Old Joe Clark Banjo Lesson (part 2 of 4)
By Ryan | January 3, 2009
Old Joe Clark (2nd section of A part) [4:36m]: This is the second lesson of the A part of Old Joe Clark. You’ll find in this lesson that we cover measures 5-10 and talk about the cool d lick in the 9th fret.
Welcome to all of the new members who have joined this week. We’re happy to have you on board. Feel free to email me anytime if you have any banjo questions.
ryan@banjoexpert.com
Stay tuned next week for a big banjo secret with your left hand. The pros never tell you this one. You won’t want to miss it!
Topics: Beginner | 2 Comments »
Banjo Player “J.D. Crowe”
By Ryan | January 3, 2009
I wanted to make sure that you had a sample of J.D. Crowe’s banjo picking today. If you’ve never heard of J.D. then you should do some research online or better yet catch his next show.
I’ve always thought the world of this banjo picker and have learned a lot of licks from his great style. You’ll learn the most from the pickers that you enjoy listening too.
You can find more of J.D. on his website at jdcrowe.net. Check it out!
Topics: Beginner | No Comments »
Old Joe Clark Lesson (part1)
By Ryan | December 31, 2008
Today’s lesson is Old Joe Clark. This first video takes you right in to the “a” part of the song. We’ll go over the pull-off lick on the first string and go over the pinch Kick off.
There are some real cool licks in this tune. If you’re not a member yet, click here to get started.
What do you think of Old Joe Clark?
Topics: Beginner, Intermediate, Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
Ron Stewart Banjo DVD
By Ryan | December 29, 2008
Just wanted to let you know that you can now get Ron Stewart’s banjo instructional dvd. From what I’ve seen of this dvd it looks outstanding!
If you’re interested in learning how to use your Scruggs tuners then this video might be for you. Watch the preview above and let us know what you think.
Post your comments in the comment section below.
Topics: Beginner, Intermediate | No Comments »
Don Rigsby, Lou Reid, and Dan Tyminski
By Ryan | December 27, 2008
Check out this awesome video! This will give you a little taste of Don Rigsby, Lou Reid, and Dan Tyminski.
Banjo students on the site often ask Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Beginner | No Comments »
Dailey & Vincent Acappella
By Ryan | December 24, 2008
I thought this holiday season might be a good time to reflect on some of the other aspects of banjo / bluegrass picking.
Today we’re highlighting an acappella tune by Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Beginner | No Comments »
Bluesy Banjo Lick (video)
By Ryan | December 22, 2008
Advanced Bluesy Lick Video [3:20m]: Today we’re going to jump into a fun bluesy lick on the banjo. If you’re an absolute beginner watch the video and see what you think.
I would encourage you to take a stab at it. See if you can get through the notes. If you do, you’ll end up with a really cool lick under your belt.
If you’re an advanced banjo picker this ones for you. I get several requests for bluesy banjo licks so here’s a good one.
Let me know what you think!
Topics: Advanced, Intermediate, Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
You’re Stretching Too Far!
By Ryan | December 20, 2008
There seems to be a common theme with new pickers not wanting to relax their right hand while picking the banjo.
Stop stretching so much
This can be corrected very quickly. New pickers tend to keep their right hand perfectly still while reaching or stretching for the strings with their fingers. It’s almost as though we’re stretching our picking fingers to the limit to pick the strings when it’s simply not necessary.
What’s the right way?
When your picking with your right hand let it move freely up and down in a rocking motion. Don’t keep your hand in one spot with a vengeance. Let your hand move. You will still need an anchor point with your pinky, ring finger, or both; however, your hand should still be able to compliment your picking fingers.
When you reach up for the fifth string with your thumb, your hand should Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Beginner | 1 Comment »
Hot Banjo Lick Below the 5th Fret
By Ryan | December 15, 2008
Click here to get the free tab to this song in tabledit format
Topics: Intermediate, Podcasts | No Comments »
FREE Webcam Banjo Lesson!
