Speed is not important when learning the banjo

Do not try to play faster than your ability. This will result in the easier parts being faster than the harder elements, and the result will be "learned poor timing", and no one will be able to play along with you.

Slow, deliberate timing, is the key, even if it sounds like a tape being played too slowly. Just keep on keepin' on, drill, drill, drill, but do it slowly.

As you learn, you will speed up without trying, and it will sound good. Slow, steady, even progress. At some point, after many days of trying, you will make a "quantum jump," you will suddenly sound better.

It comes in small steps, so keep practicing the drills, fit them into songs. Listen to others, attempt to play with others, even if you can't keep up. Most pickers understand, and will slow down for you, playing evenly. Take the advice of pickers who have learned the hard way.

When you see some youngster seemingly playing like a pro, just remember, he didn't do it all at once. He just simply put more time into it, and kids seem to have the time.

Keep on pickn'

Angie

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