FREE BANJO LESSONS - FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREAKDOWN - ROB BOURASSA

[SirNoodlehe]

Earl Scruggs in disguise?

[NJKatwoman]

That was awesome! What kind of banjo are you playing?

[robbourassaguitarist]

@NJKatwoman That is a Deering, Goodtime bajo. Pretty cheap, but it works well.

[pegcage]

Are you playing along with Earl on this? If so, great job! If not, you are still awesome anyway.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@pegcage I just laid down a guitar track and played a bass over it, so I could use them as a backing track. Thanks.

[roybuck1973]

just wanted to tell you how much i have enjoyed these video lessons i'm from eastern kentucky and been playing banjo for years now and i'm gonna make you an honarary hillbilly. hehehehe just one more thing MORE MORE MORE

[magicman2001]

Hey Rob

When are you going to teach us how to move on the neck on this classic?

Thanks

Great Job

[Vindictus413]

Awesome! That is one of the best songs ever done by Earl Scruggs!!! I have been trying to find 5-string Banjo Lessons For a While and i could quite find them so this is cool!

[shredrik]

My goodness you are an excellent banjo player and a very experienced teacher Rob im honered to have the pleasure of learning from you! of the 5 or 6 years i've been on youtube this is by far the best channel thanks again rob!

[robbourassaguitarist]

@shredrik Thanks so much. I hope these help.

[rd1956]

My God, man, was that really you playing? Unbelievable talent and accuracy!!!!!

[josefgiven]

One of the best FMBs on the Tube and gawd knows I've seen enough of em!

[ropermrmeredith06]

good!

[StreetSpeed10]

I am about to learn how to play the banjo myself. I have been wanting to learn for years and I'm only 23 lol. I know it's gonna take a lot of practice and patients. But I have ALWAYS thought of it as a very interesting and skilled instrument to learn to play. I haven been playing the drums since i was around three or so. I can also play a little on the piano and the guitar.

[ohmyboho]

man. thats some great pickin. I'm just learning myself and a buddy of mine told me about ya. thx for helping out us rookies.:)

[charangoguy]

Great lessons. Got me to dust off the old Gibson 5-string and start practicing again.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@charangoguy GLAD TO HEAR IT.

[charangoguy]

Fantastic! You are a great teacher. Really got me to playing my old Gibson 5 string again.

[jpbarlow]

teach me that it's awesome

[joejazzmaniac]

you're a great guy

[TheAtkinFamily]

Rob, I have been working through your cripple creek lesson and I am so amazed with the progress I've made. Granted I have been practicing a ton but looking through all these other cripple creek video on youtube... no one plays it as well as you do... best thing is you taught me how to play with precision.

Bottom line... I am also self employed and I realize the value that you have provided. I want to pay you for the cripple lesson?.. how do I do that? I encourage everyone else to do the same.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@TheAtkinFamily THANKS FOR THE KIND OFFER.

I really wanted to do these for free, so don't bother. It doesn't cost me anything. It was an afternoon of work, but it also has been very good as an advertisement for my live online Skype webcam lessons, so I get paid for this every time someone takes a private lesson.

I do appreciate it though. Thanks again.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@TheAtkinFamily THANKS FOR THE KIND OFFER.

I really wanted to do these for free, so don't bother. It doesn't cost me anything. It was an afternoon of work, but it also has been very good as an advertisement for my live online Skype webcam lessons, so I get paid for this every time someone takes a private lesson.

I do appreciate it though. Thanks again.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Unfortunately, I have been swamped, just trying to keep up with being self employed. I have to keep moving or I starve, and I haven't had the time needed to do a quality video lately.

I hope to have a bit more free time in a couple of weeks.

[banjoplain]

I really like the way you teach. I have been looking for a good teacher on the internet, and you are the best one I have seen. I have subscribed, and I was wondering if you could maybe teach Blue Moon of Kentucky and My Old Kentucky Home. They are some of my dad's favorites. I guess it only helps that he is from Kentucky!

[edhausman]

Read about this from your BanjoHangout posting...looks excellent and I can't wait to get to work! Thanks so much for this contribution to the greater banjo world...

