BASIC TECHNIQUE FOR 5 STRING BANJO

[Viperboy316]

I was wondering, is it necessary to use those three fingers or can I just use my thumb? This is the easiest, but the easiest isn't always best,

[cbfinn9]

First off I want to thank you for putting all these videos together and sharing with the world in an easy to understand format! Anyone who wants to learn to play the banjo can get it right here in just a few months. Play for 30 min a week or until you give out...just don't give up.

[terribletim17]

I cannot begin to thank you for your excellent instructional videos Bravo!!!

[DuskY1991]

What's that 'inexpensive' banjo you're playing? I'm looking for one right now.

Nice video.

[robbourassaguitarist]

@DuskY1991 That is a Goodtime banjo by Deering. Get the cheapest model they make, because it sounds ten times better than all of the imported banjos half the price.

[DuskY1991]

@robbourassaguitarist Thanks for the lighning-fast reply! So I understand that is an open-backed model? I was personally looking at one of their closed-back resonator models from the Goodtime line, would tou recommend one of those? And if so, is there one in particular?

[robbourassaguitarist]

@DuskY1991 I like the open back model. I don't really care for the sound of a resonator until you have a tone ring in the banjo, because the sound is too honky. On their more expensive banjos with tone rings, I would of course want a resonator. I actually like the tone of the cheapest one they make.

[DuskY1991]

@robbourassaguitarist I never understood that before now. Thank you very much!

[blkfir]

Thanks Rob.

[Gaz10t]

Do you really need those 'plecks' or whatever in your fingers to play? I am going to order one and learn to use a 5 string but do you need it?

[robbourassaguitarist]

@Gaz10t I would use them if you want to play bluegrass.

[bradhorn14]

Hey, A deering goodtime banjo arent that bad. Yes they are beginning geared but for an under 500 dollar banjo, next to the Recording King RK R 20, its not half bad. I have an RK R 20 and have played the Goodtime, and love it

[MyBilton]

will you make a video of mountain dew??

[robbourassaguitarist]

I haven't been able to make any banjo videos lately, because I am waiting for a convertor, so I can record from my preamp into my Mac.

The built in mic on the Mac clips with the banjo.

I have a lot of requests for tunes, so I will keep that in mind.

[kayak2hell]

Thanks for the pointers on finger positioning on the frets, head, and strings. I'm a novice banjo player (a whopping one month to my credit) and sincerely appreciate the sound advice on proper technique. *clicks Subscribe button*