How Much Should I Practice?

[@matthewmilligan459]

Well I’m honored to be a part of this! God has truly blessed me with a banjo, and the friends and people I learn from, such as you Jim!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for being part! Mostly, thanks for being a friend.

[@catnutritionorg]

Amazing and inspiring to watch you, Matthew!

[@matthewmilligan459]

@@catnutritionorg and you, and you!!!!!!

[@hparksley]

Wow!! That was awesome!! That definitely put a smile on my face. My banjo arrives tomorrow and this 52yr old is super excited to get started.

[@yoloswaggins2857]

I think I follow you on tik tok, great to see you in the video!

[@johngee6700]

Never in my life did I ever think I could read music and now at 72 I am learning to read tablature thanks to good folks like Jim Pankey. Jim thank you and a big kudos to your guest for sharing their time and talking with us. If I may add a bit of advice and that is, do not learn alone. Support from good people like Jim and his guest is crucial in the learning process. Now hit that subscribe and thumbs up and let's give Jim our support.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks so much!

[@catnutritionorg]

Thanks for doing this, Jim - tickled pink to be on my favorite KZbin channel with The Man Himself. It's great fun to see everyone and "meet" Dan and Matthew. And wow, GO Matthew!

[@JimPankey]

Thank you for agreeing to be part of this project!

[@thefarmer013]

Your so right Jim’s a great inspiration for us all. A great motivator for beginner banjo community. Thanks

[@Coyote769]

Carpletunnel sergury on my picking arm so it will be slow going but hell, it took60 years to get the banjo so a couple more months a’int no big deal 17:37 Keep on pickin, Ed

[@rayhorvath7412]

That was a great idea to have ordinary people talk about how they learn. Loved it, thank you Jim

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@dickiedairy634]

Great video Jim..... Wonderful to see 'us regular folks' out there doing this.... I first picked up the banjo in NOV 2019, watched your beginner videos.....Hit the 'brick wall' of progress, and then got committed to this and bought a Nechville and started weekly Zoom lessons with an instructor and have been at that now for about 16 months..... I have learned patience and perseverance most of all through this journey. My attitude is 'I'm in it for the long haul'... there is NO finish line.... Thank you for all that you do for the banjo world! YOU are invaluable to us ALL !!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me part of your banjo journey!

[@richardmorgan-jones]

I've just borrowed a banjo from my brother as I have been wanting to learn for years. I am 75 and will be stating tomorrow, so now I am flicking through all these clips on tube and wondering how long it will take me to be reasonably good, as the standard is unbelievably high. I have been very impressed with the teaching style of Jim and, along with my other new hobby of bee keeping, I'm going to be quite busy for the next couple of years.

[@JimPankey]

You’ve got this. You’ll be playing just fine sooner than you think!

[@albertpiR2]

Im 26 from Arizona, ive owned my banjo for a few years now. Im not great at it, but it brings me a lot of joy. Thanks for creating your channel and passing down an art.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me be a part of your banjo journey

[@TimBurns88]

These interviews are great! Very inspirational and relatable. I’ve been playing for one year, and enjoy hearing from others. This is helpful. Thanks, Jim, and thanks to these banjo players!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching!

[@shrek6389]

I must say I was feeling really upbeat hearing about how the other Banjo learners were progressing and I identified with them in so many ways, then I listened to Matthew - after only 11 months - wow! Brought me back down to earth quickly. Ha ha. Well done Matthew. Well done Jim. Now where did I put my bangee?

[@JimPankey]

Oh to be 13 again. 😀

[@donaldfair4259]

Good evening Jim . I try to practice an hour each day . I generally begins with a few forward and backwards rolls 🪕

[@JimPankey]

Excellent

[@kevinbrianjohnsonmusic]

I need to practice more. I'm learning bass but love to listen to the banjo. That's why I'm here...lol

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching!

[@OurLifeHasGoneToShed]

Jim, thank you so much for having me on. Your channel, and lessons have been truly a gift. I don't think I would have made as much progress otherwise. I look forward to many years of awesome fun with the banjo. Thanks again, Danny

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for being a part of this!

[@thefarmer013]

Pretty impressive for 97 days

[@cammiepatch301]

I got my banjo seven weeks ago and I can play foggy mountain breakdown fairly well. I practice about an hour a day most days. I started with no experience and went through the basic lessons with Jim.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me be a part of your banjo journey!

[@cammiepatch301]

@@JimPankey I owe you a debt of gratitude.

