Archive for 2015

Learning to play Chords and Chord Shapes

As I'm practicing chords and my chord progressions on banjo, Should I try to find the chords closest to each other on the neck. or try to pick up and down the neck or try pick different shapes.I get a little confused trying to pick out say which D to go to Good question actually. I normally suggest finding the ones closest to each other when you learning and finding them. Read More

Middle Finger Problems

A question on the middle finger not cooperating I am a member and I have a question for you. I started playing last June and my middle finger wants to move up away from the strings when I strike the other strings with my thumb and middle finger. Is they any way of trying to correct this. Maybe some exercise. Anything advise would be greatly appreciated. Read More

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

Online Banjo Lesson Reviews

Ross, I'm really enjoying my lessons so far. I feel like I have the forward roll down pretty well and am ready to move on to the other roll patterns. I felt like I had a teacher sitting right in front of me. Thanks for creating such an awesome site! Read More

Play Along CDs for Speed Building Book

Question about the best products to learn from someone who is frustrated with keeping up with the tracks in the How to Build Your Speed on the Banjo BookThe new backup play along CDs are probably the best banjo practice advice I could give for improving playing the songs you know, They are much slower than the Speed book tracks. The fRead More

Play by ear banjo tips

Playing in the the key of D and playing by ear Here are some suggestions I just sent to a student preparing to attend an upcoming workshop of mine. I don't always have time for this but was inspired tonight. The suggestions might help you too so I'll share them.Read More

Playing the Melody by Ear on Banjo

Playing the Melody on Banjo A question on how to learn to pick out the melody notes. So you have any suggestions that would help me learn how to just pick the melody notes out when learning a tune or is it just learn the notes on the fret board?Read More

Playing using only the chords instruction

Playing using the chords

Learning new techniques and new songs has been the driving force for me to play every day and your Website has added a new dimension to my quest. I've watched your newest video of "Boil Them Cabbage Down" and thoroughly enjoy the style you've created with that song. I know a simple version of that song but would love to get my hands on the tab from your video.Read More

Practicing Banjo with CDs/Back Tracks

Here are tips on practicing banjo with CDs, backup bands and Backing Tracks to increase your speed, skill and repetitions.Student Question: ...Since I’ve ordered a lot of your material in the past year, i.e, Banjo Encyclopedia, Vol 1 & 2 Play along CD’s, Speed Book, Scruggs Book, etc., I need some advice on practicing. I’ve learned “Dixie Breakdown” cleanly at the slower speed. In addition, I’ve learned Lonesome Road Blues from the Scruggs CD at the slower speed. My question is: should I concentrate on “just” those until I get them at the “breakneck” speed you play them at? ( which is going toRead More

Practicing Basic Banjo Rolls

I am member and have been getting much material from your great collections. My question is that I have never practiced the basic banjo rolls and other rolls. I have been playing for about 3 years now and I am learning different songs from many books. I feel like I am learning the forward roll and other rolls better because I use them in alRead More

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

Pull Down or Push Up?

Ross when i first learned to play i was taught to push off from 3-2 (third string) and have always done that but lacked consistency in sound- and sometimes my middle finger hits the fourth string such that i can hear it. i have the encyclopedia ( which is awesome) and you teach a pull off (3-2). i think it sounds better but i am so used to pushing that it is slow going right now. what do you recommend that i do ? Read More

Pull off 3-2 on the 3rd string

I have a question in regards to the 3-2 pull off. After experimenting one night, I found that my pull offs were crisper and cleaner if I used my left ring finger instead of my left middle finger to do the pull off. After doing this for a few minutes, I started thinking about the physics of using the ring instead of the middle, and it seemed to makRead More

Pull-off and Push-off tips/follow up

A featured email question from a student and answer by me, or some advice I have given someone who has requested it. Many of the questions I receive are questions that many students learning the banjo have. I hope the answers and advice I share ring through as sensible to you.Read More

Putting One or Two Fingers on the Banjo Head

Should I place two fingers on the head? One finger down? If so, which finger? When picking what's the difference between planting two fingers or just one? The advantage? Why put any fingers down?Read More

Putting the Capo on

I spent yesterday at a oldtime music jamboree with about ten different bands playing. I noticed the guitar players when they moved their capos they didn't retune, when I put mine on the banjo it doesn't sound right and appears to be out of tune. Your book (banjo encyclopedia) says I may have to retune with the capo on. My question is if I put the capo on the 2nd fret (key of A) what do I tune the strings to?? I guess this question would be the same for any placement of the capo.Read More

Question on using a preamp with a Fishman Banjo Pickup

Hi, I purchased a Gold Tone BG-250 F from you a few months ago. Great banjo by the way. I installed the Fishman rare earth pickup in it and was hoping you could give me some insight on a good DI for this set up. I am playing in a full band set-up with electric instruments, drums, etc. I am having trouble getting good volume with control. Is it ideal to use a DI with the Fishman? If so, what do I look for? Thanks for any help you can give me at all.Read More

Questions about banjo tab

I get a little bit of an attitude with any issues with the tab related the backup tracks in particular. That's because it's my feeling, and desire for students to get away from the tab with these tracks, to try to fill in the space where they forget, (or the tab is wrong or doesn't suit them:) and practice just picking along really,Read More

Relaxing when playing banjo

Getting in the Zone! By Ross Nickerson I had a very nice email that included compliments on my book The Banjo Encyclopedia. The student also had some interesting comments that inspired an impromptu email I sent back to him with some suggestions and insights that might help some of you as well. Thanks! Ross Nickerson. Read More

