Right Hand Position

The best way to position the right hand is to put on your picks, then place your thumb on the 5th string, your index finger on the 2nd string, and the middle finger on the 1st string. Pretend like you are holding the strings. (Thumb presses down, fingers pull up.) Your hand should look rather compact with good knuckle bends. Then place your pinky and ring fingers on the head of the banjo right in front of the bridge.

NOTE: It is important to keep at least one finger (if not both) anchored on the head of the banjo at all times. This provides a "home" position so that your brain can learn where all the strings are without you looking, and it also allows you to play with drive.

When picking, your fingers will pick upwards and your thumb will pick downwards. Practice looking at your left hand and not your right hand. This will allow you to play quicker and more accurately in the long run.

Depending upon where you position your right hand, you will notice a distinct difference in the sound of your banjo. If you are too close to the bridge, the sound will be very sharp. If you are too far away from the bridge (up towards the neck of the banjo), the sound will be more mellow. You can experiment with several positions and see which one sounds best. In general, you will want to be close to the bridge without touching it when picking lead breaks, and closer to the neck of the banjo when playing backup.

Keep on pickn'

Angie

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