I can't be the only one that just bought a Banjo and almost had a heart attack because of there not being any good tutorials. Thanks man, helped a lot.
Vandaag werd mijn Bluegrass banjo afgeleverd vanuit Duitsland, en nu. Ik snap niks van muzieknoten, ook nooit begrepen. Daarom ben ik blij dat ik dit tegen kwam, het wordt rustig uitgelegd, dank je wel.
Thank you. I've been playing the guitar off and on for about 10 years. I recently got a banjo and thought it would help with some variety. You're videos were some of the best I've come across. I appreciate your teaching.
Similat here. Corona gives me the time to learn. 57 and hope my town will not be deserted when I practice.......In Germany there are hardly any Banjo teacher....
Lol, I just retired and was helping someone move when they showed me a banjo they came across. They don’t play I have wondered if I could “pick” it up!
Love it. Inherited a banjo 6 years ago from someone who didnt give it much time. Just sat while I focused on harmonica, guitar and mandolin too. Finally giving it a shot and found this vid. thanks!
Been playing bass for , well, 15 years now and wanted something to mess around with with since I can’t get a band going right now. Went with banjo for some folk and Irish folk fun.
This is super helpful. I've been playing guitar on and off for almost 30 years (holy crap) - and finally decided to branch out. Being tuned to open G threw me off, but I didn't event put together that barre chords would give me all the basic major chords on the neck. Brilliant. I'm also excited to try that C chord with a hammeron on the low string.
Nice! Glad it was helpful. You might enjoy this lesson. ruclips.net/video/SWfRgv-c61E/видео.html This is a warm-up exercise I recommend to a lot of my students. Keep picking. - Mike
here in 2020 wondering how easy the banjo can be compaired to guitar. i'm indecisively shopping black friday/cyber monday deals lol. i want to invest in a banjo. it's a dream of mine. I don't even own one yet and i've watched this entire video! this video is proving I would like to learn from him. this is because i almost gave up because other videos have not been this good. Next time i return to this video I will have a banjo thanks to Mike!!
There's some similarities with guitar and banjo. The middle 3 strings (D, G, B) are tuned the same on each instrument. But banjo is tuned to an open chord (G) which is quite a bit different than standard guitar tuning. Best of luck getting the banjo. - Mike
I'll be using this for a while. I've had my 4th lesson and my instructor focuses on forward backward rolls insead of just forward and it's been tough for me. And I've only learned 3 chords, a hammer, some random things. I really need more. So here I am.
I just bought a banjo and love the sound of them. I have always wanted to learn how to play. So I pray these videos help me start out. Thank you for sharing you video. Thanks Sharleene
I'm a beginning banjo player, but I okay guitar, dobro, uke, etc. This video was a very good intro to the banjo for someone who already has some comfort pickin. Thanks buddy.
To Mike Hedding thank you so much for taking time to teach people like me to play the banjo I will have to keep on watching your video and I with pleasure will try my best to learn from your knowledge Kindest regards PF
Wow! This is what I've been looking for. I can roll, but what to do with it? Thanks for the chords, so I can play with the praise team while I'm learning my instrument better.
Just got me a banjo, wanted something to strum on by the fire and guitar being too mainstream I decided I’d go for a banjo. Gonna be watching a bunch of these tutorials in the near future. Appreciate the knowledge
Was dog sitting for a fellow who had a Monroe Rocky Top. I tuned it for him, but as a guitar player, wanted to be able to teach him at least some tricks to get him started. Then I found your channel to refer him to, so he can learn all the tricks. I have a 6 string banjo and tune to open G (stones Keef tuning) often on that, my guitar and a 6 string cigar box I built. Nice to have your instruction Mike... Thanks
Very informative, Mike. I’m a banjouke player, considering a mini banjo with fluorocarbon strings. I don’t know which tuning to use yet. But this helps.
A lot of those mini banjos I've seen are tuned to cGCEG. Basically the same tuning as if you had your capo on the 5th fret on a full size banjo. That way you can play along with a lot of classic songs. Good luck. - Mike
Dude, I’ve been wondering why my notes sound so pluck-y and gross whenever I even try to put my fingers on the frets and it’s been discouraging me from playing for so long! I had no idea they had to be next to the fret, I think I’ve been playing on it this whole time haha. Thanks!
