Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: Bluegrass (Scruggs) Styles Forum Feed

Remembering Danny Hiser

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:05:01 CST

This Saturday, May 26, there will be a bluegrass gathering of the friends and relatives of my best friend, Danny Hiser. Danny lost his battle to cancer this past Feb. 20th. We are calling this The First Annual "Remembering Danny Hiser" Bluegrass Pickin. This event will be held at The Shady Rest Rv Park at exit 133 on Interstate 64 in West Virginia. This is a free event and there will be several bands performing. We will have workshops during the intermissions for those wanting tips for playing their instrument . Every one is invited to attend. Bring your instrument and jam with us. Hope to see every one there.

Disco?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:17:59 CST

Changing gears sort of.

Radio's been playing a lot of....Donna Summer this w/e. I had my banjo in my arms, and vamped with strings muted along with Hot Stuff. Solid rhythm, easy to follow, used some chops/vamps, some alternating thumb roll.

Challenge is to play instrumental lick, sounds like about 4 bars long and I think the last note is the "key" to the song. Solo starts 16 seconds in here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IdEhvuNxV8

Do not post the answer of what key or tab out the solo, but its a fun challenge. If you must post it, give me 1 week to work it out.

Anyone else try any bluegrass disco? Or disco bluegrass?

Fiddle Tune of the Week

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:20:49 CST

hi all-

started a fiddle-tune-of-the-week blog. I'll be posting my Scruggs style fiddle tune arrangements and would love to hear other folks' arrangements of these tunes... This week's tune is Ashland Breakdown by Bill Monroe

fiddletune.blogspot.com

Article on Practice Time

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:12:58 CST

I love to go over to the Fiddle Hangout and read what they are saying on practicing.

Here someone shared this article so I'm passing it along for us banjo players. Interesting stuff.

http://www.bulletproofmusician.com/how-many-hours-a-day-should-you-practice/

Right hand position

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 04:13:40 CST

Guys my teacher has been trying to get me to have my hand more parallel with the banjo head. I typically feel the most comfort when my wrist is not arched and is closer to the head. Is this position OK? I play pretty well and do not want to hinder future gains because of lack of wrist arch. It is just not very comfortable to me. Any help would be nice.

Online Skype Lessons

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:07:53 CST

Hi Everyone,

I don't get to post here very often due to a usually full roster of U.S. and International students, in addition to family, business stuff, and occasional gigs that keep me pretty busy.

However, summer is almost upon us, and I have some openings in my teaching schedule. I'm not going to talk about my methods or results here.....I have a page dedicated to that. (http://www.banjohangout.org/teacher/fiddlin_Al )

For those that would like to shave months or even years off of their learning curve, are having trouble improvising, or can't get their playing or backup to sound "right," I encourage you to email or call me personally even if you're just starting out.

I look forward to hearing from any members that are sincerely interested in learning Scruggs-style faster and more accurately than they ever thought possible.

Kindest regards to all,

Fiddlin' Al

407-332-8921

pcsvc@cfl.rr.com

Skype: fiddlin.al

www.fiddlin-al.com

TABs Videos etc

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:11:57 CST

IMO, TABs and too much Video has hurt banjo picking,I'll explain why,....for one reason everyone wants to be great pickers overnight,reason two is they copy the TAB /Video note for note which makes reason three, takes out ones own style or origianality.can you imagine Don learning Earl note for note.just get a CD of someone you like ,learn the melody spent countless hours playing, you will have your very own phrasing,tone,etc then you won't be asking " how do I play backup "behind a fiddle /singer how do I hold my hand and all the other things that one sees on here. you'll know .it takes work folks

Who's the banjo player on Tony Rice Sings Gordon Lightfoot?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:16:52 CST

Hello all,

Can anyone tell me who plays banjo on "You Are What I Am" on Tony Rice Sings Gordon Lightfoot? I think the album has Bela Fleck, Bill Emerson, and JD Crowe listed as banjo players but I'm not sure which one plays on that particular track. Also, does what model banjo is the player playing? Many, many thanks! I'm blown away with that break and am dying to know who does it. It sounds like Crowe to me but I want to be sure.

