Hello Jim. I'm a subscriber and have learned so much about Banjo from you. I didn't start playing Banjo till I was 69 and I've been playing for a year and a half now. I played Guitar and Blues Harmonica since a teenager but was a late comer to Banjo and Mandolin. I never have spiked my Banjo or installed a sliding fifth string capo yet. I play with other old geezers at my local senior center. Time has forced all of us to sing in lower ranges then we did when we were young. None us can get up high without blowing our socks off. C seems to be the magic key for the majority of us. When someone gets in a different key I use the Bic Pen cap top I seen you demonstrate in a previous video. Works good but you sure do loose them a lot. I glad you did this update on capo and Keys. Thanks.
Thanks Jim for all you do. Just got done watching banjo Ben and installed my own banjo spikes! Sounds perfect. Thanks for the tips on how to use them efficiently. So many new options!!
Very helpful to have all those keys explained and demonstrated. Glad to have this video to refer back to! Maybe someday it’ll be as second mature as it is for you… 🤞
Thanks Jim my I call you jim it feels forward to me but your such a nice man to me .Well I have just purchased a stag banjo. Before I found you some woman said that you tune your first string will be the bottom up thrown me a bit .thanks for being there jim.
Useful video. I would add that if one is paying to have spikes installed, it’s worthwhile to also have one installed near the 8th fret, allowing easy playing in Bb when necessary with a capo on the third fret. Where I play, both Bb and B are rare, but it’s worth an extra few dollars to be able to play in Bb if one has to.
Once again Jim, you pull me out of the hole. This is a great tutorial on how to use a capo on the banjo. I play with a dulcimer group which favors the key of D. I use the capo 2 key of C shapes, but you done went ahead & stretched my thought process for other positions on the neck.
I don’t have a plan to do that but it works like this. Look at the large sea foam green box…. If you pick one of those. Let’s just say Ab… that’s the key you’re going to play in. Now, look at the left column you’ll see the fret you need to put your capo if you stay in the same row. Now look at the top row of that column. That’ll show you what key/shape to play out of.
@@JimPankey Ok, thanks, that helps. I understand the G position. I am just not smart enough yet to really understand and use the C and D position yet. I understand the concept, just not smart enough yet to put into use and practice. Thanks again, I really appreciate you. May God bless you.
Another great video- thanks! Just getting into this phase- looks like your spikes are about 1/3 back from the fret, and can't tell for sure but looks like the opening is towards the other strings or downward as opposed to upward towards the finger board edge. Have you experienced either way and is there significant reasons- I'm thinking either way might be easier for different people to thread it in and out, but maybe functionally very similar? Tamaaato--tamooooto?
@@JimPankey I asked at banjo hangout and that seems to be a consensus. Just got my Shrubb capo in the mail, and I can at least do the Ab and A by tuning up- so played foggy mountain (thanks to you) in those additional keys- just because I could! Might help my brain adjust a bit just going up one or two steps on the ladder at a time! Baby banjo steps! Thank you for all you do- and we do hear you out here- after your Sweet Home Alabama and Country Roads, I'll try something on my own- other than Happy Birthday--and yes, we don't need no stinking tabs!
I like how you ended up playing the opening to Materhorn by the Country Gentlemen towards the end. Been wanting a good lesson on that song. I heard it was in D instead of F though
Hi Jim, thanks for all the great clips. When I put a capo on my banjo, it goes a little out of tune (sharp). Why is that? It doesn't happen when I use a capo on my guitar.
@@JimPankey Thanks for the reply, Jim. I've double-checked the bridge placement/intonation again (by comparing fretted and harmonic notes at both the 12th and at the 19th frets). The bridge seems to be in the correct place. If the head tension is too low, could that cause the pitch to vary when a capo is added? I'm fairly new to banjo, and I have recently realised that the head tension has been too low on my (Deering) banjo. I've been gradually increasing the tension of the head, and I think it is now at about at an "F" note. It still goes noticeably sharp when I put a capo on (e.g. at the 3rd fret). I'm worried about overtightening the head, but I see online that it perhaps should be tensioned to about G#????
