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12 results have been found.
  • Learning to Play Banjo Left Handed

    Learning to Play Banjo Left Handed

    Being a lefty and wanting to learn to play banjo can present a few challenges. One is deciding whether to start off playing banjo left handed or right handed. I am asked that question fairly frequently from new students asking me for advice. What I would do if I was standing right there in front of them is hand them a banjo and see which way they go with it. I don't think this is a cerebral decision or even something that should be followed on the advice of others. The bottom line is it has to feel natural and comfortable. Often our quickest reactions or "gut" reactions are the most dependable and solid. That is why I would try to distract the student and hand it to them so I could see their "natural" reaction and which way they held it..... Read More

  • Improving Your Left Hand on Banjo - Which Finger to Use?

    Improving Your Left Hand on Banjo - Which Finger to Use?

    Answer to a student question on which finger to use when playing a standard lick up the neck. The article includes the answer along with some straight forward advice on improving your left hand ability when practicing your banjo.Read More

  • How to fret better on banjo and improve the left hand Question

    How to fret better on banjo and improve the left hand Question

    As a relative newbie to the banjo, I've got a question that pertains to the Banjo Encyclopedia's 3rd chapter on left handed technique. Here's my question. If you could only practice one part of that chapter (for about 15 min) everyday, which part would it be? I know it somewhat depends on the needs of the student, but I'm just wondering which part of this chapter I'll be truely glad I worked diligently on a year from now. Also, please relate any really really important left handed techniques that you did not mention in BE, if there are any. ThanksRead More

  • Right Hand Placement Question

    Right Hand Placement Question

    I am in my mid 50’s and got my first banjo as well as your impressive book “The Banjo Encyclopedia”. I wanted to be sure that I am on right track and to verify that you suggest using the book in the sequence presented which has ‘Right Hand Banjo Instruction ’’ techniques with Rolls prior to “Left Hand” techniques with Chords, etc.Read More

  • Practicing the left hand for fun

    Practicing the left hand for fun

    Question I'm getting better at banjo but the left hand is tough for me right now. I remember you emphasizing it in your workshop. It seems so much easier and 'fun' to work right hand picking techniques. Read More

  • Advice in the picking and fretting hand

    Advice in the picking and fretting hand

    I started learning the banjo several weeks ago and so far progress is pretty much stalled at the beginning. I realize that the right hand movements, and especially the ability to move the middle finger independently of the ring finger, should come with repetition rolls. But I am also having great difficulty with the dexterity required of the left hand. The laRead More

  • Fretting Hands Question

    Fretting Hands Question

    I'm still struggling with the lick in sitting on top of the world. Would you mind a detailed explanation how to play the lick with the 2 hammers, pulloff ? exactly what the left and right hands are supposed to do and how to do it ?Read More

  • Banjo Learning Tips - Right Hand Picking - Banjo Rolls

    Banjo Learning Tips - Right Hand Picking - Banjo Rolls

    I wanted to be sure that I am on right track and to verify that you suggest using the book in the sequence presented which has ‘Right Hand’’ techniques with Rolls prior to “Left Hand” techniques with Chords, etc. Read More

  • Newbie to the Banjo - Left Hand Technique

    Newbie to the Banjo - Left Hand Technique

    As a relative newbie to the banjo, I've got a question that pertains to the Banjo Encyclopedia's 3rd chapter on left handed technique. Here's my question.Read More

  • Banjo Advice - Left hand muting

    Banjo Advice - Left hand muting

    I recently purchased a Tennessee Crafters banjo and it has great sound. I am struggling with my left hand muting/interfering with the 4th string. The neck is (apparently) narrower than my previous banjo and the 4th string is very close to the lower edge of the neck. Is this something I might be able to adjust with a new nut, or is it just lazy left hand technique? Read More

  • Hints to Pick Banjo Faster Developing Speed and Technique

    Hints to Pick Banjo Faster Developing Speed and Technique

    Hints to Pick Banjo Faster Developing Speed and TechniqueRight Hand1. Practice Rolls. 2. Work on weak spots. 3. Push yourself and try to raise your speed a notch each day. 4. Try using a metronome to push the tempo up each practice session and help you with your timing as well. 5. Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes and sound sloppy so you can work out the kinks and overcome obstacles. 6. Play in situations that challenge your speed. You may be surprised on how well you do. 7. Play through mistakes and keep plowing forward. Read More

  • Banjo Advice - Left hand muting

    Banjo Advice - Left hand muting

    Dear Banjoteacher.com: I recently purchased a Tennessee Crafters banjo and it has great sound. I am struggling with my left hand muting/interfering with the 4th string. The neck is (apparently) narrower than my previous banjo and the 4th string is very close to the lower edge of the neck. Is this something I might Read More

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