacher in that style.
For reasons I discussed in another thread, though, I'm not sure that Brainjo is the best for three-finger Scruggs style. Some of the "level 3" arrangements that I've seen seem to rely heavily on the TITM/square/alternating thumb motion to the relative exclusion of the forward roll/TIMTIM motion, which I think is the key to the traditional bluegrass sound. This could just be a pedagogical choice to teach something more attainable at beginning levels, but still I've seen no videos of theirs that attains that traditional Scruggs sound.
well, I have some hand issues. I broke all 10 fingers and have ongoing pain issues. I took the Brainjo fingerstyle course for a year. I went from barely able to move my fingers to being able to play pretty darn good. Here's a link to my video progress: One Year Progress with Brainjo Fingerstyle Course I made the video from recordings of me practicing. What I like about the course is that Josh teaches you how to learn, and how important proper practice is for the end. Over practice inhibits learning. Optimal practice enhances learning. He recommends to only practice for 15 to 30 minutes a day. As you can see in the video, the first 3 months was slow. I was just learning the basic techniques. But by the 6th month things had started coming together. By the 8th month I felt like I could play decently. By the 10th month I felt like I was starting to get the banjo and it was making sense to me. By the 12th month I felt like I could figure out how to play most any tune by ear. That was several years ago. Brainjo teach you that learning the banjo is a never-ending journey. And that is so true. I'm really, really glad I took that course. I yes, I'm still dealing with pain from my hand injuries. Sometimes I have to wear hand braces and finger splints or knuckle supports. But even so I can still play fine.
15-30 minutes a day will take you quite some time to get to the prescribed 10,000 hours.....and this is where i can't follow dr josh. Serena Williams didn't get great by practicing tennis a few minutes a day.....Steve Vai used to practice 17 hours a day.....anyone selling you a "shortcut" is selling snake oil.....there's no shortcuts. "If your fingers ain't on the strings......you ain't learning a thing" is my mantra. Maybe not entirely true.....but i believe it. That said, if 15 minutes a day works for you.....go on with it.....you'll have more time left to do more "important" stuff. quote:
not sure why my post cut into yours.....sorry for that.....but i wanted to add this: There is no such thing as "over practice".....believe what you want....but show up for a real gig "under-practiced',,,,and see how that works out
Originally posted by Wobbawell, I have some hand issues. I broke all 10 fingers and have ongoing pain issues. I took the Brainjo fingerstyle course for a year. I went from barely able to move my fingers to being able to play pretty darn good. Here's a link to my video progress: One Year Progress with Brainjo Fingerstyle Course I made the video from recordings of me practicing. What I like about the course is that Josh teaches you how to learn, and how important proper practice isThere is no such thing as "over practice".....believe what you want....but show up for a real gig "under-practiced',,,, for the end. Over practice inhibits learning. Optimal practice enhances learning. He recommends to only practice for 15 to 30 minutes a day. As you can see in the video, the first 3 months was slow. I was just learning the basic techniques. But by the 6th month things had started coming together. By the 8th month I felt like I could play decently. By the 10th month I felt like I was starting to get the banjo and it was making sense to me. By the 12th month I felt like I could figure out how to play most any tune by ear. That was several years ago. Brainjo teach you that learning the banjo is a never-ending journey. And that is so true. I'm really, really glad I took that course. I yes, I'm still dealing with pain from my hand injuries. Sometimes I have to wear hand braces and finger splints or knuckle supports. But even so I can still play fine.
Edited by - ClawJam on 01/29/2023 22:01:06
I thought it was great. I had no issue cancelling by emailing Josh directly. I found the ear training aspect great. Increased my jam skills a great deal as well as general playing
Wow! Thank you all for the posts. I did subscribed to the Brainjo premium account as I have a fiddle that might like to come out of the case and be learned especially when I am practicing and realize " why is my left elbow way out like that? No wonder I am not getting to the frets and my shoulder is way too tired" or " jeez, look at the angle of my right hand and my forearm digging into the tension hoop". Time to put down the banjo. Practice, practice, practice. I do like that I can view Josh and look at posture, how he is playing (movement of his fingers/hands/arms etc.) The banjo beats is so much better for me than a metronome also. But like Wobba, I do have physical issues that I have to navigate around in order to play and that is why the more I handle the Banjo the more I will find out how to make things work. Even if I can only play for 20 minutes at a time before my body says that's enough.
I have been curious about Brainjo, but I went with Dan Levenson's book "Clawhammer Banjo from Scratch, A Guide for the Clawless" I learned basic tunes in three weeks (practicing everyday), if you want to learn clawhammer, I recommend this book and his method.
Key is to practice, go slow with determination and patience, and as you can tell, there are many perspectives and opinions.