DD80

Pics of picks

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:00:37 CST

I’m just starting out, and wondering how to wear and adjust fingerpicks. I’ve watched a couple of Youtube videos which explain how to bend them, but I’ve been unable to see where they’re fitted in relation to the finger. I’m looking for some pictures taken from different angles/elevations which show how they’re fitted. Thanks very much.

How to learn back up

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:37:15 CST

I am a fairly decent player but I only play the lead in songs. Mostly because I hardly ever play with others. I am trying to learn back up so I CAN play with others. Or maybe I should play with others so I can learn back up? lol. Which came first the chicken or the egg? Anyway, I have books on back up and know the techniques, but my problem is what to play when and which back up pattern fits where? I dunno. Maybe I need Band in a Box or something?

Pinky on bridge

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 20 May 2012 19:02:58 CST

I have found that my pinky gravitates toward the bridge. I know this is not good for tone and I can move it when i am thinking about it, but i find it resting on the bridge much of the time I am playing. Anyone else ever have this issue? How did you fix it (or did you)?

A great book and some great slow down software

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:50:47 CST

Hi all,

I'm sure many of you know of these items but I just came across them recently and thought I'd share for those who aren't aware. First off for those of you working really hard to learn the fingerboard I have to plug Pat Cloud's book "The Key to the Banjo." His approach is to teach you pentatonic scales and the fingerings for each neck position, and then add in the 4th and 7th notes as you get more comfortable. It's an amazing technique that is really helping my learning. Plus knowning the pentatonic scales is really helping me learn some improvization.

Second, some of you may know that quicktime has a function to slow down tracks (apple + K key) but you lose some quality along the way. There's a program with a free download called capo (http://supermegaultragroovy.com/products/Capo/) that slows music down and seems to keep the quality and tone a lot better. I just used it to learn a part in dixie that I've been stuck with and it's really great.

That's all. I don't have any affiliation with either product but they've helped my playing a lot so I wanted to share.

Happy pickin!

-Todd

PS, any Seattle pickers on here that would like to get together and pick? The rain is coming to an end and it's time for some patio playin!

Melodic DVD's, Books, Downloadable Lessons

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 20 May 2012 10:25:33 CST

Just wondering if anyone can recommend any Basic Melodic banjo Books or DVD's. thanks

Jamming question

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 19 May 2012 09:47:30 CST

I posted this on blog, not sure where best to get responses. I have been playing for almost 2 years and have been attending some jams. I can lead a few songs and play some back-up Q: How best to lead a song and then allow others to jam? Do you repeat and play verse and chorus chords? Is there a proper time during the song? How best to indicate it is jam time without disrupting the song? Thank you

Going rate for banjo lessons?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 19 May 2012 09:03:53 CST

Someone recently asked me to offer banjo lessons in my local area, just wondering what I should charge? I'm a long time player but new to the whole "teaching" thing. Thanks!

Practice in the bathroom?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:52:35 CST

Do you folks practice in a place that best represents how it sounds to an audience? I'm finding myself playing in the bathroom quite a bit.

I find that when i practice in an open room the sound isnt as crisp as I like, and im constantly modifying my setup of changing my picking attack.

When I play in front of a wall or in the bathroom my sound is just how I like it, and that's probably how it sounds to an audience.

And yes, feel free to make jokes at my expense...

tips for beginners

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:39:08 CST

I have had my banjo for about a month now and I get lucky enough to play around an hour a day. I would love to get some tips and pointers from other players. I am attempting to learn a few songs and I am pretty comfortable with the finger picking. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to learn the left hand motions. Also I was wondering if it is better if I try to learn songs by reading the tablature of if I should be working more on my fundamentals such as left hand positions. Also do you think it would be a good idea to take some lessons from experienced players to get some help? How much do banjo lessons usually cost per hour? Thank you all for any help you can give me.

Bury Me Beneath The Willow

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:02:48 CST

Has anyone worked this tune out by ear only.I am trying and using the Chords but getting the melody in is a problem.If I get this it will be my first.

rd changes

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 18 May 2012 02:07:59 CST

Can I get some suggestions on several chord change routines.specifically , F and D chords.

These are the ones i struggle with.

Many thanks Aussie Nige

John Henry Question...