Hi Mike, Are you still teaching? I took lessons for several years as a kid (with Dave Guptil). Like Star Wars put it, a "long, long time ago." I'm looking to get my chops back and learn to jam. Thanks.
Mike, basic music question: I was following along with a banjo chord chart and most of what you demonstrated was two or three finger chords but my chart reflected mostly three and four fingers for the same chords. Can you explain how they are the same (or not)? Thanks.
Most chords you can play as either a 2 finger, 3 finger or 4 finger version. It's good to practice all of them. As a general rule, you'll use 4 finger chords more in backup and 2 and 3 finger chords more in playing leads. - Mike
hi Mike.... thanks for sharing the video. Is there a banjo make/model you would recommend for beginners? one that is decent sound, good value, etc? Thanks
I'm a little confused. It sounds simple enough. However I am visual. Diagrams are helpful. I have a banjo chord dictionary. I find having a diagram with me as I learn helpful, but the chords and barr chords here seem different then in the dictionary by Dick Weissman. I even looked at the different tuning styles and still can't find it. Could you please help me understand this discrepancy? I play the guitar and know there can be many different ways to play the chords. Could this be my problem?
I'm not familiar with that particular book so I'm not sure which chords he's listing. There is multiple ways to play all the chords though. If you want the diagram to the lesson I'm teaching, the tab is available on my website with the free membership. There's a link in the description of this video. - Mike
I've been playing guitar for about 10 years now and fingerpicking is one of my favourite guitar styles to play. I picked up a banjo earlier this year but I'm really struggling with these finger picks that banjo players use. I find the metal-on-metal sound when you pick the string sounds really bad (might be my technique) and I find I don't have the same freedom when playing with them either, so I prefer to go without. I can manage without them just fine, though the sound isn't as loud. How necessary are they for banjo?
@@MikeHeddingMusic Thanks very much for your reply Mike! In your opinion do you think the picks make certain styles of banjo easier to play? I can get along just fine without them at the moment but I'm still within the beginner phase of playing so I'm not trying anything terribly complex yet
@@Sithguy77 Picks are going to be essential to playing bluegrass banjo. You won't be able to get the speed or sound without picks. I don't use picks when playing Clawhammer/Frailing banjo. The picks feel weird for everyone at first. My advice would be to just stick with them if you want to play bluegrass. - Mike
Just got a banjo for christmas. Love the sound of one so I thought I would give it a try! I have fat fingers seems like or something because I cannot seem to get the fingering for chords tight enough or whatever. Do you have any suggestions on that? Thanks bunches!
My guess is it'll just take a bit more practice. There's people with all different size fingers that play the banjo. You can check out a lesson I did "Basic Left Hand Technique" that might give you a few tips. - Mike
Hi there. This is a great start for my banjo learning! Similar to WinsomeJohnny, I inherited a banjo from a family friend years ago, and am finally setting out to learn after focusing on the ukulele and one or two other instruments. Great to see this vid! Can I ask: does it take time to adjust to doing bar chords with the side of the finger? It really feels like I have to twist my hand a bit to do that, but maybe it becomes more natural with practice?
I find using the side of my finger works better for me as I don't have to fight against my knuckles to get a solid sound. However, 1 finger barre chords are good practice at first but I don't use them too often actually. I normally will just play a partial barre chord with a few different fingers. So it's fine to do some experimenting and see what works best for you. - Mike
There's multiple versions of each chord at various spots on the neck. So the C at the 5th fret is a barre chord version and the C down on the 1st and 2nd is a C chord that uses more open strings. - Mike
Similar because it's the same chord but not the exact same because the notes you're playing are arranged in a different way. They call these different chord inversions. Basically you're arranging the three notes that make up a C chord in various combinations to create different versions of the same chord.
