Old Homeplace Bluegrass Guitar Flatpicking Lesson

[blahman178]

that album with jd crowe and tony and ricky skaggs.... probably the best bluegrass album ever! thanks for the lesson

[2patrakis]

I'm in that's great! Thank you.

[2patrakis]

Hey banjo ben. I'm interested in signing up. Look im wondering if your tabs include all the parts of the song and if you have a corresponding video for each tab. also do you perform the entire song somewhere? I would like to apply them to specific performances i guess. you know what i mean? I have learned a lot from a dvd guitar teacher named eric thompson. he performs first, then teaches, definitely works. what can i expect?. thanks.

[BanjoBen1]

@2patrakis Hey bud! My tabs are 100% accurate to what you hear when I play in the video. Since this video, my method has evolved a bit. On my website, I add a 20-30 minute HD split screen video lesson and tab each week for my Gold Pick members. In the videos, I will first perform what we're going to learn, then I walk through every measure and teach the technique. Then, I'll play it slowly for you to practice with, then I have a rhythm track video at several speeds to play along with.

[shaken98]

thanks a bunch BBC. If I could of had this kind of stuff available to me 30 yrs ago I could have been almost good. Still trying hard to pick and this sure helps. Love to watch the way you and Penny play it looks deceptively easy . Maybe I'll join your site for the winter and ya'll kin learn me up some. Thanks JKM

[jeffrodemando]

Ooooh dude is that your sister?! She's... kind of a babe.

[jeffrodemando]

Ben your a guitar pimp you can have my block dawg, i'll give it to you.

[jsmcguireIII]

Howdy Ben, I have always loved that Tony Rice version of Old Home Place and recently worked it out myself. Your breakdown is a big help. That song captures so much about America (and my family too).

I have a request - the intro lick on Seldom Scene's "Bottom of the Glass" I think it is Paul Craft? Take care!

[NonSilentKiller]

I like how you guys do the eyeball look side to side when you're done playing, it's comical

[norco776]

Ben, you are a inspiration for a young person such as myself. Great teaching. Love your videos, I watch your videos and say to myself "one day I'll be able to play like that" :)

[awfulguitarnoises]

Ben, you are making my month... one of my all-time favorite songs... If you ever do Ralph Stanley's version of Little Maggie I believe I'll have to change my shorts.

[kooslewis]

thanks

[guccitothemax]

could you do church street blues for me please. thanks for what you do

[joemiracle220]

dude you are awesome,  im orginally from ky, but moved out to cali, and wouldnt you know it, now i wana learn bluegrass, ........also i will marry your sister free of charge, ill also let you play my martin every once in a while.

[Finglowe]

Everyone says this, but it's true -- you are one amazing fantastic flatpicker. And the lessons are fantastic. Thanks so much, Ben.

[Inertiatrajectory]

lol it actually has been 10 long years since i left my home in the holler where i was born lol and now im back in virginia, and i am looking for jobs in Charlottesville, because there's is none out here, hope my girl doesnt run off though.. and the tariff doesnt take all my things O.o weird right?

[xXCarlosWolfXx]

You are Awesome

[RareBird0]

chasin' after 'em cousin's, yes siree Bob.

[pattygilmour]

I like this guys style

[moredogg]

Hey Ben, I want to thank you for this and all of the other flatpickin' lessons you've posted. They're the best guitar instructional videos I've ever encountered. But how, pray tell, did that standard bluegrass G riff get the name "Jew lick?" I'm a Texan boy myself, so I don't get offended easily (at all), so just curious...

[jaytotheha]

It's "G-lick" not "jew-lick"

[jaytotheha]

It's "G-lick" not "jew-lick"



[ShadowseerBand]

FAKE ACCENT!!!!!!!

[cclevo420]

You're sister rocks!!!!! and I think eating greasy ole possum is nastier than chasing cousins.hahahah

[cclevo420]

You're sister rocks!!!!!

