Novice

Question:
Hey Ryan, how come no one makes metal thumb picks? I’ve had all kinds of problems with these plastic thumb picks breaking in half. I’ve been using Dunlap thumb picks which I like because they are larger and have a longer reach, but they have been breaking. Good thing i have extras. [...]

We’re going to inject some powerful lessons into the site this year. I can’t wait! I hope you’re ready to learn how to play the banjo.
You’ll be seeing some changes this year on the site and here’s a little glimpse of what’s to come.
1. More tablature. Tabs for each new [...]

Question
Ryan,
You mentioned, in the Q&A section of your ezine that you change your strings after playing several hours. Mine have never been changed although so far they have kept good tone.
If I start playing as much as as think I will, I’m going to need quite a few sets. What are [...]

Question:

Ryan,
Hey there, I noticed you had suggested to a member to get a Snuffy Smith banjo bridge. Is the bridge what gives the banjo the sound??? I had a Fender beginner banjo before I went to the alverez 4292. What is your take on this banjo?
I really like the [...]

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve opened up 5 spots for private banjo lessons. If you’re interested let me know. Here’s the details:
They are given via webcam or in person.
You’ll need a webcam and skype for the lesson along with a set of headphones. We’ll dive in to some new [...]

Question:
Hello Ryan:
I found a treasure at the used book store, which is Earl Scruggs and the 5 string banjo, 1964. He recommends the same three songs you do to get going.
Anyway, I have two questions/requests actually:
1] You started the first part of Dueling Banjos before I left. I followed [...]

How do you improvise on your banjo. If you were not subscribed to our email list in 2008 then you might have missed this one. I wanted to share this article that I wrote in July 08 about how to improvise. You’re sure to gain something from this on. Here’s the [...]

Just wanted to remind you that Bean Blossom is coming right up! The dates are Sept 23-Sept 26. I’m hoping to attend for at least a night or two. You can click here to see the schedule or just check their site at beanblossom.com.
This will be an excellent chance for [...]

Our new report, “The 7 Most Common Mistakes of Banjo Players” is now available. Just enter your name and email address in the right sidebar to get it. It is a pdf download. You don’t want to miss this step-by-step guide for beginners.
Here’s a snippet out of the report, the 5th mistake.
5. [...]

Jonathan’s Question:
Thank goodness I have found your site! I have just watched the “from the neck up” part and I like the detail you go into. I will watch the separate video on changing strings later.
I have no musical talent and I have never played an instrument. What is the [...]

Question:
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 [...]

Question:
Hi Ryan-
I just joined BanjoExpert.com a couple days ago and am searching your site for things to learn. I’m a beginner and recently bought my Gold Tone “Cripple Creek” banjo from the manufacturer in Titusville, FL (about a 30 minute drive from Winter Park / Orlando). The owner of Gold Tone was very helpful [...]

Three things to know about your picking thumb!
1. Get comfortable alternating between the 3rd 4th and 5th string with your thumb. This is the most versatile of your picking fingers. When you get into advanced songs you’ll find that you pick all of the strings at times with your thumb.
2. Keep it loose. [...]

Question:
Hi Ryan
Just joined your site – looks good.
I’m from the UK and am brand new to Banjo playing. My wife bought me one for my 40th birthday last week – after years of hinting!
My real newbie question is this: how should I wear the finger picks? I know they will take some getting [...]

Question
Hi Ryan
I have a 5 string banjo which I cannot keep in tune…the 5th string always breaks when I try to tune it
I want to get a new banjo but since i don’t even really know how to play I don’t know what to get.
I am an average size woman and the one I have [...]

Hello, I just went back through and watched the Amazing Grace video as a student would and I wanted to make some comments.
I would encourage you to be dramatic with the simple aspects of this song.
For Example:
1. Emphasize your bends. Make them stronger or quicker than normal to add a [...]

Hello members here’s a little video lesson update and some info on where we’re going to be jamming this next month.
See you there!

 Update050 [3:56m]: (Member Videos - click to login)

Hello, we have had a request from one of our Australian banjo students. By the way, I very glad to have the wonderful folks from Australia on the site they seem to have a marvelous sense of humor. Sometimes I wish I could post their emails to the blog for you to [...]

Ryan,
One area where I have great difficulty as a lone learner is with timing/using a metronome, is this an area you could cover at some future date?
Thanks,
Peter
Peter, thanks for the great lesson request. Yes, timing is a huge issue when it comes to playing the banjo. It can become a great barrier for [...]

I must say that this has been a stress filled evening. Little did I know that I have a habit of picking up my banjo, sitting on the floor and ripping through some fast banjo tunes when I’m stressed (my wife pointed this out).
I guess you could say that this is a [...]

Question
Ryan,
Hello, I got a banjo for Christmas this year from the family. I’ve never played a musical instrument in my life (now 48). I find it easiest to be guided through one string at a time. Whether it be a forward or backward role, 3-2-1, 4-1-2. Thats how it seems to work best [...]

We finally recovered our site tonight and we’re back in full force. I must say that it’s quite a relief. It’s certainly been a long week since everything fell apart on January 9th. As it turns out, we have been able to recover the entire website. I’m sure there will be [...]

I’m going to offer one FREE webcam lesson this week to any member who is interested.
This will be a full one hour banjo lesson via webcam. I’m only going to offer a limited number of these lessons, so jump in quickly. They won’t last long.
Just email me at ryan@banjoexpert.com and [...]

Do You Use Twitter? ( surveys)
I just started my twitter page and we’ll see how it goes. I’m curious to know…

What would make this a better place for you to learn the banjo? Is there something that you feel would help you learn quicker.
Now’s your chance to give us some feedback. We’re currently brainstorming some new ideas for 2009 to enhance your banjo experience. If you…