30 Days of Banjo: Day 4 // Time to Pick!

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[@EliGilbertBanjo]

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

[@jerrycriner7279]

I really appreciate your simple/easy approach to learning in this series. I’m 14 days in and only on days 4/5, but I’m making progress. It might take me a couple months to get through 30 days but your lessons are short enough I don’t feel overwhelmed with the techniques each day. 👍

[@ddhui9326]

I like the way you taught, not too fast and not too slow, I don’t feel overwhelmed.even though am 99 yeas old ( I feel myself this age), I can catch your lesson. Thank you.!

[@Lost_Pikachu]

yeah. playing pinch came easy cause i spent my first couple days trying clawhammer. I knew programming the 3 pluck patterns into my hand would take some time. Its been a year. you still playing? hows the progress?

[@ladydynamite7]

Eli, thank you so much. The way you are building skills on top of one another in digestible chunks is extremely accessible and really making the process of learning a new instrument so pleasant.

[@jeff-ng9fm]

Thanks Eli, you're doing a global service

[@r.u.kidding8696]

Fantastic lessons and thank u. Wish u could show the Tab with each lesson !

[@Keninoz1]

One of the hardest "ear" things as a guitar player is getting used to the 5th string on the banjo being a higher note than the lowest note is on a guitar that's in standard tuning.

[@Keninoz1]

Yep :). That & the extra machine head at the fifth fret making me think it's the first fret :)

[@jelissalewis]

Yes!

[@furfoxsake1175]

Never played an instrument before. Really surprised at how quickly I'm picking everything up. Muscle memory kicked in for open strings so now I can stay focused on the tablature which makes it so much easier on my brain and neck. Wish I started sooner. Thanks a bunch

[@GeorgeT0504]

Being a guitarist I basically flew through the first few videos in minutes and now I’m at the point where I’ve actually gotta practice more seriously than I have been. The tricky part for me was when looking at the fretboard I almost forget there’s 5th string even though I’m playing it and I’ll accidentally play the 4th string instead of the 3rd 😂 now I’ve gotten that down I’ve just gotta get used to the 5th string being the highest pitch, being a guitarist I’m used to the 5th being lower than the 4th so it’s a bit confusing but I’m definitely getting better. These videos are great 👍

[@dilou40]

I feel exactly the same and it's so good to read that I'm not the only one in this case ! 😁😉

[@Keninoz1]

My thoughts exactly. The fifth string confuses my ear. I also keep going to the fifth fret instead of the first fret because of the location of the extra machine head. That & trying not to place the banjo on my right knee :)

[@gravl1]

Me too. Higher strings belong under my fingers, not my thumb!

[@cthulhuhoops7538]

Same here, it's hard to get used to.

[@conniefletcher6884]

This is brilliant-starting with a single finger, then the pinch, and now breaking the pinch into a roll. I’ve always started new students by jumping right in with the forward roll. Thank you so much!

[@ArtificialFertilizer]

I started learning by jumping straight into Foggy Mountain Breakdown tutorial. ;)

[@Skweet]

the satisfaction of getting this down alone is beyond amazing.

[@BeardedSmith]

as someone who's been a guitarist for almost 20 years, the previous 3 lessons where super easy but this is where it gets interesting for me. The top string (the G you hit with your thumb) sounding higher than the strings below it is really fucking with my brain to pickinghand connection hahaha, thanks for these awesome lessons!

[@Keninoz1]

Ditto. That & the extra machine head, which makes me sometimes think the fifth fret is the first fret :)

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

It's super rewarding to feel the improvement day after day, bringing a piece from 60 to 120 bpm over the course of practice really gets me going

[@MarkGTerry]

This stuff is brilliant! It's broken into wonderful bite sized pieces that even I can handle. The first lesson was so simple, I couldn't see how it would lead anywhere. By the 4th lesson, all sorts of paths are already opening up. What a great teacher!!! Rather than offering up complicated drudgery that causes students to give up, Eli almost tricks you into playing. VERY VERY COOL!