Hard to say exactly what could be wrong without seeing you play but it sounds like your left hand position might not be correct which is causing muted strings and fatigue. You can check out the lesson I did on basic left hand technique to get some tips. - Mike
While technically that is a chord that could be made from the open strings (also Emin7sus4) the guitar isn't tuned to an open chord like the banjo. It's tuned to 4th's and just happens to make that chord. - Mike
You'd probably need a left handed banjo otherwise the 5th string peg would be towards the floor which might be a little weird. You could also try playing a right hand banjo as you'll need to learn to coordinate both hands whether you're playing right or left handed. - Mike
I'm left handed and learning the banjo left handed was possibly my main regret in life 😂 It restricts you so much. You can never just pick up a random banjo to try out. It really gets to you at group events.
You'll want to place the bridge and check the intonation and then adjust accordingly. Here's a video I did on checking your intonation. ruclips.net/video/ERkGFAl-BtY/видео.html Otherwise you can bring it to an acoustic music store if there's one near by and they should be able to adjust it for you. - Mike
I've been an amatuer guitar player for years and would like to learn the banjo....by looking at your finger positioning, it seems I'll have to throw out every chord I've ever learned from the guitar. But that's ok.....it's a banjo not a guitar.
Actually the middle three strings (D, G, B) are the same on guitar so you will be able to partially re-use some of your chords! But yes it might take a little time to starting thinking in "banjo" rather than "guitar." You'll get it with practice though! - Mike
It would make more sense to you if you played your guitar in different tunings. I love open C tuning on guitar so I felt a little more at home with a banjo.
There's two easy ways to play D. A barre chord at the 7th fret (5:07 in the video). The other way is put your index finger on the 3rd string 2nd fret and your 3rd finger 2nd string 3rd fret (8:52 in the video). If you have any other questions let me know. - Mike
Yes, most times a 4 string banjo is tuned differently than a five string. If you tune it DGBD though you could start and that'd be the same tuning but without the 5th string. - Mike
There would be some similarities for sure as you might already be familiar with picking with your fingers. The chords would be slightly different yes but also getting used to the 5th string might take a little practice. But yes, if you already play classical guitar you'd definitely be able to use that knowledge and apply it to banjo. - Mike
Even i learned something from this video although i play the guitar for seven years now xd Btw do banjo players use slides sometimes? Cuz if its in open g tuning it should sound great i think... good tutorial btw
I hope some day there will be somebody who makes lessons on banjo for people actually knowing guitar for quite a long time and music theory as well. It's like every single video suppose banjo is your first instrument ever. :D
There's multiple different ways to play all the chords. Sometimes, you'll leave a finger off to free yourself up to play another note. That's where a two finger C vs. three finger C comes into play. Good question. - Mike
Stay up to date with my latest lessons and keep picking! Subscribe today. ruclips.net/user/mikeheddingmusic
Subscribed - on my first banjo
Done!
@@vinceyreay e😢r😢
I can't be the only one that just bought a Banjo and almost had a heart attack because of there not being any good tutorials. Thanks man, helped a lot.
Glad it was helpful. Keep picking. - Mike
Yess 🙌
Same
Been playing acoustic for about a year, recently starting looking at banjos and bought one today. This video is very informative, thank you.
Nice! Keep picking. - Mike
Vandaag werd mijn Bluegrass banjo afgeleverd vanuit Duitsland, en nu. Ik snap niks van muzieknoten, ook nooit begrepen. Daarom ben ik blij dat ik dit tegen kwam, het wordt rustig uitgelegd, dank je wel.
Thank you. I've been playing the guitar off and on for about 10 years. I recently got a banjo and thought it would help with some variety. You're videos were some of the best I've come across. I appreciate your teaching.
Thanks for the kind words. - Mike
Great way to teach... I'm almost retired, thanks to you I'm going to get a banjo and start pickin'... Thanks !
Great to hear! - Mike
Did you get your banjo yet?
Similat here. Corona gives me the time to learn. 57 and hope my town will not be deserted when I practice.......In Germany there are hardly any Banjo teacher....
You learn anything yet?
Lol, I just retired and was helping someone move when they showed me a banjo they came across. They don’t play I have wondered if I could “pick” it up!
Love it. Inherited a banjo 6 years ago from someone who didnt give it much time. Just sat while I focused on harmonica, guitar and mandolin too. Finally giving it a shot and found this vid. thanks!
Sweet! We need more banjo players! Keep picking. - Mike
Been playing bass for , well, 15 years now and wanted something to mess around with with since I can’t get a band going right now. Went with banjo for some folk and Irish folk fun.
