Search for "learn to play faster"

Learning to Play the Melody on Banjo using Christmas Songs

I thought I'd better get started on some Christmas songs well before Christmas this year, so yesterday I was playing your Joy of Christmas examples, and my grandson and I agree that they all are great, but my wife and granddaughter only liked two- coincidentally both Silent Night and Away in a Manger, which are directly melody songs. Read More

Attaching a Leather Lakota Banjo Strap

Here are some instructions to answer your question on where to attach the leather strap on your banjo.Read More

Banjo Practice Tips

The learning process will be slow and often frustrating. I am hoping to keep my enthusiasm going and trying each day to maintain what I practiced the previous day Read More

Are 5th String Capo Spikes Necessary for a Beginner Banjo Player

One more question... Will the capo spikes be necessary for a beginner like me? My impression is no... but let me know if you have any advice to the contrary.Read More

How to Play the Melody on the Banjo Question

I have been struggling to get part of "Old Time Religion" to sound right, and I think I may have figured out why. Perhaps this has to do with me being left-handed, and I am not seeing something correctly to translate it from righty to lefty. or maybe it's something else. Read More

Playing a 5-string Banjo with a low G on the 5th string?

I've been playing banjo for a few months now. Been picking it up pretty well! However, I play rather unconventionally. The 5th peg came off while I was learning basic chords, ended up keeping it with 4 and rocking the tuning D-G-B-E. I like it because I can play along to most songs without having to transpose in anyway or whatnot.Read More

Which Banjo Thumpicks Do you Recommend?

I recently decided to start using a thumbpick after years without. Still going without fingerpicks (I also play ukulele and nylon guitar). Also I have moved to a higher bridge - 11/16".Read More

Learning How to Play, Tune and Set up a Resophonic Banjo or "Dojo"

How to Play, Tune and Set up a Resophonic Banjo or "Dojo"Learn more about how to play a Resophonic banjo or "Dojo". Recommended strings to use, tips on tone, alternative tunings and other insights into transitioning from a normal 5-string bluegrass banjo using 3 finger Scruggs style technique to playing a Dojo, Resophonic Banjo or ResNick. Read More

Free Banjo Lesson with Loop2Learn

Try out Loop2Learn App for slowing down banjo with this Free Banjo Lesson by me, Ross Nickerson. Loop2Learn only cost $1.99 and it will change your banjo practice experience in a positive way IMMEDIATELY!Read More

Loop to Learn - App to Slow Down You Tube Video and Audio

Testing the Differences between a Mahogany and Maple Banjo Neck

One of my students from purchased a Nechville Flextone banjo. He could not decide between a maple or mahogany neck so he had an ingenious idea that no one had tried before, HE GOT BOTH. With Tom Nechville's easily removable banjo neck design called the flux capacitor he could switch between the two necks easy. This article is about the differences we found between two identical banjo necks, one made of mahogany and one of maple, then switched and tested on the same banjo. Read More

Gold Star Banjos-Availability and Facts

Ask the Banjo Teacher: Ross Nickerson Customer message: Ross... I've got an 05 Gold Star GF 85 which I've played for 13 years.... Really like the Gold Star. Looking to move up in quality but stay with Gold Star... what is the gold star, in your opinion, for around 2k? thanks, JimHi Jim, Gold Star only has one model in production now. But you emailed at a good time. For the last two years I have hadRead More

Photos of RK76, RK-85, What is a Snuffy Smith Bridge? Does Changing...

Ask the BanjoTeacher questions - Questions from students and customers sent to Ross Nickerson Hi Ross, Would you please send me photos of the new banjos when they arrive? The EK76 and RK-85? I have a couple questions, What is the Snuffy Smith bridge? How do you set them up for the best sound? I read somewhere that replacing the head will greatly improve the sound. Any comments?Read More

Ask the Banjo Teacher - Going from Guitar Player to Banjo Player

Hello Ross, I saw you demoing this instrument online. I’m really a guitar player, but am giving banjo a crack, and have one of these. How do you adjust the action on this. It seems a little high up the neck. The neck does appear straight. Thanks, Darrell PS Your pickin sounds great by the way.Read More

Glossary of Common Banjo Words and Phrases by Ross Nickerson

Find out what all the words associated with playing and learning to play the banjo mean by using Ross Nickerson's Banjo Word Glossary. This glossary of banjo related word definitions defines in simple to understand "layman's" terms the most common words, terms, phrases and musical descriptions needed to play, teach, and learn "how" to play the banjo.Read More

