30 Days of Banjo: Day 3!

Make sure to download the tablature e-book here: eligilbertbanjo.com/?page_id=153
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[@EliGilbertBanjo]

ATTENTION! Don't forget to download the free tablature e-book! eligilbertbanjo.com/absolute-beginner-banjo-lessons/

[@american.tomboyred2672]

@EliGilbertBanjo I'm struggling a little bit to find where/when to put my ring finger on that second fret. I have the tablature printed out and to my current understanding, I was reading it. Also it just doesn't sound right. It could be just me, as I'm completely new to playing. I know this video is a little bit older. But if you have any advice I'd love to hear it. Thanks!

[@ThefamousMrcroissant]

I got recommended to learn a new instrument by my psychologist and almost entirely due to the existence of this free masterclass I opted for Banjo. You're quite literally changing lives with your series. Keep up the excellent work!

[@smittening4508]

U still at it a year later?

[@brennanator]

How about 2 years later?

[@TheCaptnHammer]

4 days into my banjo experience! I spent two days in lesson two just to get the hang of it and I’m not doing bad. This is a great series. Thanks dude!

[@admiralrhino4049]

Day one took me three days 🤣🤣

[@josephmichelotti6230]

Teaching metronome in the 3rd lesson is pure genius.

[@Brian-ie2un]

I hope those wanting to learn take advantage of this series as its a real opportunity to get started. For myself as a clawhammer player I am learning picking so yahoo.

[@thebanjoboost]

I'm the opposite, have always picked so learning the clawhammer is something I'd love to figure out, just hard to get my hand to move 😂

[@slugfeet27]

I am 3 for 3 on playing/practicing. I find Eli's pace and tone of teaching very easy to follow. I am encouraged I can do this. We will see in 27 days.

[@cameronscott2596]

One year later, how did it work out?

[@badboybootz8]

​@@cameronscott2596they never answer

[@lindokuhlemsibi3914]

A week ago i got myself a 5 string banjo. I must say, these lessons are very helpful. Thank you for putting them up. I know this takes so much time and effort. I appreciate you Eli

[@craftworq3762]

Thank you (doesn't seem enough). Onwed a banjo for 3 days and on day 3 of your series. I am loving your clear, simple instructions. Tutorial perfection. Thanks.

[@gregorywhite9095]

This is perfectly in line with what I've learned from years of playing other instruments. And I've always believed that listening to great players not only internalizes this beautiful music but motivates you to become great yourself. This a huge part of learning anything. Now I have to get back to practicing!!

[@arnehansen5360]

This is just great! I have never ever played an instrument [ I am 43 now ] and after watching your lessons I felt inspired and bought myself a banjo. Now my girlfrined an me are at day 3 of the 30 days of banjo. Thank you so much Eli. You are a great teacher! ( best regards from Germany )

[@georginamapi2194]

Hi I thank you very much for helping me I don't read music and you are so cool I can understand you .. the lessons step by step instructions are awesome iam a slow learner and enjoying it so much...

[@arthurshat7793]

This is awesome! Am learning banjo myself and the German language. It’s been slow going but very fun!

[@JamesLongOnGoogle]

Thanks for helping me get started.

[@rnbsn_]

The pacing of these lessons is perfect, been spending 30 minutes a day practicing. Thank you!

[@larakeithley1645]

I don;t care how long you have been playing, you can always pick up thoughtful info from Eli! I loved Licksmas but its also really great to take a slow methodical approach to form and function! and my Hero! Don Reno!!!!!

[@brianandlukas4246]

Wow - I can't believe after only three lesson I feel like I can actually play a tune. Learning good discipline with using picks an even a metronome! Worth supporting!