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:52:04 CST

I am wondering about the song John Henry in Scruggs black book. I started learning this song a week ago from Scruggs book and listening to FogMtn Banjo cd. I was having a little trouble with fingering the left hand and searched and searched for a video of Scruggs playing John Henry. Still can't find one. And for the other videos that are available of others playing many are in G tuning which doesn't help.

For the videos I have found there haven't been any that have played as the tab in Scruggs book that I can see. I can't hear notes very well so I rely on the fingering to 'see' the difference. Scruggs book plays the 9th fret on the fourth string after a couple series of 8th fret bends. Most other videos I've found all jump back to the 5th fret on the third string. So why is this? Is the tab wrong in the book? ( I do know Scruggs played tunes differently each time) I don't have any video evidence to examine of Scruggs playing, which is another question in itself.

Are the notes the same, and these are two different ways of playing it? If so, it seems easier to bring ring finger up to fourth like I taught myself to do it, rather than move entire hand back to 5th fret for one fretted note. Any help from the music guru's out there would be great.

I have a video on homepage to see how I play it, it's at the 20 sec. mark, verses many youtube videos.

New Player Questions

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:05:47 CST

Hello,

I have been playing for probably going on 3 months now, but I don't have much time, so on average I only get ~1-2 hours a week in.

I have come across a few questions recently and am not really sure how to search answers to them (at least the first one), so I am asking.

1) I spent probably the first month holding my left hand, what I now believe to be wrong. I held the back of the neck with the pad of my thumb, like I think guitarist do. I realized I was doing it wrong and that the back of the neck should go more towards the valley of my thumb, with this came a much greater ease fingering, especially moving around the neck (the little bit that I do). The problem is that now I am to the point in the book I am following (Janet Davis's teach your self Banjo) where I am playing more bar chords. The problem being that I cannot hold the bar chords with my thumb in the position I think it should be and i don't know if I will develop it either, my hand just does not work that way. Additionally transitioning between the two positions is difficult for me.

So what is the proper method, reposition my thumb, or attempting to condition my hand to play the chord with my thumb in the proper position?

2) The second question has to do with pull offs. I am getting along with hammer ons and slides, but i can't "pull off" the way described in the book without also plucking an adjacent string. Is there a trick to it, or just practice?

Thanks for your time!

How many days to learn a song for a beginner?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:55:00 CST

I know this question may have a lot of answers. I consider myself a beginner. Not one just starting but can only play 8 to 10 songs in one position. I can also play just a few licks down the neck and little backup. Anyway I have started about a month ago on a song that is a big challenge and I gave up on it after practicing 7 to 10 days on it. Last week I have started back on the song and actually can get thru the first verse with just a few mishaps. However its going to take probably another week or so to get thru the song for it to be acceptable.

I just kind of feel like I could have used that time in learning a lot of other stuff to make me better over all player. Of I guess you all are wondering the song it's Alan Munde's Peaches and Cream. (just the first verse). Some of it actually sounds pretty good.

Just Starting

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:33:23 CST

Hello, I have been trying to learn the Banjo but my instructor no longer teaches in my area. I would like to know if anyone could recommend an online instruction that will take me from the beginning. I have tried some DVD's' but have not had much success. I have seen some online offers but confused which really works and wont cost too much. So any help would be wonderful.

Mike

NEW! Mando & Banjo Week at The Swannanoa Gathering

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:08:30 CST

The Swannanoa Gathering Folk Arts Workshops of Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC invite you to join us as we celebrate our 21st season with the debut of our newest workshops: Mando & Banjo Week, August 5-11, featuring a staff of some of the world’s finest players, and offering a wide variety of classes for mandolin, 5-string banjo, tenor banjo and guitar:

Mandolin staff:
Mike Marshall – (Improvisation, Brazilian Choro)
Mike Compton – (Monroe-style Bluegrass)
Don Stiernberg – (Swing/Jazz)
Radim Zenkl – (Bluegrass, Modern Mandolin)
Caterina Lichtenberg – (Classical Mandolin)
Marla Fibish – (Irish Mandolin)
Adam Tanner – (Old-Time, Beginner Mandolin)

