Why does the banjo seem so daunting to many beginning banjo players. Do you find yourself thinking that you’ll never be able to play those lightning fast tunes and rip off those technical sounding jaw dropping licks?
You have to play note for note: FALSE!
The truth is that you can learn this mysterious instrument faster than you might think. Don’t fall for the myth that you have to play every song note for note. You don’t have to play it by the book! You may have already found teachers out there telling you that you must play the “proper” way. It’s not true, it’s simply not true!
When I started playing 15 years ago I sat down with a Sammy Shelor tab book and started hammering out “I’ll Take the Blame” and “Money in the Bank”. I must have played these songs for hours on end but to this day I don’t play either of them note for note.
If you’ve seen my guitar instructional video on youtube you may have noticed that I don’t teach the typical G chord and I’ve certainly received my share of nasty grams because of it, but just remember that you don’t have to play any song note for note. Insert your own style and ideas into the song and it will surely be better in the end.
Keep both ring and pinky finger plastered to the banjo head at all times: FALSE!
You don’t have to force your pinky and ring finger down on the banjo head before becoming a real banjo player. There are some folks who drive home the point that you have to hold both fingers down on the banjo head and keep them perfectly straight while playing all the different rolls. It’s not true.
The simple fact is that you simply need and anchor point for your right hand. You make the choice whether you want it to be pinky or ring finger. It’s your decision. Just don’t mute the bridge with your palm or a finger while playing and don’t press down on the banjo head too much. This can dampen vibrations.
In case you’ve missed it I will be giving a totally free banjo lesson right here on the site tomorrow night (Saturday) at 8:00 pm EST via live webcam. I’ll be talking about dynamics, demonstrating some beginner licks and answering your questions in real time. Make sure to join us and add your input. See you there!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Paul, hello I’ll email you my mailing address. Thanks for the comment.
Ryan i Want to get your banjo lessions and also guitar i need your mailing adress so i can send a money order i dont have a credit card or a pal account thanks i feel i can play either banjo and guitar by you way of teachings god bless Paul my email is pbrim2@triad.rr.com
Ryan,
I am a new member and would appreciate it if you had some tabs available to assist in the learning process in conjunction with the videos.
Thanks for the site.
Thanks very much, I have enjoyed the site.
Thanks for the question. I will start a contact form for questions. This is a great idea.
When you are attempting the slides it is good for you to try both variations. Many times in our lessons I will demo one way and then teach another to let you hear two different ways of reaching the same conclusion. Neither lick is better than the other but you may decide that you like the sound of one over the other. Remember, keep your options open and always try to learn both ways of playing the lick.
I like your thoughts about setting a tempo. I will do this in our next lessons. Thanks for the feedback. Keep it coming. Have a great day!
Ryan, I’m not seeing an obvious link on the site to ask a question, so it comes within an existing thread…I am new to the site and started with “Three Finger Banjo Rolls + Standard Bluegrass Ending”. When you demo the ending, you first appear to slide with a middle finger then suggest the pinkie. Could you clarify the difference between a 2nd to 5th middle finger slide and a 4-5 pinkie slide? Also, it would help me to have you speak to the timing of the ending, can you count it out for us or something similar so I can hear another way to think about how it’ll sound at tempo? Thanks very much.
hi Ryan i am emailing from the uk
i have been trying to play banjo for a year now, but i find it very slow
i have several books on the banjo ,but wondered if you could recommend the best one to buy is it possible to get any in the uk? .Iam using mainly hal leonard method, and have only just found you any advice would be good,do you do lessons in the uk and what would it cost me many thanks eddie
Knight: Thanks for the comment. I enjoy playing that C chord that you mention in Shenendoah Valley Breakdown. Very good thought!
Maurice: You’re comment is right on! I’m also a believer in keeping it simple and going for the good tone. We appreciate your comments.
Thanks,
Ryan
Ryan, I agree with you. I use chord fingering that is comfortable to me and will give good tone.
Having played 23 different instruments, the banjo being the latest, over the years I have found that you learn the basics, then play according to what produces the best sound without making it difficult. That’s what makes music enjoyable.
Keep up the good advice.
Ryan,
Excellent answer. In fact, anyone starting out should experiment with all of the chords. For instance, the first position C chord, with the E note dropped, ( don’t fret the 1st string at all) gives a slightly different sound, and can be cool in many instances.
Enjoying your site,
Knight
Great Question! When playing the “D” chord or any chord for that matter there are no rules for how many notes that you play. You can use a four note, three note, or two note chord. They will all produce different sounds. Some fuller and some will sound more melodic.
By the way, the Earls Scruggs book is fantastic and much can be gained from taking the time to read it cover to cover. I highly recomend this book.
Keep in mind that playing the banjo is an art. If you like the sound that your producing then you are successful. I don’t want you to feel as though you have to play this instrument by dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s.
If you want that powerful foot stomping banjo sound then you have to put your heart into it and make it personal. Be creative, that’s where the real music is found.
Thanks for the good question,
Ryan
Hey Ryan!, just watched your beginner banjo part #1 and see that you use 4 fingers for the D position . Are there just little different ways for this chord ! In my Earl Scruggs book they only show the first 3 cords in the same position with the 4th string open . I’ll put the book away if you want , but you know I had to ask . Remember I am a beginner with hopefully not to many of these type questions to get me going and not stuck on something or somewhere. I don’t mean to split hair or anything , just want to understand what & why the first time the right way or ways so that I am not confussed … Thanks Again . (jetompkins59@yahoo.com)