Hello, in this video you’re going to learn two very powerful banjo endings. I’ll even teach you how to pick sideways. I bet you don’t hear this from anyone else. These are the little details that really make you good. Wow, you can’t miss this one. Have a great week!

Ok, this lesson is a bit different. I’m going to play through Cripple Creek once on the banjo and then play through once on the guitar. This will give you the opportunity to hear yourself play this tune with a guitar.

If you’ve been a little nervous about going out to your first jam then you will gain a lot from this video. Try it a few times and let me know what you think. Try it with headphones on and without. It might make a big difference.

Hello, here is a great lick that you’ll start at the 17th fret and end up on an open G string. You’re going to really enjoy this one. Have a great day!

Question:

Hello Ryan,

I have downloaded your beginners lessons and am working through them, hoping I haven’t taught myself too many bad habits!

I have a simple question about my picking. I am getting an ‘un-clean’ picking tone as I pick the string I am hearing an initial scratch / buzzing noise. I am using Dunlop .020 finger picks and a Dunlop large thumb pick. Can you suggest what I might be doing wrong.

I love what I have seen of banjoexpert.com so far and I find that having your video go over the music and techniques slowly is giving me the confidence to try things I had previously been unable to grasp.

p.s. I am another one your overseas pupils. I live in Jersey (not New Jersey but the original one!) an island in the English Channel close to the French coast.

Regards,
Jonathan

Answer:

Jonathan,

When you start out on the banjo it is very common to be hesitant with your picking stroke. This will often cause a scratchy tone at the very start of the stroke when you pick a string. It’s simply caused by not exerting enough force from your finger to the string.

The solution is to play with more energy and more confidence even though it may feel awkward in the beginning. Try playing your favorite roll or song as loudly as possible. This will teach your fingers that it’s ok to play with more energy.

When you learn to play with much power and then back off in a controlled manner you will be in the beginning stages of practicing dynamics which is a powerful technique in banjo playing.

It’s simply a matter of training your picking hand to play with more control and giving it a little more umphhh in times of need! Give it a try and let me know if the scratchyness disappears. Thanks for the great question!

Ryan

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. My teacher has them stored on his brackets going around the neck.

Thanks for your ear,
RICK

Answer:

Rick,

Hello, you can purchase metal thumb picks if that’s what you’re looking for. They do make a hybrid metal/plastic which would probably be better than a metal tip.

I don’t think you would like the sound of a metal thumbpick and it would probably damage your strings fairly quickly. Here is a link to propik’s version of the hybrid. You should try it and see what you think.

One other suggestion is to make sure that you are using the right size pick for your thumb. If you’re trying to play with something too small then it may very well break.

Thanks so much for the question.
Ryan

Here’s the “B” part to Cripple Creek. What a great tune! We’ll have the tab up shortly.

Thanks,
Ryan

Click here to join as a member and get this video!

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 video lesson.
2. Prize GIVEAWAYS! Make sure you’re subscribed to our e-zine to win!
3. Your banjo lesson requests transformed into video lessons. Email me your requests now.
4. Free live lessons at festivals around the midwest. If you find me at a festival, you get a lesson.
5. Interviews with the pros. etc…

This is going to be a good year on banjoexpert.com. I encourage you to sign up for our video lessons. If you’re new to the banjo this is the place to learn what it’s all about.

p.s. new video lessons this weekend!

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Hope you’re enjoying the Christmas day! I just gave a little guitar lesson to my nephew. He now knows a “G” scale and the names of the strings. We’re having a good day.

Here’s three Christmas banjo tips:

1. Learn an “up the neck” version to each one of your instrumentals.
2. Wear a strap to improve your playing posture.
3. Flip through the Earl Scruggs book once in a while and keep up on the old standards. I’m going back over Earl’s Breakdown as we speak.

Enjoy your Christmas day. Hope you get some sledding in!

Ryan

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 the best strings to buy, and where would I find as many as it appears I’m going to need?

I noticed that you always use your strap. Considering how heavy my banjo is, it feels very uncomfortable using my strap. Do you think I should use it on a regular basis?

Joe

Answer:

Joe, I would definitely recommend changing your strings every 8 to 10 hours of playing at the least. Some people change them a lot more. This is considering that you’re doing heavy consistent picking.

I just ordered 10 sets from fqms.com. They’re the greatest when it comes to ordering banjo strings. If you order a large enough quantity then you’ll get free shipping, and they’re shipping was very quick.

I order a light gauge string .009-.020. Whether they are GHS Crowe Signatures or Martin Vegas. Either are great and the both run about $2.50 per set. These two are currently my favorites.

I would try to use your strap as much as possible. It just keeps you in a good posture. It also helps distribute the weight of your banjo. When it comes to weight, here’s a little trick. You’ll notice a significant comfort level change when you switch from a narrow strap to something a bit wider.

I would also recommend switching shoulders from time to time if your standing for a significant period. By the way, I’m getting ready to giveaway one of our new signature leather banjo straps to a subscriber of our ezine so make sure that you’re signed up!

