I'm posting this to re-introduce myself after being gone from Banjo Hangout for the better part of two decades. Actually, I was shocked to discover that my username and login were still in this forum's memory.
What got me here at this late date is I'm wanting to resume learning the banjo again. I have made several starts over the years since buying my Deering Goodtime II banjo, and each time it was basically starting all over again. So, here I am again, but this time determined to follow through to proficiency.
Like others here who post similar accounts of their banjo journeys, I was able to adequately play several songs in some form of recognizable fashion, but always ended up becoming frustrated whenever I tried to up my speed so those songs would have that bluegrass tempo and sound.
In searching online for lessons I discovered there is a massively larger number of lessons available on the Internet compared to 15 years ago. Then I came across a Banjo Hangout link and figured I could find out what online teachers the good folks here recommend for someone re-starting over again. I've already picked up a few recommendations from reading posts. But I just wanted to say hi.
If you're really serious about playing bluegrass banjo, find a live teacher who knows how to teach. He/she will show you how to do the various basics you need to know, critique your playing, your posture, you time, tone, etc., and get you on the road to learning proficiently.
If you can't find/afford a live teacher, there are several here on the Hangout who teach via skype and that's almost as good as one-to-one live.
If you can't do that, there are several online sites that teach banjo.
Then there's always a number of beginner books that will get you started. Be sure to take them from page 1, don't jump around and don't try to play fast at the beginning stages.
There are some U-tube teaching videos that are very good and informative and there are some that don't reach that standard. Be careful what you listen to and what you think you're learning. Usually the U-tube videos are too fast to really understand and those are the ones that are so frustrating for beginners.
As far as being frustrated at lack of speed, if you can't play it in time and at a medium tempo, then you won't be able to play it fast either. Speed will come when it's ready and if you try to rush into it, you'll end up being a sloppy banjo picker.
Edited by - Texasbanjo on 01/15/2025 14:12:24
Welcome back!
Welcome back! What has kept my attention has been to learn back up. Kind of the same idea of strumming a guitar. You don’t have to play a professional note for note rendition of a song. Just roll the chords, and sing the songs. Jam with friends. Grass up all their rock songs
. Go on YouTube and jam with all the bluegrass backing tracks. This strategy lets you have a blast right away, keep having a blast, and you can add licks and melody notes in their own time, as they present themselves.
quote:
Originally posted by Dean TWelcome back! What has kept my attention has been to learn back up. Kind of the same idea of strumming a guitar. You don’t have to play a professional note for note rendition of a song. Just roll the chords, and sing the songs. Jam with friends. Grass up all their rock songs
I'm getting WAY ahead of myself, but where we live in the Missouri Ozarks nine miles outside of Branson near the end of a dead end road that ends at a lake there is a weekly jam literally less than a mile from us that's been going on for years. I want to get my banjo muscle memory back on my fingers, and practice playing along with You Tube, or playing against backing tracks, and then maybe I'd feel confident enough to make my appearance. I think I'll also look into paid lessons either from someone local or online.
Edited by - DavidW on 01/15/2025 15:54:56
quote:
Originally posted by DavidWI'm posting this to re-introduce myself after being gone from Banjo Hangout for the better part of two decades. Actually, I was shocked to discover that my username and login were still in this forum's memory.
What got me here at this late date is I'm wanting to resume learning the banjo again. I have made several starts over the years since buying my Deering Goodtime II banjo, and each time it was basically starting all over again. So, here I am again, but this time determined to follow through to proficiency.
Like others here who post similar accounts of their banjo journeys, I was able to adequately play several songs in some form of recognizable fashion, but always ended up becoming frustrated whenever I tried to up my speed so those songs would have that bluegrass tempo and sound.
In searching online for lessons I discovered there is a massively larger number of lessons available on the Internet compared to 15 years ago. Then I came across a Banjo Hangout link and figured I could find out what online teachers the good folks here recommend for someone re-starting over again. I've already picked up a few recommendations from reading posts. But I just wanted to say hi.
Hi DavidW Welcome Back to the Hangout.
I'd like to suggest you check out banjobenclark.com You can sign up for a FREE Silver Pick Membership which will allow out you access to 3 full lessons for FREE with no obligation. Ben is a great teacher, always there encouraging his students always willing to help you with any queries you may have. Everything you need to study from beginner thou to advance is there on the site/ Lot's for you to explore including lessons on music theory and so you don't get bored you'll find each lesson comes with a sprinkling of humor FREE OF CHARGE just so you'll have fun whilst learning.. If you play Guitar & Mandolin, lessons on these are included in the PAID Gold Pick Membership.
I could go on & on about what a great teacher Ben is but I'll be honest some folks can't take to him. I say that's their loss. Best let BanjoBen speak for himself. Here are some samples of what you'll learn as a Gold Pick Member and there are hundreds more on the website. I'd also encourage you to check out other teachers offerings before making a commitment. Every teacher has a different approach.
P.S. BanjoBen has a Music Store in Branson Missouri and regularly makes trips up there to meet Jake and the boys. Alan Munde often visits the store. Here is a link to the General Store BanjoBen's General Store
Edited by - FenderFred on 01/15/2025 22:45:06
Welcome back. I myself just rejoined after a 12 years absence. I am without a banjo I can play at the moment, so I am trying to get an feeling for the fretboard by converting music into tablature. Enjoy your time with your banjo.
Thank you kindly.
quote:
Originally posted by FenderFred
P.S. BanjoBen has a Music Store in Branson Missouri and regularly makes trips up there to meet Jake and the boys. Alan Munde often visits the store. Here is a link to the General Store BanjoBen's General Store
Banjo Ben's store is located about an hour and a half west of us. It could be a fun trip. I'm definitely going to take a good look at his online stuff.
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