This is super helpful. I've been playing guitar on and off for almost 30 years (holy crap) - and finally decided to branch out. Being tuned to open G threw me off, but I didn't event put together that barre chords would give me all the basic major chords on the neck. Brilliant. I'm also excited to try that C chord with a hammeron on the low string.
Nice! Glad it was helpful. You might enjoy this lesson. ruclips.net/video/SWfRgv-c61E/видео.html This is a warm-up exercise I recommend to a lot of my students. Keep picking. - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic Has mine set to standard tuning...this doesnt sound like Nothing Else Matters LOL
here in 2020 wondering how easy the banjo can be compaired to guitar. i'm indecisively shopping black friday/cyber monday deals lol. i want to invest in a banjo. it's a dream of mine. I don't even own one yet and i've watched this entire video! this video is proving I would like to learn from him. this is because i almost gave up because other videos have not been this good. Next time i return to this video I will have a banjo thanks to Mike!!
There's some similarities with guitar and banjo. The middle 3 strings (D, G, B) are tuned the same on each instrument. But banjo is tuned to an open chord (G) which is quite a bit different than standard guitar tuning. Best of luck getting the banjo. - Mike
I just got my banjo and I’m so excited to learn!
Nice! Now the fun starts. - Mike
I'll be using this for a while. I've had my 4th lesson and my instructor focuses on forward backward rolls insead of just forward and it's been tough for me. And I've only learned 3 chords, a hammer, some random things. I really need more. So here I am.
Thank you so much for this. I just got my first banjo, and your tutorial made it easy to get playing songs immediately.
Best tutorials I've seen out of about a dozen now. Thanks, dude.
I just bought a banjo and love the sound of them. I have always wanted to learn how to play. So I pray these videos help me start out. Thank you for sharing you video.
Thanks
Sharleene
You got this! Keep picking. - Mike
I cant start yet. I am waiting for my picks to come in. All I have so far is my thumb pick
I'm a beginning banjo player, but I okay guitar, dobro, uke, etc. This video was a very good intro to the banjo for someone who already has some comfort pickin. Thanks buddy.
Glad it was helpful. - Mike
To Mike Hedding thank you so much for taking time to teach people like me to play the banjo I will have to keep on watching your video and I with pleasure will try my best to learn from your knowledge
Kindest regards PF
Thanks PF! - Mike
Just got a banjo from my father. I have never played anything. Thanks for this.
Nice! Hope it was helpful. - Mike
Wow! This is what I've been looking for. I can roll, but what to do with it? Thanks for the chords, so I can play with the praise team while I'm learning my instrument better.
Just got me a banjo, wanted something to strum on by the fire and guitar being too mainstream I decided I’d go for a banjo. Gonna be watching a bunch of these tutorials in the near future. Appreciate the knowledge
What idiots would give thumbs down on this great teaching lesson for new players?
That's pretty cool I'm thinking about trying the banjo out.
Nice! We need more banjo players. - Mike
Best banjo tutorial on RUclips I've found thanks dude sounds awesome too 🎉❤
Was dog sitting for a fellow who had a Monroe Rocky Top. I tuned it for him, but as a guitar player, wanted to be able to teach him at least some tricks to get him started. Then I found your channel to refer him to, so he can learn all the tricks. I have a 6 string banjo and tune to open G (stones Keef tuning) often on that, my guitar and a 6 string cigar box I built. Nice to have your instruction Mike... Thanks
Very easy to follow and easy to understand, "Fab"
Thanks Keith I appreciate the kind words. Keep picking. - Mike
I appreciate you making the time.
Very informative, Mike. I’m a banjouke player, considering a mini banjo with fluorocarbon strings. I don’t know which tuning to use yet. But this helps.
A lot of those mini banjos I've seen are tuned to cGCEG. Basically the same tuning as if you had your capo on the 5th fret on a full size banjo. That way you can play along with a lot of classic songs. Good luck. - Mike
Im thinking of getting a banjo and this is increadibly inspiiring, thanks mate!
Please do we need more banjo players in out there! - Mike
Dude, I’ve been wondering why my notes sound so pluck-y and gross whenever I even try to put my fingers on the frets and it’s been discouraging me from playing for so long! I had no idea they had to be next to the fret, I think I’ve been playing on it this whole time haha. Thanks!