[@regandavis7275]

You and KZbin make learning banjo fun and exciting! Thank you for these simple yet satisfying lessons!

[@ajverhappen1758]

Thank you for being such a chill and encouraging teacher! I appreciate how you break things down into the smallest of chunks but are also super encouraging if the chunk you have made is not bite sized this time for this person.

[@MaravilhaMary]

I'm sick with COVID and after a few days i decided to pick up my grandfather's banjo and give it a shot. This is really neat and the instructions are clear and helpful. Thank you. I feel like he's looking down with a smile.

[@scygnius]

I am loving the style of these videos. They're professionally made, and your teaching style really seems to work for all different skillsets. I've seen a lot of comments which say the banjo has been rather hard for them and they can still follow along to this course. I've kinda toyed with a banjo off and on for the past few years, so my "fundamentals" are a little more trained than a complete newbie. That said, I'm still finding this course astronomically helpful. Thanks so much for making these.

[@Soulforsolstice]

Thanks for the reminder to take our time! I've already been going a bit slower but it's nice to hear that from you as well 😌

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

I need a reminder sometimes as well!

[@cherylcorkle4644]

You are one of the best teachers I’ve ever experienced-thank you so much I’m learning a lot from you.

[@ddhui9326]

I like the way you taught, not too fast and not too slow. Even though I m 99 years old( I feel my age), I can catch up and not overwhelm. Thank you!

[@charleswyzanski9900]

Eli, I've sampled so many beginning banjo KZbin lessons, CD's, and books but what you have provided is--at least for me--the very best! It's not just your logical method, or that you provide the tablature and recordings of Earl Scruggs to go along with it. It's your gentle patience and forebearance--something so much appreciated by someone who unfortunately lacked much native musical intelligence back in the day and now even more so in his mid-seventies!

[@adamfowler1133]

man, you are an absolutely phenomenal teacher.

[@j1lk018]

G'day mate, I've come from Electric Bass and so already have a decent grip on a lot of these basics but still comin to these videos cause they're great. absolute kudos for explaining the basics for complete beginners to string instruments in a way that doesn't make those with those same basics and further go "yeah no sh!t". I'm hopefully picking up my first Banjo later today and figured I'd start lookin at these early. lovin your work.

[@leimaniax]

Another fabulous lesson. I come from guitar and it’s such strange space to be learning banjo - and loving it. Thank you for these lessons. Seeing incredible progress instead of dipping into a million different bits. Magical and great teaching.

[@troyhargis7644]

Thank you! As a full time plumbing business owner who loves music and never played an instrument before, was just trying to find some down time to unwind. These lessons are awesome and self paced. Best part all I think about is hearing and copying you for about 1-11/2 hrs each day.

[@stephensatehs]

Thank you very much for this wonderful series of videos. I find your teaching style to be approachable and sincere and I appreciate your commitment to reinforcing fundamentals. I have never played a stringed instrument before and I am learning a great deal. Thank you!

[@xXdarkestlightXx]

I so appreciate these videos. Thank you! ❤

[@freeedr]

Thank you very much. Making much more progress than when I tried to practice in other ways.

[@dilwynpritchard7672]

I got a banjo for my 50th birthday on the 2nd of August and have done up to lesson 4 and am loving it You make it so easy and possible for people to learn witch is a gift thank you

[@pmurray8065]

I need a miracle, or eternal life, cuz that is what will get me to day 5! This has proven to me that my brain is not connected to my fingers. How could there be 6 people in the world who think a thumbs down for this helpful video is appropriate?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

You'll get it! Take as long as you need

[@Al-jb5dw]

Thank you so much for this, your lessons are fantastic!

[@brennawashburn7394]

Thank you for making such cohesive, approachable lessons ❤️ very excited about the progress I’ve made thus far

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

So glad to hear that!

