Extreme Video Banjo Lessons! We push learning the 5-string to a whole new level.
From the monthly archives:
louisricci: ryan:wasgoing to music store for lessons,find your vidios to be a much better teacher am more than happy with the move. hope some day to be able to play well. lou
Ryan: Yes, we just posted the “B” part to Cripple Creek to the site. Click here to view the video lesson. Thanks, RyanRyan: Yes, you can find two tabs to dueling banjos right here on the site. You will need tabledit software (which is free) to view the tabs. Just click here to see our post on dueling banjos tab.
Louie8ball: Hi, just joined the site and still figuring out the navigation. Has part 2 of this lesson been posted yet?
braden derrow: hi i have been searchin the internet all day for dueling banjos tabs for the banjo and i had no luck at all. if you could sent me them i would be very greatful.Ryan: Monte, I’m so glad to have you on the site as a premium member. You’re going to learn a lot of good new banjo material. You’ll first want to start learning your rolls (forward, backward, and alternating). Once you’ve got these under your belt you’ll progress to...Ryan: Sounds like you’re well on your way. Your enthusiasm and interest in the banjo will get you the farthest. We do offer a lifetime membership to the site which is currently priced at $47. It’s a very good deal. You’ll get new video lessons via the website quite often. I...
montecassels: Ryan: Today is my first, I am a 76 year ole bluegrass loving ole man with no muscial ability except good listening over the years, I have collected quite a collection of ole timer Autographs with a lot of them now in Glory playing for our Lord. Any way I got my banjo last year and...
Anthony Williams: Hi Ryan, Merry Christmas from Melbourne,Australia. What’s the best way for me to get the best out of what you’re offering? I don’t have a webcam or skype,but i did see an option as a premium member. Only just beginning but have wanted to be a great banjo player...
Elvin Basinger: What about bela Fleck? He seems to take the banjo to a different level.
Ben Frihauf: Hi Ryan, Thanks for the Tab. I will get to working on John Hardy ASAP. BenRyan: Thanks for the kind feedback. Sometimes we all need a break. I’m glad to hear that you’re back to playing the banjo.
jscoboe60: After taking a break from banjo. It was great to have all the lessons to review. Thank you for the great teaching.Ryan: Hugh, I’m playing a Gibson RB3. This banjo was made in the early 90’s. I’m very happy with it. I’ve made several adjustments to the action to suit my needs and it sounds good. I hope to someday pick up a Yates banjo. Thanks for the question!
Brandel: Another suggestion is Emerson bridges made by Kelly Emerson, the son of the great picker Ben Emerson. There are three different bridges available: Power bridge, Vintage and Sweet II. I have tried the first two and are very satisfied. Bought a Vintage bridge on eBay 3 weeks ago and...
hughcline: What model gibson banjo do you have?Ryan: Absolutely! I have quite a few ideas for you. I tell you what, record one of your sessions and send it to me. I’ll put together a little lesson for you with my banjo along with your recording and give you some tips that you could use. Very cool thing that your doing at the prisons....Ryan: Most of those lesson were made on a mac. I’m in the process of converting them to wmv format. It should be complete soon. Good question. Thanks, RyanRyan: Kelly, I’m really glad to have you on the site. 2010 is going to be fun. My goal is to get to know all of the members really well. I want you to feel that you can contact me anytime with your questions. We’re here to help you learn the banjo. Keep practicing hard. I’d love...Ryan: Jim, the forward rolls are the most critical! 5,3,1 and 3,2,1. Timing can be very tricky on the banjo. Try to focus on listening to the beat and groove of the music. Don’t focus on your patterns matching up every time. Just get in the groove and try to feel the music. It’s not...Ryan: Donnie, don’t be too hard on yourself. This is very common for new pickers. I’m glad to hear that you’re getting the rolls down. You might focus on picking out the melody notes without rolls and then add the rolls in later. Keep it simple and don’t get too...Ryan: Thanks so much Dean. We’re doing our best to create the best banjo instructional website online. Keep on picking!Ryan: Great job! I’m so glad that you jumped in and gave it a try. Keep up the good work. Feel free to write anytime.
banjosammo: Ryan, my friend and I play hymns every week as volunteers at a local prison. I play banjo, my friend plays acoustic. We play any hymn with just chords. Roll patterns don’t work, so I have learned to constantly improvise to what sounds good with the timing. Do you have any tricks...
taylorclark: Ryan, awesome lesson. I just read how to do it and wasn’t feeling that good about it so I looked up this lesson and ready to go tackle my first restringing! Thank you!