Banjo staff:
Tony Trischka – (Intermediate & Advanced techniques)
Pete Wernick – (Beginner Bluegrass, Jamming)
Alan Munde – (Intermediate & Advanced Bluegrass)
David Holt – (Banjo Songs, Clawhammer Fiddle Tunes)
Ken Perlman – (Clawhammer Technique)
Seamus Egan – (Irish Tenor Banjo)

Guitar:
Jack Lawrence – (Bluegrass Accompaniment)
Joan Wernick – (Bluegrass Jamming)

In addition, Mando & Banjo Week runs concurrently with our Fiddle Week and students may take classes in either program. The Fiddle Week staff and classes include:

Fiddle:
Byron Berline – (Bluegrass)
Michael Doucet – (Cajun)
Joe Craven – (Improvisation, Blues)
Winfred Horan – (Irish)
Jason Anick – (Swing)
Tashina Clarridge – (New Acoustic)
Lissa Schneckenburger – (New England, Dance Fiddling)
Rayna Gellert – (Old-Time)
Ryan McKasson – (Scottish)
Duncan Wickel – (Irish, Improvisation)
Emily Schaad – (Old-Time)
Josh Goforth – (Bluegrass, Mountain Fiddling)
Tristan Clarridge – (Cello)
Kevin Kehrberg – (Bass)

Guitar:
David Surette – (Celtic Accompaniment)
Roger Bellow – (Swing)

For more information, visit our website, write or call for a free catalog.

The Swannanoa Gathering
Warren Wilson College
PO Box 9000
Asheville, NC 28815-9000
828-298-3434 (phone/fax)
www.swangathering.com
gathering@warren-wilson.edu

Rawhide

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:40:50 CST

Good morning BHO World

In the tune Rawhide, what chord configuration is Murphy Henry holding down at the 1:03 minute point here:

http://www.murphymethod.com/index.cfm?event=pages.product&pid=15

Thanks,

Lew

What style of banjo should I be learning?!?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:09:35 CST

I am just getting into playing the banjo. I started working with a clawhammer book, and I am trying to figure out if I am on the right track! I really like old string band and jug band tunes. I recently purchased a Old Crow Medicine Show CD and fell in love with their sound as well (I bought all of their CDs now!). I would eventually like to play these types of tunes with my girlfriend who sings and plays fiddle. Am I right in learning clawhammer or should I be going the bluegrass route?

thanks for your input!

-Ryan

What is the Best Backward Roll Song for me ( not HSH)

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:25:19 CST

Hey Guys, I am looking for a good tune to learn that really features the backward roll alot. I 've read on here that Home Sweet Home is what typically gets recommended but I can't really get a handle on that tune from my Scruggs book.

Thanks,

John

Michigan Bluegrass Association

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:15:19 CST

Meets this Saturday, May 19th Armstrong Middle School off Belsay Rd ...6161 Hopkins Drive , Flint, more info, Bob Jones@ 810- 736-5332...4$ at the door 6pm till 10pm

Banjo Workshop, May 19, Jax. FL

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:48:44 CST

Hi All, just wanted to let you know about a banjo workshop on Saturday, May 19, 2:00pm in Jax. Fl. with Mike Elin. MIke is a Scruggs style teacher and has been teaching for over 25 years. The workshop is part of Acousticana Music Fair. See website for more info and It's posted in the calendar section.

Happy Pickin!

Patton Wages' banjo!?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:33:51 CST

I just watched a YouTube video of a player named Patton Wages who is playing a very modern looking banjo. Can anyone tell me anything about this instrument? Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o3v14pQpe8

trouble with hammers and slides...

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:37:38 CST

i'm a clawhammer player moving over to 3 finger and have a question about slides (and hammer ons).

if you were to slide the first note of a 3251 roll from fret 2 to 3 on the third string do you strike the second string as soon as the 3rd fret sounds? the tab i've seen seems to show the two notes sounding simultaneously (same thing with hammer ons).

i'm having big trouble with that but maybe it's just something i have to do over and over for hours. i play slides and hammer ons all the time in clawhammer but don't have to sound any simultaneous notes, at least the way i do it.

thanks for any help!