TKS MIKE,LOVE YOUR LESSONS JUST GOT MY FIRST BANJO EXCELLENT SUBSCRIBED 😁😀💙♥️😎
Nice! Congrats on the new banjo. - Mike
great lesson, very detailed yet simple to understand
Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. - Mike
Very good and unique tutorial.....!
Inherited a banjo from my girlfriend, had no idea where to start, this helps sooo much thanks dooood
Recently I just started to think about banjo playing for worship. Can a banjo be used for worship songs?
Most definitely. You can play any style of music on the banjo. - Mike
Sweet, I will need this
I don't even have a banjo but I understand completely
Thank you Mike. very helpful
Great video bud well explained 👌👍🏴🥃
Thank you kindly. - Mike
Hi Mike, Are you still teaching? I took lessons for several years as a kid (with Dave Guptil). Like Star Wars put it, a "long, long time ago." I'm looking to get my chops back and learn to jam. Thanks.
Yes, I'm still teaching. You can send me a contact request on my website if you want more details. - Mike
This is so wonderful, thank you for your help!
Thanks! Glad to hear it was helpful. - Mike
Big man awesome video. Thank you!
Very helpful, thank you
Glad it was helpful! - Mike
Great info and style thanks. Subscribed for your content
Thanks for the kind words. - Mike
Thanks for keeping it simple. Got a lot from your video.
Good job. I needed to refresh learning these.
Thank you! - Mike
question do you have thumb asigned to certian strings like a guitar when you finger pick?
Your thumb will move around the most and could eventually play on any string. - Mike
I can't clearly decide where you're placing your fingers for "A" cord but I'm trying
is there a printable diagram ?
Yes there's a tab you can print off available on my website. For the A chord I'm barring all the strings at the 2nd fret. - Mike
I agree... could you have a close up of the strings on your bar cords
I hope that crunchy thing in my peanut butter spoon wasn't a bug. It was HUGE and really really crunchy like... D:
Wow, really good instruction. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it! - Mike
Mike, basic music question: I was following along with a banjo chord chart and most of what you demonstrated was two or three finger chords but my chart reflected mostly three and four fingers for the same chords. Can you explain how they are the same (or not)? Thanks.
Most chords you can play as either a 2 finger, 3 finger or 4 finger version. It's good to practice all of them. As a general rule, you'll use 4 finger chords more in backup and 2 and 3 finger chords more in playing leads. - Mike
hi Mike.... thanks for sharing the video. Is there a banjo make/model you would recommend for beginners? one that is decent sound, good value, etc?
Thanks
I’d check out a Deering Goodtime. - Mike
Very good
I am going to buy a banjo! Super cool! Any type or brand you recommend?
Depends on your budget but I usually recommend the Deering Goodtime series as a good starter banjo that won't break the bank. - Mike
I'm a little confused. It sounds simple enough. However I am visual. Diagrams are helpful. I have a banjo chord dictionary. I find having a diagram with me as I learn helpful, but the chords and barr chords here seem different then in the dictionary by Dick Weissman. I even looked at the different tuning styles and still can't find it. Could you please help me understand this discrepancy? I play the guitar and know there can be many different ways to play the chords. Could this be my problem?
I'm not familiar with that particular book so I'm not sure which chords he's listing. There is multiple ways to play all the chords though. If you want the diagram to the lesson I'm teaching, the tab is available on my website with the free membership. There's a link in the description of this video. - Mike
thank you
Hello, sir,l l'm from Malaysia.just see your video, very interesting.thank you.. may l know how to buy the banjo instrument?
I'm not sure where you could buy one in Malaysia but you might be able to have one shipped if you purchase it online. Good luck! - Mike
I've been playing guitar for about 10 years now and fingerpicking is one of my favourite guitar styles to play. I picked up a banjo earlier this year but I'm really struggling with these finger picks that banjo players use. I find the metal-on-metal sound when you pick the string sounds really bad (might be my technique) and I find I don't have the same freedom when playing with them either, so I prefer to go without. I can manage without them just fine, though the sound isn't as loud. How necessary are they for banjo?
