I played Guitar 55 years when I took up Banjo. People think Banjo will be hard because of all the Rolls you have to learn and it require hours and months of practice time. That's true if you are wanting to play Earl Scruggs style Bluegrass but clawhammer style playing is far easier and quicker to learn. I was playing Tom Dooley like The Kingston Trio in less then two weeks. Its a fun instrument to play.
@@lynnglidewell7367 People think you have to play like Scruggs. That’s like saying that to play the guitar you have to play like Van Halen. Play what you can and have fun doing it and you’ll never go wrong 😎
@@lynnglidewell7367 Wow, someone who remembers The Kingston Trio! I just loved them. I had all their albums, even the ones made after Dave Guard got busted and was replaced by What’s-His-Name. The banjo player, Nick, was my favorite. He had lots of personality, much like Joe H here!
@Nirabulator It's to bad Dave Guard was such a knot head. He remained so till the end. The albums he made with them are classics. The fellow who replaced him was John Stewart. He was excellent also. Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane were the other two.
@ Right, Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane! Your memory gets a gold star! They had a big hit with Greenback Dollar, and wasn’t Stewart on that album? “A wailin’ song and a good guitar are the only things that I understand . . . “ I wonder who wrote that. I looked the Trio up on Wikipedia some years ago and found a fairly ridiculous white-washing of Dave Guard’s leaving the group. No mention of him getting arrested and convicted for possession of heroin.
@@Nirabulator I was about six years old when the trio hit the big time with their first chart topper Tom Dooley in 1958. I walked about singing it all the time! I remember watching them on The Jack Benny Program performing Tijuana Jail. Dave Guard was difficult too because he want the group to do more Cyolepso music. Reynolds and Shame wanted to stick to more Traditional Folk Music offerings. Guard got mad and quit. He seen himself as the leader.
I’ve had a 5 string banjo for years and struggled to get any satisfaction from it. This video has opened up a huge “A Ha” moment for me. Thank you for a great lesson.
I have a 4 string (plectrum) banjo, a 5 string, and a 6 string banjo. It's true that a lot of things you do with a guitar can transfer over to the banjo, but there are some things that don't work so good. For one thing, there isn't nearly as much sustain on a banjo as there is a guitar, so you have to factor that into your playing. Another thing is that you aren't going to be able to bend the strings into the stratosphere like you can on a guitar. Anything more than a quarter bend doesn't work out that well. What I love about my 4 stringer is that I tuned it to Chicago tuning (DGBE) when I first got it, and it made getting started on it very easy because it's the same as the four highest strings on a guitar. I play it with a pick (plectrum). I had all kinds of fun finding out how stuff I already knew how to play would sound on the banjo those first few weeks. I have since tuned it to standard banjo tuning (DGBD) and that has opened up new ways of playing for me that keeps it interesting and never boring for me. I play my 5 string banjo strictly using fingerstyle because I like banjo rolls and that high G string adds something to fingerstyle playing that you just won't get from a 4 string banjo played fingerstyle. I prefer playing what's called Melodic style with a mix of rolls to fill in, and I really like the way that's working out for me on my 5 string. The 6 string banjo is my least favorite banjo. I bought it with high hopes because a lot of the songs I've written for guitar are heavy on strumming, and I found out that a lot of strumming just doesn't work well on a 6 string banjo. What happens is that the music gets muddy very quickly if I try to play anything that is more strumming than arpeggios or playing melody notes. Those two lower strings mess everything up because the way they vibrate while strumming doesn't quite fit with the banjo drum head's inherent qualities. In other words, the lower in tone you go, the more it overpowers the head's sharpness and you end up with a muddy sounding mess no one wants to hear. It's kind of like what can happen if you tune your guitar to an open tuning, start strumming away at all six strings and it gets muddy, only a lot worse. Still, the six string is good if you can discipline yourself enough to mostly strum only the 4 highest string and leave the two lower strings for strategic picking of lower notes. One example is to use the lower strings to play a G run but then don't play the E or A strings when strumming away. At any rate, all of this is just my experience with different types of banjos, and your experience may vary. The whole idea is to have fun with it regardless of which one you play. Happy Jammin! 🪕🪕🪕
Excellant break down. Stringed instruments with a head, neck and body are pretty much all the same. But how you play them is totally different. I went from guitar to nass in my band because it was kind of hard to find a bassist that fit. Little bit of a learning curve on picking techniques and if you know anything about chords and know the root, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the octave which is pretty much what a chord is simply then you can play bass. Then for effect work up or down to the next root chord. Or hel even a higher octave or a fifth for effect. I have thought about learning bajo because I do love hillbilly music i mean who don't love Grandpa Jones? Stinged instruments bassically follow the same theory but how you play them still takes a lot of practice. I am pretty stuck on Rock and Metal genres. Makes a little money.
