About Ryan
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: Believe it or not I’m a full time banjo instructor (locally and online)
Hobbies: Playing banjo, building websites, being the best Dad possible!
I’ve been playing the banjo for exactly 20 years now. I live in a small town in Missouri and enjoy a good jam every chance I get.
The banjo has been a huge 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
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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
To answer your question. Our videos walk you through each measure of the song being taught. The tablature for that lesson will show you on paper which notes are being played. So you actually are getting the information from two different sources. It works very well for beginners. I also offer members the right to email me anytime about specific lessons and I can walk you through the tough parts via webcam if your stuck. We look forward to having you as a member. Thanks for commenting.
Ryan
Hi there Ryan, Im a total beginner and wondered if your videos show how to play step by step, by this i mean which string to play and which fret you play for all of the banjo tunes. Just wanted to know before i commit myself to joining. I have only had a few lessons but can play the beginning of dueling banjos but need help with fast part
cheers Lorraine
Thanks Alton, I hope it is helpful. Keep on picking and keep us updated on your progress! Thanks, Ryan
Thanks for all the Banjo information and motivation.
Sorry about your father passing away Ryan. God Bless!
Marvin I’m sorry, We had a two week delay. My father passed away on the 9th so we had a pretty tough couple of weeks but I hope to be back on schedule now. Thanks, Ryan
Not seeing new downloads every week unless i am missing them i am a member
Marvin
Question, Ryan
When learning a song, how do you decide what roles to use, to make the song sound like it is suppose to? Especially, when you are by yourself?
Again, this is Donnie Hoover
A good banjo can have its problems. I started on a really cheap instrument and because I was making some progress I upgraded and ran into trouble as the new banjo was so heavy that I soon had trouble with an arthritic shoulder. So I bought a superior entry level banjo, the Deering Goodtime and sling it over the right shoulder (I am right handed). Helps a lot but I feel restricted and I am limited for concentrated practice time. (From UK)
Ryan,
I’m 40 and never played a musical instrument before, but I can keep a beat and have a good ear. I have been learning to play the banjo for about 6 months and I can do all the rolls and a few chords, slides, hammer-ons, etc., but my teacher is always AWOL.
Now I just joined for life, and am excited to become a banjo player.
This site is perfect because I can now take my banjo to work and play while I’m on call, and the wife thinks I’m working. LOL.
I would use ryan@banjoexpert.com. Hitting the head of your banjo with your thumb picks is very common at first. I still do it quite often. I remember going through a phase of banjo playing where it really annoyed me and I did everything to stop it. What finally worked was shortening up the blade of my thumb pick with a file. My pick was just too long. Many are made this way. You might want to check your out too. Thanks, Ryan
Ryan.. what’s the best email address to use?
I became a member recently and sent you 2 emails to 2 different addresses. I’ll leave my question here as well.
“I feel my right hand position is pretty good but I am constantly hitting the head with my thumb pick. I’m sure it’s just a practice thing but I was curious if you had any pointers.”
Thanks in advance!
Holland
William, It sounds like you’ve got yourself into a plateau, so to speak. Here’s my advice. Sit down with a webcam or some type of video recording device and record a few tunes. When you’re done send them to me and I’ll help you get through to the next level of banjo playing. It can be tough at times. Some times we all need some advice and a bit of direction. I’ll put your lesson request on the list and look into it for you. Thanks so much, Ryan
Hey Ryan, I’ve been a member on your website for about a month now, and I’m having trouble finding where I should start. I know all the major chords on a banjo, and most of the rolls, but for some reason when I play it doesn’t have that banjo feel. I was just wondering if you had, or you could post, a video that shows me how to play a rhythm banjo in country songs. I keep hearing it in alot of songs and I can’t cover them for some reason. If you have the time, there is a song called “Southside of Heaven” by Ryan Bingham, and at 4:40 seconds, a banjo starts playing. I was just wanting to learn how.
Ryan,
I’d like to see more of how the lessons are organized, etc. If I sign up for a month st $25, is that creditable toward the $48 lifetime?
Or is the $48 refundable if it doesn’t look like what I need?
Hello Ryan,
Just wanted to say thanks for the Shady Grove lesson! Hope to see the advanced version soon. Keep up the good work; your web site and lessons are the best. I’ve referred several people to it. I really believe that your style of teaching was what made me decide to stick with it and learn to play the banjo. Many years ago I played guitar- picked it up rite easy from the start,,,the banjo is proving to be a slightly different animal, but I’m getting there.
Many thanks,,
Bob R
hello Ryan – First visit to your site. Excellent! Is that a new Gibson you are playing on the Dueling banjo ending licks? Is it stock or have you made some changes! Man! it sounds great.
I bought a Yates a few months back. Like it a lot.
Great looking family you have. Stay safe and I will keep looking at you web site.
Bud Rupert, Reston, VA
Carl, thanks for the great questions. I try not to recommend specific banjos that are in the mid to lower price range. If you want a great banjo I would recommend a Gibson or a Yates Banjo. If I were you I would start learning how to play the 5 string banjo simply because it’s my favorite. It’s what most people would call a bluegrass style. I don’t know much about the 6 string and Cynthia Sayer is who I would direct you to for the 4 string. She’s phenomenal and last I knew she was accepting new students. You’ll first want to get ahold of a banjo and start taking banjo lessons either online or locally or both! Start with Bile them Cabbage down and then move on to other tunes. We have a ton of videos here on the site for newbies if you’re serious about playing. Keep me updated. I’m always free to answer questions. Thanks again for writing!
Dear Ryan, I retired from the military in Jan. 2008. I have always listened to and loved bluegrass music and have entertained the idea of learning the banjo. I don’t know anything about chords or reading music and I don’t think I could get my fingers to go fast enough to eventually play the Mandolin. If I choose to learn how to play what would be a good banjo to start with. As funds are limited I would want to buy one that I would not have to upgrade so to speak later but also at the same time I don’t wont to get one so fancy that I can’t play it. 4 string, 5 string, 6 string whats the difference? My wife passed away a few months ago and I now have the time to travel and or practice as much as i need to. I am 46 years old and don’t think it is to late to learn. ADVICE????
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
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.
Many thanks for all of your time & Expertise on the banjo. Everything that you offer to me is a blessing.