..also Jim, the sound of the combination of the vamping from the 5th fret G to the D shape G with the right hand pinches has a ring that reminds me of an old 1971 Stampeder hit called "Sweet City Woman", I was about 18 at the time and that banjo sounded great,..you outta put a lesson together for us older guys. Really enjoy all your instruction.
I sure wish I had started learning backup in the beginning along with learning tunes. I could have been picking with others. These backup videos are great. Keep picking.
Thank you so much, Jim! I was training rolls, but I like to sing too. It's hard to sing and do the rolls during the learning period. I'd tryed some "backup" banjo, but nothing sounded nice. With your lessons I can enjoy the music.
Thanks Jim,..I will work on this. Would you happen to have a practice exercise for the left hand switching from an Am to the D chord? Beem working on this for about a 6 months. I know, Am wasn't part of these 4 backup lessons,..just asking.
All right. I got a question to see if I’m randomly understanding this correctly. So basically when you’re doing the F shape, let’s say for example you’re in the F shape but you’re playing an A chord... if you take that F shape and move it up four Frets, And then switch your fingers so you would be in the D shape, you would be in another A chord... end it would be the same thing if you were in the F shape but playing a B chord And if you slide it up four frets You would subsequently be in another B chord, correct. And that would basically work for any cord up and down the neck doing it like that, correct?
I am a begginer, with that said I am trying to learn left hand. As I watch you (Jim) I watch how you seem to put pressure on your finger tips at the same time you pick that string. Is this observation c correct?
That looks like a lot of fun to me. Also it gets you comfortable moving your hand up and down the banjo. Maybe it will help also with not squeezing too tight with your fretting hand. I have my first jam tomorrow night, and yes I am scared stiff. I am guessing this vamping is what you do when you don't have a break (your turn to play something)
Hey Jim. Love all your videos. Any chance you could do a lesson on Earl Scruggs' lead/kick-off on Foggy Mountain Top from the Songs of the Famous Carter Family album? I can't quite get it right. At least I can play the backup now! (Thank you!!)
So glad I found you. I've been learning for a few years, but I missed some of the simple things.that you explain so well. Example going from the f shape to the d shape how to just switch the two fingers, I was guilty of picking up whole shape at once. What a difference that makes. I've gone over your lessons 1-5 several times and am learning and trying to get all down pat before I move on. I do have a question, as I have trouble moving up the neck from below that 5th string peg. How do you hold your thumb when you do this? I know that seems like a silly question, but I've tried different methods, but not sure which is right.
I've been through the beginning lessons and gone through a few of the what songs come next. I think getting a basic, consistent rhythm, transitioning from F & D chord shapes is the trickiest thing for a beginner. These last two lessons, as simple as they appear, are really tricky to get through. Any tips other than practice?
Thank you Jim! This series is really helpful for me. Is there any chance you could do a clawhammer backup video as well? There’s basically nothing on the internet about clawhammer back up. So either it’s extremely simple and I’m just missing something, or you can fill in really big gap.
Hey Jim, could you please share which strings you are pinching with your right hand? Can’t tell if it is 1&2 or 1&3. (Appreciate this lesson it will help me a lot). Thanks
For me. playing chords up the neck has been a foggy mountain but Lessons 3&4 are a great breakdown! Great work Jim, keeping it really fun.
Be sure to keep me posted on your progress.
..also Jim, the sound of the combination of the vamping from the 5th fret G to the D shape G with the right hand pinches has a ring that reminds me of an old 1971 Stampeder hit called "Sweet City Woman", I was about 18 at the time and that banjo sounded great,..you outta put a lesson together for us older guys. Really enjoy all your instruction.
I remember the song, but it's not one that ever comes up anywhere I play.
I sure wish I had started learning backup in the beginning along with learning tunes. I could have been picking with others. These backup videos are great. Keep picking.
Glad you’re enjoying the videos. Once you figure this out - even a little - you’ll be jamming with friends before you know it.
ME TOO BROTHER!
Jim, you are the best thing on RUclips. The playback speed settings are a close second.
Gosh, thanks. 😊
I love the new decor, looks nice!
Thanks! Change of scenery was overdue. :)
Favourite Lesson so far in the series. It's fun to mix it up the chord changes. Thanks so much!
Glad you liked it! Keep picking. :)
I'm still stuck on lesson 3, but couldn't resist a sneaky peek at the next one.
Don't tell Jim.