[@images40]

I really like this course. I tried the banjo over 20 years ago, to no avail. I am recently "retired" and thought this would be a great way to fill some time. IT IS! I am taking my time, it will probably take me 6 months or so to finish the entire course, but like Eli says, no rush.

[@aaronschwalbach9136]

I’m as green as can be on a banjo. I think you are a great teacher. I really do appreciate your content.

[@deesharp2238]

HI... loving these lessons as a complete beginner. Colton Crawford from The Dead South recommended this course to me after I messaged him on Instagram. Def wish I had more time to practice!! Thanks again for these lessons.

[@S.S.250]

Thank you so much for these videos!

[@justinhunt7879]

Idk what made me want to pick up a banjo but I'm not musically inclined what so ever never picked up a instrument and I absolutely love your teaching I'm on day 7-8 but just starting lesson 4 and I am absolutely in love with it keep being awesome and thanks again!

[@michaeldunaway8336]

You are brilliant i Iook forward

[@ruthcollins1726]

Back for another whirl on this course, I first did January 2021 and a year later it's nice to go back and refresh basics and see how far I've progressed, thanks very much.

[@eddiemoore545]

Really like these videos so far. Started learning when in high school from a family friend that moved after about 3 months in. Just picked up another banjo a few months ago wanting to get back into it at age 52 now. I like these straight forward lessons that aren’t too intimidating. Thanks!

[@kellykirk4244]

Wow. I love your teaching method

[@swampdogdiggity]

Thank you. You’re an amazing teacher!

[@howieone6141]

Thanks Eli, loving this...

[@geraldmajercik5801]

Hello Eli, my main goal is to play the banjo in common sounds with the guitar. To play the simplest songs. Ex; happy birthday, oh susannah, twickel twickel & other great familiar songs that are normally made on the guitar. Thank you Jerry Majercik. ❤🙏👍

[@timothyherron5684]

I really like the simple easy banjo lessons

[@myindigoblues5796]

You're a great teacher. Thank you. I admit, I'm hitting that place where, although I'm getting it, it certainly needs more time to practice to perfection. Really enjoying it, though. Don't know about my neighbours ☺️

[@ExpeladeitoR]

this is the moment when i felt progress! i bought my 1st banjo a month ago, it's my 2nd instrument (1st the harmonica but never could make any sound) and this course is awesome, it is amazing to me that i can somehow learn with your guide something that i always took for imposible, thanks man, gonna keep up with the lessons

[@autumnm.1458]

Idk if commenting helps videos but here I am day 4 🥳

[@Hoss999]

Thank you!

[@shaynegoodison]

My son Greer (who is 6) and I are having a go at this together. We also take online lessons from Noam Pikelny, however the lessons at this point seem a bit much for him. This 30 day course has helped with his banjo practice--which has been sporadic (mine as well at times). With this simple song and us practicing one we can learn together his practice has vastly improved. My only comment for todays' lesson is this... Having played banjo for awhile and thus learning a few rolls, it is a bit difficult for me to just play 3 notes--weird as that may seem. Feels more like going backwards than progression. Nice to have this whole thing broken down though in a manner my 6 year old can follow and learn. Looking forward to day 5 ( we've been at this now for 10 days, slow but sure and honest with ourselves). Thank you for the great lessons and happy picking.

[@thiccsticcbell3552]

This is so much fun and this guy is a phenomenal teacher. I had no idea I'd be this far along so fast. It's so inspiring

[@toddbest3327]

Even though I’m left handing with a banjo I’m still finding this very helpful

[@thibaultfassler998]

This is the day where guitarists (like myself) really lose their minds. "What do you mean, my thumb plays the highest note, that doesn't make sense !!!!" I need coffee. Oh and also, thank you ! 🙂

[@mcleanjace]

Loving these lessons! Thanks for doing this.

