Jamming with others using playalong CDs and DVDs

Do you want to learn to play with others? Don't have anyone to practice with? If that's the case you may find playalong practice CDs and DVDs very helpful. I know I have. Whether your playing bluegrass or clawhammer banjo these practice CDs/DVDs will help you progress to the next level in your picking.

Keep on Pickin'
Angie

http://www.bluegrass.cc
http://www.clawhammer-banjos.com/
http://www.tenor-banjo.com/
Banjo FAQs and more!

My fingers are killing me!

Here's a good question posted to the Banjo Buddies discussion list:

"I just began take banjo lessons the other day and MY FINGERS ARE KILLINGME!!! How long does it take for them to start callusing over??"

This answer came from Sherry Chapman who is a regular on the discussion list in answering questions. She's a banjo teacher in the West Texas area and always willing to help others out.

"Perhaps you're pushing too hard on the strings. Although when you first start out you might have tender fingers, they shouldn't be sore (unless, of course, you're practicing 5 or 6 hours a day).

If you're having to really push hard to make clean clear chords and/or fretted notes, then perhaps you should look at your hand position. It should take very little pressure on the string(s) to make clean, clear notes and chords.

Try this: put the fleshy part of your thumb at the back of the neck of the banjo and arch your wrist over the fretboard. This should put your fingers in position to reach each string (the 1st 4, that is) easily.

Now, when you fret a string, be sure your fingers are as close to the fret as possible without touching it."

Keep on Pickin'
Angie's Banjo.com
http://www.bluegrass.cc
http://www.clawhammer-banjos.com/
http://www.tenor-banjo.com/
Banjo FAQs and more!

What is Bluegrass Music?

Bluegrass music is considered a form of American roots music with its own roots in English, Irish and Scottish traditional music. The name of the genre is derived from the Blue Grass Boys, the name of Bill Monroe's band. Inspired by immigrants from the British Isles (particularly the Scots-Irish immigrants of Appalachia), as well as the music of rural African-Americans, jazz, and blues. Like jazz, bluegrass is played with each melody instrument switching off, playing improvised solos in turn while the others revert to backing; this is in contrast to old-time music, in which all instruments play the melody together or one instrument carried the lead throughout while the others provide accompaniment.

Angie
Bluegrass Banjos
Banjo FAQs and more!