TEXTBOOK-BLUEGRASS-BACK-UP-BANJO

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:35:09 CST

Hello all,

After a 2 year long expedition into blu bop, I'm back into bluegrass and I really want to learn more textbook-bluegrass-back-up-banjo.

What are the quintessential recordings (songs specifically) for textbook-bluegrass-back-up-banjo?

Who ever this guy is KILLS the back up banjo at 0:56.. And I want to do stuff like this..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o3v14pQpe8

please let me know!

Rick

Metronome Meltdown

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:30:06 CST

Why do I completely fall apart when I use a metronome? I can't remember the next phrase, can't strike the right string, can't keep tempo. I am fine with backing tracks, play along DVD's and my instructor in a lesson. I have recorded myself with all three and sound fine. But that blinking light just causes me to lose it all. Any insights?

Old Time Religion , Help please

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:47:09 CST

Hi, I'm learning from the Jack Hatfield first lessons, and have hit my first problem with old time religion, the last but one cord at the end D7, do i have to try and hold all 3 notes down at the same time p. i. m needless to say this is the first time i have had to try and stretch my pinky this far down , or am i doing it wrong. Thank you for any advice and help you are able to offer.

Foggy Mountain Special?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:23:06 CST

I was at a jam the other day and someone wanted to play a tune that he said was the same as Foggy Mountain Special. I did not hear what he said it was. Any ideas?

What is the best fall back to roll for a really fast tune?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:55:01 CST

I know it will differ.

What a Bummer !! ( snapped my "pip")

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:44:34 CST

Yesterday while practicing there was a "pop" and my 5th string lay dangling. At first I thought the string had broken but then I saw the problem; the "pip" between the fret and the 5th string tuner had broken off. RATS!! I found the slotted top portion of it on the floor and there was only about 3/16" left. The remaining portion was still down in the hole. So I drilled out the remaining piece in the hole and glued in the slotted piece which only had the 3/16" portion remaining. I'll give it a day for the glue to set before I place the 5th string back in the slot because there is a lot of pressure where the string exits the slot and takes a sharp angle towards the tuner. Here's hoping the shortened "pip" holds. Any reason why these "pips" are made from plastic or nylon?? I would have thought a metal "pip" would be a better solution !!!!! Anyone else had this problem??? I'll go back to Banjohut from where I purchased my Savannah and try to get a couple of these "pips" because sure as heck if it broke already it's bound to happen again. What a BUMMER!!!

Andy

Teacher in Lake Placid area

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:29:05 CST

I may have an opportunity to spend some time in the High Peaks area of the Adirondacks this summer, and was wondering if there is a Scruggs-style teacher in the area. Thanks for any leads.

right hand

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:03:45 CST

In my opinion, the right hand is the most important factor in learning to play banjo, and it has to be trained which can take years. I noticed recently that all of a sudden my right hand feels like it knows what it's doing, a lot more than it used to.

So I was trying to understand what changed, and I think one thing is that the middle joints of the fingers don't move much at all. They are partly bent, and the movement is mostly in the base joint, whatever that is called.

Does that seem right?

The result is a lot more leverage and strength, and the fingers are more relaxed.

I think I might have read about it at this forum years ago but it didn't mean anything to me then. I wasn't trying to do it, I just suddenly noticed a difference.

My feeling is that this results in much better timing and tone, and much less effort is required.

So I don't know, try it and see if you think it works. It could be my imagination.

Length of Thumbpick - Pick Noise

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:16:29 CST

I'm only a few months in and still experimenting with my picks. I've been using a thumbpick that's trimmed down considerably, only extends about 1/8" past the thumb band. It seemed like anything more was redundant, and I'm getting a pretty good sound on my rolls. Pick noise has been tolerable and I like the feel of the short pick. In the last week I've been working on some melodic stuff (Grey Eagle), playing slowly and quietly. For some reason the short pick is a lot noisier. I switched to a National that was untrimmed and it sounded better, but when I go back and play Scruggs rolls at speed I still prefer the short pick.

Advice would be appreciated.

Pike County Breakdown

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:32:01 CST

When you play Pike County Breakdown, do you and your group play an F, or do you stay in G. (measure 7, I believe) Is it regional, or traditional, or both.