Dean Shipwash: I love the way you make it so helpful !!!
banjo donnie: Ryan Been making some progress on the banjo which I’ve been practising for 9 months now. Seem to do rolls OK, but tunes are a problem. I can hit the right notes but have no rhythm and fail pretty much in accenting the melodies, so what I play is hardly recognisable. Actually I...
Jim: I have been playing guitar for several years and have just recently taken up the banjo. My problem is which rolls to learn and get good at first? I am not having problems with chords. I usually play regular with others and I find that the only banjo rolls I know are not always in time with...
kellythompson: Ryan, I am really looking forward to seeing what you have in store for 2010. I am so glad I signed up just the other day; not only am I playing more than ever before, I got a sweet deal on the membership. Thanks for teaching me! Kelly.kellythompson: Ryan, I am getting alot out of your videos and I’m spending way more time playing than ever before thanks to you! I do have one question so far; I am experiencing difficulty viewing the lessons with the blue Q icon (mp4)? The ones with muticolored arrow button work fine. Do I...
rodneythompson: Hey Ryan, Just logged on for the first time and it looks like this is what I need to further my playing. Thanks for all your help and I look forward to getting the time to use your site. Thanks Rodney in San Diego Cakellythompson: Ryan, This is great stuff, I’m really having fun with it. Roy Clark, eat yer heart out…ha ha hakellythompson: Thanks Ryan, Your teaching style enabled me to pick up all three of these variations very quickly. I am hitting every note, all I need to do now is focus on speed.
charlesbowlin: Hi Bryan, I need a little help. In practcing the forward and backward rolls I seem to get the sane resulting sound no mater what roll I am playing. I it the emphesis you put on the first and second string that make the difference? Thanks for your help. Charles BowlinKelly Thompson: Dear Ryan, My folks bought a Kay banjo for me when I was ten years old, over the past three decades I havent picked it up more than about one hundred times. I recently became interested again and that is how I found you. I must say, I am very impressed with your ability to slow...
GOT BANJO: I play very often when I am stressed or upset about something. I usually play Cripple Creek, then Cotton Eyed Joe, and finally just work on every roll pattern/chord change I know. I usuallly play untill I can’t remember what roll I am trying to do or remember what I am...GOT BANJO: Ryan, just a quick question about my banjo. When I try to fret the 3rd string on the 3rd fret, I get a buzzing/muted sound. I checked my finger & hand position to make sure I was fretting right, and I was, so I asked this man at my church who a lot about banjos, to watch me &...
bill musgrove: alwaws appreciate a good new lick. thanksGOT BANJO?: 1. Triple L Band 2. Earl Scruggs 3. Concho Valley Bluegrass 4. Raymond Fairchild 5. Batten FamilyAnonymous: hi its okBrandel: 1. Tom Adams 2. Jim Mills 3. Ron Stewart 4. Rob McCoury 5. Ralph Stanley This is really mission impossible as there are a bunch of monsters out there!charlesbowlin: Bryan, what a great site–very, very useful and helpful. I am having trouble knowing what to do with the left hand while in this case picking the forward roll. I,m a month old premium member, so try to be patient, hehe. Does the left hand fingers stay on the same strings as the...charlesbowlin: Bryan, what a great site–very, very useful and helpful. I am having trouble knowing what to do with the left hand while in this case picking the forward roll. I,m a month old premium member, so try to be patient, hehe. Does the left hand fingers stay on the same strings as...
perrydavis: I see in some of the adds that there two propics.. one is plain and the other is angled.. What is the difference??
kevincampbell: thank you for showing this
Bernie Dotterweich: good stuff – thanks
Wyatt: Hi Ryan–great site. Today I heard a musician talk about “tuning down” his instrument. He was on NPR in Austin and it was after he was done performing. By tuning down, does he mean he is de-tuning (removing tenions) from his instrument to save the life of his strings you...Ryan: Harry, it’s probably your connection speed. You will need to have something higher than dial-up in order to download the vids. It should take no more than 3 minutes or so to download our largest videos. Feel free to call me or email me anytime at ryan@banjoexpert.com and I’ll be...