[@chicksgrowtoo]

Ok, I just got my banjo yesterday, but after reading this, you are my current inspiration. 🙏🏼

[@smilingvulture]

like ann I tookup banjo during lockdown(62) I know a bit of everything but all of nothing now I'm working on individual songs - diff chord progressions - vamping till I know them with my eyes closed currently pike county breakdown my dream is being at ease in a jam session , taking a lead backup

[@JimPankey]

You've got this! Find a local jam and start going. :)

[@andys6592]

This is great! Thanks for getting other semi new players involved in these interviews. Helps with motivation and the understanding that this is a journey and a marathon and not a sprint! Biggest takeaway is play slow and clean first and then speed will come later

[@JimPankey]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

much respect to all banjo players worldwide. thank you mr.pankey

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@michaelm2945]

I've been a drummer for many years. Banjo has always intrigued me and I'm happy to finally get to play one, thanks to your great instruction Jim!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me help you learn!

[@jeffcheatham1744]

This was a GREAT video on the levels of learning everyone is at, to each of you who participated in this video, Thank You ! Jim, thank you for putting it together for us, and opening our eyes.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@john9663]

Jim, one of your best videos. Everyone has tabs and videos (you're the best), but your insight with this video is truly priceless! Your three guests were an inspiration to us "beginners". I appreciated their perspective and advice. Many thanks to you Jim!

[@JimPankey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deadpossum4550]

So yesterday I had my graduation party and my best friend got me a conqueror banjo!!! So excited to actually learn how to play!

[@JimPankey]

Enjoy!

[@kayakdan48]

Very inspirational, as is Jim and his lessons. The common denominator seems to be a love for the banjo no matter what. They also displayed a heartfelt gratitude to Jim Pankey as we all do. I 've placed mine in a great stand in front of the fireplace as an interactive decoration that I can't resist picking up and playing throughout the day and evenings with a music stand nearby for material.

[@JimPankey]

I always tell my students to put their banjo where they’ll see it. 😀

[@thefarmer013]

That was a great video. I’m 48 been playing since this Christmas. Actually found your 1 beginner video before I picked my banjo up. Just with that I already had the confidence that I was going to go get it and be dammed if I wasn’t going to learn it.. I practice daily in the beginning 10-15 min at a time. Until I would get frustrated then I’d put it down. Now I am finding it easier to spend 45 min to an hour. I to like Anne practice at the end of the night when all my stuff is done. Well that’s a lie if I’m busy at night I’ll plinky plink before going back out to work I just love it. It’s simple very low tech and I simply enjoy it. Thank you all for the video. I wish I was young and had Matt’s time holy cow that kid. I tried drums and guitar but never put the time in to get it. Maybe after

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@pippavanel4170]

My first ever banjo arrived today! Your videos have already been so helpful and got me started on day 1! This set of inspirational People makes me hopeful and excited to get some more fun time learning :) thank you Jim and community!

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@hhrfc671]

Been at this for 3 weeks now and starting to get somewhere. Every little bit of information helps in the big scheme of things. Biggest problem I have is when my ' social ' finger is on a fret it interferes with the string below it. Hopefully it'll come good with practice. Thanks Jim from Northland NZ.

[@JimPankey]

You'll get it!

[@banjo-beard]

Hey Jim - I really like this video format, its encouraging to hear about other people's learning experiences. I've been hitting a plateau recently, and this is a good reminder to have some fun, and that putting in the hours will pay off. Thanks for putting this content up (and answering all my questions about capos and playing in different keys on your tiktok Livestream!)

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching!!

[@KF0PBP]

A great motivational video. I picked up my banjo 2 months ago and am happy with the slow progress.

[@JimPankey]

Great to hear!

[@Ricekrispy73]

I’m a little late to this video. Thank you. This a inspiration to beginning banjo player. As always a great video.

[@JimPankey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ariannea3]

That was interesting and inspiring!! Thanks for sharing !😊 They gave amazing tips. As a beginner, I practice everyday at least 1h. I sometimes practice 2 to 3 hours on weekends.

[@JimPankey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ferrolblackmon4637]

This was great. Practice is one of the best parts of my day. I may only get 30 minutes in a day, but I'm amazed at how far I've come in 5 months.

[@JimPankey]

Slow and steady, and before you know it you're playing a lot!

