Fretting the 5 string banjo | banjo Left hand technique

[@ronaldbradley7897]

This video has really helped me as an old but beginning banjo player. Thanks for helping the neophytes.

[@BanjoAddict]

No problem, I just remember how hard it was for me beginning the banjo !

[@Steve-jf3hf]

Thanks for the info Sandy, and good to see that you haven't lost your picks :0) !

[@donaldabailey1]

Thanks for this information on this video.I was having big trouble with my left hand. I was thinking short finger. Hand position ! All of the sudden my finger would reach a lot better. Just need to keep working on it.

[@BanjoAddict]

You are most welcome

[@thefamily2707]

Love the content 🙏🏻 keep it coming I’m living in south east Asia now and banjo is trending here big time. 👍🏻

[@BanjoAddict]

hello! south east asia! wow that is fantastic thank you for watching. love to hear the banjo is is trending!

[@curiositydrawsme9180]

Thanks for your advice about loosening up the left hand. I’ve been clamping down really hard because I thought I needed to in order to eliminate buzz or fuzzy notes. Your advice to “choke up” my fingers right behind each fret is helpful. I guess maybe the calluses won’t come as fast, but my fingers will be less painful after each practice session! Always great content with your videos.

[@BanjoAddict]

Glad I could help!

[@markusbartell9611]

Great video! One of my goals for the year is the darn D chord. Its actually coming along pretty good with LOTS of shake and make repetition. Really like what you said about the thumb position. After watching this video I'm becoming more aware of keeping my thumb in the middle of the chord shape and it really helps. Thanks once again

[@BanjoAddict]

You can do it!

[@markusbartell9611]

@@BanjoAddict Amen! When I first started trying to fret the D chord , my fingers looked like they were playing a game of twister from hell...lol, but they are starting to cooperate!

[@Fast_Twist]

Practicing thumb position for chords today, great insight thanks 🫡

[@BanjoAddict]

Have fun!

[@mikeh.5145]

Very helpful video, thank you. I’m a new player and subscriber that’s using a shoulder strap that slides on my shoulder. Which strap are you using ? or another one you would recommend ? Thank you for your help !

[@BanjoAddict]

Hey Mike, thank you for watching. I use a 2” leather strap. I found that the 1” straps dig into my shoulder with heavier banjos. As far as how to wear it, just wear it how is most comfortable to you. I wear mine across my shoulders and behind my neck. But I know a lot of players wear them across a single shoulder.

[@MrHandoverfist]

a right hand banjo and a left hand banjo have the orientation of the fifth string tuning peg and the head guard on the top , as in up on the side that you immediately look down upon vs the underside, CORRECT....this is being challenged to me. I mean basically they are mirror images and different like a right hand glove and left hand glove and this is seen in the short 5th string peg orientation and the head guard, I hope this makes sense..

[@keithcox7075]

Thanks for the advice, i have been doing just what you said with my thumb. How about the timing between right and left hand, i struggle with that also at my age of 65.

[@BanjoAddict]

I still struggle with timing myself .. it takes discipline to get it down

[@timhutchinson8087]

I talked to you the other day about anchoring my little finger on my bridge. Tell me what is wrong with it? It's the only place that feels natural to me . Explain why I should not. Thanks Tim!!

[@BanjoAddict]

The main reason is the bridge transfers all the vibrations from the strings to the banjo head. Planting your pinky on the bridge would “mute” the bridge in essence and muffle the sound

[@stephenbacon8239]

Brilliant stuff, keep it coming. Question, why do some banjos have an area of the neck higher up without frets. Or is that a dumb question. UK Steve

[@BanjoAddict]

openback banjos sometimes have a scooped neck, to where the neck is scooped out near the pot for ease of playing. thats the only reason i can think of that frets would be missing.

[@stephenbacon8239]

@@BanjoAddict got it, makes sense. Thank you