[whinsobannock]

Dear Rob just a short note to let you know how much you'r time and effort is appreciated you are a true defender of the arts without people like yourself life would not be as good,take care and best regards Jimmy.

[robbourassaguitarist]

You are welcome Jimmy.

[PFCBeetleBailey]

you get a LOT of sound out of that lil' Deering, that sounds teriffic

[robbourassaguitarist]

I like the sound of yours better.

[gdsvalentine]

Is the strap over your right shoulder there?

[robbourassaguitarist]

Yes.

[banjodad1]

Rob, perhaps you played with Roy at the Livonia Greenmead Festival in '80 or '81? I was playing parking lot Dobro at the time and have a photo from the Observer of me and a group of parking lot pickers going at it, with Fay M. looking on. Great memories! Your playing is hot, by the way, thanks for sharing your talent.

Allan J.

[robbourassaguitarist]

I left the Sunnysiders in January of 1981, so it probably is not me in the photo.

[TBaker1964]

I keep finding myself coming back here to this vid....it's the BEST I've ever heard or seen. Brilliant, a masterful piece of work and inspiration for me to keep plucking away even tho my fingers are blistered. Thanks !

[cmorris359]

Any plans to do lessons for the high parts?

[robbourassaguitarist]

Yes, but I have to do some other work first. I support myself by teaching, and can only take so much time off to do the free stuff, and these videos take forever. It will probably be early January.

[TBaker1964]

holy fuck! better than earl imo

[gingerwiseguy]

hey, im from the UK. Just would like to say thanks for your tutorials. i have recently bought a banjo and thanks to you im starting to sound good. By the way your fucking awsome!

[SGThirkell]

Thank you so much for doing these lessons. I have been following your tutorials for a while now. I pick up so much from each video, I am very new at playing but enjoy it so much and love the sound of the banjo. Following your lessons means I can actually make some sort of music lol.

Keep this up, we love this in the UK

[robbourassaguitarist]

I have a lot of Skype students in the U.K. I would like to come over and do a workshop there sometime.

[cornbreadvr]

ALRIGHT! I'm gonna give this a whirl. I've been playing guitar all my life and recently l got a 5- string and am ready to take this beast on. WISH ME LUCK!

[batfink777]

My favourite banjo tune played beautifully!*****

[granty4u]

Hey Rob! Any word on the FMB lesson? Hope everything is well.

[Comboieiro]

Hi Rob,

Great teacher you are. Because of you I took my old banjo from the closet were it spent the last 15 years.

If you ever come to Portugal let me know.

By the way, you don't teach dobro, do you?

[robbourassaguitarist]

Sorry, no. I play Dobro a bit, but more C6 or E9 tuning than open G, though I love to hear Gerry Douglas.

[tophatandtails]

I wish you'd pick up the speed a little...it's kind of dragging. :-))

[spouliotte]

Im sorry but how is this a lesson in anything but watching someone play fast. Great picker but not really helpful to someone trying to learn anything

[robbourassaguitarist]

You have to go to the "Video Response" link, below the lesson. I have slow motion lessons, complete with practice videos, all linked in order.

I know, these are confusing.

[robbourassaguitarist]

It is coming this week. I had technical problems, and have been super busy, but I plan on doing them all next Tuesday.

[schneider360]

Rob, I have been playing banjo for a few monthes now and I have to say that your lessons are by far the best i've seen on the internet, so thanks!

i've mastered old joe clark and cripple creek and now im anxiously waiting on foggy mountain breakdown. is this still in the works?

[lanhamcw]

Rob

How do I join up?

Charlie

[robbourassaguitarist]

Just subscribe. It's free. The lessons are linked by the video response frames, in succession.

[granty4u]

Hey Rob. Thanks for the great lessons. When's Foggy Mountain Breakdown going to start? I can't hardly wait!

[robbourassaguitarist]

I had some bad discs and lost hours of work, so it will be a few more weeks.

It won't be long.

[granty4u]

Waiting with abated breath. I can keep up with you on Old Joe Clark now. Thanks again for the great lessons!

[richardsonbrothers]

Great pickin'!

[robbourassaguitarist]

I haven't played 5 string since 1981, but I still pull it out once in a while. Some day, I'd like to get back into it.