harrywright: Ryan, I have tried all evening toto get the patterns (9 minute video to come up on my computer, I have all the basics Icons but cant get any of them to down load? Please help me. Thanks Harry Wright. hrwrg3@aol.com
joe: yea I can’t find any tab at all for a tenor other then a few lessons here and there how about a few tabs ahms-ahms for the needy lolTaylor Clark: Did I miss an announcement about the webcam lesson? When are you doing these? I’m stationed over here in Germany but would tune in if I could! Thanks Ryan!Ryan: I would play the note that sounds the best in it’s spot. Not all tabs are written correctly. They also can be written differently and will actually sound better in some cases. Experiment, go with what your feeling and see how it sounds. When it comes to your first question about...Ryan: Yes, it’s time to really start pushing on your speed. You’re going to have to take your fingers to the next level. What I mean by this is that they are too comfortable doing the rolls the same old way and you have to break their bad habits. Push the speed until they just...Ryan: Thanks Donnie for your kind words. Your positive attitude towards learning the banjo is what keeps us motivated to pump out the lessons here at banjoexpert.com. We’re glad to have you as a part of our banjo family.
fasteddie: Can’t seem to get through a song without having to think about what I’m playing which ends up being a missed frett or string with my right hand. Other parts of a song can be played without thinking about what I am doing. Doesn’t seem to be the same place in a song...fasteddie: I practice an hour a day or more and have done so for 11 months but still can get up to speed with 321,321,32. My middle finger wants to play the first string too quickly after my first finger plays string 2. Any suggestions?
Donnie Hoover: Many thanks for all of your time & Expertise on the banjo. Everything that you offer to me is a blessing.Ryan: Jack, in the past all of our tabs were located in the tab book that you have downloaded. I have decided to switch to another method which is to have the tabs listed along with the lessons. I’m in the process of getting them all lined up with the lessons. Thanks for the question.Ryan: Perry, I’m still working on getting the straps in stock. I’ll let you know when they arrive. Hopefully soon! You’re going to like them. Thanks so much, RyanRyan: Yes, you need to contact Cynthia Sayer. She is a 4-string pro, and the best I’ve ever heard! Her website is cynthiasayer.com. Thanks so much, RyanRyan: Pam, I just wanted to tell you that your enthusiasm is what will drive you to learn the banjo quicker than most. You are most definitely on the right track. It won’t be long. If you are interested in a FREE live lesson via webcam just write me at ryan@banjoexpert.com. I feel that...
Jack: Ryan, Figured it out, got the tabs for Old Joe Clark, amazing what a right click can do… thanks. JackJack: Ryan, I am a new member, love the videos. Having challenges finding and viewing the tabs that accompany the lessons. I have tabedit and downloaded the tab book. I am going to start some work on old joe clark and am having trouble finding and downloading the tabs to accompany the video...perrydavis: I got two questions; 1 Where are the information on the straps you mentioned awhile back?? 2 Information on the strap you are wearing in the veidos??
Slick Grant: I am looking for dueling banjos tab for a tenor banjo. Can you help me out? Thanks SLick Have a great day GOD BLESS
Pammylu: Ryan, your video of the John Henry tune has fueled me with even more determination about learning to play the banjo. Even though I am just starting, I must tell you and others that after an afternoon of repetitive practicing and trying to have the breakthroughs I need to progress on even...
Randy Cheatham: 1. Kenny Ingram 2. Rob McCoury 3. J D Crowe 4. Earl Scruggs 5. Chris Talley It is tough to narrow it down to just five.Ryan: They are available indefinitely. We don’t remove old lessons. Enjoy!Ben Frihauf: I am also interested in the tabs for this version of dueling banjos. Thanks for all the great stuff. Benperrydavis: why am I having trouble getting scruggs rolls out of fingers??
waynev: G’day Ryan I asked a wile ago if you could do a beginners lesson on fire ball mail is this possible ????? or am I up the creek without a paddle . love the site . Wayne
Mark Watts: Is your JOIN NOW area designed primarily for experienced banjo players or would a beginner just learning also find a great deal of beginning video banjo lessons?benfrihauf: I love that great mellow lick…very easy to listen to.benfrihauf: I currently have a Mastercraft, purchased through the Banjo Hut. I am not really good enough to upgrade yet, but when I am good enough I have my eye on a Nechville Phantom. When I was in our local acoustic shop purchasing strings, the saleperson insisted that I play the Phantom. That...taylorclark: Ryan, which strings are fretted on the slide from second to fifth for that ending?