[@MrJRW1]

Glad to hear that you’re doing well. I am a new subscriber, and banjo player. Your videos are so helpful to me. You do such a good job at explaining and teaching how to play the banjo. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@JimPankey]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ezrvs]

Thanks Mr. Pankey. Very encouraging to see these folks learning and playing.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@RandySchartiger]

this is great man thank you and everyone in the video! I played banjo for 34 years most of that time practicing 8-12 hours every single day! I only have a few videos up of me playing banjo but have a library of them on old VHS tapes. something went wrong with my hands back then focal dystonia was not known of but I KNEW something was bad wrong, and more recently diagnosed with RA, all that aside I got hungry for banjo a year ago this month (dec 2021) and been practicing everyday since. people kept telling me try gloves with fingertips cut out, a year ago I did and presto! (no I don't mean tail piece LOL!) after 30 years not playing even with the gloves I quickly found out I'm not going to make up for 30 years off in one year! but hey it's fun trying again! cheers!

[@JimPankey]

As long as you’re having fun; that’s the most important thing.

[@ryantrahan4942]

Terrific video Jim. Thanks for sharing everyone.

[@JimPankey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I have played the trombone since 1969 in the 4th grade. I have played in many big bands while in high school, college and post college. It has been a joy being with people who have the same passion. Will be going to the Bela Fleck/Punch Brothers concert in December. My brother really wants to get a beginners Banjo. I will surprise him at Christmas.

[@JimPankey]

Played saxophone in elementary school… once I started banjo I never looked back

[@lesliemercer2102]

I really enjoyed hearing from some fellow students about their experience and advice. I am a very beginning beginner (about 1 week) and I’m working with your beginner videos. Somehow your teaching style is so clear and relatable that I just enjoy my playing time each day and have confidence that I can do this. Thank you so much for posting both the lessons and this interesting set of interviews!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me be a part of your banjo journey 😀

[@LeghornM]

Loved, love and just loved this video! Thank-you to all those that participated!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@buynsell365]

The guy at the end was awesome !!! I hope I can come close to that in only eight months. Great video.

[@JimPankey]

Matthew is a good picker for sure!

[@SammieLeeArt]

Thank you for the time you’ve put into helping all of us, and for your encouragement. I feel blessed to have found you!

[@JimPankey]

You are so welcome

[@donaldfair4259]

Another great session . Yes the tips do help ! 😊

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching.

[@donaldfair4259]

@@JimPankey I did not miss this one .

[@MrBraindead101]

This video is brilliant, thank you. I really appreciate your work and was glad to see your latest health post. Keep well!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks ☺️

[@MasonCroneMusic]

Super cool project!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@rickc6726]

Thanks Jim, great to see other people practicing 👍 I've recently had a break, as Anne said, "thinking I'm not good enough"! But when I think how far I've come along it would be a shame to let it go! Thanks for the motivation, you are a great inspiration to us all! 👍🙂

[@JimPankey]

Glad it was helpful 😀

[@benhouse8562]

What an uplifting message! It made me smile

[@JimPankey]

Thanks!

[@SammieLeeArt]

Thanks!

[@JimPankey]

Welcome!

[@bobcogar841]

Thanks for the video. I liked all of their advice, but the one that stuck with me the most was. Stop the voices in your head saying you can't do this and slow down and enjoy. Wow, good advice. As always Jim thank you and thanks for all you do for us wanna be's. God Bless

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching! Yup, Anne gave some fantastic advice!

[@azucenadelarosa2493]

You're such a great teacher and all around human. Thank you for sharing your talents with the rest of us .

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me be a part of your banjo journey 😊

[@donaldcoakley9368]

That was absolutely awesome. Enjoyed it a great deal Jim. Thanks.

[@JimPankey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pameladahl8274]

Good question

[@nickh5195]

Great video Jim! I got my first banjo last Christmas, I’ve since found another 1932 banjo I got off Kijiji. Great to see where other players are at. I just bought a house, and I’m moving out of my apartment (I got a noise complaint two weeks after the first banjo…). I’m really excited to pick up on my practicing schedule!

[@JimPankey]

Be sure to keep me posted on your progress 😊

[@flintdavis2]

2-6hours of practice! Matt’s the man! Thanks Jim thanks Matt, thanks everyone !

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😃

[@keithcox7075]

Great stuff Jim, I needed to hear what other people do and think. Kick in the rear to keep going.

