Blog search
Blog categories
More Resources
Blog archives
Latest Comments
Martha Butler
on Fixing Banjo Timing - Banjo Tab Exercises
George Hicks
on How Hard is it to Play the Banjo?
Thomas Holder
on Banjo Capo Advice - How and When to Use a Banjo...
Bryan Cook
on Banjo Capo Advice - How and When to Use a Banjo...
Newbie to the Banjo - Left Hand Technique
Newbie to the Banjo
Subject: Chapter 3 Left Hand Technique
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. Thanks
Answer from Ross Nickerson
I'm looking at it the Banjo Encyclopedia now and as far as the exercises go, there really aren't enough to not say.. all of them. Most, if not all are easily memorized and should be used to warm up with. Do not look at the tab when doing this, study the tab without playing to help memorize (they are primarily patterns that should be easy to grasp.) Memorize these simple systematic patterns, concentrate on accuracy, steady timing, increasing flexibility and keeping your fingers close to the fretboard....(use a metronome, you'll thank me later.)
The Exercises using thirds on pages 41 and 42 are very good ones to work on. Study and get the correct left-hand fingering as indicated or you may do more harm than good, (except possibly in regard to just getting more flexible), but, what you want is muscle memory of the positions that use the best choice of fingers....(the best choice of fingers often boils down to... the ones that leave you the most options with the fingers not being used to play other notes.)
The slides, pull-offs and hammer-on exercises are important, ...my advice.... read the text a bunch of times and don't try it to play the exercises to many times till you more fully understand what you are trying to accomplish and improve. Otherwise, every time you miss or don't approach with the best technique, you reinforce the wrong thing and poor technique. The CD will help on those too.
I hope that helps, I have to pack for the cruise, so long,
Thanks again,
Sincerely,
Ross Nickerson
( )==='==~
Related products
Leave a CommentLeave a Reply
- About Us - Contact
- Books, CDs, DVDs
- Supplies
- Banjos
- Learn Now
- Reviews
- Lesson Site
- Workshops
The Banjo Cruise
The Banjo Cruise
The Banjo Cruise Workshop is held in a large private conference room that is essentially sound proof and separate from all other passengers. The workshop takes place during the days we are at sea so you can visit all ports and still have plenty of time for fun with your spouse, family or friends while on the cruise. The class sizes are small ensuring that each student receives the assistance and encouragement they need.ST Pete Banjo Camp
Annual Banjo Workshop weekend in Sunny St Pete Beach Florida!
The Academy of Performance Arts with Ross Nickerson
Banjo camp seminar and group banjo lesson workshop in the USA for bluegrass 5-string banjo in Florida at sunny St Pete Beach. This is an annual Florida banjo event and held during the winter months for locals,winter residents and students who want to escape the cold while improving their banjo playing, and having fun doing it.The Banjo Safari
The Banjo Safari
Join me for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience traveling to Africa for an African Photo Safari. I am to be teaming up with our professional Safari guides Kevin and Tricia Dooley on an adventure that none of us will forget. We'll spend our mornings and late afternoons exploring the wildlife of South Africa, and the mid day will be filled with a banjo workshop that should be fun and rewarding. - Resources