[gary39sc]

Ben you and your sisters should be ashamed of being so good. I've been playing guitar for nearly 40 yrs and banjo for 20 and I still have come in here and get you to show me how to do it. thanks for all you do and may God continue to bless you and your family;

[uncleKOKO123]

really great playin, and keep being so hyper dude

[SuperTonyduncan]

Thanks for the picks ! My daughter loves them and you ! I should'nt have, but I skipped Sunday Scool to work on my speed on stringing your's and Tony's versions together !!! Thanks for everything......Tony

[tigreblanco00]

Makes me wish I had my guitar at work.

[Oldhat1970]

So, I've go this break down, note for note...but I can't pull it off up to speed... any idea or suggestions....guess I've played this at least 500 times and still can't get it up to your speed...I can get close but I just can't get there....suggestions?

Oh, meant to tell you that I'm a bowhunter, if you are ever in Ohio let me know...you'll have to jam with us as the farmer I hunt on is a mandolin player and would let you hunt if you pick'd while you were there...trophy whitetail!

[JRandorff]

Dang, you Clark-folk sure do know how to pick! :) This is one of my favorite songs, thanks for doing it!

To take care of that high whine, you can import the video in GarageBand, which will separate the video & audio into two separate sync'ed tracks, then identify the frequency (can't tell the octave, but it sounds like it is either 4KHz or 8KHz) and try putting a really narrow frequency cut there using the Visual EQ module. If you make it just narrow enough, it won't affect the audio quality.

[inky960]

Ben.... I have a Taylor 614, too -- but I'm afraid to put medium gauge strings on it. Did you put mediums on yours? If so, did you have to do truss rod adjustments, etc., to get the action back down? I ask because I don't trust any of the repair guys around here, not with my Taylor. Nooooo. //// Also, doesn't playing with the wider string spacings of the Taylor confuse your right hand a bit when you go back to your HD-28? Just curious : ) (Great lessons, Ben.)

[LeivK]

Your version of Old Homeplace is just great. (I also like the capo - I've already bought one :-)) Thanks for the lesson and the flatpicking tips!

[MrBoombalitsy]

I grew up in Texas, and we didn't eat possum.

[scottyjoehathaway]

Hillarious when you and your sister make the faces!! I bet you guys are a trip to hang out with!

[xxlbigdaddy]

Hey Ben, just came across your lessons. I'm a writer and visit Nashville from Canada when I can. I've been playing for over 20 years but am still just a beginner when it comes to guitar. I'm going to soak up everything I can, I love bluegrass and hope this will kick my writing up a notch too.

Thanks Ben

[MisterSchlomah]

Man that Tony Rice version sounds slick! But I think your version is INCREDIBLE! I'm definitely going to learn this, because this is (like you said) one of the best songs of all time!

[azathoth81]

Seriously...too sweeeeet!

[azathoth81]

Sweeeeeeeet

[IBG67]

Yea, im with the guy below me. You guys are awesome musicians, and id like to see you do the whole song.

[picknngrinn]

You and your sisters are a tremendous resource.

Could you please put up a full performance of this beautiful piece?

Thanks a million!

[mrchuckpatrick]

No question you are doing a great service to the pickers of bluegrass music, and your fans. Keep them comming its great. I have learned alot from you. Thanks

Chuck from up State NY.

[bmoto0044]

No question that was the best lineup ever!! Great video man, keep em comin.

[MrWaddlesgee3]

LOL insert G lick now

[dp11issosweet]

love that old new south lineup but i think the current del mccoury band lineup is one of the best ever

[dcba720]

lol insert g lick now haha

[ewalks73]

g lick lol

[Woodprent]

Very fine, Mr. Banjoben (weird name, though). Thanks so much!

[azathoth81]

Hey.. cool name!!!