Banjo Capo Advice - How and When to Use a Banjo Capo

The capo is sometimes called a “cheater.” In a sense it is, but it doesn’t make you a poor musician to use it. In fact, in bluegrass banjo playing, many times it is proper. By using the capo, we are able to play everything we know in open G tuning; by simply placing the capo on another fret, we change the key. For those of you who are new to this, here is a little chart to help you.Read More

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

Playing The Melody on a Banjo | Using the Thumb

One of the challenges to learning and playing bluegrass banjo is to learn correct technique so you can keep up with the fast tempos so many bluegrass songs have.One of the tricks to playing consecutive 1/8 notes on a banjo is alternating your fingers. If you are playing 1/4 notes it's no problem to use the same finger twice in a row, but on a fast stream of 1/8 notes in an up tempo bluegrass song, using a different finger for each note is how it's accomplished.When playing the melody in 3 finger bluegrass Scruggs Style is don't let the index finger drive the bus. The thumb leads the way.Read More

Fixing Banjo Timing - Banjo Tab Exercises

As a banjo teacher I specialize in helping students of all ages learn to do something that they always wanted to do, and that's play banjo. One of the first apprehensions I hear from new students or from students that are fearful in their own ability to learn is. "I've got now rhythm". Well, I am here to reassure you that rhythm and counting can be learned, and its way more simple than you might think. In fact simple is the key.Read More

What is Zero Glide? Zero Glide Banjo Comparison

What is the Zero Glide Nut for Banjo and Guitar? Questions Answered - Comparison Video with and without Zero Glide I like most banjo players wanted to know what all the buzz was about the Zero Glide Nut got banjo. I heard about it for quite sometime before having an opportunity to experience what it does for your banjo. I consider myself always open to new ideas and improvements but I had a normal responses in the back of my head....... Read More

How to Play Banjo Along with a CD or DVD

Playing your banjo along with a You Tube video, DVD, CD or MP3 recording is not only loads of fun but a much more productive way of practicing banjo with few exceptions. One of the key elements in becoming a good banjo player is repetitions. The muscle memory you develop in repetitions helps you developing banjo tone, skill, speed, timing and the ability to improvise when you lose your place.Read More

Free Video on How to Hold the Banjo, Attach a Strap and Put Picks On

Free Banjo Lesson Video on how to hold or position the banjo, put the picks on, attach a banjo strap. The video also points out names of all the parts of the banjo like the tension hoop, tailpiece, peghead, flange and resonator. ,This is an excerpt from Beginning the Five String Banjo Book, CD and DVD by Ross Nickerson Read More

Learning the D Chord Part In Beverly Hillbillies / Jed Clampett

Banjo Advice Beverly Hillbilly's / Jed ClampetLearning the Beverly Hillbillies theme on banjo Student Question: The D chord part in The Ballad of Jed Clampet Read More

Practice Habits Banjo

Banjo Practice Habits and Techniques Class HandoutsBelow are links to handouts that you can downloadRead More

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

Most Accurate Tab for Dueling Banjos

Most Accurate Tab for Dueling Banjos by Ross Nickerson I’ve transcribed Dueling Banjos note for note from the original Deliverance Movie Soundtrack as played by Eric Weisberg. Eric’s playing of this song along with the worldwide exposure from the movie and radio airplay can be credited with spawning a generation of players to take up the banjo. I still have students arrive at my door or at my website BanjoTeacher.com because they heard Dueling Banjos and want with every fiber in their body to make that sound!Read More

Banjo Help with the Forward Roll

I have a question about the fingering of the forward roll as tabbed on pg 16 of "Beginning The 5-String Banjo" book. (The roll referred to is an eight note one measure forward roll starting on the 3rd string, TMTIMTIM)Read More

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

Getting Better Control of Your Picking

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 theRead More

Banjo Practice Advice

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 BookRead More

What is the definition of playing thirds on a banjo

Hi Ross what is the definition of playing a third on a banjo? Looked but couldn’t find the definition, Thanks TedHi Ted,A Third is two notes 1/3 apart; chords are made of 3 notes, each note 1/3 apart which is why they harmonize. Singers most often harmonize using notes 1/3 apart.Read More

Free Beginner Banjo E-Book for New Mailing List Members

Thanks for Joining the Mailing List at BanjoTeacher.comTo complete your sign up process for the monthly discounts newsletter and receive the free item. you were sent an automatic email.1. Open the email and confirm the sign up process. 2. Then send us an email requesting the Free E-Book. 3. If you did not receive the email, please email us at info@banjoteacher.com Here are some discounts just for joining the mailing list.Read More

