Hello banjoists seeking advice. I'm the guy who created Banjo Head, the banjo interview Substack newsletter (https://banjoheadmagazine.substack.com/). I'm hoping to start a beginner's column there (monthly, perhaps), but I wonder what kind of materials beginners might like to see there. There is, of course, a wealth of information online these days, between Banjo Hangout, YouTube, and Patreon, etc., to say nothing of all the books that have been helping beginners for decades. So I'm wondering if there are certain things you don't see covered elsewhere that you might like to see in such a column. Are there subjects that don't get enough attention? Or maybe theory that's not explained? Or different approaches (from different players) to tackling the same melodic phrase? All input all is welcome.
Thanks!
You mentioned books. What might be helpful would be book reviews covering what is in the book and how helpful they might be for a beginner. I know when I was starting out I purchased a lot of material; some helpful, some not as much. As I progressed I went back to some of the books that weren’t helpful when I was just beginning but were when I hit a more intermediate stage.
This could be a question more for the first year students. I haven’t perused or viewed much of what’s out there these days regarding teaching methods. Considering most players will never be pros at à high performance level, I always consider beginner and intermediate arrangements valuable instead of starting with versions that a pro has recorded for an album.
Edited by - chuckv97 on 07/30/2026 11:33:44
One thing that should be stressed to new players of any instrument is the importance of regular practice, how to practice, and the importance of learning to play in time and how to use the time keeping devices available to aid them in counting to keep time.
Edited by - Pick-A-Lick on 07/31/2026 04:42:01
I think a beginner’s column is a great idea. I would consider myself an “experienced beginner” and here are some topics that I would either find helpful or that I see asked frequently:
1. Good practice habits
2. How to use a metronome
3. How to develop good timing
4. When am I ready to get off the couch and go to a jam
5. What to expect at a jam
6. I got back from my first jam and was completely lost - now what?
7. How to break away from tab
8. Pros and cons to one on on instructors vs online resources
9. Everyone from my next door neighbor to Merle Scruggs is offering a patreon banjo page these days - which ones are good and why
10. … and the one that I see asked the most on another banjo forum … I want to buy my first banjo, what should I get?
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