Why You're Not Getting Better // Bluegrass Banjo Lesson

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[@ferrolblackmon4637]

You might be the best teacher I've ever had for anything. You are truly talented.

[@mikelawless1907]

So, just bought my first banjo....and, at 65 years old, first instrument ever as a matter of fact. I ran across your video series "30 Days of Banjo." After watching the first three episodes, it seems like it something that is completely achievable! And so it begins!

[@selfactualizer2099]

Don't worry too much about having super skills, most of the funnest jams and songs we love don't have intensely complicated instrumentals, just keep learning one song at a time and you'll always have it with you

[@juliettesavage3975]

Try Jim pankey on u tube

[@billyoung3192]

Gives me hope. I'm only 55 and in the same position!

[@stacyeasley531]

53 and just bought my first banjo. The saying old dog new tricks comes to mind every time I pick it up

[@wdmore]

I am 65 also. never played an instrument and am about to buy my first banjo. any suggestions

[@drollig7905]

Thanks Eli, Just picked up a Banjo at 70 years old. Fingers are full of arthritis and old man working hands. So it has been a little hard trying to get my rolls down. Keep banging the 1st string trying to hit the 2nd so I get frustrated. I get what your saying. Slow down, ain't in any race so why rush it and screw up. So trying to slow down tomorrow during practice. I guess speed will come in its good old time. No need to rush it. Thanks again for the help... dave

[@garycleveland3653]

I tried to learn banjo 50 years ago. Took lessens at a local music shop for 6 months. Bought several beginner books and learned to play a lot of the beginner tunes, but found it difficult to improve. Put the banjo down, joined the military, went to school, got married, had several kids and so on... Last year my kids bought me a nice student banjo in the hopes I would pick it up again, I still didn't (insert any excuse, or all the excuses you hear). Last month I finally dug out my old banjo (it was my grandfathers, a 1930 Kay). I have started anew and I am practicing smarter now, and am playing better than I ever had. I have been taking several of your videos very seriously and have backed up to true beginner steps (Stop Wasting Time, 7 Mistakes, etc.). I am solely focusing on practicing slow and with a purpose to fix my mistakes before I move ahead...tedious, yes, noticeable improvement in ability, absolutely. I can see your method working to push me past the wall I have hit every time i have cracked open my banjo case over the years. I'm 65 next month. I don't have the time to become a master at this, but I do feel I can build a library of great songs that I could play around family and friends and stop hiding my banjo in the basement. Thanks for your on point instruction, Gary C.

[@jonos138]

I love your videos more and more. This particular one is so true. I try and concentrate on the areas that need work to improve my playing. I'm not always successful at doing this, simply because I just love playing, but when I'm strict on myself, I knuckle down and just repeat the difficult areas and YES... It does pay off. I've also took a step back recently and begun playing slower as I'm finding it more beneficial to concentrate on accuracy over speed. Thank you for all your great videos and keep them coming it's teaching me a lot. BTW, I love your pickin' 👍

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Jon! Sounds like you’re on the right track!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Congrats Jon, you're our String Giveaway Winner for this lesson! Send me a message through email, facebook, or instagram and we'll get you some strings!

[@fireeater1428]

Been playing music for 42 years. Banjo is my 8th instrument to learn and Eli has made it so easy to learn. The best advice for practicing is, “practice does NOT make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” Eli is a genius when it comes to teaching and is one of the best instructors I’ve ever seen online. Thanks for the lessons and keep up the great work Eli. 👍

[@ozarkgrangran]

I recently bought my first banjo, a used one for $100. I'm 69 years of age. I don't know why but I've always had a secret desire to play banjo. After buying my banjo I began scanning the internet for beginner help. I came across Eli Gilbert's 30 Days of Banjo and decided to give it a shot. I enjoy his approach to going slowly to get it right. I like the way he breaks things down to a learning and practice focus. That's the kind of guy I am. Go slow, practice and practice. That's where I'm at.

[@trafficjamofkingston1580]

Hi Eli I'm at Day 15 of your 30 Days of Banjo, series. Its hard to go slow...we want to be "there" and play the rolls that we feel when listening to the banjo music. But then I listen to a recording of Cripple Creek and it brings me back to earth, my goodness 160 is fast!!! So you are right and its like a saying I heard when learning to ride a motorcycle....first you get good, then you get fast! Thanks for your work on these videos. I am enjoying them ALOT!!