[@JimPankey]

Glad it was helpful 😊

[@eddiemoore8468]

Jim, the young guy on there reminds of what I read about Earl Scruggs. When Earl was growing up , he would often practice up to 8 hours a day. I see this young man really moving up with it. I rather see young kids playing an instrument than sitting around playing video games. You are truly a very good teacher and inspiration to all of us. I enjoy your videos very much. Thanks again for doing a great job.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@elisabethemory]

I thoroughly enjoyed this Jim!! It's now November, and this month mark one year of me playing the banjo! In fact, I just posted a video of my banjo progress over the past year on my channel! If I had to give advice, it would be to be patient, determined, and try not to go too fast to begin with....speed will come more and more easily over time. I still am not where I want to be in speed and a lot of other things! But if you stick with it, and practice you'd be surprised at how far you can go! God bless you Jim, and everyone who reads this comment! Happy Pickin Y'all! ~ Elisabeth Emory

[@JimPankey]

You’re doing great!

[@Idahobanjela]

This was fun to watch! Thanks all for sharing. I’m going to learn Old Home Place

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@daddielonglegs7711]

Great Video Jim. This exactly what I needed, I hit a wall & stopped practicing, as Ann would say I listened to the committee in my head. Well sir I going back to the banjo to get where I want to be, this video has really inspired me!!! God bless you all!

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! You’ve got this!

[@Herr_Keystyne]

it's never too late to learn an instrument. I felt that myself. there are a lot of banjo teachers here on youtube but you are really one of a kind. I don't know if I'm doing everything right when practicing, but I always can't stop. I spend 3-4 hours sitting at the banjo almost every day. either i follow a tutorial of yours or i just jam and look for some tunes. thank you very much again jim, you have really helped me the last 2 years and beyond

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me be a part of your banjo journey

[@Timber1262]

Very good! Matthew you have a talent. Keep up the good work and have fun all!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@larryogle7775]

Hey Jim!!! I practiced around 3 hrs per night when I first started banjo. Drove the grandkids nuts.

[@JimPankey]

That’s how to do it!

[@cooloutboards1012]

After 5 years of playing the banjo, I play 15 min to 30 min in the morning and the same in the evening 7 days a week. Play a lot of Rolls and use a Strum machine at different rate of BPM. Thanks for your free lesson.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@melwhe1004]

I know that committee she talked about. Thanks to all the helpful advice from everyone.

[@JimPankey]

👍🏼

[@susanadams4964]

I SO enjoyed this! It was a great reminder to me to slow it down. Ive been playing since March.Thanks for the great tutorials, Jim!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@Quintuga]

Very encouraging!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@vegansarabeth]

what an awesome video jim! Very inspirational!

[@JimPankey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@goofoffbert]

Listening inspires me to practice, so today I looked you up and there be this new video. Quickly said, it inspired me to practice. Thank you Jim and those who shared their journey.

[@JimPankey]

Wonderful! Keep going!

[@jesuschavarria5574]

I'm also practicing the banjo Jim and I'm a Mexican ha ha ha but I love it

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! Keep me posted on your progress. 😊

[@JamAlong]

Jim you're the man, keep up the great work!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks ☺️

[@eg6713]

Great job Jim

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@AlexRodriguez50504]

Absolutely love this! 👏

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@lawr.h]

Love this! Would love to see the clawhammer edition 😁

[@JimPankey]

Maybe someone will do it

[@grannyblaylock623]

👍👍 THANKS AGAIN

[@jason_learns]

This was great, Jim! I've been learning since March of 2021 and I am having a blast.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching.

[@pvesely299]

This video was so encouraging. I really enjoy learning with your video instruction.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching and letting me be part of your banjo journey.

[@carrollwilliams2759]

Great tips! Thanks Jim!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@shaunm2208]

Great one Jim

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@davelydiard5004]

Great video Jim , very encouraging from the brilliant banjo players. Appreciate your videos keep them coming .

[@JimPankey]

Thanks ☺️

[@ExtremeRecluse]

Rhythm is so important. Especially in bluegrass. Playing in a band forces the perfection of time. Another extremely important tool is being able to read. You see something you really want to play. You look the chart over. Someone begins the proper count and off you go. Never played the song. You read your part and you just start playing like it was nothing; 2nd nature.

[@JimPankey]

I’ve never encountered a situation where I needed to be able to read a part for bluegrass.

[@lovemydog440]

What would us beginner banjo players do without you!! I am still horrible at it. But like anything new, I will not give up, it takes a lot of practice. Plus I probably need to get better finger picks. Now my husband is also interested. LOL

[@JimPankey]

Enjoy!!