Mike

Midnight Moonlight

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 21:13:22 CST

I heard that song many times but I only found out recently it was originally a bluegrass song. And I never even heard of Peter Rowan until the other day. I grew up in a bluegrass-deprived area. I was at a jam session the other day and someone mentioned Midnight Moonlight and I found it on youtube and could not believe how beautiful it is. Much better than the electric version I was familiar with.

I love the Old and In the Way version, where Jerry Garcia plays banjo. I am really crazy about this song right now, and I am working on learning it. I would like to get the banjo part right. It would be nice to have a tab, if anyone knows of a good one. i think I can figure it out, more or less, even without a tab though. It is not very complicated, and the challenge is playing it fast with perfect timing. Which of course I can't do.

I would like to play this song at jam sessions, once I have learned it. But the chords are definitely not standard bluegrass and it's hard to follow for anyone who doesn't already know it.

Thoughts on the May 2012 BNL

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 20:20:50 CST

I just finished reading the May BanjoNewsletter cover to cover. What a touching -- and thought-provoking -- issue. Among the statements that jumped out at me were these:

"I asked Earl, 'How do you feel about so many people wanting to play just like you?' 'Well, it's confusing to me,' he said. 'When I was coming up in Carolina, it seemed as if everyone had their own style. And they were all a little different. Maybe things have changed. I don't mind it. I just do what I do." (p. 35)

Responding to Tony Trischka (and Bela Fleck) about what made Earl's 3-finger style different: "I don't know. It's kind of like it is today; if somebody is going to put themselves in it, they're going to play notes that you're not playing. I know I do and I guess you guys do too, you just play whatever comes out. You don't think about the licks you're doing. It just comes out the way it does." (p. 43)

Pete Wernick: "Sometimes after we picked one, I'd ask him about a lick he just played. His standard reaction was to shrug and try to play it again, but it would come out different." (p. 36)

Plus there is a running theme throughout the entire issue that no one else, no matter how great the player or how dedicated to the task, has ever been able to sound like Earl.

Does all of this make anyone else wonder whether banjo players should spend less time trying to copy Earl's sound (apparently, a hopeless quest) and more time trying to copy Earl's banjo philosophy?

THUMB PICK

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 17:26:34 CST

Why would after a while of using the same thumb pick it gets a crack it it and i have to replace it?

Advice for my first own arrangement !!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 13:57:23 CST

So here's the deal am working on Rollin my sweet baby arm I know the melody I can play back up and sing but when I try to put the melody into a rolling patern am doing quarter notes instead of 8 notes roll. If I start with a foward roll I can put most of the melody in but I can't go back to the back up, it just doesn't work. I've been trying to get that right for a couple of weeks and I don't see any improvement. Any suggestion !

My Progress

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 11:17:05 CST

OK!!!! So iv been playing for about a month and a half, maybe a little more. I have no way to judge my progress. I only have a computer at work, so i cant take video or anything. And i dont take lessons. Iv been learning out of the earl scruggs book and have played guitar for about 13 years. so i was just wondering if this sounds about where i should be. I can play the Earl Scruggs Version of Cripple Creek at the same speed and clarity in its entirety (except his crazy backup during the fiddle part.) and at the same speed. I can also play Rick McKeon's arrangment of "You Are My Sunshine" and The begining of Earl's "Cumberland Gap", just not quite as fast as him, and i stop at that crazy chorus. I know alot of my rolls and am currently working on all the vamping variations and learning to really play up the neck by playing with others. I also know a couple different Hank III and Merle Haggard Tunes that i kinda just made up to play along with it. I just wanna make sure im on the right track and am not getting ahead of, or behind of myself. Any comments would be appreciated.

Tyler

John Hartford's Bear Creek Hop

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 09:11:41 CST

This tune sounded impossible (and impossibly fun) when I first started. Now I realize it's all standard stuff---but capoed at the 7th fret! (Unless I'm nuts).

Sounds pretty good to me.

Feedback From Geoff Hohwald

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 08:20:25 CST

Every once in a while I am asked which of my materials would help someone at a particular point in their learning so I thought I would clarify some things. I'm posting this to help banjo players to use material that will help them so they do not purchase things that are not useful to them. Also this is a request for ideas for new materials that banjo players would like to have. Before beginning I will mention that having weekly lessons with a teacher is the best way to learn. However there are many places where a teacher is not available and the student must learn from other resources. If mentioning the Watch and Learn products is in violation of the Hangout Rules I apologize and would expect it to be removed.

