Learn to Play - Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Bluegrass Banjo

I've had a bunch of requests for this tune. I hope you're able to follow along and figure it out. Take your time and don't hesitate to pause and work on each piece. I'm covering some new ground here, but if you've been through my beginner banjo series I think you should be able to get this one. Yes, it'll take effort, but really, you can do it!
If you would like to support this channel you can join my Patreon here: / jimpankey
If you would like a TAB for this video I did share it here: sellfy.com/p/vE6V/
I'm convinced that you're able to figure this tune out without the tab, but please consider downloading it and making a small donation; it'll help me feed my cats and buy banjo strings. :)
3-2 Pull-Off video: • G-Lick with a 3-2 Pull...
I'm playing the Recording King M5 in this video.
Strings: amzn.to/34phGv2
Finger Picks: amzn.to/2OoKxKs
A Thumb Pick: amzn.to/2LarEZI
Tuner: amzn.to/35Gl2ds

[@JimPankey]

If you would like a TAB for this video I did share it here: sellfy.com/p/vE6V/

[@theherndongirls4309]

Thank you!

[@BanjoPicker]

I bought it.great intro as well thnks.. :)

[@emaguire512]

This is hands down the best tutorial of this tune out there. Some people spend like 15 minutes explaining the open roll, and others blow past the tricky bits, but the pacing here is perfect, for me anyway.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@chrispusey8873]

He’s definitely my number one go to

[@darastuart2377]

Jim is the man

[@tcadrumgod]

The fact that you take time to respond to people shows your dedication to making this teachable to everyone. Well done.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks. I try to respond when I can. Sometimes I just don’t have an answer... :)

[@tombiller8474]

Nicely done. I have studying with you since early March. It is important to go back over early lessons to assure authenticity of what you are doing.! Also, let’s you gauge progress. Thanks, neighbor.

[@budm.1450]

I hope you don't take this the wrong way Jim, but I subscribed to your channel just to watch and listen to you teach. As I've said before, I've been pickin' the banjer for more than 35 years but I often come here just to listen to you teach. The way you peer into the camera gives me the feeling that you're directly connected to your students and it gives a really great personal connection to them in my opinion. Foggy Mountain Breakdown isn't the easiest easy tune to learn but you make it easy because of the way you chip it into small chunks and ask your students to stop there and practice. I think your teaching method is absolutely amazing Jim, and I wish I had you and KZbin way back when I first picked up the banjo. Well done, Jim, and thanks for taking the time to build confidence in so many new pickers. You have a very kind soul Jim.

[@JimPankey]

+Bud M. Thanks. I've always been a bit reluctant to teach via video since the personal interaction is gone. The goofy stuff seems to help me connect...

[@junechamberlin5184]

How could any of that be taken the wrong way? Hahaha... It's a wonderful compliment to his teaching style, and I agree wholeheartedly!

[@Falco2807]

Lol. Why would that be taken the wrong way? Jim’s obviously not a sociopath. 😂

[@FierceTartan]

Yup thanks Jim.

[@sirgalah561]

Looking through some videos a few months ago I came across your video on "You want to learn Bluegrass Banjo" Hell Yeah!!! I went out a week later and bought a banjo.. My brothers all play guitar and I was never interested.. But I love the sound of the banjo.. I think I always have.. Anyhoo... I'm leaning rolls at the moment.. I haven't gotten to your second Cripple Creek lesson yet.. Soon.. But I really like the way you teach.. I wish I could find someone like you here in Australia!!!

[@Superultrasexyskaterguy]

Jim. I want to tell you that i appreciate you so much. I had a really rough time last may. I completely blew my knee out and had surgery 3 weeks after getting divorced, moving alone from Tennessee to North Carolina, and getting stuck alone on the mountian for 2 months, unable to go anywhere... I bought a banjo a week before surgery and im so glad i found you here. I tried learning 10 years before but times were different then and i gave up. You completely got me thru the tough times and i learned very easily with your videos! thank you so much for everything you do here. You are a national treasure.

[@Treeguygarrett]

My dad is teaching me this right now and whenever I get done what he wants me to, I come here immediately to learn more... im addicted to the banjo

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! Would love to hear you play.

[@merit5395]

It's like having an old friend teaching me in my home. Love the videos, love the tabs.....Thanks, Jim

[@Gregjt13]

Foggy Mountain Breakdown, my nemesis and the reason I started, you've given me hope here :-) Thanks, great video/lesson

[@JimPankey]

Glad to help!

[@raindogred]

Long time finger picker guitarist here. I bought my first banjo a couple weeks ago, some 1970's japanese made thing they used to sell here in Australia. Drove out to some guys farm in woop woop, got her cheap off facebook marketplace..nice bloke. She seems to stay in tune and makes a hell of a racket. Drives my wife crazy so I have to stuff a sock behind the bridge. This is the best channel to learn for us knuckleheads..love it mate!!