[@googlaphobic]

I bought a banjo because these lessons were fed to me by the algorithm. I play a little guitar. Dust in the Wind was the first song i learned... fell into fingerstyle. I binged 10 lessons and thought "i think i already kinda know how to do this stuff." So i did some research and bought a banjo. Got to day 9 in 3 days then it got serious. Thats when my picks arrived. That is the single hardest thing for me to adjust to. I usually play clasical style with fingernails as picks and i am used to "spending time on the string" but the index and middle broke since the banjo. Second hardest thing is only using the 3 fingers, i see the tabs and instinctively want to use all my fingers. Five fingers, five strings. Anyways, thanks a bunch. I recently moved and the friends I've made include a bunch of musicians... one guy is all bluegrass guitar, the other borrows the first guys mandolin and is learning, so the banjo is gonna fit in great.

[@hannahkozlovic1715]

I got a banjo 2 days ago and was terrified that I would suck at it and not have the determination to keep going with it. Thanks so much for these videos, I know that after 3 videos on banjo I'm by no means a master, but I'm already feeling so much less intimidated by this instrument. Appreciate what you're doing!

[@goldtigre4979]

After staring at the banjo I got as a gift in the closet for the two years, I finally got it out and tuned it up for the first time! It’s too bad a broke a string on Day 3. We’ll have to see about replacing it but I’ll be right back on track soon!

[@muleb384]

I had this banjo for 6 months and I already feel like I've made more progress in 20 minutes with your teaching

[@audrybella6405]

This is an excellent series Eli. Thank you for producing it for us. Your articulate style of teaching and explaining is truly wonderful and exemplary. Providing absolute beginners such as myself with a robust, disciplined yet structured and enjoyable way to learn progressively and systematically in digestible and manageable increments helps me realize I can in fact do this and even have fun along the way and for me that’s what its all about!!

[@SamRabbitx]

Dude. These lessons are AMAZING! I am currently renting a banjo to learn on before I purchase my own and I've been at this for like 4 days. These lessons are so easy to follow!

[@wallyman4304]

This video got me so excited playing my banjo! Learning the pinch, and adding everything together, with the added ring finger. Thanks so much, keep up the great work.

[@jordankellett768]

having a blast on day 3- thank you for doing this! Appreciate the pace and the visuals- really encouraged to continue. Loving banjo!

[@adrianoroy3308]

dude these videos are incredible. ive learned multiple instruments off of youtube but i have never seen anyone do it as good as you. and to make them this short and interesting. thank you so much.

[@billkilpatrick6244]

Purchased my banjo a week ago! Never played an instrument before but come from a family of musicians. Wanted to thank you for this series, even though I’m only on day 3, I’m thoroughly enjoying my banjo and what you are teaching. Thanks and cheers!

[@gunsandicecream]

I have been trying to learn guitar and banjo. There is so much more information for guitar, so I have stuck mostly with that. Having said that, I do enjoy this approach, it keeps me coming back every day and picking up the banjo daily. Your content is very good, not sure why you don't have more subscribers. Thanks

[@tonybrown6343]

Excellent video series! I have recommended these to several people that asked me to teach them. Very professional and spot on!

[@antiqueshistoryandconspira3791]

Thank you so much for these videos. I originally started playing a year ago with in person lessons, at first I was really excited but the lesson he had me going on seemed to drop into the deep end quickly, not to mention the inconsistencies of songs he had me going on. Eventually covid came and I dropped the banjo for a year, but these lessons are giving me a new opportunity, and they're so easy to follow thus far, especially since I knew how to do things in the episodes so far, so there wasn't much difficulty practicing. I can't wait to continue, thank you so much, I cannot stress it enough.

[@kimlayer395]

When you're on lesson three and realize that you're wearing your finger picks backwards...whoops!! Thanks for this awesome class!!

[@MarkGTerry]

Ouch! 😀

[@lukedaymusic4585]

Eli... My goodness. Thank you so much. First 3 days are a little simple for me but I really don't mind because I am looking forward to finishing the 30 days. You are really good on the banjo.

[@rfeyra7364]

Thank you very much for this series and for all the info you share, I’m just starting learning banjo and I’m so happy I have someone helping and encouraging me and the other players along the way 🌟

[@koridevereaux]

ive played piano for 16 years by ear, since I was 7. I can usually learn quick on any instrument, but stringed instruments are the hardest for me to learn. just bought a banjo and going to start these lessons soon, thank you :)

[@superbeanx2]

This amazing. I’m actually banjoing. Thank you so much, I’ve subscribed and liked 3 vids so far!