You can always do whatever works best for you but if you want to play traditional bluegrass, I'd recommend sticking with the picks. - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic Thanks very much for your reply Mike! In your opinion do you think the picks make certain styles of banjo easier to play? I can get along just fine without them at the moment but I'm still within the beginner phase of playing so I'm not trying anything terribly complex yet
@@Sithguy77 Picks are going to be essential to playing bluegrass banjo. You won't be able to get the speed or sound without picks. I don't use picks when playing Clawhammer/Frailing banjo. The picks feel weird for everyone at first. My advice would be to just stick with them if you want to play bluegrass. - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic Thanks very much for your advice Mike, much appreciated!
Just got a banjo for christmas. Love the sound of one so I thought I would give it a try! I have fat fingers seems like or something because I cannot seem to get the fingering for chords tight enough or whatever. Do you have any suggestions on that? Thanks bunches!
My guess is it'll just take a bit more practice. There's people with all different size fingers that play the banjo. You can check out a lesson I did "Basic Left Hand Technique" that might give you a few tips. - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic Ok...thank you and I will look for it! Thank you again
Very helpful!
Very good❤😊
This is a great video thanks!
Glad it was helpful. - Mike
Hi there. This is a great start for my banjo learning! Similar to WinsomeJohnny, I inherited a banjo from a family friend years ago, and am finally setting out to learn after focusing on the ukulele and one or two other instruments. Great to see this vid!
Can I ask: does it take time to adjust to doing bar chords with the side of the finger? It really feels like I have to twist my hand a bit to do that, but maybe it becomes more natural with practice?
I find using the side of my finger works better for me as I don't have to fight against my knuckles to get a solid sound. However, 1 finger barre chords are good practice at first but I don't use them too often actually. I normally will just play a partial barre chord with a few different fingers. So it's fine to do some experimenting and see what works best for you. - Mike
Once you get it , it feels natural.
How come you tune it in C by pressing the three strings with your finger on the 5th string but then you say C again down on the 1st and 2nd?
There's multiple versions of each chord at various spots on the neck. So the C at the 5th fret is a barre chord version and the C down on the 1st and 2nd is a C chord that uses more open strings. - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic tyvm, do they sound the same?
Similar because it's the same chord but not the exact same because the notes you're playing are arranged in a different way. They call these different chord inversions. Basically you're arranging the three notes that make up a C chord in various combinations to create different versions of the same chord.
@@MikeHeddingMusic ok I think I understand. Ty!
I didn't know I didn't have to have a pick on every finger!!! 5 strings = 5 picks. What could possibly go wrong?
Nope, just 3 picks. Good luck. - Mike
Do you have an advice, I practice C and D7 and I touch 2 Strings often, what can I do? And my left is arm is tired .
Hard to say exactly what could be wrong without seeing you play but it sounds like your left hand position might not be correct which is causing muted strings and fatigue. You can check out the lesson I did on basic left hand technique to get some tips. - Mike
Thnx pal
You're welcome. Keep picking. - Mike
The open strum on a guitar is too a chord! It is the G6add9 chord! But anyway, thanks for this lesson. Just picked up a banjo and this got me started!
While technically that is a chord that could be made from the open strings (also Emin7sus4) the guitar isn't tuned to an open chord like the banjo. It's tuned to 4th's and just happens to make that chord. - Mike
I'm left handed. Always wanted to try banjo. Can you string it lefty or would you need a specific Lefty Banjo?
You'd probably need a left handed banjo otherwise the 5th string peg would be towards the floor which might be a little weird. You could also try playing a right hand banjo as you'll need to learn to coordinate both hands whether you're playing right or left handed. - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic thanks. I always say Lefties are the only minority group that doesn't get any attention. Where's our parade? Lol
I'm left handed and learning the banjo left handed was possibly my main regret in life 😂
It restricts you so much.
You can never just pick up a random banjo to try out. It really gets to you at group events.
@@northbouy2625 the struggle is real. Trying to play right handed. It's slow going
Hey! What are those things on your fingers?
Fingerpicks. It's common with 3 finger style banjo to play with a thumbpick and two metal fingerpicks. - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic Oh! Thanks, mate.