[@Chris.Massimino]

Me: I'm really getting good at these banjo rolls. Melody has entered the jam: aight I'm out. I'm currently working on lonesome moonlight waltz.

[@jacoblittleton2220]

BGSP?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Ha!

[@jack8894]

Love the videos man, Thanks for sharing your experience

[@ericschweitzer9278]

Great advice. Thank you!

[@mikehankins9242]

I wish Eli lived in my neck of the woods. i have a feeling he could turn me into a banjo player with in a year. 8 years and not where i want to be. THANK YOU ELI !!!

[@bradleybrooks1067]

Love your videos Eli!! Keep em coming brother!! Practicing on back up right now and keeping the drive going with licks between my back up playing...getting better everyday!!!

[@willhackley1682]

This is what I needed to hear. Thank you!

[@darrellarview1945]

Perfect timing. I needed to hear this

[@timothynoone5522]

Really helpful tips on how to practice! Thanks!

[@tommcgowan4534]

I enjoy learning from Gilbert 😊

[@splauer1us]

Great banjo advice. Great life advice.

[@ritoboi4620]

Fantastic teacher. So grateful to have found your series and channel.

[@RiseFromDust]

I haven't played in 21 years and I'd like to start playing again so I put some new stings on and I turned it then found your channel. So needless to say I'm staring from the basics... 🪕

[@larryhunt9180]

Thank you it is right on it really helps me practice practice

[@davideudy7031]

I learned to play solos on my banjo , but didn't realize i needed to play backup to enjoy playing with others . I found your videos on playing chords and have dug the banjo out again with a new approach for a new year . Thanks for helping me dust it off!

[@PFW1999PKT]

Thank you, I probably needed to hear this. I also need reminded of this over and over lol

[@timlocke4783]

I'm practicing chord changes for back up banjo in a jam setting. Thanks for the tips your videos are extremely informative!

[@darlincorey]

Love this one Eli!

[@lorenvguitar614]

Great way to say what is really important in becoming a good/great musician. It really takes work, thanks for the excellent information on practice versus playing.

[@jc5965]

Thank you I needed these reminders! It's easy to get caught up practicing to fast.

[@dakotarich024]

That is excellent advice. Thank-you! I needed to hear that as a beginner.

[@williammaderas6475]

I really needed to hear all of this! The importance of the difference between practice and playing was great. Currently working on a piece by the Dead South- sometimes it works ....

[@woutvdborne5874]

What a great video again Eli. You cover all difficulties where i struggle with. greatings from Holland i follow you, you're simply the best!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thank you so much!

[@ThePaytorRyan]

These videos are extremely comprehensive and accessible and it’s amazing!! Thanks so much man.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks payton!

[@FergieSnr]

I’m just starting the banjo and have got into your 30 day lessons… I’ve been playing the guitar for about 30 years so I’ve got a bit of a start but, the banjo is new and exciting to me it’s even rekindled my guitar playing as it was getting a bit stale… So thanks for your videos and keep up the good work… Cheers from Scotland….🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@blubberbooty]

Damn! You hit me right on the head. Thanks for the advice.

[@ingaudez8341]

Thank you for your amazing and helpful videos. I just got my first banjo two weeks ago and im excited to learn play it. Best regards from Austria!

[@jack8894]

I can only speak for myself, but I certainly appreciate what you do for us less talented players and taking the time to teach us. I have good days and I have days when I want to sling my banjo thru the wall, lol. But I truest want to get good on my banjo. And I have noticed a vast improvement in my picking since the 30 days of banjo teaching you put out. So I wish to thank you

[@jack8894]

Hey man, I really like you spreading your skills to the rest of us, thank you

[@drpholl]

I just began two weeks ago...your technique is masterful....so glad I found you!

[@JeffSits]

Thanks for the video. Really helps put things in perspective when I’m frustrated with my progress

[@waynestewart9380]

Well I really appreciated your honesty because it is so true true true. Lots packed into your banjo sermon, needed this to keep me moving forward.

[@everdeneb4811]

I follow your 30 days of banjo lessons and that one helped particularly. Thank you so much for what you're doing

[@robertbrookhart1899]

Your videos are a big help with inspiration for me. I am just learning the banjo and having real problems with getting my left hand to work with my right. But that's getting better with time but that's my biggest problem right now. But thank you for your videos they really do help me a lot.

[@FRETLESSBANJO]

Thanks for the info on patient and slow practice, I have been making every mistake mentioned.