normanrimmer: Hi i am another member from the uk. I am now retired. In my youth i learned the trumpet and saxaphone. I love Bluegrass so I decided to learn Banjo.fasteddie: Is it common to wear grooves in your finger nails by coming straight down on the strings or are my fingers twisted and the string should not touch the strings at all? I’ve had to file my nails down to the quik and still “catch a nail” after an hour of practice.Donald Arnold: Just joined as a lifetime member. Very much an older (79) beginner and plan to visit all your older lessons in my effort to becoming a banjo player. QUESTION. For how long are the older lessons accessible? Donald
George Robinson: 1. Earl Scruggs 2. J.D. Crowe 3. Ron Block Here’s where it starts getting fuzzy… 4. Jim Mills 5. Sammy Shelor That was difficult!Eddie: I know what you mean when it comes to playing in front of others. I stand up in front of people all the time as an FAA certified classroom and Challenger 604 (jet) simulator instructor. That I can do with ease. Last night my daughter asked me to play some songs for her. I don’t know...
NickBanjo43: Earl Scruggs , no doubt!perrydavis: Thanks….Ryan: Good idea, we’ll put it on the to do list. I’ll post a simple version and a expert version. Thanks for the request.perrydavis: Ryan I would like to see a tab of criple creeck that I could learn from.. Perry Davis..
David: Hi Ryan! I am a veteran guitar player but a beginner banjo enthusiast looking to purchase a 5 string banjo some whrere in Orlando or online. Do you have any suggestions? Is there something inexpensive but not cheap? One that is already set up! Also where can I get 1 on 1 lessons near...
Sheila: Just read your article. I especially like #6 that says I’m not too old and #7 where I don’t have to be afraid. With all of the people that go through our home (my daughters run a music studio here) I have an audience whenever I want (which is usually never). It keeps one...Ryan: Yes, that’s right!Sheila: Hi Ryan, Just want to thank you. I used your step by step video for changing banjo strings and have accomplished the feat. This is major for a 58 year old who has no experience tampering with instruments. All my facebook friends have been cheering me on. You made it very easy. Sheila
Stevesrustyone: Hi Ryan, The name of the C tune is “Sweet Sunny South”. I think AP Carter wrote it. Tony Rice and I think Tim O’Brien recorded it. Good tune I had for got about it. Thanks, Steve
Irving Weiner: Ryan, am I correct that in the tabs T means Thumb, 1 means Index, 2 means Middle, and X means Mute?Ryan: Irving, just login and then click here. You’ll find the download file. The tabs are in .tef format. You will need tabledit software to view them. The software is free at tabledit.com.Ryan: Jim, great request. I took your advice and just recorded a lesson in C. I think you’ll like it. I put some of the tricks in there for you.Irving Weiner: How or where can I locate your free tab e-book , so I can print a copy? Thanks, IrvRyan: The numbers that you are seeing that might look like music notation are the numbers of frets for the particular note being fretted.
jimholmes: Ryan: I would like to see lessons on how to play in keys besides G, A, B flat and B etc on up the neck. When people I’m jamming with go to D, C, E or F, I’m hard pressed to come with a lead break. I feel there must be a trick out there somewhere that I’m too dense to...
Jim Risner: thanks for the tab stuff i am a new (1 week) player and i dont have a clue what the tabs even mean is it fingers(#) or frets ?Ryan: Mike, the are in .tef format which stands for tabledit format. You can download a free tab player from tabledit.com. We use this setup to help you have more control over the tabs. Thanks for the question.
Mikeec: Ryan, I cant open the tab files. What type of file are they. ThanksMikeec: Sorry don’t know where Andy came from Ryan.Mikeec: Hi Andy. Mike from Perth in Scotland. I too have purchased a Goldtone banjo and am beginning to play. I have not started to play any of your’e recommended tunes yet. I have been doing the basics from a Mel Bay book “First Lessons In Banjo” I can play “Old time...NickBanjo43: Looks Like I found the members pageNickBanjo43: Hey Ryan , What’s pickin? looks like I found out how to acces the files I’ve been neglecting to open. anyway, thanks for the tips , lessons and so forth, looks like I got some catchin up to do. NickBanjo43Ryan: Sounds great! We’ll do it.