Anytime I need a C note there... For example: key of F when capoed at 3 playing out of D position, or key of C when capoed at the 5th playing out of G position.
Hi Jim. So, just to make sure. Where should I (that is my luthier) install the little spikes? Here in Brazil is very hard (at least where I live) to find a tech for banjo. So, hopefully my guitar guy will be able to install them, even thought I am scared to death that he might ruin my banjo neck. Cheers from Brazil!
hey jim, do you think it’d be worth it to put spikes on the 6th and 8th fret also? i have the 7th and 9th but sometimes people want to play in G# or A#… tuning is a pain
I’ve not experienced that. Also, it’s not like you’ll be taking it off once you’ve got it on your banjo as it rests above the nut when you’re not using it.
@@JimPankey BTW I took your advice from the Q&A you just did when i asked you about a next level banjo and you said to save and get a RK-35 , I am going to save my allowance and birthday money and buy it. Thanks for your advice!
I looked at the cheat sheet and I noticed wherever you put Eb you also called it F#. That should be D#, not F#. (Sorry, former college music major with an OCD.)
I started playing for a local church, I’ve seen you on RUclips many times. You’re a great teacher
Thanks 😊
I keep watching this because I just like hanging out with Jim.
His live videos are fun too. The way he explains things is the best.
😊
Sorry for discovering this lesson so late. Once again, Thank you Jim. The world could use more people like you
My pleasure!
Hello Jim. I'm a subscriber and have learned so much about Banjo from you. I didn't start playing Banjo till I was 69 and I've been playing for a year and a half now. I played Guitar and Blues Harmonica since a teenager but was a late comer to Banjo and Mandolin. I never have spiked my Banjo or installed a sliding fifth string capo yet. I play with other old geezers at my local senior center. Time has forced all of us to sing in lower ranges then we did when we were young. None us can get up high without blowing our socks off. C seems to be the magic key for the majority of us. When someone gets in a different key I use the Bic Pen cap top I seen you demonstrate in a previous video. Works good but you sure do loose them a lot. I glad you did this update on capo and Keys. Thanks.
Glad I can help! Thanks for subscribing!
Thanks Jim for all you do. Just got done watching banjo Ben and installed my own banjo spikes! Sounds perfect. Thanks for the tips on how to use them efficiently. So many new options!!
Glad I can help!
Thank you Jim. You make it all worth while.
☺️
props from middle-hesse, germany 👍
Thanks 😊
Very helpful to have all those keys explained and demonstrated. Glad to have this video to refer back to! Maybe someday it’ll be as second mature as it is for you… 🤞
Glad it was helpful!
Love the paintings ❤️
They’re from local artists
Thanks Jim my I call you jim it feels forward to me but your such a nice man to me .Well I have just purchased a stag banjo. Before I found you some woman said that you tune your first string will be the bottom up thrown me a bit .thanks for being there jim.
Glad I could help!!
Useful video. I would add that if one is paying to have spikes installed, it’s worthwhile to also have one installed near the 8th fret, allowing easy playing in Bb when necessary with a capo on the third fret. Where I play, both Bb and B are rare, but it’s worth an extra few dollars to be able to play in Bb if one has to.
I play in Bb so rarely I prefer not to put a spike there. I capo at B and tune down.
Once again Jim, you pull me out of the hole. This is a great tutorial on how to use a capo on the banjo. I play with a dulcimer group which favors the key of D. I use the capo 2 key of C shapes, but you done went ahead & stretched my thought process for other positions on the neck.
Glad to help!
I learned and played with Roger Sprung... like your style!!🎶🎵🎶
Thanks
Very informative video, Jim. Helps a lot. You are looking great---and sounding great too. Best wishes!
Thank you kindly!