[@Rip1Outdoors]

going to take your word for it and try it. Thanks Eli

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Good luck Richard, you’ve got this!

[@066motocross]

Your a confidence booster Eli! I had such trouble learning to do the pinch in day 2. I stayed patient and practiced it for days. After adjusting the way I was wearing the picks it just came to me. Thanks for your advice and lessons

[@krichter1951]

I appreciate your take on the difference between practice and playing for your own enjoyment. Your explanation demystifies some of the difficulties I am having in making progress. Thank you for the words of encouragement...they are helpful. Also an observation. I think that a large portion of your 30-Day students consists of us folks within 5 years either way of their 70's. Sure, learning is difficult, and we all experience running into brick walls, but at least we are running in a good herd. We ALL need to stay strong! Thanks for the guiding hand.

[@kevincameron8437]

Very good advice. I’m a beginner and you are throwing out a lot of great and useful information for us. Thanks

[@moganc]

Mr. Gilbert, not only have I enjoyed your patient and honest approach to teaching the banjo, but I find that your emphasis on correcting mistakes with slow and focused practising has application outside playing the banjo. This approach to other, in fact most areas of one's life seems to be the surest way to build success. Thank you!

[@bonblue]

I have trouble keeping in time from the transition to and from vamping. I appreciate your knowledge and your willingness to share it.

[@matthewsmith8976]

Thanks for making these videos Eli. I’m currently working on a melodic version of Red Haired Boy my banjo instructor Sam Guthridge put together for me. It’s similar to the first version you have on your video which I have been using to figure out a backup on my own. Thanks again for all you do.

[@christinafarris7517]

I'm new and over excited but so glad I found you thanks for going slow and not over expecting . I'm at lesson 3 and loving what I can do. Had to trim nails more to get my left hand to sound better on frets and keep my hand planted or grounded. I find my picking hand floating while I play. Thanks for your videos and for not rushing 👍

[@alanscott8190]

Awe man,you are so right,this has got me in a better frame of mind for learning in the future.thanks a million.no time like the present to get started.Alan Scott

[@moganc]

Your honest comments about practising to get better, playing for fun, and not wasting your time are so refreshing, Mr. Gilbert. You are an excellent teacher. I look forward to my banjo sessions and your tutorials every day. I am led by the dream of playing at a little log cabin I built in the woods near my home where I boil maple syrup in the spring with my friends. I have played piano for years, but the vision of playing the banjo well on the porch next to the woodshed motivates me to follow your method. At 57, I am enjoying this in a deep way that I have not experienced in quite a number of years. Thank you so much from Northern Ontario, Canada!

[@daveheath3728]

Eli, I have just become aware of you, and I must say I am very impressed with not only your skill as a very fine banjo player, but also your teaching style . You not only provide great versions of popular bluegrass songs, but explain the nuances and difficulties. I currently am struggling with right hand anchoring and interference of ring finger with middle finger. I really got a lot out of your fixing your bad habits video. Great to have a banjo Maineiac out there to help us, I can say that because my family is from Maine, (Deer Isle). Love what you do and plan to keep in touch. I'm currently working on Roanoake and Sailors Hornpipes . Many thanks, Dave Heath 🙂

[@danmoss3834]

Great tips there thank you. Quite new to banjo so this actually helps quite a lot, I’m currently learning foggy mountain breakdown and was doing just as you said, ignored my mistakes and just carried on in hope that eventually with practice I would hit that note correct eventually. Finding the pull off a challenge but working on it. Thanks again 👍

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Dan!

[@rbot6492]

Wow Eli great video! I’ve been playing the banjo for about 2 years now and feel like there have been several times when my progress has plateaued and I’ve broken through to get a lil better before the next plateau. But hopefully the mindset and focused practice talked about in this vid can help me keep improving

[@CarlRandy]

I really enjoyed this video for the common sense approach to practice or playing. I have been using 30 days along with a banjo teacher who has endorsed this progression to learning banjo for the first time.

[@AnnLippert1]

GREAT BANJO ADVICE!!!!!

[@charlesbenedetti8607]

Eli............you're speaking directly to me. thanx for this basic.

[@jacquesmongis9871]

I do enjoy watching your videos, am currently learning Clinch mountain and am really battling with it, thanks for the tip in breaking it down... will try that

[@johnsommers495]

Terrific video, Eli! Actually good advice for ANYONE learning a new instrument!!