I have a Line6 Variax 600 with a Banjo setting, sitting unused. Looks like it is time to tune it to Open G and give it a go. If that inspires me then it could be time to invest in a banjo.
I currently play guitar, mandolin, bass and a harmonica. I had a tenor banjo years ago. I had already learned mandolin and a tenor banjo is the same tuning a perfect 5th down. Since both the tenor banjo and mandolin are tuned in perfect fifths, between the strings, it was easy to switch over. I've also played with a ukulele with both the high G and low G tuning. If it's got strings and frets, tell me the tuning and I'll figure out how to do it from there. Violin is the one where you really need a teacher. Best to use a plastic thumb pick and metal finger picks on the right hand. But my next and final instrument is the piano. I prefer to focus on songwriting beyond my musicianship at this point.
Cool bro straight shooten from the the hip..no BS...no tab crap... I'm a guitar player... thanks for your help...I got my banjo the same.. keep on plucken..! 🇦🇺🪕✌️
You're a great encourager! I'm 70 yo and won 5 weeks of lessons last year then I had hernia surgery an haven't tried it in the last 6 months. Most guys my age can barely sustain 140 BPM. I've hit 190+ Scruggs style.
I've got a banjitar but the bottom E and A just didn't sound right picked, changed the strings to go up an octive and it sounds like a banjo but still not right with the finger picking. Tried this and bingo! Finally going to get the sound I want. Just need to practice more... but I've got the motivation now. :-) Thanks!
Hey Joe, I may be slow, but it would be nice if you could do a short vid and slow down that pick, strum, thumb technique a little to show it better to us slow people!!
Nice technique tips, I've been wanting to try my hand at banjo for a while now. I think I keep putting the idea on the back burner because I don't know which brands offer the best value in terms of being affordable while still providing a quality instrument like I do with electrics. I guess I'm a little worried about going too cheap and ending up with something that's a nightmare to play. It seems like it would be a lot of fun and I'd love to learn some bluegrass, but I imagine I'd probably lose interest pretty quickly if bought a cruddy banjo by mistake. How's the playability on that Harley Benton?
Except for physical aspects, the banjo is easier at first. But as you develope, I think it is harder to play banjo. It has the same notes, it is not tuned the same way. I think playing a fiddle, even if you stink, improvisation skills will improve. A fiddle is all about melody. I am always impressed by how well a fiddler can find a melody on the guitar or mandolin.
Rather get an octave mandolin, for my vocals...😊 I have a 1903 tenor open back that doesnt tune...its a wall hanging. I traded my 1920s banjo with folk painting on the head...Guitar Center 😅 traded in for a Breedlove
I don’t know man, I’ve played guitar forever. My dad got me some cheap banjo starter kit when I was about 30, and he got one for himself. I took the drone string off mine, tuned it like a guitar, and played some Dixie land type 4 string banjo stuff on it. At the time I worked with an orthopedic surgeon that put himself through college playing 4 string banjo in a Dixie land jazz band. We’d actually play together a lot. When I showed him what I’d been doing with my banjo he said to me “That sounds nothing like a banjo…” I did something similar and went and bought a left handed mandolin, flipped it over and played it right handed, and he told me it sounded nothing like a mandolin should. I gave up on both pretty soon thereafter and started playing bass as well as guitar, but really only played bass with a pick. Same dude told me real bass players only use their fingers. I chose to ignore him this time and still enjoy playing bass. My dad; in case you’re wondering, was taking banjo lessons from a really good teacher in my hometown, decided it was too hard, and switched to accordion which happens to be the hardest instrument in the world to learn and got pretty good at it. He still plays to this day, and goes to a bunch of local nursing homes to entertain the old folks.
@@jackhaugh That dude sounds a bit discouraging, it doesn’t have to sound like anyone else as long as you dig it. And as far as the accordion goes, damn that’s a hard instrument. The banjo is way easier but good on your dad for rising to the challenge 😎🤘
I disagree with the premise we need more banjo players. Just tune you guitar to open G and enjoy better tone. Reporting this video to cops for inciting people to commit musical crimes.
Great tutorial Joe. Thanks from Scotland. 🪕
@@rayland4053 Rock On Scotland 🏴
I played Guitar 55 years when I took up Banjo. People think Banjo will be hard because of all the Rolls you have to learn and it require hours and months of practice time. That's true if you are wanting to play Earl Scruggs style Bluegrass but clawhammer style playing is far easier and quicker to learn. I was playing Tom Dooley like The Kingston Trio in less then two weeks. Its a fun instrument to play.