Strummin' Babe: Ryan, I’m a beginner and love your site. It would help me if you mentioned what tuning you’re using for your songs and licks. Unless I have a keyboard and can hammer out the tune, I don’t know how it should sound. So, just tell us you’re in “open...
Timothy Schroeder: can you teach a left hander who can’t read music ? lol
logan: my boyfriend got me a 6 string banjo with a closed back,and i was so excited. the only problem is i am having trouble finding learning tools to help me. i have no musical background, and at the moment am frustrated because i want to learn so bad but have no aid. i was impressed with your...
marklesage: I seem to finding alot of stuff for my stage so far. I really like the format as you delve right into the stuff. I need to see your fingers alittle better and I really need you to telme where they go, specially the left hand. the lessons are just what I need and in the way i can...
Bob Davenport: Thanks for the quick reply about an old man trying the 5-string. In your reply you offered a lesson on line if I had a web cam. I do on my Aspire netbook. But.I’ve never used a cam. When I learn I’ll get back to you. In the mean time.in picking, do the fingers just rake...Ryan: Thanks John, It’s good to know we have a fellow student from England. Keep us posted on your progress. We’re curious.Ryan: Good Question. My recommendation for banjo tab would be banjohangout.org. They simply have a tone of it. Great site!
alex nicholson: hey id love for you to send me a video on how to play deuling banjos on the banjo i have tryed youtube but none explain enough thank you
Gar: Giddy up! Just say when : – )
JohnM: Hi Ryan, Love the new layout, I need to focus more on my learning – I flit about from book to U tube to banging away on my own – hopefully this will help me to stick to one thing. Appreciate all the work you put into the lessona and the site. Regards, John from Devon, EnglandRyan: Yes, you get every lesson we produce! We want you to learn the banjo.
flashgordon: I enjoyed Martins tune, I would like to learn it, hint hint. hahahaha. Thanx Martin
scott: Ryan:I have been playing the guitar for a little over 1 year. I have found tabs through (guitar pro) which light-up numbers(frets) on the strings as the music plays. My father-in-law is practicing the banjo and I was wondering if there are any similar tab CD’s for banjo songs.Ryan: I also play with my fourth finger on the head of the banjo for the same reason, my ring finger follows it very closely. I would advise you to not worry about trying to plant both fingers. It’s simply not needed. I would probably try leaning a bit more onto your fourth finger and the...
berne: I have been reading alot about the anchoring of the finger/fingers. My problem is that i had my right hand injured and they put pins in the broken bones to heal. My ring finger and 4th finger move together. I have tried to plant two fingers and get this clicking up in the hand. So I have...
martinm: I have a 1967 Gibson Mastertone copy. There are no serial numbers to this instrument. This banjo was assembled in 1967 by a local Gibson luthier in Monroe, LA who passed around 8 years ago. From speaking with his daughter, I learned that during this period, the Gibson’s...Ryan: Mike, as of right now the Naro lesson is a private webcam lesson via skype. I have put up this calendar to keep students informed of when lessona are scheduled. If you are interested in a private lesson just send me a quick email to ryan@banjoexpert.com. Thanks, Ryan
banjomike: Hi Ryan, Just found this part of your web site – BanjoExpert.com Calendar. Is “Naro Less” an online lesson? Could you please explain how this works and are we able to see or join your lessons? Thanks and Regards, Mike
Jim Shampine: Ryan, when you mean life-time member for 47.00 does that mean I pay only the 47 dollars just the one time and have all your lessons for as long as I want?
