In this video you’ll learn how to play the three main rolls of the 5 string bluegrass banjo. You’ll also get a introduction to the G, C, D, and F chords. If you watch closely you might pick up a few chording licks near the end of the video!

Hello, this is our first split screen video! I’m very excited about this and hope you will enjoy it too. Let me know your thoughts and requests.

Thanks,
Ryan

Hello, just wanted to give you a little update on what’s happening here at banjoexpert.com. I’m working on a bit of a redesign. My goal is to make the website easier to use with many more vids for our members!

You’re about to see some really cool changes. This week we’ll have a new lesson which will teach you a neat chromatic lick which is all played below the 5th fret. Pretty Cool!

I may be changing this home page to be a bit more user friendly for you. Keep practicing and get ready for some really cool lessons this fall. It’s going to be fun!

Talk soon,
Ryan

Hello, I just wanted to post this great video of Jason and his two sons Brendan and Jeremiah playing at their grandmother’s 90th birthday party. I know this video will inspire you as it has me.

Jason is a member on this site and is doing a fabulous job teaching himself and his boys how to play bluegrass. By the way, you three sound awesome and would make a great family band. I can’t wait until I can do this with my boy. Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming!!!

Ryan,
My grandmother loves bluegrass music, so for her 90th birthday, my sons and I decided to play a tune for her at her surprise party. My oldest is on guitar (13 yrs) and my youngest is on the banjo (10 yrs). That’s me in the middle… ha! There are around 120 people present at the party; which means I was N-E-R-V-O-U-S!!

My 10 yr old (Brendan) was fascinated when he heard me playing your $50 Lick and wanted me to teach it to him – which I did – and he practiced it for like 2 weeks until he had it down pretty well. He has never played an instrument in his life, but is showing quite an interest in the 5 string; he’s actually upstairs learning new licks from tab while I’m typing this. (in the video I gave him a snare to play so he could have something to do for the remainder of the song).

My oldest (Jeremiah) has been playing guitar for a couple of years now and is largely self taught. I am totally proud of him! Anyway, thought you might like to see your influence on us and hear some of your licks being worked into a tune. (That’s your ending on there as well).

Let me know what you think!

Enjoy!
Jason Edwards

Morning’ everyone. This video covers some D chord riffs along with one of my favorite little licks.

By the way, if you feel stuck or are having troubles getting started don’t forget to email me. I’ll help you. We can do a little skype lesson or something, but I’m here to help you learn the banjo.

Thanks,
Ryan

I don’t have “D” tuners either but here’s a little trick that you can use to play Earl’s Breakdown. We all like the lessons that show us a trick or shortcut when playing the banjo. This is a cool one! In this video I’ll show you how to get that cool bending sound out of your banjo without touching a tuner!

p.s. If you already have “D” tuners then you can skip this lesson if you want, however this banjo lesson does contain a skill that will make you sound like a pro. Enjoy!

Here are two of the seven most common mistakes that banjo players make. I’m going through our popular article “The 7 Most Common Mistakes of Banjo Players! + The Banjo Secret!” in video format. We’ll talk a little more in depth about each mistake and add a lot more to the Banjo Secret! You won’t want to miss these banjo videos!

Our next video lesson will show you how to play the bending part of Earls Breakdown withOUT “D” tuners.

Due to popular request this is the video lesson to our original 50 dollar lick. This lick takes you from high up the neck all the way down to and open G string. This is a great chromatic lick to insert into Foggy Mountain Breakdown. Your fans will love it.

Enjoy

Click here to download the tab in pdf.

Hello everyone, I just thought I would drop you a personal note. I’ve been going through a lot of past emails and trying to figure out how I can improve the site. Here are a few thoughts. Please send me your feedback.

1. I’m planning to order the lessons so that there is more of a starting point which leads you all the way to an expert level. In the past I have rated every lesson from novice to expert but it seems that some type of numbering system might work better.

2. More tabs! That’s really all I can say about that. It seems that you like tabs to the lessons so in addition to our present tablature page we are going to add tabs to each post (banjo lesson).

3. Products for sale. In the past I’ve not been to exited about holding an inventory but I think it might help you out to have a place where you can order your strings, picks, straps, etc.. and not have to worry about the quality that is being delivered to you. I’m working on a one stop shop for banjo newbies. Basically, you bring your banjo and we’ll get you all set up. You’ll be able to buy starter packages etc…

If you have any other thoughts please let me know. This website is for you and I want to hear your ideas.

Please post your comments.

Thanks,
Ryan

We’re taking lesson requests for our next batch of lessons. We’ve started recording our lessons in batches instead of weekly. It’s just a little experiment on our end. We’ll see how it goes. We’re all about trying new things.

Add your request in the comment section below. We’re looking for your ideas!

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.