NO! It’s not to hard to learn; however, it does take practice. Like any other instrument or skill it will require that you spend some time each day (if possible) working on your new passion.
I recommend setting aside 5 minutes per day to focus on your banjo. If you can do this then your practice time will grow and grow. Just don’t forget to pick it up each day.
Here’s where you start:
1. Learn three different chords. “G,C, and D”
Once you have these chords under your belt then you can strum along with some of your favorite tunes on cd’s or however you listen to music.
It will be crucial for you to train your ear to hear the chord changes. If you struggle with this then I recommend spending some time on youtube watching and listening to some bands. Keep your eye on the guitar player and watch for the chord changes and then switch accordingly.
2. Learn the three basic roll patterns. Forward Roll, Backward Roll, and Alternating Roll.
We have several videos on the site that you’ll be able to download as a member that will teach you exactly how to play the rolls. Getting your rolls steady with good timing will make you sound great on the banjo.
Work on these two principles first and then we’ll take it from there. See you on the members page!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I practice an hour a day or more and have done so for 11 months but still can get up to speed with 321,321,32. My middle finger wants to play the first string too quickly after my first finger plays string 2. Any suggestions?
Can’t seem to get through a song without having to think about what I’m playing which ends up being a missed frett or string with my right hand. Other parts of a song can be played without thinking about what I am doing. Doesn’t seem to be the same place in a song that I have to think what I am doing???
Garry Owen, written in tab is kicking my butt. My mind sees a note that should be lower in tone than what is written in tab. Should I try to write the tab into music so that a lower tone/note will always be lower on the staff?
Yes, it’s time to really start pushing on your speed. You’re going to have to take your fingers to the next level. What I mean by this is that they are too comfortable doing the rolls the same old way and you have to break their bad habits. Push the speed until they just can’t take it any more. Next, bring it back down to a very slow pace and focus on inputting the exact same space between each pick stroke. Finally, kick it up again and take them to their limit until you totally mess up the entire rolling process. If you repeat this for a few days you’ll find that your fingers will become more coordinated and will level out just to keep up with your demands. Try this every day for a week and let me know the progress.
I would play the note that sounds the best in it’s spot. Not all tabs are written correctly. They also can be written differently and will actually sound better in some cases. Experiment, go with what your feeling and see how it sounds. When it comes to your first question about missing notes, remember that familiar songs are usually easier to play. Unfamiliar songs will be somewhat more difficult until you’ve played them a thousand times. Keep your practice time in a good mix. Don’t lose your mind on one song just because you can’t get it right the first few times. Switch to something else for a while and when you come back to it you might find that it comes really easy. Keep up the great work. I can tell you’re putting a lot of effort into it simply due to your great questions. Keep me updated.
Ryan, I’m playing the tune “Pick Along” the Earl way but I need the tab for the up the neck break. Can you help? Thanks, Jack.