[@ttttastytasty]

As a guitar player of 17 years, it's so hard for my brain to think of a higher string being on the top. But I'll get there

[@BassAddictofficial]

I'm a guitar player, but getting the whole finger planting is difficult. It's difficult to switch over I general. But about 4 days in I'm seeing great progress. Thanks my boi

[@gravl1]

I am a guitar player, and fingerpick pretty well. This is totally different! I can’t wrap my head around that G drone string. Higher notes belong on the other side! I’ll get it though.

[@aimsterg3208]

Thanks again for the great lesson!

[@DavoY2K]

I used to play banjo a lot. I'm a guitar player and haven't had a banjo in a decade but still have my fingerpicks, So I tuned the high E down to a D on an acoustic and removed the bass E and A strings. Then replaced the A string with the high G. I call it a banjitar. That's how I'm re learning and your course is awesome. Subscribed. Thank you.

[@josefdetzer8717]

Love it all!

[@JD02]

Thank you..

[@MichaelCampbell01]

Welp, I'm starting day 4 of the lessons, on about day 10 of the practice =D But I'm having fun, and it's starting to sound like something now. I don't mind that I'm going slow, but thanks for saying it on the videos.

[@charlesmeadows2]

Thanks

[@vkizior1]

great series, thanks for creating this content

[@benjaminsantiagosstuff]

It's super counterintuitive to me, coming from guitar to play a higher note on my thumb than my index finger, I just intuitively reach for the higher note with my index finger. Takin' a minute to "deprogram"

[@DavidTxxxx]

Me too ... only it's taking more than a minute! Once I get the tune into my head, my fingers automatically head south for the high note rather than north! How can I break this 30-year habit???

[@benjaminsantiagosstuff]

@@DavidTxxxx yeah it took me a bit, I think you just have to “go through the motions” let your hand “execute the program” and then it starts to actually make sense. I was actually learning a song with banjo roll type playing on guitar (Jerry’s Breakdown) so it was extra confusing…I think again you can just go slow and take the banjo on its own terms. The way these lessons stack information and build upon the previous ones is very helpful structurally

[@dennisbrock3397]

Well done

[@davidf3627]

Thank you Eli. These lessons are great, and you are an amazing teacher. I am feeling pretty good with today’s lesson at 100 bpm, but I can’t play well consistently at the indicated tempo of 120. Would you recommend staying on each lesson until I can play it at the indicated tempo? I’m happy to take as much time as I need to complete the course, just not sure how critical speed is.

[@cardisea]

Your Awesome !!!

[@Schmecker]

thhhhhaaank you :)

[@Taylors-OnTour]

Great

[@ericbraswell4713]

Decades of 6-string muscle memory rebel against the 5th string being the highest pitched. My brain is convulsing a little 😂

[@davidfinley3559]

Yup. Mine, too.

[@ashlynhelen879]

Hey! I love this! But can you explain the order better and how many times we play each note thing. Still learning and I’m happy I’m leaning super fast! But I’m lost on this part!

[@kassandraguevara4392]

I'm completely. In love with your teaching in these videos I feel you will be a huge park how I finally head towards my dream of being a banjo master lol like stringbean and Tommy Jarrell anyways I've felt very goodabout the rest but on this one is there any chance you could possibly number for me what sequence your plucking which finger and which string

[@myindigoblues5796]

I have a hard time placing my pinky finger down while playing. Still trying to find the right position with the strings

[@michsportsfan2000]

The 4th lesson I got lost and had to constantly rewind to see what fingers are where. Even though you say where they go it was hard to see. Maybe move camera to your left to help that to help viewer see finger placement. You went quicker than the first 3 lessons. Tablature really helped in first 3 as well but didn’t appear in 4th lesson

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Check the first link in the description!

[@slugfeet27]

Day 4 and I am putting it the work and seeing results. Question for those who are also learning: I am using a metal thumb pick. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to a plastic thumb pick?