[nfr027]

i love it... been plain a while & growin up on the fla/ga line i decied to get serious with the roots of county & bluegrass...& this is helpin me loads... how bout that tab site?? :)

[1985jsn]

Banjo Ben, you are so awesome for helping everyone learn bluegrass music. I cant thank you enough for all you do. I watch every video of your music I can find and I really enjoy learning from you and watching you play in absolute amazement. You deserve lots of thanks yous and lots of recognition for what you do. Bluegrass music will live on forever because of people like you who keep it alive and who keep people wanting to learn. From a devoted subscriber. Jeremy, 24 from Louisville, Ky

[clewi1091]

do you play in nashville for a band or do studio work or both? a friend of mine finally made the plunge and went there as a dobro picker. hes a good picker. his name is farrell stowe and i heard he was doing well out there.

[MrCopeFiend]

As always, Banjo Ben delivers. Thanks for the great song!

Any chance there is a tab floating around? Auditorially challenged on this one for some reason.

[cowgirlmoon]

OMG! Y'all are irrefutable, awesome!

[bucknorrismusic]

Super stuff, loved it.

[StellingPlayer]

Ben, you are so talented.....thanks

[guitardenver22]

Wow!! You guys can sing! You should make a video singing a capella!

[banjoist123]

I was hoping you'd get to this one, Ben. Thank you! Jim in Texas (Duckworth says hi)

[usfloser]

I gotta watch out for those G licks!  They sneak up on ya..hahaha

[sweetdixieguitar]

You're the best online instructor I have ever come across. You really have no idea how much you have helped me over the past few months. Thanks a bunch Ben!

[BanjoBen1]

You're very welcome buddy :)

[Csqjohn]

Thanks for the awsome vids Mr Banjo :) great stuff 5-5

[matthewcross]

the high-pitched pulse in this video is causing me physical pain. You obviously know what you're doing, and you've got a great personality / sense of humor, etc, but DAMN... it's an unfortunate part of your video that it's got that sound throughout... well... time to watch some more, if I can handle it. I'd love to learn the song...

[banjohead62]

i just block it out

[banjohead62]

banjo ben has just won the nobel peace prize for flat pickin!!!! and thats the way it was feb.28th 09

[jdwhite1969]

Very nice licks. I learned the two you broke down slow & worked em in with some of my other licks, coool.

[BanjoBen1]

Awesome! That's the whole point! I don't expect folks to learn and play my breaks note for note. They are just meant to be a tool to add or spice up your playing a little. Thanks for watching!

[napone0]

Once again, can't thank you enough. I would subscribe twice if I could!

[SGplayer61]

Hey banjo ben nice work and i was wonderen if you could do nine pound hammer next (Your and Tonys solo)

[snake27317]

Does anybody play the mandolin on here? if you do will you put on a video of turkey in the straw and john henry. than you snake

[waterdoggz]

Hey banjoben you rule dude from the California bluegrass boys love your lessons!

[garrettmillerdrums]

She looks like Parker Posy in A Mighty Wind. Cool.

[4x4feverhunting]

Hey BanjoBen, awesome work! Any chance you can post Old Home Place on mandolin for us mandolin wanna be's??? Love your videos!!!

[bgrassguitar]

Just found your lessons...spectacular! I also get a kick out of your little sister. You all sound great together!

[sarg156]

Hahaha I love the intro where you make that cool ba ba da da thing. Thanks for postig these videos I enjoy them.

[lpilk2007]

thanks for the lessons,any chance of a lesson on the tony rice classic church street blues keep pickin

[paulandlesson]

Hey, I wanted to commend you on your playing, insight articulation, etc. I am 42 and have been a professional guitarist my entire life. My father played with Hank Williams (not his regular guitarist), Patsy Cline etc. Rest his soul he would have loved to see me play bluegrass as you do. I played electric, until I realized I needed to play classical to work as a professor after my tenure at Stetson, but have never lost the lust for the acoustic. You and your sis are just great.

[tynank]

wonderful lesson(s), as soon as I get internet at home I will subscribe. Also, your sister is hot.

[sword6204]

Just thought of something: What kind of camera do you use? It's very good quality.