Nick Jones: I think I am causing the stress when I play Cripple Creek over and over again I seem to be a bit Stuck on it.Just starting to learn foggy mountain Breakdown though the should ease some the stress in the house cause I will be able to play two tunes then
james bundick: if you can, please send me the banjo tabs for dueling banjos.thanks im just startingto learn banjobanjomike: Hello Ryan, Thanks mate – looking forward to you playing and teaching Amazing Grace – remember you’ve got to have a crack at singing as I haven’t heard you sing a word yet! By the way, my wife (Catherine) and I were both going to learn the banjo but she has...banjomike: Hello Ryan, I just listened to your Saturday Nights Ustream Show, I liked it. I see you did four of them last year, do you still do them? Thanks, Mikeflashgordon: Absolutely the RB3 has a sweet sound, but for 4 or 5 grand, I would expect nothing less. I have checked out many banjo sites and found instruments from 200. dollars to 60 thousand dollars. Absolute works of art. Ahhhhhh the humble banjo, look how far it has come, from primitive...banjomike: Sorry – the You Tube song comes up when you type in Duelling Hillbillies. Best Regards, Mikewaynev: Geday Ryan sitting hear in the middle of outback Australia trying to learn the Banjo finding the time is the hardest part I work 14hr days 13 days straight. And do this for 4 weeks straight and 1 week off. Any way I bought a gf200 Goldstar and love it what are your thoughts on this banjo....banjomike: Hi Ryan, Could you please let me know wher to find the tabulature to this (Dueling Banjos Part 2 of 3 – How to play the FAST part!) Many ThanksRyan: Gordon, Thanks for the kind words. I’m very glad you’re enjoying it. Maybe we can jam at a festival this year. Have a great day!flashgordon: Very Happy that I joined the site, Outstanding value really. I have learned so much already. I spend at least an hour a day and really look forward to practicing. When it’s great fun you love your practice time. I find that I can learn something new each session. Thanx Ryan
kim lodwick: I am interestedRyan: Wayne, these sound like great ideas. We’ll get something up soon on both of these tunes. I just taught a private lesson on fireball mail and it went really well. I think that would be an excellent lesson for the website. Thanks, have a great day!waynev: Geday Ryan not long been a member and are just starting out on the Banjo. Have you done any lessons teaching fireball mail or foggy mountin break down .I enjoy the way you teach keep up the good work . Wayne
paddythepicker: Wow! Double wow! That’s just flat out demoralizing. It just became one of my favorite clips, too. Wish I could figure out who all the other players are. I’ll probably kick myself when I find out.flashgordon: Love it I got it after about 20min practice, it’s not fast yet but it’s coming. Thanx Ryan
LexingtonBanjo: I too find playing the banjo is a great stress reliever. Primarily I think it’s because banjo takes your mind off of all the stuff that’s stressing you. It helps produce some endorphins too because it’s fun to play. Any how. Stressed? Pick a bit.Ryan: Flash, another little trick is to bend the end of that string at 90 degrees before you push it through about one inch from the end. This will give you something to grab when it comes through the tail piece. Thanks, RyanRyan: Isn’t that a great tune. I hope to write one like that someday.Ryan: You are in your prime for learning the banjo. All it takes is an interested individual and a banjo that’s in tune. We can walk you through the process. I would encourage you to give it your best shot. Let me know if you ever have any further questions or just want to talk banjo....flashgordon: Just changed my strings for the first time, I had trouble fishing the G string through the little hole in the tail piece, until I used one of the loops on an old string to catch the new string and pull it through, works like a charm.flashgordon: Terrific Lesson, and that’s some Fassst Whitewater
linda orff: i have a question i was 64 in march i want to know if i am to old to learn to play a banjo i dont know anything about cords but i love bluegrass musicGordon: WOW awesome content, this is going to take a while to digest, but worth the work. I have been playing less than a year, and I find I learn from Ryans videos no problem. I find the Tab confusing, so the visual is the way to go for me. Thanx Ryan
wbgair: Tina: Here’s the scoop. The banjo is easy. Pickin’ like Bela is not so easy but getting off the ground? That’s easy. One of those books you bought has a forward roll in it and probably an easy version of Bile ‘Em Cabbage Down in the key of G. Regardless of what...
Tom: Adrian just form your fingers to the shape of the chord then pull off and try to retain the shape then put them back down. worked for me! Tom
Bob R: Hello, I’m new to this site, can anyone tell me if the tab is available for this song, and if so where can I find it? Thanks, Bob R bfr310@msn.com
tina: how can i learn to play this banjo that i have i love it, i just can’t seem to get a start on how to play, please e-mail me with a answer i have bought books and watch videos and dvd’s and everything but i just can;t seem t get it to work for me; any inf, will work so please...Ryan: Gordon, I’m glad to hear that the videos are working well for you. Thanks for the comment!
Fill-in Banjo Licks: 