[@ZorgShip9]

Thanks my man, learning so 'jo over here. Do you suggest any particular banjo straps?

[@NicholeWhite-pn5yb]

I don’t currently have fingerpicks. Does it matter which direction for strumming?

[@tomnelson3362]

Eli, do you have two finger videos also?

[@sethforeman6359]

Am I missing something? This video at 31 seconds you say normal first note is 3rd string with index finger. But in last video, the song starts with 2nd string index finger…..?

[@MrCarlos5089]

i am using my thumb on the second string as i find it more comfortable than my index finger.. Am i going to have a problem as i advance through the course?

[@mochabanji]

This may be a dumb question but as im practicing should i also practive playing while standing up or is it a matter of preference? Or it would be useful if i want to? I feel like it’s harder to practice while standing up but maybe my banjo is also hanging too low?

[@juliettesavage3975]

When you doing the 4th string what other strings are you using

[@jonathanvankleef3208]

Im searching on Google: how to like a video twice😂

[@redthemad9820]

I love these lessons. I have to go super slow (50 bpm), but am determined to just practice. You did not show the tablature in this video - does this mean we have to subscribe to that and pay after the 30 day trial?

[@furfoxsake1175]

You probably figured this out by now but the tablature is linked in the description.

[@wbdx9785]

Question. Coming from guitar, its normal to alternate pick. This lesson i guess out of habit, i found myself after hitting the 4th string with my thumb pick, upstroking the 5th string. I figure this is not intented as you're not doing it, but i was wondering if there are any scenarios or techniques that utilize alternate picking with the thumb. Or is this just a bad habit to avoid?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

I've never known anyone to do that so it would definitely be unconventional. At the very least it wouldn't be particularly helpful for bluegrass style banjo playing, but otherwise there are no rules!

[@1611_KJB]

Well, I'm still not proficient, ir even tolerable with day three, but decided to forge ahead. Day four is really just a natural continuation, and a good one. I can almost believe I can make music. Thanks. I may be stuck here or a few weeks. Knowing what banjo players eventually do, it's probably not wise to move on until this is smooth. I figure five times through at 120 bps with no mistakes (or almost none) will be smooth. Does that sound right?

[@MarkGTerry]

Fellow student, I feel your frustration but Eli is clearly a great teacher and I'm not giving up even if my "30 days of banjo" turns into "100 days of banjo". As for me, I'm playing like a turtle hoping to get through each lesson twice without any mistakes. Hang in there buddy!

[@kjenkins8648]

No tab for this one. I'm trying to see/hear how to combine; it was 351,451 then 251? But it sounds mixed or alternated. I cant make out the combination. Thank you

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Check the link in the description for the tab!

[@sarahcrown1699]

Bro, where's the tab for this video?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Check the description bro!

[@andys6592]

Stupid question.. does the thumb always pick downward and the other two fingers upwards in roll patterns??

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Yep!

[@efrensaclolo7021]

My son gave me a banjo and I want to learn Rainbow Connection by Kermit ,How hard is that on a banjo,I could easily do it in a Ukelele by ear I learned it so easy .Can you do Chords on a banjo?Since it is set up as a G chord?

[@MasonCroneMusic]

Yes, you can play just about any chord on the banjo😁👍

[@kjenkins8648]

Ok I set to 25% speed and got 3515, 513, 512, 513

[@rosegarrett7689]

get to learn the banjo and he is hot

[@deborahthomas3475]

You didn’t show the tablature

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Check the link in the description for all the tablature!

[@donnabyrd6368]

How do you keep the banjo from falling. Mine always slides off

[@MarkGTerry]

Had the same problem - bought a strap. Now, all is well. Good luck fellow student.

[@DavidTxxxx]

I found I had to sit with my feet up on a little stool / step. This raised my knees and made my lap into a valley where the banjo sits nicely.

[@jaydabrynn1140]

Awesome 😍💋 💝💖♥️❤️