Best of luck and clawhammer on!
hmmm... Most people don't expect to become as good as Earl Scruggs, Don Reno, Serena Williams or any body else. They just want to be good enough for themselves. When you have some physical handicaps you have to temper your expectations with a strong dose of reality. You do the best your can, knowing and dealing with your physical limitations. Learning music is an endless journey, it doesn't end until you give up or you die. Your choice. There is not a final sign post where you become a master. And you cannot tell what someone gets out of their musical journey. That's their personal experience. So you might think they are losers because they can play like Earl, or whatever. But they may actually be having life changing experiences from their journey that are far more meaningful for them than anything you can tell them about.
quote:
Originally posted by SpartysamIf you are new to the banjo, please note that the most important thing is dedication and persistence. Many people start but then stop after struggling with some of the basics. Second, regarding Brainjo, I am of two minds on this site/approach. First, the content is good and the tabs provided excellent. However, the problem that I have had with it and the reason that I have soured on it is that canceling is difficult. I thought that I had canceled my subscription only to find that there was another one that I can subscribed to. All of my attempts to login and cancel it and to contact the site owner regarding my problems came up empty handed. In pure frustration, I had to contact my CC company and have them stop payment.
So, there you have it. Good contact; nice way of starting out but a bear to cancel.
Just remember - these experiences are not generalizable; your experiences and mileage may vary.
Finally, welcome to the largest fraternity in the world - banjo players whose wives hate the banjo (o;))
Hi Spartysam, really sorry you had a most difficult time canceling. I had just the opposite on my part. I wanted to stop for awhile. Josh (the "brains" and kind person behind it all) was quick to assist me. Another time, I had a technical issue on my computer and Josh helped me re-initiate my credentials.
Also, Josh offers "free" trials so a person could try the old time 2 finger, 3 finger or clawhammer. Anyway, hope this adds a little other experience with Bainjo for you all.
well since you mention Serena Williams i assume you're referring to my post....she's a heckuva banjo player! haha. i agree with most everything you're saying, and am sorry you have handicaps to deal with. what i don't agree with is the 15-30 minutes a day thing...i personally can not even stay at my current level if that's all the time i put in....but we are all different.....and i certainly do NOT think you're a "loser" if you can't play like Earl. i wish you the best and as much happiness as is legally allowed. (*** edited to say you're making alot of innacurate assumptions about me....maybe take a chilly-pilly****) quote:
Originally posted by Wobbahmmm... Most people don't expect to become as good as Earl Scruggs, Don Reno, Serena Williams or any body else. They just want to be good enough for themselves. When you have some physical handicaps you have to temper your expectations with a strong dose of reality. You do the best your can, knowing and dealing with your physical limitations. Learning music is an endless journey, it doesn't end until you give up or you die. Your choice. There is not a final sign post where you become a master. And you cannot tell what someone gets out of their musical journey. That's their personal experience. So you might think they are losers because they can play like Earl, or whatever. But they may actually be having life changing experiences from their journey that are far more meaningful for them than anything you can tell them about.
Edited by - ClawJam on 01/31/2023 01:06:39
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Originally posted by ClawJamwell since you mention Serena Williams i assume you're referring to my post....she's a heckuva banjo player! haha. i agree with most everything you're saying, and am sorry you have handicaps to deal with. what i don't agree with is the 15-30 minutes a day thing...i personally can not even stay at my current level if that's all the time i put in....but we are all different.....and i certainly do NOT think you're a "loser" if you can't play like Earl. i wish you the best and as much happiness as is legally allowed. (*** edited to say you're making alot of innacurate assumptions about me....maybe take a chilly-pilly****) quote:
Originally posted by Wobbahmmm... Most people don't expect to become as good as Earl Scruggs, Don Reno, Serena Williams or any body else. They just want to be good enough for themselves. When you have some physical handicaps you have to temper your expectations with a strong dose of reality. You do the best your can, knowing and dealing with your physical limitations. Learning music is an endless journey, it doesn't end until you give up or you die. Your choice. There is not a final sign post where you become a master. And you cannot tell what someone gets out of their musical journey. That's their personal experience. So you might think they are losers because they can play like Earl, or whatever. But they may actually be having life changing experiences from their journey that are far more meaningful for them than anything you can tell them about.
I think the 15 to 30 minute advice is aimed at beginners/novices. Once you're at a reasonable degree of skill, practice as much or as little as you like. For a beginner, and speaking for myself as well when working out new tunes, it can get tiresome making the same mistakes and messing bits up, and giving it a rest (in my case playing through some tunes I know well for pure enjoyment, but in a beginners case maybe putting the banjo away for the day) leads to better results next time.
