Ask Banjo Instructors
Banjo Questions / Answers from Ross Nickerson
Getting Better Control of Your Picking
Student
question
Hello
from Australia, Ross!
Love your Banjo Encyclopedia and have found it
a great help. I have been playing (or trying) for a few years now, and for the
amount of time invested, feel I should be a pretty good player by now! Not so
unfortunately as my biggest problem seems to be my right hand and fingers going
everywhere once I start trying to pick up some speed. My hand cramped up terribly when
I had two fingers on the head, so it was suggested that I try with just my pinky.
I did this and it made me wonder why I didn't do it a few years ago! I use your
metronome excercises at the start of your book which are great, but still have
the problem of fingers flailing about with the onset of speed.
My answer
From
the sounds of it Pete, I would actually recommend slowing it all down in the right
hand and concentrating on keeping your fingers in tight close to the strings.
Sounds like you may just be a little over anxious. Try and keep your fingers close
to the strings after you pick with each of them.
The best way to retrain
yourself in this case is usually to slow it down so that you can reset your muscle
memory, if you continue to be overzealous, it may be harder to get control of
your picking in the long run, hope that helps some.
How to Build Speed on the Banjo Book and CD by Ross Nickerson
Maybe we'll meet someday in Australia! I could really give
you better advice in person
Thanks
again,
Sincerely,
Ross Nickerson
( )==='==~
The ask a banjo instructor pages are also part of the members only site. To access the links on the right and left, and, take advantage of the many other lesson videos, songs, discounts, and general help in learning banjo for members. Help support BanjoTeacher.com and join! It's only 19.95 a year. Members site details
Non member Homepage