Free Video on How to Tighten a Banjo head

How to Tighten a Banjo HeadRead More

How to Put Strings on a Banjo

Here is a free video on how to put strings on a banjo. The video also includes tips on putting a bridge on a banjo and tightening the banjo head. Changing strings on a banjo is not hard once you've done it once or twice. Be sure to change ths strings one at a time so the bridge will stay in place, and it will be easier to tune up. One of the most important things to do when chaRead More

Notes to Tune a Banjo To

Here are the notes to tune a banjo to and also the notes used for different tuning options on a banjo. The tunings we have the notes for are Standard G open bluegrass tuning. C Tuning bluegrass, Bluegrass D tuning, Double C tuning, G minor tuning and Low Open E tuning. Read More

Reset the Bridge on a Five String Banjo

Watch a video on how to re-set your banjo bridge. This video goes in to more detail and shows you how to set the bridge so the intonation is correct and the banjo plays in tune up and down the neck. The bridge is placed the same distance from the 12th fret as the distance from the 12th fret to the nut (nut is located where the strings go through at the peg head). The intonation or tuning can be fine tuned with an electronic tuner and using harmonics. This is described and demonstrated in the video.Read More

Banjo Players

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The Banjo Encyclopedia Reviews

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

I’m learning to play banjo like this in 7 months

One of my online students sent me this nice message and also an MP3 recording of his progress. I think he is doing well so I sent back some encouragement and some tips that might be helpful to my blog readers as well. Here is the letter.I bought a banjo the last week of March this year. I’ve been amazed at how far I’ve come since then thanks to books like yours (I’m entirely self taught). I attached an mp3 of a song I just recorded today. I’ve got a friend who plays guitar and I was recording it so he could practice with it. Thought you might like to hear what someone with your books and 7 months of practice can do.Read More

How do I use Banjo Rolls?

I'm finding your DVDs, CDs, etc. very useful and am pleased to have them. I have a question about the rolls information in your Fundamentals program that came up for me when I first got into that material. I didn't ask this when I started as I thought it was too basic or obvious a question but it keeps coming to mind so here goes: My understanding of rolls is that they serve an ongoing, background rhythm purpose so, as the term suggests, they roll on and on and on. Several of the rolls you present have one measure of eight notes with the second measure ending in quarter/half notes (I don't have the book with me and may not be using the right term for the secRead 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

Banjo Set Up Advice

Just a quick note to say how much I am enjoying the courses I have downloaded from you. I have recently detected vibration on my 4th string when fretting. All the other strings are fine and it is a new set of strings. Are there any banjo websites who diagnose and advise on these problems. Read More

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

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

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

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

How to Bend Banjo Picks

Is there a preferred bending of the finger tips? Should they be bent to where they are 45 degrees to your finger nails or left as they are when you take them out of the pack?There seems to be as many answers as there are stars in the sky. I just want to know if there is a mechanically best method so I don't have to change later. 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

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

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

500 dollar Banjo

Had a quick question, I have a 500.00 Hohner banjo that I am playing better since I received your online video, but I am trying to get better clarity like your banjo.Do I have to buy a better banjo or is there some way I can enhance mine to sound better and crisper.Read More

How to play in the Key of D on banjo

I can play most chord forms pretty well at this point, but have never comfortably mastered the full D chord—in fact, I’m not very content with how I play it at all. This is certainly an important chord shape that is essential to basic bluegrass music, especially up-the-neck playing. Here’s my question—what can I do to improve my ability to accurately transition to this chord form (I know, practice, practice, practice)? Do you have something specific that you can recommend?Read More

Index Finger flies away

Just wanted to thank you again and let you know how productive the cruise workshop was for me. I have been playing about two hours a day in the month since we’ve been back and am seeing improvement in most areas. I’m mostly practicing the two-finger chord positions, playing in thirds and sixths, and doing left and right hand exercises out of the Banjo Encyclopedia, which is very well done I must say. My only source of frustration right now is that no matter how muRead 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

Help with D Chord

I can play most chord forms pretty well at this point, but have never comfortably mastered the full D chord—in fact, I’m not very content with how I play it at all. This is certainly an important chord shape that is essential to basic bluegrass music, especially up-the-neck playing. Here’s my question—what can I do to improve my ability to accurately transition to this chord form (I know, practice, practice, practice)? Do you have something specific that you can recommend?Read More

How long to stay practicing on 1 thing?

I received my banjo and materials very quickly. Thanks for the quick service! Your book and DVD (Fundamentals of 5-String Banjo) are invaluable resources for the beginning student. My problem is I'm not sure exactly how quickly to move forward or how long I should practice one thing. Should I learn one roll until 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

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