Banjo Players (live, prices, deal)

[Barkingowl]

Are there any of y'all up there? Can you give me an idea of what offerings are available for instruction for a beginner & recommendations for a first banjo?

[warptman]

Barkley must have watched Deliverance last night.

[Barkingowl]

I was actually just listening to dueling banjos on iTunes... Been a long time since I squeeled like a pig though...

[Chorizo]

There are two predominant types of banjo playing. First you need to figure out what style you want to play.

The two styles are Bluegrass and Clawhammer. Bluegrass is probably what most people think of. You use most, if not all of your fingers to pick. It's like Ricky Skaggs stuff. It is pretty difficult. This is bluegrass:
YouTube - Bluegrass Banjo John Hardy by Fabian

Clawhammer, is the old timey style. Think Appalachian Mountain music. This is a lot easier to learn, but can be just as difficult to master. This style was used by people who worked with their hands all the time and at the end of the day could not articulate the same way you would for bluegrass. You basically use your thumb and either index or middle finger on the strumming hand. This is probably the original style of play for the banjo. Here is some clawhammer:
YouTube - Foggy Clawhammer

If you decide to go the Clawhammer route, I might suggest picking up the instruction book and dvd from here: Clawhammer banjo, Old time fiddle by Dan Levenson not Levinson I picked this up when I started learning, and actually had the opportunity to sit down with other banjo players as well as the man who wrote the book/runs the site. The approach is great and you can do it at your own pace.

Here is Dan showing off at a private banjo camp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7stjwPjk8s0

Also, you can get by pretty well with using just a cheap Gold Tone brand banjo to start. There are many types of banjos. You will want a standard 5 string for either Clawhammer or Bluegrass. Clawhammer players will usually select an open back banjo. Bluegrass players will normally choose one with a resonator on the back (makes it louder, heavier, more expensive).

I started with the CC-50 (http://www.goldtone.com/products/det...ment/377/CC-50). I found it new, locally, for about $180. Great instrument. Killer deal for the price (even if you pay full suggested retail).

[lyoness]

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

Are there any of y'all up there? Can you give me an idea of what offerings are available for instruction for a beginner & recommendations for a first banjo?

Barkley, check them out, the videos are great, prices are fabulous and they won't ********* over. I bought a mandolin and a violin from them. They also have a luthier who will talk to you in person if you call, super guy will answer any questions and give recommendations. The second link has all kinds of free lessons also. Great for self taught, but look for a local teacher if you want to learn quick. Banjo is not easy to learn, so keep your sense of humor when you start

Folk of the Wood - Acoustic Music Instructional DVD's and Books


Folk of the Wood Banjo Video Samplers

[JavaPhil]

I played tenor (4-string) banjo and my brother played 5-string (standard). Sis plays 12-string guitar.

[lyoness]

Sounds like next time Barkley comes up we can jam

[Barkingowl]

I may have to start off with a washboard.

[Chorizo]

There is always the jaw harp!

YouTube - Jaw Harp Heaven

[warptman]

You get the line I get the pole wez gone fishin at the crawdad hooooole.