Comments on: About Ryan http://banjoexpert.com Extreme Video Banjo Lessons by Ryan Crist! Join now if you're ready to learn the 5-string. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:21:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Ken Helmer http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-25059 Ken Helmer Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:57:37 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-25059 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. 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.

]]> By: Ryan http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-20396 Ryan Sat, 04 Jun 2011 12:12:11 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-20396 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 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

]]> By: Holland http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-20190 Holland Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:16:53 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-20190 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 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

]]> By: Ryan http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-13988 Ryan Mon, 14 Feb 2011 01:11:19 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-13988 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 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

]]> By: williamarthur http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-13984 williamarthur Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:48:23 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-13984 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. 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.

]]> By: Jay http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-12163 Jay Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:17:39 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-12163 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? 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?

]]> By: Bob R http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-12100 Bob R Fri, 12 Nov 2010 02:22:50 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-12100 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,
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

]]> By: Bud Rupert http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-11818 Bud Rupert Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:12:11 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-11818 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 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

]]> By: Ryan http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-11474 Ryan Wed, 22 Sep 2010 02:31:13 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-11474 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! 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!

]]> By: Carl Wells http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-11349 Carl Wells Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:30:01 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-11349 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???? 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????

]]> By: Richie Woods http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-9844 Richie Woods Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:14:14 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-9844 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 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

]]> By: Ryan http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-6990 Ryan Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:49:52 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-6990 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. 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.

]]> By: Donnie Hoover http://banjoexpert.com/about-ryan-2/comment-page-1/#comment-6971 Donnie Hoover Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:24:06 +0000 http://banjoexpert.com/?page_id=281#comment-6971 Many thanks for all of your time & Expertise on the banjo. Everything that you offer to me is a blessing. Many thanks for all of your time & Expertise on the banjo. Everything that you offer to me is a blessing.

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