I’m looking forward to beginning a deeper study of Earl Scruggs and his techniques. I’ll engage in that study through listening to his songs more closely and by gathering up all the footage that I can find of his performances. Along the way I’ll also be studying pickers like J.D. Crowe and Jimmy Mills (and others) to see just how these modern-day pickers pay tribute to the master while adding their own influences. I’m looking forward to it making me a better picker.
Category Archives: Beginner tips
Report from Peter Wernick’s Advanced Banjo Camp: week in review
I’ll be blogging many nights this week about my experiences and impressions from banjo camp. This entry: the week in review
Banjo players, have you experimented with finger picks?
There doesn’t seem to be any universally-accepted, one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to finger picks and the 5 string banjo. You have a range of options and styles. I recently upgraded and spent the “big dollars” on a set of picks…something I thought I’d never do…and I have to say that I’m extremely pleased with the results.
I found an affordable professional tuner for the 5 string banjo
Tuners range from affordable to expensive, and professional musicians typically invest in a tuner that costs anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. As I’ve found out over the last several years, there is good reason behind this. Click the headline above to learn some secrets when it comes to pro-grade tuners.
Video blog: Banjo Paul & Tim shop for a 5 string banjo
Come view Banjo Paul’s first-ever video blog and see him join his students Tim & Kathy as they trek to Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan, in search of a new banjo for Tim.
The Banjos Rule Guide To Playing Backup Banjo
I finished a several week project and got it launched recently. Click the headline above to read about it and find out how you can earn a special discount.
What song should I learn first on my banjo?
After you decide to take up the banjo…or any instrument…what songs should you learn first? Click the headline above to see what my friend and banjo player Jesse Taylor has to say about the subject.
Part 5 of a 5 part beginner banjo series: chords
Part 5 of my 5 part series on banjo chords. Click the headline above to learn more!
Banjo players, you need new ears
You know, your ears may look nice and all, and you may have thought they’ve functioned pretty well for you all this time, but if you are playing a stringed instrument like the banjo, I’m sorry but you need new ones. Click the headline above to learn more.
Part 4 of a 5 part beginner banjo series: chords
Part 4 of a 5 part beginner’s series on banjo chords. Click the headline above to read the post