[BanjoBen1]

I just use the isight camera in my macbook. It works pretty good!

[donovanwiseman]

Nevermind just saw uy step up and play that BANJER ur awesome dude

[donovanwiseman]

Dude im watchin u at the CMA music festival, u play guitar or banjo? anyways thanks 4 the help on this one

[ole5anddimer]

Thank you for this post. It was this song, (Leading off the Rounder's 25 years of Bluegrass) that first sold me on the sound.

[sweetdixieguitar]

Thanks a bunch Ben! Always appreciated!

[abrittain80]

Sweet!!! I learned your full break for this song. Now all I have to do is play it over and over so I can get it up to speed. This might be an off the wall question but do you by any chance know Cody Kilby's break to this song that he does on the Kentucky Thunder, Live at Charleston Hall cd. I get lost on the low notes that he does. Well anyways, thanks for doing what you do. You have helped me more than you know.

[HillbillyJ]

Oh yeah, and I am apt to agree with you about the 1975 JD Crowe and the New South band, they were awesome. Just one of those bands that should have stayed together forever.

Do you plan on doing any JD Crowe banjo lessons anytime? Just curious.

[steakistasty]

your videos have renewed my interest in playing the guitar. any chance you have a banjoben guitar rendition of "foggy mountain special" up your sleeve?

[Mandguy]

Great job Ben.  Any chance of you getting that on tabledit and sending it out?

[abrittain80]

Oh man I am so glad you did this one. Just curious, have you ever competed at Winfield?

[BanjoBen1]

I have never competed at Winfield. I've always wanted to go just to watch. I think if I was going to compete there, it would probably be with the banjo. I would need about a year to get in shape for it though:) Those kids competing nowadays are just incredible....thanks for watching!

[ressalg]

Ben, speaking of the banjo, which did you find more difficult to master, bluegrass banjo or flatpicking lead bluegrass guitar? I've been a guitar player, fingerstyle and flatpick, for a lot of years, and some years back I bought a banjo on a lark and within probably 4 or 5 months I could play a few Earl Scruggs tunes from his book up-to-speed. But I tried off and on for years to develop a respectable flatpicking speed, with books, tapes, endless hours of practice, and I haven't gotten there yet.

[BanjoBen1]

I know what you're saying. For me, banjo was easier, but I was also hooked on it from the beginning and had no trouble spending 9-10 hours a day practicing. If I would've started flatpicking then and spent that much time, it might be a different story. My little sister Penny was the opposite. She can play guitar/mando "Ricky Skaggs" fast with ease....and it didn't take her long to get there...within a couple of years. It makes me sick :) I personally think flatpicking is harder.

[HillbillyJ]

Hi banjoben! I totally get what your saying, I've only been playing banjo for about 1 1/2 years and i'm already playing in a band, while I still have trouble with the guitar. But just like you, I was hooked on banjo like a drug, I just thought it was the greatest instrument ever (well it is, right? :D). Had I felt the same way about guitar, I'd probably be better. On the other hand, our mandolin/guitar player is killer but struggles with banjo! Go figure. Thanks for the awesome vid!

[flatpikinguitar]

he man. just wondering if you could do a video of youre version of a james alan shelton tune called "road to coeburn", the title song of one of his cds. thanks. reply when possible

[BanjoBen1]

I'll have to check that one out! Thanks!

[granniejans]

Thank you, Ben. Great lesson and I enjoy and learn things from ALL your vids! Love the Taylor, too.

[flatpicker1234]

Thanks Ben.

[scrappydoodle]

Good to see you back Ben!

[banjobilly32]

As usual a great job Ben!

[WORRO01]

Good work bro Ben..5 *'s!

[jamguitarist]

A personal favorite! Keep em' coming!

[jamguitarist]

A personal favorite! Keep em' coming Ben!

[DAVIDDAMIENR]

Thanks for the Lesson !!!

DDR

[mountainpick14]

yes one of the BEST songs of all time!