@@lynnglidewell7367 People think you have to play like Scruggs. That’s like saying that to play the guitar you have to play like Van Halen. Play what you can and have fun doing it and you’ll never go wrong 😎
@@lynnglidewell7367 Wow, someone who remembers The Kingston Trio! I just loved them. I had all their albums, even the ones made after Dave Guard got busted and was replaced by What’s-His-Name. The banjo player, Nick, was my favorite. He had lots of personality, much like Joe H here!
@Nirabulator It's to bad Dave Guard was such a knot head. He remained so till the end. The albums he made with them are classics. The fellow who replaced him was John Stewart. He was excellent also. Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane were the other two.
@ Right, Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane! Your memory gets a gold star! They had a big hit with Greenback Dollar, and wasn’t Stewart on that album? “A wailin’ song and a good guitar are the only things that I understand . . . “ I wonder who wrote that.
I looked the Trio up on Wikipedia some years ago and found a fairly ridiculous white-washing of Dave Guard’s leaving the group. No mention of him getting arrested and convicted for possession of heroin.
@@Nirabulator I was about six years old when the trio hit the big time with their first chart topper Tom Dooley in 1958. I walked about singing it all the time! I remember watching them on The Jack Benny Program performing Tijuana Jail. Dave Guard was difficult too because he want the group to do more Cyolepso music. Reynolds and Shame wanted to stick to more Traditional Folk Music offerings. Guard got mad and quit. He seen himself as the leader.
I’ve had a 5 string banjo for years and struggled to get any satisfaction from it. This video has opened up a huge “A Ha” moment for me. Thank you for a great lesson.
@@gerardmclernon8149 Yer Welcome dude 😁🪕
That was fun and inspring, darn it! Now I have to go out and find a banjo to play. Oh well, I guess I can stand it.
@@Nirabulator 👍😁
Thank you
I like your style. Wish we could just hang out
@@sc7836 😎🤘🪕
I went from guitar to banjo recently . Best thing I ever did
Fabulous. I have a banjo and can't play it. Some great tips. Thanks very much.
Thank you for putting this guitar to banjo video. It was just what I needed. Cheers!
@@dapashouk Yer Welcome dude 😎🤘
I have a 4 string (plectrum) banjo, a 5 string, and a 6 string banjo. It's true that a lot of things you do with a guitar can transfer over to the banjo, but there are some things that don't work so good. For one thing, there isn't nearly as much sustain on a banjo as there is a guitar, so you have to factor that into your playing. Another thing is that you aren't going to be able to bend the strings into the stratosphere like you can on a guitar. Anything more than a quarter bend doesn't work out that well. What I love about my 4 stringer is that I tuned it to Chicago tuning (DGBE) when I first got it, and it made getting started on it very easy because it's the same as the four highest strings on a guitar. I play it with a pick (plectrum). I had all kinds of fun finding out how stuff I already knew how to play would sound on the banjo those first few weeks. I have since tuned it to standard banjo tuning (DGBD) and that has opened up new ways of playing for me that keeps it interesting and never boring for me. I play my 5 string banjo strictly using fingerstyle because I like banjo rolls and that high G string adds something to fingerstyle playing that you just won't get from a 4 string banjo played fingerstyle. I prefer playing what's called Melodic style with a mix of rolls to fill in, and I really like the way that's working out for me on my 5 string. The 6 string banjo is my least favorite banjo. I bought it with high hopes because a lot of the songs I've written for guitar are heavy on strumming, and I found out that a lot of strumming just doesn't work well on a 6 string banjo. What happens is that the music gets muddy very quickly if I try to play anything that is more strumming than arpeggios or playing melody notes. Those two lower strings mess everything up because the way they vibrate while strumming doesn't quite fit with the banjo drum head's inherent qualities. In other words, the lower in tone you go, the more it overpowers the head's sharpness and you end up with a muddy sounding mess no one wants to hear. It's kind of like what can happen if you tune your guitar to an open tuning, start strumming away at all six strings and it gets muddy, only a lot worse. Still, the six string is good if you can discipline yourself enough to mostly strum only the 4 highest string and leave the two lower strings for strategic picking of lower notes. One example is to use the lower strings to play a G run but then don't play the E or A strings when strumming away. At any rate, all of this is just my experience with different types of banjos, and your experience may vary. The whole idea is to have fun with it regardless of which one you play. Happy Jammin! 🪕🪕🪕
@@jamesrodriquez2863 Hell yeah dude, rock on 🤘 😎
Excellant break down. Stringed instruments with a head, neck and body are pretty much all the same. But how you play them is totally different. I went from guitar to nass in my band because it was kind of hard to find a bassist that fit. Little bit of a learning curve on picking techniques and if you know anything about chords and know the root, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the octave which is pretty much what a chord is simply then you can play bass. Then for effect work up or down to the next root chord. Or hel even a higher octave or a fifth for effect.
