"Banjo advice" (Page 1 of 2)

wey hey young man...clawhammer is very good to start with and is just as impressive as scruggs style when learning all there is to know about clawhammer..i actually try to do both for the variation relief. I used to argue the point with my teacher back down South but when i saw and heard what he did with it I was convinced about clawhammer...Do what you will Im just glad to have another banjo person on board....marcalan

Hi  Marcalan thanks for your post..looks like us Banjer players are thin on the ground on here ... lol
    suprised just how much noise theese little critters make when you play them,I have about 5 acres
    of woods and water here so working on that shed as we speak !:lol:

Hi Doreen Yep I've decided to practice both methods and see what works best for me..
                As you say the Banjo is great fun I can't put it down ..some wish I would
               
                Duelling Banjos was I think writen for just two banjos and the guitar part was
                just for the film...Try "You tube" for duelling banjo lessons you might get the
                guitar part or try posting your request here on the song request forum.

                Keep pickin'    Mark

Hi Doreen2: yes you need the picks, it actually makes it easier, it just doesn't seem that way at first.

Hi Buffalo ..yes your right I have been using picks for 3 weeks  and they now feel good
                 Just nailed first couple of bars of "Cripple Creek" still its a start...

                  Hey Doreen keep posting like to hear how another starter is doing!

Hi Doreen  Try   rickmckeon.com  He dose some great lessons...free and you can listen
                 and print out the Tab also he is on you tube just type in "Banjo lesson cripple creek"

                 Hope its some help ..keep at the "D" those fingers will do as u want one day.I still
                 have trouble keeping the roll steady during a change of chord

                 Have fun Mark...

Something that helped me to no end with banjo is to keep in mind what the stings are tuned (at least in G tuning). The bottom 4 stings of your standard guitar tuning with the bottom string a whole step lower. many chords and almost interchangeable between the two instruments. You just need to look at the banjo from a different point of view and it gets easier.

I am sure you have found this place yourself but http://www.banjohangout.org/ is an OK site. As far as lessons this site is amazing http://www.bluesageband.com/Tabs.html but it is for clawhammer.

and your question about what fingers to use for clawhammer, I use my middle finger (often, mostly on my morning commute)
It seems to be personal preference though.
I picked middle because I need my nail short on my index finger so I could put my contacts in. And because it seemed more natural for me.

Anyway, cheers,
AW

evsynator...if you have an open back banjo try putting some foam or sock or the like between the rod and the head this will dampen the volume ..i have this in place a rolled up sock also works...went to your website you are a talented fella with your photography and your music good work well done pat on the back...Buffalo tangier site looks pretty good ..Doreen try musicmoose.org great free lessons for scruggs style..from basics to advanced, you'll be there in no time believe me the excitment this instrument provides is wonderful and there are so many different things you can do with it other than bluegrass check out bela fleck..regarding claw hammer style I was taught to use my index finger but i do use my middle now it seems more comfortable but rewally I use both..I dont see where it makes a difference..Wait till you discover drop thumbing...Flatpicker I just googled earth to where you live looks like plenty of open space for all of us what do ya think? The Devon Banjo Gypsies? catchy band name HUH?

Hi evsynator I think your right trying to play at half power seems to make it harder I'am lucky I have
                   only cows and sheep round me so when they start walking I know its time to quit for a while...

Marcalan  Great name and yep got loads of room here in south Devon rolling hills and moorland and
                      coastline ... just the job for us "Banjo virgins" Do appriciate your advice and experience
                     I checked out your site great music ...you get the job as manager,front man ...lol we will
                     all stay in the back ground looking cute...
                     But your right there is some great banjo tunes out there am looking forward to getting
                     going with the banjo it is a great instrument.

                                                         Mark.

Don't know wether you can advertise things on Chordie but I am getting rid of my Fender FB58  if anyone is interested.

Derbyshire area.

Hi Flatpicker .... the cabin idea would be brilliant ! ... there is no place like it and am sure people would go for it . Unless you go to an "open mic" night in a pub etc its hard for people who are into accoustic  sounds having anywhere . Really sounds good .  On the other note ... I am only in plaster for another 3 weeks ...it was a repair job because I broke my leg last year in three places and dislocated my foot .. it didnt heal properly . In a way its nice to have a few  weeks to indulge myself with being lazy ... and plenty of time to learn my banjo .

hey flat picker and fellow banjo mates check this out..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jn3KCZEqxc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrlqQ1_v … re=related