[@modishoo461]

Have been playing for a little over 6 months after many years of guitar and found this lesson so helpful, and eye opening. Thank you.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Glad to hear that, thank you!

[@Kstevensmd]

Great advice!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks!

[@jpa396]

Great advice, for any musical instrument. I’m working through your 30-day training on KZbin and loving it! Thank you!!!

[@TheBobinVA]

Tremendously good advice. This guy is beyond his years.

[@brianhummel4249]

Thanks for the great video! I'm still new to banjo and learning through your lessons and Jim Pankey's. Right now, just transitioning from simple chords to others with my left hand is pretty challenging. The rolls seem easier to get at the moment. But it just takes time and practice. Found your bad habits and why you're not getting better videos and thought I'd check them out before I start making big errors. Very helpful thanks!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Glad to hear that Brian, thank you!

[@tescarlow9468]

Playing my first banjo at 55! A gift from my husband, using the left hand with fingers in frets is my current keep practicing mode, 5 lessons from your you tube videos and totally enjoying it! Lots of relative practising.

[@stevekoceja4298]

In the process of purchasing my first banjo. Doing lots of research before I even try to play. This video was great to hear, thank you.

[@timspencer1307]

Hi Eli, trying to make the transition from clawhammer to 3 finger and your videos are the clearest path from here to there. Thanks for clear, articulate lessons.

[@williammyers3388]

Great advice.. being on day 7 of your 30, I probably am trying to practice much to fast and too long. I will try to take this advice to heart.

[@donaldfair4259]

Eli your point of view on the practicing is an eye opener . This will help me immensely .

[@wadeknight9202]

Thank you! Your videos are honest and helpful you are right I been rushing and adding stuff I should get the stuff down first then try to add in fills

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Wade!

[@rem-cr3hx]

Subscribed..been playing off and on but got a good enough (amazon) banjo and things not so crazy now and really wanting to focus. Using your videos. Thank you

[@Pepper12ish]

Thanks for the lesson. I’m focusing on the areas I need to work on, playing them slowly until my tempo is right. Thanks for another good lesson!

[@mikehouse611]

I used to play a lot, but I haven't had my banjo out of the case in over a year. Now it's almost worse than starting from scratch, because the frustration is really there constantly. Thank you for your videos. I'm going to come back to playing well , but I want to come back the right way and that means don't worry about getting up to speed---just be sure the picking is clean and accurate. The speed will come if I follow your videos like a rank beginner and don't rush it. Your videos are the best I've ever seen. Thanks again.

[@mikeshutts1969]

I just started playing a few months ago. Thanks for the tips. I am stuck on learning the Worried Man Blues. So I will slow down and work on one measure at a time. Thanks again.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

You’ll get it!

[@beastinthesky6774]

Man, I'm glad watched this video when I was just first getting started on the banjo a few months ago. Some of principles here have, I think, really helped me to avoid bad practice habits. It's still tempting to try to play things as fast as I possibly can, even imperfectly - and I do, some - but I'm quick to then slow down and drill over the correct notes to make sure I'm not reinforcing bad habits. Anyway, great advice, thanks Eli.

[@marklavenziano4208]

I just found this video and yes very helpful, I have played the saxophone for about 25 years and learning something new always helps so we I heard the banjo being played again about a week ago and always wanted to play it I bought one so now I’m trying to learn it but like most people we want to play it now, can’t be done leaning slower always works. Thank for the tip. Mark

[@larrylee6397]

I am the PERFECT example of what you are saying. I picked up the banjo at 51, now I am 70. When learning songs; I focused on memorizing and speed. Kept learning song after song, thinking that mistakes will take care of themselves over time. I played/practiced everyday for 15 years and just became a sloppy player. I put the banjo down for about the last 4 years, just picking it up occasionally. I am going to start over again and STRICTLY follow your expert advise. Thanks!

[@benkirby6349]

Currently practicing a few of the measures in the 1st break of Scruggs' "Foggy Mountain Breakdown." I love seeing all of the little nuisances in various phrases of the song. It seems like the variation was so thoughtful on each instance he played a lick. So much to learn.... Thanks for the insights Eli!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Ben!

[@vernondepauw7731]

I have been trying to play Banjo just for the fun for a number of years. I have made little progress and this video really tells me why in a number of ways. THANKS!