Hey Mike - how do I place my bridge on my banjo correctly? thx
You'll want to place the bridge and check the intonation and then adjust accordingly. Here's a video I did on checking your intonation. ruclips.net/video/ERkGFAl-BtY/видео.html
Otherwise you can bring it to an acoustic music store if there's one near by and they should be able to adjust it for you. - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic Thanks Mike! I thought there was a video on where the bridge ought to be too? thx
I've been an amatuer guitar player for years and would like to learn the banjo....by looking at your finger positioning, it seems I'll have to throw out every chord I've ever learned from the guitar. But that's ok.....it's a banjo not a guitar.
Actually the middle three strings (D, G, B) are the same on guitar so you will be able to partially re-use some of your chords! But yes it might take a little time to starting thinking in "banjo" rather than "guitar." You'll get it with practice though! - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic thanks Mike...thought I'd give it a go at 58 years old!
It would make more sense to you if you played your guitar in different tunings. I love open C tuning on guitar so I felt a little more at home with a banjo.
hi, i don't understand D. where do i put my fingers?
There's two easy ways to play D. A barre chord at the 7th fret (5:07 in the video). The other way is put your index finger on the 3rd string 2nd fret and your 3rd finger 2nd string 3rd fret (8:52 in the video). If you have any other questions let me know. - Mike
can banjo be played with a guitar pick?
Yes, but not recommended if you want to play bluegrass style. That style is played with two fingerpicks and a thumbpick. - Mike
Hi. Is there a big difference in the 4 string banjo to start on?
Yes, most times a 4 string banjo is tuned differently than a five string. If you tune it DGBD though you could start and that'd be the same tuning but without the 5th string. - Mike
If you play the acoustic/classical guitar can you play the banjo easily?? Is there anything other than chords you should know?
There would be some similarities for sure as you might already be familiar with picking with your fingers. The chords would be slightly different yes but also getting used to the 5th string might take a little practice. But yes, if you already play classical guitar you'd definitely be able to use that knowledge and apply it to banjo. - Mike
Awesome Vid!!
Glad you enjoyed it. - Mike
Starting from square zero.
Thank You!!
Thanks for checking out the lesson! - Mike
Thank you, I want a banjo now!
Nice! Hope the lesson was helpful. - Mike
Anybody recommend me a basic starter banjo? Brand or where I should look?
I'd check out the Deering Goodtime series. - Mike
Even i learned something from this video although i play the guitar for seven years now xd
Btw do banjo players use slides sometimes? Cuz if its in open g tuning it should sound great i think... good tutorial btw
Yes, you do slides on the banjo all the time. - Mike
@@MikeHeddingMusic cool. Youre one of the few youtubers that actually respond to comments xd
I hope some day there will be somebody who makes lessons on banjo for people actually knowing guitar for quite a long time and music theory as well. It's like every single video suppose banjo is your first instrument ever. :D
What fingers are you using on the d chord
For the D chord I was using my 1st and 3rd finger. For the D7 I was using my 1st and 2nd finger. - Mike
Total beginner. Why are there different C’s. There’s a two finger C and a three finger C?
There's multiple different ways to play all the chords. Sometimes, you'll leave a finger off to free yourself up to play another note. That's where a two finger C vs. three finger C comes into play. Good question. - Mike
What is the tuning ????
gDGBD. - Mike
Thank you
top
Barley any comments
Feel free to add some more comments if you'd like! - Mike
Lucky Lewis , is that Barley we make beer with?
Barely any spelling.
i don't have a banjo but I'm here because of john lennon.
Dude I can’t keep up
You can click the gear icon in the bottom right and slow down the video if it's going too fast. - Mike
This video is helpful but omg you lost me at minute 8. Slow down there pls😂
what the hell am i doing here? i am missing my wedding right now. i don't even have a banjo
Why am i watching this.....i play guitar
Does learning banjo mean I have to learn how to talk like a hillbilly too? 🤔
Yes. Yes it does. - Mike
Who else searched up banjo kazooie and found this?
Wrong mate guitar open is em7
No, you'd have to tune the 5th string (A) up to B if you wanted it to be an Em7 chord. Standard guitar tuning isn't tuned to a chord. - Mike
Less face more fingers please. Good video though.