[@cagestagegaming8570]

Thanks have enjoyed these last 3 days. getting ready for Christmas to play for the family.

[@rayparks4209]

Eli, Thank you for these lessons!! Hope you do some more!

[@eliseruiters4183]

Just discovered this after buying a banjo! I'm loving it but working on not hitting too many strings. Thanks for these I am so excited !

[@kaganozmeric9822]

these lesson series makes the world a better place. thanks 🙏

[@bjizzle123]

You’re better than my music teacher, and free

[@mikemandel5775]

This is fantastic! Just got my banjo today and am loving this!

[@loiscorcoran168]

I love love love this course! Can't believe I'm actually playing a song. Thank you so much!

[@vickypittaway4244]

Wow Eli, You're such a great teacher. I've played guitar many years ago and just got a banjo (my lifelong dream) for my birthday. Your lessons have inspired me so much and I am practicing every day, thank you for sharing your lessons with us

[@vickypittaway4244]

Eli I would like to ask a question, this might sound stupid to some people. I have all the will and patience in the world to play but my fingers are in agony(left hand) if like to practice more but it's so sore. What can I do to help my fingers, any advice you have is appreciated

[@osmondwright4847]

Youre a really good teacher and these lessons have been so helpful to me so far!

[@kennethbrown5720]

i am 86 yrs old and just decided to learn banjo following your lessons and i am feeling a bit more confident its possible, may take a bit longer but but as i said possible so thanks a lot

[@Crusader9158]

These are great! Great production quality

[@davidread3384]

HI There Eli, youve just been reccomended to me, im an absolute beginner at 5 string banjo, ive been watching youre 30 day, its brilliant thanks very much for these wonderful videos, all i have to do now is download and print off the tab then ill be on my way, thanks again Alan

[@user-re1hc5vf3y]

Day 3 of owning my banjo and I love these lessons so easy to follow and simple for each lesson , I am a total beginner so these lessons are great

[@mistyferguson5205]

I am super greatful! These videos have really helped a complete newb like myself. Cheers!

[@datapro007]

Great lessons. Thanks you. I play guitar, but am enjoying the banjo a lot too thanks to you.

[@leimaniax]

Such a great course. Thank you friend!

[@muleb384]

I am definitely looking into the patreon, glad you have it

[@thebanjoboost]

I like your suggestion to maintain the right rhythm. When things get going fast it's important to keep it fluid! :)

[@barrysmith8193]

Eli I’ll admit that as a left hander with a left handed banjo I was concerned that your lessons would exclude we left handers in narrative and graphics like all other instructors. Your step by step approach and easy to read step by step tabs levels the playing field of which I am grateful. I’m on day 3 and for once have full intent of going the full 30 days of lessons. Thank you for these postings.

[@DreadPirateElla]

As someone who’s been playing electric and acoustic guitar for years, I love this course! It’s really easy for me because I love doing finger style stuff on my acoustic guitar and solos on my electric, but I love the pace this goes at. I can tell this would be amazing for someone who’s never played anything like a banjo before so I just like applaud you for doing this! I’m so glad I found this course!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thank you!

[@tinkerdink25]

Thank you so much this series is awesome!!!

[@meredithsexton1580]

Is anyone having difficulty with the 3rd note (?). I'm having trouble holding down the 2nd cord on the first fret and strumming the 1st and 5th string. Also, these videos are amazing. I've owned a banjo for 3 days and I'm on day 3 of your videos. This has pulled me out of a dark place. Thank you so much for your time.

[@nebis]

Thank you so much for these lessons!

[@myindigoblues5796]

This is so much fun! 🥰🧡🪕

[@sharonigoe5413]

love this channel - you make it so easy to understand :-)

[@Hoss999]

Thank you! How cool is this!!!