I have thought about learning bajo because I do love hillbilly music i mean who don't love Grandpa Jones? Stinged instruments bassically follow the same theory but how you play them still takes a lot of practice. I am pretty stuck on Rock and Metal genres. Makes a little money.
@@daveweed2765 True dat about bass, I picked it up when I started recording cause I needed it. Rock on dude 😎🤘
Claw hammer banjo is really the same thing as Carter family style guitar. The banjo just has a joyful sound that makes you want to laugh
Just revived an old Silvertone 5 string so it’s time to give it try for a second time. You inspired me to give it a go!
@@mikemarak2613 Silvertone makes some good stuff! Rock On 🤘
I have a Line6 Variax 600 with a Banjo setting, sitting unused. Looks like it is time to tune it to Open G and give it a go. If that inspires me then it could be time to invest in a banjo.
I currently play guitar, mandolin, bass and a harmonica. I had a tenor banjo years ago. I had already learned mandolin and a tenor banjo is the same tuning a perfect 5th down. Since both the tenor banjo and mandolin are tuned in perfect fifths, between the strings, it was easy to switch over. I've also played with a ukulele with both the high G and low G tuning. If it's got strings and frets, tell me the tuning and I'll figure out how to do it from there. Violin is the one where you really need a teacher. Best to use a plastic thumb pick and metal finger picks on the right hand. But my next and final instrument is the piano. I prefer to focus on songwriting beyond my musicianship at this point.
I thought about getting a banjo but I'm barely proficient in the guitar. But you made some great arguments to get one.
@@tjeff51 The worst that happens is you find out that you’re not very good at it. As long as you have fun that’s alright 😁
Cool bro straight shooten from the the hip..no BS...no tab crap... I'm a guitar player... thanks for your help...I got my banjo the same.. keep on plucken..! 🇦🇺🪕✌️
@@leighcecil3322 Rock On 🤘😎
If you can finger pick you'll find it quite easy. I learnt Cripple Creek and was amazed how good it sounded. Didn't take that long either.
@@scaryfakevirus 👍😎
Thanks Joe a brilliant tutorial 😁
@@louloucooke1 Yer Welcome Dude 😁
Banjo ukulele is cool. It sounds banjo-like but tunes and plays like a ukulele.
And they are a lot cheaper than a banjo.
8 minutes in and you sold me. Going to get a banjo❤
@@matthewcoombs3282 🪕🤘😎
That was cool. Thanks
@@SuperPracticalyoutub Yer Welcome Dude 😎
Gonna give it a go over here in the U.K. thanks.
@@marioflavin2141 Rock On Dude 🤘😎
My old banjo teacher used to say, "If every guitar player could pick a banjo then there'd be more banjo players!" 😂
@@agrihemp5488 😁😆
The great thing about the banjo is that it’s impossible to play sad music on one. In banjo world, everybody’s happy!
@@sparkplug0000 True Dat 😁
Dead south band😢, but yeah its happy sound in general
You are FUELING my desire for a banjo! I WANT one, but I’m a Southpaw guitarist, SO, Southpaw Banjos are Rate and $$. Maybe Someday . . .
Beavercreek makes a decent beginner banjo .
I have one
Cheers Paul
I love this video.
@@GratefulBamboo Thanks Dude 😁
Awesome rock bro
@@kenvorland Rock On Yoself Brother 😎🤘
I have one with scallop and brass nur
You're a great encourager! I'm 70 yo and won 5 weeks of lessons last year then I had hernia surgery an haven't tried it in the last 6 months. Most guys my age can barely sustain 140 BPM. I've hit 190+ Scruggs style.
@@summerwindcharters1326 Good Going Dude 🤘😎
Thank you! I’m inspired
@@missglorymssquirrel5520 Yer Welcome Dude 🤘😎
Thanks Joe I have been playing banjo a couple years not really getting anywhere going to try the clawhammer way
@@glennmeyer4539 Cool beans dude, I’m glad I could help 😁🪕
I've got a banjitar but the bottom E and A just didn't sound right picked, changed the strings to go up an octive and it sounds like a banjo but still not right with the finger picking. Tried this and bingo! Finally going to get the sound I want. Just need to practice more... but I've got the motivation now. :-) Thanks!