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

Roll syncopation on the slow speeds on the CD

I was working on the Alternating Thumb Roll (p. 15) and playing the eighth notes in a strict fashion according to the instruction in the first bullet on page 14, which says to "ensure that there is an equal space between the eighth notes". But, when I listen to the way that the Alternating Thumb Roll is played on the CD, the eighthRead More

Shipping Reviews

Banjoteacher.com Customer Service and Shipping TestimonialsRead More

Should I Put One Finger or Two Fingers on the Banjo Head

Should I put two fingers on the head? when playing banjo? One finger down? If so, which finger? When picking what's the difference between planting two fingers or just one? The advantage? Why put any fingers down?Read More

Sitting On Top of the World ending lick

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, pull off ? exactly what the left and right hands are supposed to do and how to do it ?Read More

Songs on Banjo that sound good slow

Here's a question for the "Ask the Banjo Teacher" forum. Being that I started learning the banjo later in life and have a problem playing some of the songs "up to speed" do you have any suggestions for songs that sound good slower, played at a slow speed? I've done some searching and can't find any kind of a compilation of songs geared towards a slower tempo yetRead More

Take it Easy Tab Question

I'm wanting to learn the tab to "take it easy". It's hard for me to hear the song in the tab. Is this played from the very beginning of the song or is it the solo piece towards the end of the song. What speed should this be played in. Thanks Paula Read More

The Banjo Encyclopedia Reviews

Reviews of The Banjo Encyclopedia "Bluegrass Banjo from A to Z" by Ross NickersonRead More

Timing in Banjo Tab

On the 5th and 10th note it has a symbol but does note show a string to pick. What does this symbol mean Ross? Does it mean to pause briefly before playing the next 8th note? Read More

Timing Tips

Learn Timing and how to count time Tips from Ross Nickerson answers to students A couple of tips. Learning to count time is very important on the banjo and easy if you just take the time to practice it.Read More

Tips on Playing Banjo in a Jam

It seems that when preparing for jam session or playing your banjo with other musicians that it is best to plan for the unexpected. One of the best ways to simplify the process is to learn to play song based on the chords only. In the real world of playing banjo with others or in a band, the first thing youRead More

Top Service Reviews

Read reviews about BanjoTeacher.com's top service, customer satisfaction, Books, DVDs, CDs, workshops, banjo lessons and banjo sales service.Read More

Traveling with a banjo, what’s the best way to fly?

I am asked for advice on the best way to fly with a banjo a lot especially by students in conjunction with our annual Banjo Camps and Workshops that I organize and instruct at. I am a good person to ask because I certainly have flown a lot with my banjo and have tried a number of different strategies and approachesRead More

Trouble with Playing Banjo Chords

Question: Hi, I am a beginner/newly intermediate banjo player and am having a very difficult time with playing banjo chords.Read More

Trouble with the Index Finger

I have been struggling with right hand accuracy for some time now. I have even emailed you a couple of times for advice, which you graciously offered. Please indulge me one more time as I have determined the root of the problem.Read More

Trying to Hard

I had a very nice email with compliments on the Banjo Encyclopedia. I'll include some of it. The student also had an interesting comment, well, it may be interesting to a lot of you that are learning so I included an impromptu email I sent back with some suggestions and insights that might help some of youRead More

Welcome to our Free Banjo Lesson Blog

Hello aspiring banjo pickers,Welcome to my free banjo lessons and instruction blog. My name is Ross Nickerson. For those of you who are not familiar with me I am the author of The Banjo Encyclopedia, Bluegrass Banjo from A to Z as well as over 20 other Books and DVDs designed to help students learn how to play bluegrass banjo. My plan is to design a blog dedicated to touching on the many aspects of bluegrass banjo playing to help you create good practice habits and learn correct 5 string bluegrass banjo technique.Read More

What Gauge Banjo Strings Should I Use?

Banjo Strings come in many gauges, light, medium, medium light and heavy gauge. I use a medium light set but there a many choices and I have tried lot’s of different combinations. If you are new to banjo, how do you decide?Read More

What is the Easiest Banjo to Play?

You might be asking yourself what style or what type of banjo is easiest to play. Since all the styles have their challenges it might be best for me to describe the different techniques for you more clearly so you can decide which style and type of banjo to dedicate your time too.Read More

What's New at BanjoTeacher.com

What´s the benefit with a radius neck compared with a standard one?

Hi Nick! I´m really pleased with your Nick Picks that arrived a few days ago. They improve both tone and speed to my picking. Bye the way, could you tell me what´s the benefit with a radius neck compared with a standard one?Read More

Why isn't the song I want to learn to play on banjo availalble

A response I wrote to someone looking for a tab for a popular song. I wanted to explain to help them understand why there are not more popular songs in tab available to students. (popular meaning, main stream songs that are not traditionally bluegrass)Read More

Workshop Comments and Tips

Just a short note to thank you for the workshop over the weekend. The afternoon was one of the best musical investments I have made, and I would recommend it to any banjo player, regardless of level, or singer-songwriter like myself who writes from the banjo. Of particular help to me was the mixing of various rolls and what you refer to as "accent". I am also looking forward to putting to use the Banjo Encyclopedia. Having only had a chance for a quick read so far, it looks like an excellent primer that covRead More