By Ryan | December 14, 2008
I’m going to offer one FREE webcam lesson this week to any member who is interested.
This will be a full one hour banjo lesson via webcam. I’m only going to offer a limited number of these lessons, so jump in quickly. They won’t last long.
Just email me at ryan@banjoexpert.com and I’ll fill you in on the details. Talk to you then!
Topics: Beginner | No Comments »
Dueling Banjo Tabs
By Ryan | December 13, 2008
With the conclusion of our dueling banjo lesson series I wanted to post the tablature to the fast part of the song as promised. This piece of tab is written in tabledit format. You will have to have tabledit software to view these tabs.
Click here to download the fast part.
Here is a link to the dueling part found on banjohangout.com.
If you missed this series, be sure to join as a member and get these hot vids.
Topics: Beginner | No Comments »
Are You a Twitter Fan?
By Ryan | December 13, 2008
I just started my twitter page and we’ll see how it goes. I’m curious to know… Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Beginner | No Comments »
3 Ways to Kick-off a Bluegrass Tune.
By Ryan | December 11, 2008
Can you rattle off 3 kick-offs right now if you were asked? What comes to mind when you think of a bluegrass kick-off? In this member’s video we’re going to go over three different kicks.
1. The first kick will be based off of the fourth string sliding up to the 5th fret.
2. The second kick will start with a slide on the third string and end with a 4th string slide.
3. Lastly will do a pinch kick-off. This is one that you need to know.
What are your favorite kick offs?
Topics: Beginner, Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
Do you have an idea for banjoexpert.com?
By Ryan | December 7, 2008
What would make this a better place for you to learn the banjo? Is there something that you feel would help you learn quicker.
Now’s your chance to give us some feedback. We’re currently brainstorming some new ideas for 2009 to enhance your banjo experience. If you… Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Beginner | 6 Comments »
Ron Block Banjo DVD Coming Soon!
By Ryan | December 3, 2008
Don’t miss your chance to grab Ron Block’s new DVD!!! If you’re one of the first few to get your order in… Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Beginner | No Comments »
How to Read Tabs - Straight from the Mystery Banjo Student
By Ryan | November 27, 2008
Learning to read tablature will open up a new world to your banjo playing. If you’ve never really grasped the concept of reading from tablature stay tuned for our “how to read tabs” video. I’m getting ready to record a screen shot video of some banjo tab in tabledit software.
I sat down with our mystery student yesterday and one of his first questions to me was about tablature. I immediately realized that this would be the perfect starting point for beginning banjo students. If you can read tab then your on your way to teaching yourself the banjo!
We’ll start with quarter notes, and then progress to how to determine where your hand goes on the neck of the banjo. Reading tablature will really speed up the learning process for you and help you to learn some new songs very quickly.
The beauty of tabs is that you can immediately see what someone else is playing. There’s no more doubting whether or not you’ve got the right lick. Keep you’re eye on the blog for this video.
Topics: Beginner, Podcasts | 2 Comments »
Dueling Banjos part 3 of 3 - Dynamite Ending!
By Ryan | November 25, 2008
Ok, here’s the ending we’ve all been waiting for. You’re really gonna like this one. This is an ending that you can use in many bluegrass songs.
It starts off with a pinch slide and ends with a cool alternative D7 ending.
Let me know what you think of it. Have a great week. Remember, I’ll be posting the tab for this song soon.
Topics: Intermediate, Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
Dueling Banjos Part 2 of 3 - How to play the FAST part!
By Ryan | November 24, 2008
Let’s jump right in to the fast part of dueling banjos. If you’re a beginner don’t let this part intimidate you. It will seem difficult at first; however you must work through all of the licks.
This song has some outstanding licks in it that we can use in many songs. When you’ve got this one under your belt you have a whole new bag of licks.
I’m going to put together the tab to this song and upload it this week so that you can work through it one lick at a time. What a great tune, and popular to boot.
Give me your thoughts! If you’ve got some ideas or extras please post them in the comment section. We want to know the little nuances that you have to this tune.