Thanks for the great questions!
Ryan

Just uploaded the long awaited John Hardy tab. This is the tab for John Hardy #1 and #2 lesson. Click here to view. What a great tune! Enjoy.

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 weight and the solidness of this banjo compared to the Fender. So what banjo bridge model should I get?

Also one last thing, do they sell small clips or screws that connect both sides of the strap?

Thanks Rodney

Answer:

Rodney,

Yes the Snuffy Smith bridges are high quality bridges. I would also recommend trying a Yates banjo bridge. I know that Warren Yates is building some very high quality stuff, probably the best on the market right now.

What gives the banjo the good sound is a very good question. We could discuss this topic for years. The bridge will make a significant difference in the sound of your banjo. You will also need the right height of bridge. You just do not want your strings to buzz on the fretboard and you don’t want your action to be too high. It’s somewhat of a good balance.

Good strings and proper head tension will also make a big difference in the sound of your banjo. It sounds like you have moved up in instruments simply because you have a more solid and heavy instrument. Light banjos aren’t usually worth playing and probably would be best if used for firewood.

Yes they do make small screws for the straps on your banjo. You could probably purchase them from Dave Gibson or order them from stewmac.com. Dave’s email is gibsonlw@hotmail.com. I’m sure he would be happy to help you.

Thanks so much for the great question. Have a great Christmas!

Ryan

Thanksgiving morning has arrived here in our house and I wanted to stop and thank you for visiting our site. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to get to know you along your journey to becoming a better banjo picker. It’s my hope that you’ll find some very useful lessons and will be inspired to new heights with your banjo.

Here’s some Thanksgiving banjo tips.

1. Invest in a good hard shell case for your banjo when traveling.
2. Work up one or two songs at a time through to completion.
3. Keep a stock of banjo strings to change out as needed to eliminate procrastination.
4. Watch the pros to get new ideas. J.D. Crowe, Ron Stewart, Sammy Shelor, etc…
5. Try taking apart your banjo (if you’ve never done it). You’ll learn something.
6. Play your tunes for your family. They’re the most critical audience.
7. Practice in front of a mic at your house. It sounds good and you’ll learn mic positioning.
8. Buy some ProPik picks and try them out (the angled blades).
9. Keep your eye out for the vintage National picks.
10. Find a good banjo teacher whether it’s here, or somewhere else. You’ll learn much quicker.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving day! Go eat some turkey.

Here’s a little bit of info on what’s coming up on banjoexpert.com plus a couple tips just for you!

Hello, here are 3 powerful licks, all below the fifth fret. Try them out. They will really add to your banjo tunes.

Cripple Creek part 1 coming this week!

Welcome to the “B” part of John Hardy. In this lesson we finish up this great tune.

Two more lessons coming this weekend! Stay tuned.

Get your Ustream name here!

Show Location on Ustream

Ustream.tv

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 material for you and get you playing some good banjo tunes that you might not have thought was possible. I’ve got a lot of good licks to show you!

They are 40 minutes in length.

Our lessons start on time each week and we’ll quickly review what we covered the week prior and then start in to some new material.

What is the price?

Lessons are sold in packages of 3. The cost is $97 per 3 sessions that are 40 minutes in duration. This is well worth the money and probably too much of a bargain considering the amount of stuff your going to learn. If for any reason you’re not happy you’ll get your money back.

If you’re interested email me quickly at ryan@banjoexpert.com. Once the 5 spots are filled. It’s over until others open up which usually takes months.

Talk soon,
Ryan

Question:

Ryan,

Do you have any special people that you listen & watch on you tube to learn more about playing banjo?

I am really trying to give myself 200% on my banjo each & everyday. Like I said in my last message to you, I am 52 years young, & I know that I started late in life learning how to play, but, I still want to learn how to play as good as you A.S.A.P. .

I really enjoy playing. Years ago, I used to play guitar, bass guitar and mandolin. So, I feel that I do have a head start, even though I don’t know how to read music. Which is good, since banjo players learn by ear. Right????

Also, how can I expand my learning abilities at home? I have 1 dvd, & 2 c.d.s that I have been using, but now, I am getting a little burned out on them, where can I get more c.d’s & dvd’s at a fair price? And some names of these c.d’s & dvd’s?

Thank-you so very kindly for your time for me.
Donnie

Answer:

Donnie,

I would start listening to the Bluegrass Album Band at home, in your car, on your morning run or wherever you can. They have several albums and are very easy to play along with on the banjo.

I would also start watching these banjo players:

J.D. Crowe
Earl Scruggs
Ron Stewart
Sammy Shelor
Ron Block

This will give you all you need to keep you busy for a very long time and you’ll learn a massive amount from each one of them.

On youtube I usually listen to the Dan Tyminski Band and Lonesome River Band. They are my favorites. I’ll post some of their vids below this text.

I would say that most banjo players learn by ear, by tab, and by watching. These will be your best methods of learning in my opinion.

If you’re wanting some more instructional dvd’s I would head over to acutab.com and start looking through their stuff. I’m friends with one of the fellows over there and happen to know that they do an outstanding job.

Great questions! Keep up the good work. We hope to hear from you soon.

Ryan