@@unconventional-rebel Sounds cool dude 🤘😎
Brilliant
@@biggersound Thanks Dude 😎
Very good
@@Pete-m6n Thanks Dude 🤘😎
I saw a guy playing be bop on a banjo once. Wicked.
It works the other way around too!
@@BanjoRose_down-picker True dat 😎
Hey Joe, I may be slow, but it would be nice if you could do a short vid and slow down that pick, strum, thumb technique a little to show it better to us slow people!!
@@DaleSchalinske I might do that eventually 🤘😎
I think I have it now!!
@@DaleSchalinske Cool beans dude 😁
Nice technique tips, I've been wanting to try my hand at banjo for a while now. I think I keep putting the idea on the back burner because I don't know which brands offer the best value in terms of being affordable while still providing a quality instrument like I do with electrics. I guess I'm a little worried about going too cheap and ending up with something that's a nightmare to play. It seems like it would be a lot of fun and I'd love to learn some bluegrass, but I imagine I'd probably lose interest pretty quickly if bought a cruddy banjo by mistake. How's the playability on that Harley Benton?
@@daveyboyd784 The Harley is damn good 🤘😎
Hmm I play the Ukulele, I wonder if a banjo might be fun? Great video BTW!
@@ianwilson5205 Thanks Dude 🤘😎
Except for physical aspects, the banjo is easier at first. But as you develope, I think it is harder to play banjo. It has the same notes, it is not tuned the same way. I think playing a fiddle, even if you stink, improvisation skills will improve. A fiddle is all about melody. I am always impressed by how well a fiddler can find a melody on the guitar or mandolin.
Hello Joe Did you ever try playing Slide on the Banjo in an open tuning ?.
You did😂
@@michealhand1001 👍🤘😎
sweet
Banjo damn near plays itself. . .
@@earugo2531 True Dat 😁🪕
Rather get an octave mandolin, for my vocals...😊 I have a 1903 tenor open back that doesnt tune...its a wall hanging. I traded my 1920s banjo with folk painting on the head...Guitar Center 😅 traded in for a Breedlove
P.s. you haven't failed anyone, take a deep breath , you are too cool of a person not to,, peace out! . .
@@jerrycaffey9489 👍🤘😎
How long did it take for you to get this good?
@@DaleSchalinske It took awhile but more than half of it is just getting that frailing motion. That took about a week 🪕😁
I notice it does not have a 12 th fret double dot std marker --why ---? guessing is fatal when learning !
@@CarlWinter-oy8uf Mine doesn’t but plenty of them do. I don’t know why, it was just made that way 😁
I don’t know man, I’ve played guitar forever. My dad got me some cheap banjo starter kit when I was about 30, and he got one for himself.
I took the drone string off mine, tuned it like a guitar, and played some Dixie land type 4 string banjo stuff on it.
At the time I worked with an orthopedic surgeon that put himself through college playing 4 string banjo in a Dixie land jazz band. We’d actually play together a lot. When I showed him what I’d been doing with my banjo he said to me “That sounds nothing like a banjo…”
I did something similar and went and bought a left handed mandolin, flipped it over and played it right handed, and he told me it sounded nothing like a mandolin should.
I gave up on both pretty soon thereafter and started playing bass as well as guitar, but really only played bass with a pick. Same dude told me real bass players only use their fingers. I chose to ignore him this time and still enjoy playing bass.
My dad; in case you’re wondering, was taking banjo lessons from a really good teacher in my hometown, decided it was too hard, and switched to accordion which happens to be the hardest instrument in the world to learn and got pretty good at it. He still plays to this day, and goes to a bunch of local nursing homes to entertain the old folks.
@@jackhaugh That dude sounds a bit discouraging, it doesn’t have to sound like anyone else as long as you dig it. And as far as the accordion goes, damn that’s a hard instrument. The banjo is way easier but good on your dad for rising to the challenge 😎🤘
A Bongo on a stick..😎 LoL
@@leighcecil3322 😁
What if you can’t play either 🤔
@@preston5500 You can still learn, get a chord book and watch some videos on how to play 🤘😎
Basically, it's a... banjo
Banjos are expensive.
Banjo is almost like accordian, a gentleman knows how to play accordian but doesnt...
What the h^^^ are you drinking. Guy rehearse your stuff before you present you are all over the place. FOCUS
Focus is for losers. I’m a totally different kind of loser, the kind that doesn’t focus. ADHD FOREVER BABY 😁
Lol 🤙
Well I think what Joe says makes a lot of sense. He puts forward lots of options, not you must do this or must do that. This has helped me a lot.
I disagree with the premise we need more banjo players.
Just tune you guitar to open G and enjoy better tone.
Reporting this video to cops for inciting people to commit musical crimes.