[@gregdray8199]

I'm looking forward to this I can finger pick pretty well but need to reatune my picking to a banjo style

[@99999liquid]

Thank You. I am learning banjo.

[@kylesims4149]

I was stuck trying to figure out a the d7 xhord the way a book told me, was getting so upset with myself for not seeing my mistake. Then I come across this in 3 days I, further along than I ever would be using the book. I'm a very new player. Just got my banjo a month ago, first instrument I've ever picked up.

[@fvhorn]

Thanks!

[@AmazingMrMe123]

I've played viola for a long time, whenever you are trying to learn to play a fast section of music the metronome is your friend. the metronome will show you your weaknesses.

[@scokeing]

Hi Eli, as a beginner I like your simplistic approach, easy to follow, a few questions maybe outside this lesson. I have done all my playing sitting on a chair, I see you playing on stage. I struggle making the transition, sit to stand playing, any tips (practice yes) Also, do you look at your hands or more muscle memory and know where you are with both? Maybe I need some 1:1 lessons but you have got me this far and I thank you! Scott

[@josefdetzer8717]

Great!

[@Genetherapy3232]

Thank you

[@jasonfarley4320]

Also these lessons are amazing thanks

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Happy to help!

[@danallen8238]

15 years playing bass. 45 minutes on banjo. Still going to take it easy and repeat these videos for a day or 2 before proceeding. I'd rather trudge slowly and learn properly before being overwhelmed. If you have played another instrument for years you have the benefit of musical knowledge along with the curse of being set in your ways.

[@kennethbarnes2297]

Been stuck on this now for 2 days

[@Slapdash_Adventures]

I reeeeally wish there were close up of his fingers. I went two days before I realized I was wearing the picks upside down

[@DomoMule]

Hey man! Just getting started with this series!! Thank you so much. However, I’m having such a hard time when pinching where everytime I go to pinch I end up scraping the belly. Any tips??

[@eugenelayton5231]

I am awaiting delivery of my new banjo. I am a guitar player who is going to learn banjo. I can tell you that you should not focus on speed. Using a metronome and playing steady at a slower pace is the best way. Speed will come naturally over time. Every new piece or technique that you learn should be practiced this way. Using the metronome will build up your "inner clock" so that you will have good natural timing when you play. 👍

[@guillaumesakiche]

Day 3 : Everything is still going fine and I'm having fun.

[@majesticoaks]

Is the quarter note @ 120 without mistake a goal we should shoot for before moving to the next lesson?

[@meganmcguire3176]

day 3 wooooooo!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Woo!

[@MarkGTerry]

Wonderful lessons!!! Eli is doing a great job of breaking this into bite sized pieces! But... I think the tablature shown starting at 1:50 has an error. In the fourth bar, we are supposed to play the 3rd string while holding it down on the second fret. That's fine, but the notation below the measure says to use the index finger to hold that string down. In lesson one, he had us doing that with the middle finger. Moreover, when you watch Eli play it slowly in this video, he is clearing using his middle finger to hold down that string. I am convinced that the tablature should say M instead of I. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I tried playing with the video stopped - just following the tablature. The fourth bar had me very confused. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the middle finger is the one that should be used to hold the 3rd string on the 2nd fret.

[@mateuszbochenek7193]

❤

[@robwilkins9699]

Hi all want would be a good temp to get to before moving on to next day

[@autumnm.1458]

and i'm here for day 3 :D

[@autumnm.1458]

after practicing day three and successfully keeping it all the same rhythm all i can say is, omg i'm actually learning to play the banjo! THANK YOU!

[@geeeeeee3]

I Have a gold tone AC one having a hard time with the strings so close

[@JustinHannemann]

How essential are the thumb and finger picks? I play guitar finger picking and really struggle with the picks

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

It's totally up to you, there are no rules! However, it's worth noting that without picks, you really can't recreate "that" sound, so it'll be quieter and with a very different tone. Just depends what you want to sound like!

[@chrishay4572]

When you say put your ring finger on the second fret are you putting it on the first string or the second string?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

In this case it's the first string. Check out the tab book pdf in the description as well!