[@tonymeadows8954]

Good Advice! i constantly work at mistakes

[@therealdiehl4671]

Now in my sixties and playing for about 25+ years come to the realization that this, like so many things in life, is about character. One of the things I noticed first about you was your focus. That is what helps you excel. It's a gift, but also a discipline. Just got the drum machine to do some "focused" work with that.

[@brianpurdy7794]

I've been working on cripple creek and have been using this advice to get better on the 3-2 pull off. It is one of my weakest points. Thanks a lot for the content. Being a Patreon supporter was never so rewarding!!

[@randyromans3689]

Best advice!

[@larryfrye8283]

Thank you Gilbert for this video! I could not agree more regarding practicing with intention and playing to fast when learning new material. I become impatient and lack focus. Now back to playing again after a thirty plus year break and now learning with intention and cleaning up my mistakes. I’m 2/3s the way through Ground Speed.

[@robertcox1588]

I play with a group of musicians at church. I was asked to learn a special version of "I'll Fly Away" on the banjo. I am hoping to be ready with this piece by our next outing on September 30th. I already use the slow method and I don't use the focus method just yet, but I will now!! Thanks for the tips!!!

[@davidnewton4702]

I started trying to learn to play the banjo about ten years ago but didn't stick with it. i found everything you are saying to be true because thats exactly what I did, eventually I put it up and haven't picked it up again until now after seeing this video! I'm picking it up again because this all makes so much sense! Thank you Eli!!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

So glad to hear that!

[@websterzip]

I've been learning Cripple Creek and Foggy Mtn Breakdown. 1 measure at a time. Thank you for another great video.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Jim!

[@chickenflockers4796]

truly some fantastic info!!

[@aussiedrifter007]

Hey Eli, I play clawhammer and also now trying to learn Bluegrass, that is one of the most common sense and practical approaches to learning music (or anything) that I have heard. I think the key is learning each task one by one and getting it right but I never thought of it the way you explained. Thanks

[@thomassciurba5323]

Thank you, I really enjoy your videos. In my experience playing is fun, practice is really, really hard! Eight years in (complety self taught) and I find that I often reach plateaus where my progress stalls. That's when I stop practicing so much and just do more playing for a little while. A couple of weeks goes by and I go back to fighting the hard parts and often what was really hard seems a whole lot easier. You can't be too rough on yourself, banjo is meant to be fun first.

[@elisabethemory]

This has helped me so much!! I realize that I have been doing a couple of things that you pointed out. I do practice one piece at a time over and over until I've got it. But my mistake is like you said, trying to play faster when I'm obviously not ready for that yet!! I'm new to your channel, and I just turned on notifications. I've been playing banjo for about 2 months now, and I'm not taking lessons, so videos like yours help me SO much!! Jesus loves you Eli! Have a blessed weekend!

[@robertwegori4147]

Very well said thanks

[@MrJoncoleman]

Good points there - I practice a new song in small sections, but good advice to focus on the harder bits. Sounds obvious but easy to get carried away with the easier stuff. I’m currently learning blackberry blossom, it’s going alright, just taking me a while to get it clean.

[@fullingtonlumbercompany3656]

Your videos are very helpful. I've been working on getting my fingers closer to the strings and comfortable. I also have a tendency to watch my right hand and memorize the left hand position on the frets. I'm working on reversing that or just memorizing both

[@doesleapfarm]

Clear, articulate, intelligent. Great video and fantastic channel! I am working on applying single string licks to my band's repertoire. I try to nail it down with a metronome up to speed and then apply it in context.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thank you!

[@ricksebastian2943]

Great video and expert advice. I am currently working or tying to work on more 3/4 time to get to where i can improvise, there is just not alot of material on 3/4 timing.Thanks for all you are doing to help us become better banjo players.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Rick!

[@pattislavtcheff5526]

You said this perfectly… something that I’ve been struggling with for a while now. Thank you!!! Such a simple concept, but so important.

[@peterscheffler3043]

Excellent advice I keep trying to follow. Lots of helpful comments. My favorites are the ones about wanting so much to be able to play like the great music we hear and being frustrated that we can't yet. Most of us don't have the time to get to that level, so we need to find music that sounds good at our lower levels of proficiency. And the banjo isn't exactly a melodic instrument in the more straightforward way of many others. I appreciate all suggestions.

[@bobbymalick9684]

At least you seam like you really care about your students on getting better with your videos! I’m just picking my banjo up again after 14 years hope to learn more about your style thank you, Bobby