I'd like to hear you guys sometime, so let me know where you're playing.

[richardsonbrothers]

Cool, It would be great to meet you. You can find the link to our website on our youtube account. Thanks.

~ Cats and the Fiddler

[analyzingfunny]

man thats SOME crazy* badro playin'

[chrisandmick]

Why don't banjo players get any mail? Because they can't read notes!

[robbourassaguitarist]

You are dead on.

[chrisandmick]

How many Banjokes are there?

Only three the rest are true stories

[s61dude]

I am in the process of moving to Carthage, MS and should be settled in by the end of MAY. I am not a computer whiz so I am not sure if I missed any lessons yet. Did you already post Cripple Creek/Old Joe Clark someplace?

[robbourassaguitarist]

Look at the video response right above this, and you'll see all of the lessons are linked this way.

[s61dude]

I am starting to learn the banjo and have dusted off one I bought in the late 90s. It's a Washburn B-14 model with brass bell and sounds great. I have been messing with it the last 2 months and am finally getting some timing down. Can't wait for Foggy Mountain Breakdown lessons.

[robbourassaguitarist]

We are building up to that. First was Cripple Creek, next, Old Joe Clark, and after that Foggy Mountain Breakdown.

[zach1411]

umm is a tyler mountain banjo a good banjo?

[robbourassaguitarist]

Sorry Zach, I've never played one. I looked at it, and I am not a big fan of most aluminum flanged banjos, nor have I liked most Chinese banjos that I have played, but there is always a surprise.

The best, for the lesser priced banjos, are the used Harmony banjos from years ago. Goodtime banjos are more expensive, but are not bad for the money.

[MerlynSchutterle]

Is that a Good TIme banjo? Iven never heard one sound that good.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Yes. I crank the head pretty tight, and have the action pretty good, so I get sustain out of it, even though their is no tone ring.

[NightingaleHMP]

Wow!!!! That was incredible. Such accuracy and timing and it was a joy to listen too. Just going to nip out and set fire to my banjo...!

Thanks for sharing that.

[Christoffo91]

Amazing! 5 stars, ive been following you for a while now and you may not know but you've taught me how to play guitar :D

[robbourassaguitarist]

Thanks,

I am posting today.

WOW.

[banjoneck]

Hi Rob, Glad to here your house is finally coming along. It's about 12:00 noon EDT and I can't seem to find these videos in my subscription mailbox. Am I doing something wrong? I am not the most computer literate person around, BUT LEARNING!! Thanks, Banjoneck

[robbourassaguitarist]

Sorry, you're fine, it's me. My wife hasn't had a dryer since our move because we have an electric dryer, but the house had gas before. My father in law is an electrician, and he came over yesterday, (the day I was going to post my videos) and helped me put in a circuit for the dryer. (Actually, I helped him).

It took up my whole day.

That was my only time to record until tomorrow night, because I have to teach all day on Saturday.

Sorry. I'll have it out tomorrow night.

Take care,

Rob

[granty4u]

I'm so glad these are finally under way! Hope everything is well in the new abode. I'm sure I speak for everybody when I say we really appreciate this. Thank you.

[clewi1091]

are your lessons going to be for beginners and go through on to more advanced or are they going to start at an intermediate level?

[robbourassaguitarist]

The first lesson will be posted tomorrow, and it will be for first time players. Each lesson will have three different levels of practice companion videos, that will help the student go as far as they want to in technique.

The third level gives instruction for advanced players.

[RagMama123]

Great playing! I'm looking forward to the lessons. Good luck with the house.

Rick

[craigsmiley]

K, misunderstood, hope all goes well...

I'll look forward to a lesson or 9..LOL

[robbourassaguitarist]

It will be a lot like my guitar series.

[craigsmiley]

All I can say, is that you play well.... I thought, however, that this was a lesson..

Don't know even old hands, that could learn from your video..

[robbourassaguitarist]

This is not a lesson. This is a notice to my Youtube subscribers, that they will receive free, slow motion, complete lessons, as soon as I can produce them.

