Sing with the Banjo in 3 Steps

In this lesson, I break down my approach to singing with clawhammer banjo in three steps. I'm basing this lesson off of my recent "Fall On My Knees" performance video.
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[@Michael_Malice_Music]

Ive watched so many of you videos over the last days and weeks, longingly awaiting Fall when I get my very first Banjo and embark on my Banjo Quest in earnest. Love your content !!

[@FretlessFury]

HA! So glad you have a banjo in your future!! Looking forward to helping you along the way. Best, Tom

[@bellsproutpizza]

You are such a gem of a teacher, always highlighting little parts of music that I'd never consciously considered. Thank you!

[@FretlessFury]

You're very welcome!

[@user-kx5tw2my3z]

Love this explanation Tom. Im a late starter at 61! Your videos are really helpful. Its really helping me think about technique. I'm trying to do daily focussed practice... any thoughts on which videos might help me with what to be practising would be great. I started playing in February after having been inspired at various old time festivals, Sore Fingers camps and bluegrass festivals in the UK.

[@FretlessFury]

Late starter at 61??? You're a spring chicken! I've seen folks WAY older pick up the banjo and run with it. Don't think for a second you're "late" to the game. There's no such thing in my experience. Hard to recommend videos as there are so many, but I would focus on building excellent striking hand foundation first. It's ok to do drills and exercises! It doesn't have to be tunes all the time. Banjo Blitz, a free series I did a few years ago on KZbin, is designed around striking hand foundations and fundamental clawhammer work. I'd start there. When you're ready for tunes, that's what I do on Banjo Quest, so you might take a look at that as well. Good luck on your journey. All it takes is patience and effort and you'll be making music in no time! Best, Tom

[@pacorumblefish]

I bought me a shirt. Great channel.

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks, Paco!! Enjoy your shirt!

[@user-dg6iw5qb6p]

Yessss!

[@learningandgrowing7746]

I struggle with singing low enough, (I'm naturally a soprano and don't have a huge range) but if I sing an octave higher than the lowest string my voice is then too high. if that makes sense? I've heard about changing your banjos tuning to match your voice, but that sounds pretty intimidating as a beginner 😅.

[@FretlessFury]

Hey Learning and Growing...try using a capo to bring the banjo up in pitch so you can sing lower. Just remember, you'll have to tune the 5th string (if you don't have it railroad spiked). Also, you can try different tunings. The big four keys that are readily playable for the banjo player are A/G, C/D. You can fine tune those further with a capo as needed. Give it a shot and report back here! Best, Tom

[@jamesrusso2523]

Bought a shirt. Respect, Thank you for your help.

[@FretlessFury]

Enjoy it, James! Thanks!

[@cherub2972]

I will buy a shirt if you promise not to make me sing ... or even that humming thing.......cheers Roger

[@FretlessFury]

Roger! I'd rather you sing than buy a t-shirt...but why not do both!

[@cherub2972]

@@FretlessFury Man you drive a tough bargain....Given it's Thumb Week (Think Thumb, Roger) I could probably see my way clear to do both....

[@cherub2972]

OK so I went all out...bought a tee shirt, mug to amaze my co-workers and a sticker for my banjo case. Singing is going to be excruciating!

[@FretlessFury]

Oh...you're not "Roger". You're "The Roger". I should have known. Suggestion: put the sticker on your forehead. That way, when you make your first howls, your audience (dog) will have something to distract them. Think Thumb, Roger! Think Thumb!

[@lynphillips2109]

Well, your voice and the banjo sounds good, but when I hear the majority of banjo players on KZbin start to sing, I turn off the videos. I love banjo music, but when they don't have the right voice, it ruins it. A soft voice, I think is best to go along with the banjo. Anything else is too annoying, but that's just my weird opinion.