🤫
Thank you so much, Jim! I was training rolls, but I like to sing too. It's hard to sing and do the rolls during the learning period. I'd tryed some "backup" banjo, but nothing sounded nice. With your lessons I can enjoy the music.
Glad I can help! 😊
Short and great.
Glad you liked it. :)
Always a treat mate. Thank you. Now for a game of hurley...
I’m ready! Got my sliotar and hurl ready!
Thanks so much for this. Been looking for something to help me identify how to add some color (take the boredom out) to my backup.
Glad it was helpful!
Are you a hurler! I also play hurling. Thank you for the lessons!
Nope… just happen to have a hurl….
Thanks Jim,..I will work on this. Would you happen to have a practice exercise for the left hand switching from an Am to the D chord? Beem working on this for about a 6 months.
I know, Am wasn't part of these 4 backup lessons,..just asking.
The best exercise for that is just what you said - switching for and Am to a D. Gotta sit and do it.
All right. I got a question to see if I’m randomly understanding this correctly. So basically when you’re doing the F shape, let’s say for example you’re in the F shape but you’re playing an A chord... if you take that F shape and move it up four Frets, And then switch your fingers so you would be in the D shape, you would be in another A chord... end it would be the same thing if you were in the F shape but playing a B chord And if you slide it up four frets You would subsequently be in another B chord, correct. And that would basically work for any cord up and down the neck doing it like that, correct?
I do believe you've got it!
I am a begginer, with that said I am trying to learn left hand. As I watch you (Jim) I watch how you seem to put pressure on your finger tips at the same time you pick that string. Is this observation c correct?
Actually during the vamp I have the note held down before I hit it, and then let up a little to mute it.
That looks like a lot of fun to me. Also it gets you comfortable moving your hand up and down the banjo. Maybe it will help also with not squeezing too tight with your fretting hand. I have my first jam tomorrow night, and yes I am scared stiff. I am guessing this vamping is what you do when you don't have a break (your turn to play something)
Good luck at the jam! Yup, you can vamp when not taking a lead break.
Did you ever finish your how to play bluegrass banjo series
I did 10 lessons. #10 was the last one.
these videos are so useful! thanks so much!
Glad I can help 😀
Hey Jim. Love all your videos. Any chance you could do a lesson on Earl Scruggs' lead/kick-off on Foggy Mountain Top from the Songs of the Famous Carter Family album? I can't quite get it right. At least I can play the backup now! (Thank you!!)
Thanks, and thanks for the suggestion. 😀
Jim, what's that thumb pick you use? It looks like it's metal with a brown tip or something. Is that leather?
It's from Blue Chip picks. :)
So glad I found you. I've been learning for a few years, but I missed some of the simple things.that you explain so well. Example going from the f shape to the d shape how to just switch the two fingers, I was guilty of picking up whole shape at once. What a difference that makes. I've gone over your lessons 1-5 several times and am learning and trying to get all down pat before I move on. I do have a question, as I have trouble moving up the neck from below that 5th string peg. How do you hold your thumb when you do this? I know that seems like a silly question, but I've tried different methods, but not sure which is right.
Glad I could help! I don’t think I’m doing anything special with my thumb. I just keep it on the neck....
I've been through the beginning lessons and gone through a few of the what songs come next. I think getting a basic, consistent rhythm, transitioning from F & D chord shapes is the trickiest thing for a beginner. These last two lessons, as simple as they appear, are really tricky to get through. Any tips other than practice?
Just spend extra time on those changes.
Thank you Jim! This series is really helpful for me. Is there any chance you could do a clawhammer backup video as well? There’s basically nothing on the internet about clawhammer back up. So either it’s extremely simple and I’m just missing something, or you can fill in really big gap.
I’ll have to think about how to talk about back for clawhammer... Most of the time its just a basic rhythm over the changes.
Jim Pankey Thank you so much Jim! God bless you.
Hey Jim, could you please share which strings you are pinching with your right hand? Can’t tell if it is 1&2 or 1&3. (Appreciate this lesson it will help me a lot). Thanks
1 & 3
Jim Pankey Thank you Sir!!
I meant to explain that in the video... oh well. :)
@Jim Pankey Hey so, is it 4,2,1&3? Just making sure...
Toby Pritchard yup! :)
What is the name of the song in this video? Thanks
It's in the description, but it's Foggy Mountain Top.
Thanks
Good deal !!
Thanks 😊
I can't find anymore after 2
Found it lol It was right under my nose
Glad you found them :)