[@judyparker8283]

Love this! Absolutely fascinating!

[@JimPankey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@harolddunn639]

Thank you for the video. great info.

[@JimPankey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tomnelson3362]

I practice for 1/2 hour twice a day. I'm working on clawhammer style. I like your videos.

[@JimPankey]

Keep it up

[@alanwann9318]

I play everyday ,to raise my bar I pick Three tunes fine tune them 7 days .I drop my previous. I play all styles Inc. Its managing your progress. I'm in U.K. not many know the instrument . No success with guitarist, s acc . Play the wrong Rhythm. I have settled on solo banjo I progress further. Looking back there is lot of misinformation on this subject. I could of progressed earlier. There should be a book of exercises to develop, I struggled finding the correct meter for rolls Janet Davis books have helped (up the neck)etc. I like Jim's delivery not over played still melodic.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@ObelixMagnetFishing]

I now have a banjo at home for about 2 weeks because a Christian American psychologist convinced me that I could play the banjo, but that turned out differently for me. I had a narcissistic mother who either I was born in a breech position and said hated me until she died, played my dad about beating me all my school years with a wooden bar and then a bat, got 3x the extra homework as the school had given and all those memories come flooding back when I try to play the banjo. Then I just put the banjo back in its bag.. even thought to take it back to the music store. Still held... maybe if I cut my head off my torso, maybe those memories that hold me back will stay away 😉🤪 PS = soon I will be 63. I have tried to play many instruments*, I sing best from Baritone to Soprano * Organ, Accordion, Saxophone, Jazz Banjo Allen I failed because of that wretched past of which I have not mentioned everything.

[@JimPankey]

Sometimes we just have to create new memories

[@csyarid]

I would say that how much you should practice depends on how good do you want to be.

[@JimPankey]

And if you watch the video there’s all sorts of ways to approach that

[@mpodzielny]

How is everyone this evening?

[@JimPankey]

Just great!

[@alexpianoplayer15]

Has banjo been always played on with finger claws?

[@JimPankey]

Nope, but bluegrass banjo players use finger picks.

[@dennisatkins9837]

An excellent thing for a beginner to do is watch this video!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@erniewilliams2790]

“The question ain’t ‘How much do you practice?’ It’s ‘How long has it been since you practiced?’” - Raymond Fairchild

[@ethanowings]

I practice about one to two hours every day.

[@JimPankey]

Excellent

[@thecgapblitzpodcast4148]

I want one of those shirts😂

[@JimPankey]

wild-jimbos-banjo-ranch-store.creator-spring.com/listing/hey-y-all-more-shirts

[@Xt1000]

Im just gonna go throw mine in the burn pile. 11 months. 😊

[@JimPankey]

Don’t do it! You’ve got this!

[@stuartbehrns6911]

think this was great

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@paulmcwhirter2466]

I’m goin to burn my banjo , I’ve been playing since 2015 and took lessons for a year and I’m still rubbish and I mean rubbish

[@JimPankey]

Have you tried my lesson series?

[@rich5973]

Damn...that kid is unbelievable. Im.struggling on 3 2 5 1.

[@JimPankey]

You should hear him now… 🤯

[@rich5973]

@@JimPankey I'm back to lesson one after a hiatus of over a year.

[@Trapper4265]

I've been practicing hours a day for ten years, and I still fill I am not proficient as I should be.

[@JimPankey]

Maybe think about how you’re practicing. It’s not just a grind, but should be focused on things that give you trouble.

[@Welther47]

I think it's a mistake to answer this with a time; as in minutes.

[@JimPankey]

I think it’s good to start out with giving yourself a time goal….

[@mikefinley4367]

How long forsmt profuce wuality if your forcing yourself to a set time indtead of enjoying the time spent if its fifteen minutes or two hours. Thinking longer time kakes you better when and if your gorcing yourself to do so is as dumb as thinking a $5,000.00 banjo makes you a better player.

[@deadflowers-switzerland]

It‘s so great that you show your students, speaks for your success and for the joy it is to learn banjo 🪕 ❤

[@JimPankey]

Thank you! 😃

[@Steve-jf3hf]

Great video Jim, well done to you and all who all took part👍🏻🪕

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@bigfootvanlife3344]

This is amazing … kimlearnsbanjo ❤

[@JimPankey]

Thanks

[@grannyblaylock623]

I think this is great kinda makes a banjo and blue grass community on U T.👍👍🤗I DON'T PLAY ANY Instrument GAM