It should have been at the end of January, but I have had a ton of stuff go down, including two moves, and a lot of plumbing, drywall, sanding, mudding, sanding, mudding, etc...

I just got into my new home, and have almost finished, so the lessons will be starting in a week.

Take care.

[worshipnleader]

that is really good i wish i new that whole song my family nos how to play that on the guitar and i dont no it on the banjo yet lol

[zach1411]

well from the video thats kinda hard to believe im trying to learn new rolls and i cant hit the right strings beacuse my pinky wont stay on the banjo

[robbourassaguitarist]

In a few days I'll post some lessons, and show you how to get around that. I just got into a new house, and I'm living amongst boxes.

My basement also flooded, so it is going to take several days to get situated.

I'll cover that though.

[zach1411]

uhh i dont think i want to learn how to play that any more cuz compared to him ill sound like crap

[robbourassaguitarist]

You should have heard me when I started. Not good at all.

[winddance368]

I hear you finally got into your house after weeks of tearing out walls for plumbing and electrical repairs. Looking forward to seeing your smiling face on the tube again soon.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Finally in, and just getting packed away, so I'm only a few days away from videos.

Thanks, more than you know.

[x3xmusicislovex3]

Wow .. all I can seem to say! lol good job haha..(:

[banjoneck]

Hey Rob, sorry to hear about your bad luck. Seems like that bailout money we all paid out didn't trickle down much past the execs making millions already! Had some bad luck myself and had to have unexpected surgery and have been out of circulation myself. I'm self employed and that means no income. Don't let the hate mail get to you. They forget, these are FREE LESSONS!! Let them price private lessons and then gripe! As for me and many others I'm sure, let me say in advance THANKS!!  Good Luck!

[mskeeg]

Have scraped the dust off the old 5 string - looking forward to starting again with your lessons Rob. If they're the same calibre as your guitar series then they will bw top drawer.

[silentfrog]

Wow, you are a very talented player! I look forward to seeing your lessons!

[greenchaz]

would love access to these videos. Can't find them.

[robbourassaguitarist]

They aren't out yet. I am in the process of moving, and everything is torn down. I will be starting them in a few days.

[lochlomondhaven]

Just came across your video on utube Wondering how to access your lessons

[Byrnsie12]

Although I really enjoy listening to a good banjo player, I never thought I could learn to play. Seeing your video has changed that. I went out and bought a banjo and am ready to start your lessons. Thanks so much for sharing your talent. Ready when you are!

[robbourassaguitarist]

I'll be starting in a few days. I'm in the process of moving.

[hfader]

Hi Rob. The timing for this is perfect for me. I might want a few lessons in person too.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Hi Hugh.

[DonDiesel84]

Sweet cant wait! Its hard to find a banjo teacher in my area. Theres a guy who plays guitar but said he can teach banjo at the music shop. I dont trust him to do anything but hand me tabs and tell me to practice them so I declined.

[SteigerMark]

I have never heard Roy McGuiness and the Sunnysiders, but as you were his banjo picker I'm sure this was an absolute amazing band. Great picking on "Foggy"!

I am looking forward to your lessons.

Thanks in advance!

[lett668771]

Count me in ! Will be fantastic to learn from a real pro !!!

[Kester71]

Wow! That fast fast and clean picking. I am subscribing to your channel because I want to learn more.

[joanz1583]

Just checkin in as it is Jan 1 and don't want to miss your lesson. I am lookin forward to your offer Rob and appreciate your offer. Hope you get the response your looking for.

[redneckbanjonut]

I am looking forward to the lessons.

[granty4u]

Just subscribed to your channel. I'm really looking forward to the lessons. Been playing for a year on my own, mostly clawhammer. Recently "Foggy Mtn. Breakdown". The Scruggs roll is not too bad, but the timing is difficult. Thank you for this!

[robbourassaguitarist]

I move into my new house on the 9th. I would assume the first videos will be posted by the 15th.

[inspector710]

When in January???

[weredog57]

Really nice. Hope to see some more in the new year. Can't find a banjo teacher closer than 30 miles away.

[mrstingy]

Your lesson offer sounds perfect for me-I've had my banjo for 2 months and I'm coming along quite well but, there's only so much you can learn from a book-I live back in "the sticks", don't know much about computers so, tell me how to "subscribe to your channel"! Thank You for generously offering to help so many of us new to the banjo!