Topics: Intermediate, Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
Dueling Banjos part 2 & 3 coming this weekend + NEW IDEA!
By Ryan | November 21, 2008
We’re going to jump head first into the 2nd part of dueling banjos. It should be interesting. This is the part that really picks up the pace. We’ll talk about how to transition into the lively part of the song and how to make it sound like you’re a lightning fast picker (little secret)!
Monday I’m going to release the third part so that we can finish up the song this week. The 3rd part will contain how to do the “complicated” ending. It’s really not that bad when you break it down into pieces. We’ll create a set of about 5 licks to make the ending much easier to digest.
I’ve got an idea that I thought I would run past you to see what you think. I’m considering doing an experiment with a beginner banjo picker. This would entail videoing our lessons together.
You would then have the opportunity to watch his progression and see how he translates the lesson on to his banjo. I just spoke to him today about the idea and I think he’s ready to get started. Let me know what you think.
Do you think it would help you with your picking?
Topics: Beginner | 5 Comments »
Dueling Banjos - Part 1 of 3
By Ryan | November 14, 2008
If you’ve always wanted to know how to play dueling banjos then here it is! I’m going to dive into a 3 part lesson on how to play this song from beginning to end.
We’ll discover some really cool licks in this one! The first lesson above goes into detail about how to play the dueling part with the guitar. You’re going to love this lesson. Part 2 will be released right here on the blog next week. Enjoy!
Topics: Beginner, Intermediate, Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
Three Finger Banjo Rolls + Standard Bluegrass Ending
By Ryan | October 28, 2008
Do you know the 3 basic roll patterns on the banjo? This 9 minute video takes you to the limit with rolls and picking speed. You’re going to learn how to play the banjo quicker with one simple tip! I’ll also show you how to play a very standard ending and what you need to do to get the “pro” sound.
If you’re not a member yet simply click here to get signed up!
Topics: Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
Cripple Creek (Up The Neck!)
By Ryan | October 21, 2008
If you’ve been wanting to learn an “up the neck” version of Cripple Creek then here it is. This new member’s video starts on the 10th fret and works its way down the neck. You’ll have this one under your belt in just a few minutes! Enjoy.
Topics: Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
Chording Basics (part 1)
By Ryan | October 14, 2008
Topics: Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
Chromatic Banjo Lick (It takes some stretching!)
By Ryan | October 7, 2008
Topics: Member's Video Lessons | No Comments »
Make Your $0.99 Banjo Song Sound Like a Million Bucks!
By Ryan | October 4, 2008
Definition
Playing a break without definition is like taking a trip without a map. If you decide to travel without knowing where you’re going then you could virtually end up anywhere.
Playing the banjo without definition in your playing will confuse your listeners. Here’s how it breaks down. You define your playing by knowing your licks and placing them with accuracy. You can’t just stumble around and expect to impress the fans.
Try this little trick. Next time you play your favorite banjo tune visualize it first. Take a second to look ahead in your mind and know where your going to go with your hot banjo licks. You will create a ton of definition in your banjo solo if you play your rehearsed break with confidence, and play it with power!
Consistency
The tone quality throughout your solo should be very consistent. We (your fans) shouldn’t hear any buzzing or funny tinny sounds pulsating from your banjo.
Fret your instrument with the very ends of your fingers (use the bones), and fret with your fingers right on the fret instead of fretting half way between frets. This will eliminate the dreadful buzzing
Energy
Energy is crucial! Have you ever driven home from a concert when you can still feel the energy of the band in your head. This is what you must accomplish. Energy is inserted with the use of dynamics and good timing.
Try playing your next banjo break while keeping focused on good timing. No fumbling! A slower banjo break with perfect timing will out shine a fast break any day.
Practice inserting definition (plan ahead), consistency (good tone throughout), and energy into your banjo breaks and you look like a million dollars on stage. The fans will adore your style.
You can now get Ryan’s video tips every week click here to get started. See you on the member’s page!
Topics: Beginner | No Comments »