[@argosinius]

When I attack the strings with the claws, a rasping sound appears due to the contact of the metal of the claws with the metal of the strings, is there a way to prevent this? I have tried brass and steel claws and have the same result with both.

[@samuelorozco255]

Is resting your fingers in the banjo important? Mine keep wanting to float and I play better with them floating

[@jagervolant7871]

Is the pinch changing between each note?

[@FizzieSprite]

I don't understand, do we put our middle finger on the second fret every time we put our first finger on the first fret? It wasn't made clear or maybe I'm just dumb?

[@NoCzar]

im really bad with the picks i cant find a way to use them properly they always scrape against the bord thing

[@viralbus]

Can anybody recommend a program for writing banjo tablatures like the ones in this course?

[@sheilakovach6125]

When you say to put your middle finger on the second fret which string is that on?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

3rd string!

[@EricRush]

Struggling with #3 following the tablature. Then I noticed the tablature onscreen and in the e-book show the second fret middle string as index finger, which I'd been trying to do, but then I noticed that when you play, you use the middle finger on the third string. I gotta assume the way you play it is correct. I'll try again tomorrow following you rather than the book. Fingers and shoulder are tired.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

You may be confusing the left and right hand in this instance. The fingerings below the tablature indicate which fingers to use on the picking hand, not the fretting hand. So in this example I'm using my index finger on my right hand to pick the 3rd string, and I'm using my middle finger on my left hand to fret the 2nd fret on the 3rd string. Hope that helps!

[@EricRush]

@@EliGilbertBanjo Of course. Old brains and old fingers make for slow progress, but I'll get there. Thank you.

[@siribaimusic]

How do you get those metal picks to stay on your fingers...? I’ve made them as small and tight as possible but inevitably they slip off

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Is it possible you've got them too close to the tips of your fingers? If that's the case then slide them up further, even to your cuticle or a little past. You won't need the picks to stick out too far so that can help. Let me know if that doesn't work!

[@siribaimusic]

@@EliGilbertBanjo they’re way past my nail bed, I’m a woman with small hands. They can’t go much further or there’d be no pick.

[@zacharywalters7494]

At 1:05 what string is that ring finger on?

[@richardfelch9837]

How do you wear the picks

[@jeremytallman2741]

Just so I’m clear, the pinch pattern doesn’t vary during this lesson, correct? It’s always 1-5?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Yes! A pinch can be any group of multiple strings but for now it's all 1-5

[@sci4all839]

Great course so far. I'm confused though. The tabs say to use the middle finger for the pinch, but the video says to use the ring finger.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Is it possible you’re confusing the left and right hands? On the right hand you’ll only ever use Thumb, Index, and Middle, never Ring. The T I and M below the tab are all for right hand fingerings. On the left hand, you’ll use your Ring finger on the first string during the second measure. Hope that helps!

[@chloehanley1475]

I got a little tripped up on that part too, did you mean put your ring finger on the second fret of the first string or second string? I watched it a few times and you didn’t say which string so I assumed you meant the first.

[@bernieschreyer8686]

@@chloehanley1475 I got confused by this too until i watched closely. It is index finger on the second string first fret and ring finger on the 1st string second fret.

[@fusio8830]

The problem I'm having is the notes just sound wrong, I'm the exact same tuning as the one you showed in the first video

[@MasonCroneMusic]

Your bridge may not be set right. That will cause fretted notes to be out of tune.

[@muleb384]

I wish there was a way that I could add an extra like to the video, or some kind of power like.

[@jasonfarley4320]

How come your banjo sounds way better then mine? Is that the difference between a open back and resonator?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

A resonator banjo is definitely louder, and the tone is pretty different!

[@jasonfarley4320]

Turns out my cheap banjo came with a super loose head, after tightening it up and re tuned it sounds much better. I have a deering good time 2 coming.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Nice!

[@gagestanifer7240]

My 3rd string buzzes when fretted no matter how hard I fret it. Any ideas?

[@johnlaing3881]

Do you offer CD lessons