[robbourassaguitarist]

Just click onto my channel and go to the yellow box that says subscribe.

[granty4u]

Very nice, sir! Looking forward to more.

[blahhhhasdjfh]

kickass. i'll be lookin for more.

[josejuan61]

It wasn't on my agenda to learn banjo but with that pakage how can I resist? ;) after all there is only one life to live. Thanks and good wiches in advance!!

[jrgal27]

Would really appreciate banjo lessons,you are a real master,fantastic player.Will be looking in January.

[acidpiper78thFH]

Hey man, great video. I'm definatley interested in learning anything about the banjo your willing to teach...looking forward to some lessons.

Cheers

[superlittlefly]

Hello Mate... Are you still thinking of posting Banjo lesson in January. Me and i'm sure many more i really hoping that you do...

All the best fella....

[superlittlefly]

Hello Mate.... are you still thinking of posting Banjo lessons in January. Me and i'm sure many more i really hoping you do....

All the best...

[banjoneck]

Great video! I,veowned a banjo since'81. Just got it out of the case a month ago and decided to give it another go. I taught myself to play guitar(not great!!) and to accompany using index,middle,ring fingers and to keep the little finger braced using a popscicle stick taped to it at first. Just can't keep that ring finger from rocking along when playing three finger. Some books saythats OK,others not. Glad to see you playing so well and letting it rock along. See you in January. Thanks !!

[mcdonaldjmmcdona]

Well, I've been at it for two years and I'm just not getting it. Maybe you'll have some insight that will help me unlock my hopeless fingers. I look forward to trying once again in January.

[superlittlefly]

That was amazing... I shall be sticking to you like shit to a blanket... It has been my dream since childhood to one day play like you just did... Fantastic, cant wait to see more...

[joanz1583]

I'll be checking in for sure. I'm in a very remote area and this will be very much appreciated. Somewhat self taught and consider myself to be an intermediate player but been at it for years. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Dooogles]

Yes!!! Can't wait for the banjo lessons from a master. Thank You!

[deniswing]

Like your style of playing ....very very good...i want learned from you..

Thank you Rob..

[deniswing]

Count me in Rob....Waiting in January

[cactusrhx]

Count me in Rob. See you in January.

[Fooblestheclown]

Never could figgure that instrument out...can you mail me a five string banjo, so I can get started?

[robbourassaguitarist]

Sure. Mail me a couple hundred dollars and we have a deal.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Your question was right on.

[guitarman63mm]

Hmm. I'm a competent fingerstyle player, and I've achieved complete finger independence with my picking hand. Does this curve the learning process? I would presume so, considering that rolls are the heart of the playing, no?

[robbourassaguitarist]

Yes, you'll have an advantage. Some things might be hard to undo at first, but I play both banjo and guitar, so I think it works well if you can do one first.

I see someone marked you down for your question. The masses disagree. LOL.

[guitarman63mm]

Fair enough!

I suppose they didn't take too kindly to my question lol.

[OSCAR82AA]

Thanks, See you in January. There is not alot of advanced lessons to be found.Please mix some in .

[FolkRockerYT]

Well Rob, I guess I know what I'll be asking Santa for this Christmas!

...FR

[randyrhoadsmarshall1]

haha. ive always wanted to learn banjo but never been able to take it seriously

[smartguy66]

Sounds good, I'll be here.

[SilverBackSonar]

Thanks Rob,

I'll be here for the banjo lessons. I've done all of the I,VI,II,IV and Circle of 5ths lessons

(many times) and what a difference in my guitar playing!

I'm sorry for your loss of Roy McGuiness; what a fabulous, respectful tribute to him.

Thanks for all your good work. I appreciate all it has done for me.

Steve

[winddance368]

Hot damn. That sounds gooooood.

[robbourassaguitarist]

WHAT ARE YOU DOING UP AT 4:00 A.M.?

[winddance368]

Just can't sleep in today.

[theVAGINAtheist]

Can't wait.

[robbourassaguitarist]

Tell anyone you know who wants to learn.