One other point, There are so many great materials out there by many dedicated and excellent players and teachers that each student will find things in these materials that provides exactly what they need to take them to the next level. Different material works best with different players. There is no one superior product or method. This includes published material, Banjo Hangout resources, Youtube and other things. I believe that banjo players are very lucky because of the wealth of resources.

Because the following materials starting with Banjo Songs 1 2 and 3 have been written over a 33 year period they do not necessarily work seamlessly so hopefully this will add some insight to what is going on.

Chronology

1979 to 1982 Banjo Songs Book 1,2 and 3 and the Billy McKinley Songbook. These were simply songbooks that included arrangements and licks that I had learned from many banjo players that had helped me. There were typically 3 solos for each song. Because I do not have a very good sense of pitch I was forced to learn, write down and and memorize the material exactly as it was played. If I had more musical talent I would have played something similar to what they were playing as opposed to learning it exactly. There was a Cassette Tape included that played each break at 2 speeds.These books were discontinued in 1995.

1982 Banjo Primer This was a beginning book that was influenced by the Christopher Parkening Classical Guitar Book that used lots of pictures to illustrate correct technique. At the time this was a unique product and as a result was used by many influential players and teachers. Included a cassette tape that progressed to a CD.

1996 Banjo Primer Video The student was able to see the hand movements for the techniques used in the Banjo Primer.

2001 Banjo Songs Book - We took all of the Public Domain songs from the Banjo Songs Books 1, 2, and 3 and published them in the book Banjo Songs. When this first started I figured we would spend 10 or 15 hours cutting and pasting. It in fact took over 400 hours as I went over each arrangement and made minor changes to make the arrangements flow better. This book contains licks and arrangements taught to me by over 30 excellent regional banjo players and contain arrangements that go from advanced beginner to very advanced. Many people purchase this thinking that it is the next step beyond the Banjo Primer. The easy song section in the freebanjovideos.com website was added to fill the gap between Banjo Primer and Banjo Songs.

2007 freebanjovideos.com The purpose was to provide songs and techniques in more detail to help the student focus. This has enabled us to focus in detail on Beginning Technique, Easy Beginning Songs, Moveable chords, Back up Techniques, Improvisation, Up the Neck Breaks and more Advanced Song arrangements.For beginners there is a lesson plan that incorporates the content on freebanjovideos.com and the Banjo Primer.

2007 Banjo Primer Jam CD’s Basically this takes the place of the band. Each of the songs in the Banjo primer is played with a full band at 5 different speeds starting slowly.

2008 Acoustic Guitar Jam CD’s Bert Casey plays and sings 19 songs at 3 speeds with Rhythm Guitar, Mandolin Chop, Bass and vocals. This is great for practicing Back up.

Well that’s it.

Geoff Hohwald

Left hand

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 05:41:29 CST

I am fairly new to playing and I would like to know if anyone has any advise on how to train the left hand. Some of the chords require stretching of the fingers that does not come naturally. I can do it but I have to stop and really put forth extra effort to stretch my pinky in particular. Other than the obvious practice and repitition, are there any excercises or tricks to speed up the process?

I can't figure out how this guy is playing this!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 9 May 2012 00:43:49 CST

Hi guys,

I have been playing banjo for about 10 months so I'm not very experienced, and I am having an extremely hard time figuring this out...

I'm trying to learn Rob Bourassa's arrangement of Man of Constant Sorrow by following his video on youtube. I know the main verse by heart now, but now I am trying to learn the whole song and he makes some variations in his playing which is difficult for me to catch...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=efTRD9i_FD0#t=95s

About at this point in the video, he seems to be doing a pinch on the 1st and 2nd strings while sliding (first string - third to fourth fret, second string - second to third fret). That sounds about right when I do it, but then he continues with a forward roll up to about 1:38 in the video which I can't get at all! No matter how I try, it seems impossible to get that sound with his finger position!! I'm completely lost, even though this shouldn't be that hard...