I have downloaded plenty of CDs to the hard drive on my computer with the media player and just play along with the recording in normal, 'play,' mode. If your media player allows you to slow down the tempo without changing keys that is a plus but I did not use that. I think this is a good way to learn and practice because you can select songs that are slow enough to keep up with and then as you progress find others with a bit more tempo and go from there. Also be aware that YouTube has a slow down feature without changing the key that can be useful, especially for up-tempo songs that you need a bit of help with in getting it up to regular play speed.

Bobby

If you can find the song on Youtube, you can use the slow down feature, which maintains pitch and allows you to really pick up on the right pattern/roll, hammers and slides, etc. Yes, headphones help, I think.

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Originally posted by randybartlett

Is there a best way to be able to hear the banjo in the recording that you're trying to practice with?

Do you wear headphones? Do you set the mid-range equalizer High and minimize the base and treble?

Is there some software to isolate the banjo and make it more prominent?

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Hi Randy it depends on how the instruments are recorded. i.e are the in separate channels.

Jack Hatfield has some recordings with his instruction books where the banjo is in a different channel to the other instruments so by adjusting the balance you can isolate the banjo. Headphones are must.

https://hatfieldmusic.com/ 

... with/without headphones, it's been my experience that having two ears that work seems to be beneficial.   

Why do you want to practice with a recording where there already is a banjo playing? I would find that rather confusing. I transcribe recordings and I play what I learn from transcribing or what I myself come up with using backing tracks that haven't got a banjo.

I think the OP is not asking about practicing with some backing, but rather about idea of listening to a recording to isolate get what the banjo player is doing? Kind of like the idea of transcribing.

In old days, as beginner (decades ago), found could use EQ can help for some recordings. There is not a single "banjo" EQ range, but that it can have tonal qualities that differ from other instruments in the mix, so can use that to make pop out more. Today, EQ plug-ins in a DAW can give a bit more finesse of EQ bands, allow you to sweep multiple frequencies of boost/cut, and control the width (Q), even do notch filter, different recordings will be different. Might help, but not always successful, esp with some mixes, kind of like ears hear the guitar, mando just occupy too much same space (as well as if not a good clean recording)

They do make stripper software; the low end ones designed do a decent job with splitting vocals, drum, bass, but tend to just consider most other instruments as one stem. Might try that, BandLab is free and has that feature. From what I can tell, there might be more advanced splitter software, but probably cost some $$.

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Not sure how useful that was or is, maybe somewhat initially. Eventual goal is simply to develop to listen to hearing the banjo (and other parts) fit in context of a mix, kind of ability to mentally separate. Honing listening, by listening more closely about that mix and context, rather than simply trying to figure out notes, or technical. Live music is helpful with this regard, easier to isolate, pay attention to not just banjo (and notes) but others, how all sits in the mix. Often find as gain that experience, folks can hear the banjo easier, some of it is just recognizing understanding what the banjo role is doing (not sure if explained well).

“Is there a best way to be able to hear the banjo in the recording that you're trying to practice with?“
I understand your frustration. I have struggled with the same thing & finally discovered the secret. The key to be hearing the banjo is to play the record louder.
I’m not being a wise guy. Listening volume tends to be way lower than how loud the instruments sound in real life. When everything is louder it seems easier to ignore the instruments you don’t want to hear.
Sure, the wife & kids will want you to turn it down. That’s another topic.
If you go the headphone route, turn it up loud but only cover one ear. Use the uncovered ear to hear your banjo.
Have fun!