Learning the banjo - socially distant edition
April 8, 2020 5:12 PM Subscribe
Welp, I bought a banjo! I've never even HELD a banjo! What online videos and tutorials will show me the basics of the instrument and how to get started?
I recently realized there's no time better than the present to pick up the banjo. I bought this mini one. I can read music (played piano, saxophone, and I sing) but I've never read music for string instruments like guitar (it's different, right?).
I'd love your suggestions on videos that would help a total novice. (Like, "Welcome to your banjo! Here's what all the parts are for!")
I don't need to learn anything fancy. I think I'd most appreciate clear, straightforward instruction that's targeted to novices.
Right now I'm looking for stuff I can watch online. But if there's a book you think I shouldn't be without, feel free to share that too. Thank you!
I recently realized there's no time better than the present to pick up the banjo. I bought this mini one. I can read music (played piano, saxophone, and I sing) but I've never read music for string instruments like guitar (it's different, right?).
I'd love your suggestions on videos that would help a total novice. (Like, "Welcome to your banjo! Here's what all the parts are for!")
I don't need to learn anything fancy. I think I'd most appreciate clear, straightforward instruction that's targeted to novices.
Right now I'm looking for stuff I can watch online. But if there's a book you think I shouldn't be without, feel free to share that too. Thank you!
Best answer: Check out Clifton Hicks of YouTube and Patreon. Tons of history and context along with lessons, and his 2-finger style makes it easy to learn new songs.
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 6:11 PM on April 8, 2020
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 6:11 PM on April 8, 2020
Best answer: previously.
ArtistWorks, Peghead Nation (especially Bill Evans' beginning course), and the various books and DVDs mentioned in the previous response.
Oh, and get a banjo mute. (No, not that one.) Your neighbors will thank you.
posted by blob at 9:10 PM on April 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
ArtistWorks, Peghead Nation (especially Bill Evans' beginning course), and the various books and DVDs mentioned in the previous response.
Oh, and get a banjo mute. (No, not that one.) Your neighbors will thank you.
posted by blob at 9:10 PM on April 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you! These all look great!
Blob, that Peghead course with Bill Evans looks perfect, signing up now.
And for anybody on the fence about buying a banjo, do it now! I just successfully tuned mine and it's the best feeling I've had in months.
posted by kinsey at 5:38 PM on April 9, 2020
Blob, that Peghead course with Bill Evans looks perfect, signing up now.
And for anybody on the fence about buying a banjo, do it now! I just successfully tuned mine and it's the best feeling I've had in months.
posted by kinsey at 5:38 PM on April 9, 2020
In addition to the suggestions above, you might consider Josh Turknett's Clawhammer Banjo channel on YouTube. He's got an associated website and book.
I like that he brings his neuroscience background to bear on learning banjo.
posted by ChutneyFerret at 7:14 PM on April 25, 2020
I like that he brings his neuroscience background to bear on learning banjo.
posted by ChutneyFerret at 7:14 PM on April 25, 2020
As I mentioned in the previous ask, Bill Evans on Peghead Nation is a great resource (and by paying, you're supporting musicians in a difficult time.)
Oh, and if you have neighbors, get a banjo mute. (No, not that one.) Your neighbors will thank you.
posted by blob at 10:31 AM on December 16, 2020
Oh, and if you have neighbors, get a banjo mute. (No, not that one.) Your neighbors will thank you.
posted by blob at 10:31 AM on December 16, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by unreadyhero at 5:36 PM on April 8, 2020