This video answered all my capo questions, wish we had instructors like you in WA. State
Glad I could help ☺️
Had no idea drone string spikes existed and very excited about the idea
It's a very handy thing. :)
Jim I also like the art in the background. Musical art for my ears and visual art for my eyes. Another great video.
Thank you kindly. The art is from two local artists.
Many thanks Jim, a great insight to using the capo and finding the right key, your videos have been untold help to many of us 👍
Very welcome
They people I play with here in NC love to play in B flat in the singing dept.
Capo at the third fret and hang on. 😊
Thank you very much that was very useful and well done.
Glad I could help 😀
“Don’t loan your capos to your buddies, they’ll stick them in their pockets”……I’m one of those awful friends Jim 😂😂😂😞
Unfortunately, me too…
Thanks for the lesson, mr pankey
Welcome 😀
Thanks Jim!
Thanks for watching!
I never knew how to use the capo, thanks man
Happy to help!
Do you ave a video on how to play “my home is across the blue ridge mountains?”
Nope... but I bet you can figure it out if you apply what I teach in my beginner series.
I do just like you do and get a lot of strange looks. Thank you 😀
🤓
Jim, would you please do a short video explaining your capo cheat sheet and how that works?
I don’t have a plan to do that but it works like this.
Look at the large sea foam green box…. If you pick one of those. Let’s just say Ab… that’s the key you’re going to play in.
Now, look at the left column you’ll see the fret you need to put your capo if you stay in the same row.
Now look at the top row of that column. That’ll show you what key/shape to play out of.
@@JimPankey Ok, thanks, that helps. I understand the G position. I am just not smart enough yet to really understand and use the C and D position yet. I understand the concept, just not smart enough yet to put into use and practice. Thanks again, I really appreciate you. May God bless you.
Jim what frets do you have spikes on?
7, 9, and 10
Very informative. Thank you
Thanks for watching 😊
Another great video- thanks! Just getting into this phase- looks like your spikes are about 1/3 back from the fret, and can't tell for sure but looks like the opening is towards the other strings or downward as opposed to upward towards the finger board edge. Have you experienced either way and is there significant reasons- I'm thinking either way might be easier for different people to thread it in and out, but maybe functionally very similar? Tamaaato--tamooooto?
I’ve always pointed the opening toward the other strings, but seen it done both ways. I’m not sure it matters.
@@JimPankey I asked at banjo hangout and that seems to be a consensus. Just got my Shrubb capo in the mail, and I can at least do the Ab and A by tuning up- so played foggy mountain (thanks to you) in those additional keys- just because I could! Might help my brain adjust a bit just going up one or two steps on the ladder at a time! Baby banjo steps! Thank you for all you do- and we do hear you out here- after your Sweet Home Alabama and Country Roads, I'll try something on my own- other than Happy Birthday--and yes, we don't need no stinking tabs!
Caught me off guard with the Close Encounters...
👽🛸
Totally awesome instruction thank you soooo much!!!
You are so welcome!
I like how you ended up playing the opening to Materhorn by the Country Gentlemen towards the end. Been wanting a good lesson on that song. I heard it was in D instead of F though
Yeah, I think the CG did it in D, but seemed like a fun tune to play there. :)
@@JimPankey I agree that it was a fun tune to play in that key. I do know they played it with the banjo capo past the 5th fret line that as well.
Any opinions on a Shubb Capo vs railroad spikes?
The Shubb sliding capo is fine. However, I don’t like covering up my side position dots, and I don’t like reaching around it with my thumb.
What is the difference in a 5th string bar capo and how is it used? Do I still need another type?, is basically what I'm asking...
Choosing the Right Banjo Capo
ruclips.net/video/gA52mQtWw-o/видео.html
Hey Jim do you need Banjo Spikes to tune to an A. I’m always afraid of breaking my strings since I don’t know how to replace it.
You should be able to tune up to A just fine.
I like to play with capo, especially pull offs I think are easier to play..
Makes me wonder if you nut height is too high...
can it be that the nut height is originally too high?
