About Ryan
Name: Ryan Crist
Age: 31
College: South Plains, TX
Major: Commercial Music
Banjo: Gibson RB-3
Favorite Banjo Pickers: Sammy Shelor, Earl Scruggs, J.D. Crowe, Alan Munde
Favorite Bands: Dailey & Vincent, Lonesome River Band, Doyle Lawson
Career: Power Lineman
Hobbies: Playing banjo, building websites, being the best Dad possible!
I’ve been playing the banjo for 16+ years. I live in a small town in Indiana and enjoy a good jam every chance I get.
The banjo has been a big part of my life since I was a child. It is quite fascinating and always provides a new challenge.
The most memorable times for me as a banjo player were when I attended South Plains College in Levelland Texas and studied under the direction of Alan Munde and Joe Carr. These are two of the most talented individuals I’ve ever met when it comes to bluegrass and music in general.
The most moving time for me as a banjo player was when I played at my grandfather’s funeral. He was my number one inspiration for learning to play this great instrument.
I’ve played in several bands here and there but mainly enjoy a good jam. The website (banjoexpert.com) is my main banjo focus. I want to help others progress at a quicker pace than I experienced. I pretty much pour all my banjo efforts into the website.
It’s great fun!
Ryan
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Many thanks for all of your time & Expertise on the banjo. Everything that you offer to me is a blessing.
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.
Hello Ryan, I must say I’m very impressed with your website and your commitment to the banjo, If you could help me, I would most appreciate it. I’m from Ireland and I started playing the banjo 3 years ago, and in Ireland there aren’t many 5 string Banjo players much less instructers, So I took into learning it myself. My problem is that I discovered around mid last year that I fell into a bad habbit with my right hand, as my thumb was bent under my index and middle fingers, now I somewhat sorted out the problem, but I’m unsure about whether or not my new technique is correct or if I’m just learning another bad habbit. Is there any advice you can give me, anything really? about how you know when your right hand technique is correct?
Again, any help is much appreciated
Thank You