Foggy Mountain Breakdown Lesson. Rob Bourassa Part 1

[Bobxdbl]

Your a great teacher. Thanks for posting these!!

[robbourassaguitarist]

@Bobxdbl Thanks, glad to help.

[smokintele]

Thanks, Rob. I've devoted most of my time to learning rolls, but your advice on playing melodies gives me direction. I'm a guitarist, and I have a good ear. I've also been working on "Foggy Mountain" from your video. I don't know how efficient I'll become on banjo, but I'm confident I will play well enough... in time. I previously asked your opinion about banjos, so I'm letting you know that I invested in a Deering Eagle 2. It's a very nice banjo! Thanks again for the help you provide!

[smokintele]

When talking about banjo-rolls (as they relate to a tune) ... are the banjo-rolls the foundation under the melody, or does the melody take precedence, and then the rolls fall into place (or, are placed)? Or, do the banjo-rolls & melody work in concert? This might be a "chicken & egg question," but it's a puzzle I have to get straight in my head before I start learning songs.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@smokintele Each song is different. Some have the roll predominate, others, the melody. I would take time to learn how to master simple melodies on command without the rolls first.

[et7waage1]

Very interesting! Thanks for posting!

[joselo1944]

Hi Rob

Continuing with my reviews.

I ask, have you published any book for banjo, and / or DVD-explanatory, I am truly amazed with the clarity and patience of their explanations.

I like to have the tabs for their songs.

Once again very grateful for your free classes.

Best regards my friend, from Buenos Aires,(City of Tango), José Luis.

[joselo1944]

Hi Rob

I have 66, play piano well and some guitar.

30 days ago I bought my first banjo a Fender FB 54 and I'm very excited about it.

I finally found a clear detail and with many repetitions to play Foggy Mountain Breakdown.

Just like when I was studying piano with my teacher next to me, far away and long ago.

For my age and experience I can tell you're a very good teacher.

Again very grateful for what you do, I greet with a big hug from Buenos Aires Argentina, Jose Luis.

-Have you books or DVD?

[HealthyYou2011]

awesome!

[gdsvalentine]

Hi Rob, the thumb coming down to pluck the second string, I find it easier to use my first finger a second time for the double hammer on.. should I persevere with bringing the thumb down or is it a case of what is easiest at this stage?

Great lessons as always, just wish I had more time to practice.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@gdsvalentine Get used to the thumb. It is a much more solid hit and even though it is tougher, it will sound better. If you practice for too long the other way, it will be twice as hard to break, so I would just take my lumps until it smoothes out.

[jchipps1]

Excellent video...One of my favorite songs and I'm trying to get better at playing it.

I'm pretty much a beginner and this video helped me with the technique and timing tremendously.

Thank You !

[TheScissorMan]

Cheers for the advice. I was having such fun with this one but I'll take it from some one who knows what he's talking about that I had best learn to walk first.

[TheScissorMan]

Fantastic! I got a banjo for my birthday in May and I've been practising rolls etc but I needed a tune to play to keep me interested. This is by far the best lesson structure by a great teacher. Cheers!

[robbourassaguitarist]

@TheScissorMan I would start with the Cripple Creek lessons first, which will prepare you better for this one.

[stringsismyforte]

@robbourassaguitarist I just found these lessons and feel like my world has just opened up! I teach 5th and 6th grade orchestra and always wanted to know how to play the banjo. Since starting a couple of months ago I've been reading tabs. This is SO MUCH BETTER! Thank you, thank you!!

[banjoplain]

You are a good instructor. I was wondering if you could teach Blue Moon of Kentucky and My Old Kentucky Home? They were 2 of my dad's favorite songs.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@banjoplain Your dad had good taste. Blue Moon Of Kentucky has my favorite fiddle part. The banjo is really nothing special on that one. If I get time, I will try to remember.

I usually have to do what my paying Skype students want, and most of them wanted Foggy Mountain. I share the practice videos with everyone for free, but I mostly teach one on one with Skype, and don't have a ton of free time.

[jonnietheoneone]

Hi Rob,you have such patience,im in a quandry as to take up a Tenor or 5 String,there seems to be loads more scope for a 5 String.Any advice,Being Irish I would lean towards the Tenor but I love the sound of the 5 String.Thanx Jonnie

[robbourassaguitarist]

I love tenor. I also love 6 string.

You might be able to find some tenor lessons somewhere on here. I'll let you know if I see any.

[kkkmanmoonshine]

hey rob good job your the only one on youtube that will go over with you slow that is what i like about you cripple creek i leand it from u good job man put more on here lol lol

[robjob1989]

i am here with pen and paper ,pause and start, hammer on ,5215,man, but the more i watch the clearer it be comes ,i like your easy style of teaching ,no rushing. keep up the good work and thank you. irish pat.

[dougiebanjo]

At 15 my folks bought me a 4 string I hated it. Now I am 61, bought a 5 string and with your wonderful help I can actually play.

one year into a five year plan to call myself a banjo picker.

I cannot thank you enough!! Someday somehow I trust you will be rewarded for these wonderful videos.

Doug

[robbourassaguitarist]

Excellent. 61 sounds like a good age. Still young enough to get around good, and old enough to focus, and hopefully with a bit more spare time than you had at 40.

[ldavis42]

Thank you for making this even though you had all those troubles! I really appreciate it!

[robbourassaguitarist]

This was a goal of mine for some time now.

You are welcome.

[subtram]

brilliant!

[bkibbeeg]

Ditto ditto ditto! Thank you gracias muy bueno Rob!!

[andrujazz123]

Muy bueno , muchas gracias desde Argentina, Andres

[mogsy11]

Superb! First time I've been compelled to comment on youtube. Thank you for the time and effort that you've put in - much appreciated!

[1bluebanjo]

Thanks Rob!! I'm still working on CC but I can't wait to get to FMB.  Just had to sneak a peak. Keep up the great work. It's greatly appreciated by all!

[uqgeorgekam]

your the best, Rob

[granty4u]

Thanks Rob, awesome work, as always!

[HawkeyeTJ01]

Rob, your lessons are the best. I'm halfway through Old Joe Clark, and I can't wait to start FMB.

Thanks Rob!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Glad to help.

[kmarxse]

Great to see you back! Been looking forward to these lessons.

[mdzirkle]

Thanks for the time & effort on this! Is this really free?! I'm really looking forward to getting this down.

Matt

[seanandhisuke]

Thank you so much Rob!