Possibly… though I think it’s unlikely. Probably just enough difference in feel that you prefer pulloffs with the capo on.
Hi Jim, thanks for all the great clips. When I put a capo on my banjo, it goes a little out of tune (sharp). Why is that? It doesn't happen when I use a capo on my guitar.
Your bridge is probably in the wrong place
@@JimPankey Thanks for the reply, Jim. I've double-checked the bridge placement/intonation again (by comparing fretted and harmonic notes at both the 12th and at the 19th frets). The bridge seems to be in the correct place. If the head tension is too low, could that cause the pitch to vary when a capo is added? I'm fairly new to banjo, and I have recently realised that the head tension has been too low on my (Deering) banjo. I've been gradually increasing the tension of the head, and I think it is now at about at an "F" note. It still goes noticeably sharp when I put a capo on (e.g. at the 3rd fret). I'm worried about overtightening the head, but I see online that it perhaps should be tensioned to about G#????
To capo or not to capo. That is the question. Guess it depends on what you're capoble of....😉
LOL
When do you capo the 5th string on the 10th fret?
Anytime I need a C note there...
For example: key of F when capoed at 3 playing out of D position, or key of C when capoed at the 5th playing out of G position.
Hi Jim. So, just to make sure. Where should I (that is my luthier) install the little spikes? Here in Brazil is very hard (at least where I live) to find a tech for banjo. So, hopefully my guitar guy will be able to install them, even thought I am scared to death that he might ruin my banjo neck. Cheers from Brazil!
Banjo Ben has a good video about installing them: ruclips.net/video/70d73QEe7rg/видео.html
hey jim, do you think it’d be worth it to put spikes on the 6th and 8th fret also? i have the 7th and 9th but sometimes people want to play in G# or A#… tuning is a pain
I have them at 6,7,8,9 and 10 on my Stelling.
What do you think about Paige capos?
I think they’re just fine. I have two of them.
I use them
Me too! 😁
My banjo that I bought has spikes at the third fifth and sixth
Interesting
👍👍👍
Thanks 😊
🥰
☺️
Most people said that the hinge is stiff
I’ve not experienced that. Also, it’s not like you’ll be taking it off once you’ve got it on your banjo as it rests above the nut when you’re not using it.
How do ya get the chart?
Link in the description
How does a beginner play jedd clamped balad
Super Simple Arrangement of The Ballad of Jed Clampett
ruclips.net/video/QU-R8FTUVZw/видео.html
Hi
Hi
@@JimPankey Hi Mr JIm! I want to send you a clip of me playing a couple songs i learned from you. Where can i do that?
@@JimPankey BTW I took your advice from the Q&A you just did when i asked you about a next level banjo and you said to save and get a RK-35 , I am going to save my allowance and birthday money and buy it. Thanks for your advice!
@@isaiahbarnett9062 I have that banjo and it's fantastic. Heavy and it has a BIG tone. Make sure you get the RKR-35 (resonator version).
@@kevinfay4062 Im goin to
I looked at the cheat sheet and I noticed wherever you put Eb you also called it F#. That should be D#, not F#. (Sorry, former college music major with an OCD.)
Oops… fixed, but it was worse that that. The C column got shifted or something in my spreadsheet.
@@JimPankey Sorry... in the D column, fret 4, you now have Eb. Should be F#... I can't help myself.
Appreciate… I do find it interesting that you got fixated on the F#/Eb errors and missed the whole C column being off a whole step.
@@JimPankey relative pitch, I guess... thanks for all the fantastic content you provide. I'm learning a LOT.
Yes. You also need a tiny fifth string capo.
That's why I use the spikes..
I saw those, those are neat. I like making capos, are spikes as simple as they look? I sperg pretty hard for banjo at any capacity.
@@RaisedbyaWildPackofCigarettes Yup... just model railroad spikes.
@@JimPankey I reckon horseshoe nails with some filing will work if I can't find a craft store. Thanks again.
Spikes are really tiny…