[@jimmyoneal4404]

I have been going through your videos for 9 weeks and have accomplished what I thought that would not be possible! Thanks for posting Jim! You are a great instructor!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you

[@MissVerdine]

I really like the way you teach the song in pieces. Even I can understand it.

[@JoshFranz]

I've been talking about picking up a banjo for years, well my wife surprised me with one for Christmas. I've been watching all your videos, you make it look so easy! And really after just a week it's not too bad. Thanks Jim for breaking it down so nicely.

[@Gigler43]

Jim you are a GOOD Dude! Thank you for your time and passion with the banjo!

[@0SUMatthew]

I never thought I'd be able to play foggy mountain breakdown, but your fantastic teaching style really helped me break it down and me get through it--thanks! Your tab book was also a very helpful reference for this :)

[@macaroni4]

Thank you so much for putting your lessons on youtube Jim! I just bought a banjo in March and I am really enjoying it. I’m sure I wouldn’t like it so much if I didn’t have such a good teacher🍎😀

[@nathaliefournier4385]

I’m doing the reverse roll but with the video,lol! Got that one down pat!! Absolutely love the way you take the time to show us and explain at the same time! Please don’t stop,I’m learning so much! Hugs from Quebec,Canada!!

[@bradymcatee4785]

You taught me cripple creek and now foggy mountain breakdown. Thank you for being such a great teacher!

[@jethrofarmer3399]

That's what I'm talking about! I could never get it before, now I'm catching on, thanks, Jim!

[@Falco2807]

Awesome! Wanted to learn this for a long time. This is the best instructional on KZbin.

[@grumpywoodiam]

only on lesson two, but looking forward to playing this some day!. very informative videos. Thanks for taking the time to post.

[@EtherealBeing]

Thank you for all the help Jim. :) You're the greatest teacher I've come across and I've learnt a lot from you. Thanks again!!

[@adrianobildhauer5104]

You're a great teacher. I'm from Brazil and I whack all of your videos. Thanks for that.

[@warrenbgray]

you're a really good teacher. i'm a guitarist, just got a banjo last week. your video is exactly what i was looking for. thanks, i'm rollin!!

[@hounddog905]

Jim, your online banjo tutorials make learning how to play the banjo so much easier than other tutorials.

[@danwally4754]

You are my hero. I've spent the last 8 years not playing my banjo. You just made me pick it up again and remember how amazing it feels to get this.

[@LouisBadak]

Just received a banjo for christmas, your channel is awesome! I love the way you split your lesson and take the time to explain clearly/show .

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you. 😊

[@kentuckybastard816]

Jim I started playing the banjo about 6 months ago. And I would not be playing like I I'm today if I did not come across you on KZbin. So thank you for giving theses free lessons. I already have 5 songs down all from your lessons thank you again man really. 🙏

[@MegaSquirrel01]

Jim, Your the Greatest !! I became disabled 12 yrs ago and I used to play banjo a little, I have lost all feeling on my right side and live 24/7 in Chronic pain. 10 major operations but my nerves in my neck are pinned along my spine, Ripped apart nerves can NOT be repaired. Doctors say something happened as a Vietnam Vet but I receive $0.00 from the U.S.M.C. , As u can see in my picture I rehab Hurt Squirrels but the ones that live with us can't be returned to the wild. They would die so They live in our home free like kings LOL, I want to thank you for taking your time to teach slowly , Living in Chronic Pain I have lost my ability to remember thing anymore. So I watch and watch your videos as much as I can. If you view my KZbin page, DUNCAN the squirrel was born with Brain Disorder, I have had him to two specialist that say he will never be able to jump straight in trees, so, he will live a wonderful life with my wife and I. He travels with us up to Blue Ridge, GA. where we have some land.Thank you my friend, GOD BLESSSteve

[@dharrison5]

Great videos, they help this ole banjo player get better and learn new things.

[@freyaknight1833]

I am new to the banjo and I am having so much fun learning with your videos, they’re extremely helpful and patient. Thank you, Jim!!

[@JimPankey]

I'm glad you like them!

[@robertmegee9052]

I'm still working on your beginning lessons but am so excited to have found you. You make the learning so wonderful.

[@JimPankey]

Glad you're enjoying the videos! Keep on picking!

[@J354CAO]

Just spent 2 hours on this after neglecting my practice and that was hard work.. My hands are getting stiff so back at it tomorrow..Started back in February on your videos every day but family commitments drew me away but determined to get back on it.. cheers Jim for being a great teacher...

[@TheFmazz]

Putting the clawhammer down and picking up 3 fingers, you were the first I thought of to break into it, thanks

[@frankiewright6929]

Thank you for wettin my whistle gonna give that ole banjo a dusting off learn a lick or two. I checked two others they hit the target but yours hit da bullseye God bless

[@kevinflatt9296]

There's so much that I like about what you're doing. Your beginner series has made learning very accessable. I'll have to admit, however, that the G lick in this song kicked my ass for quite awhile until I played it back repeatedly in slow motion. I just wanted to say thanks, and I hope you keep up the effort. It's very much appreciated.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you! ☺️

[@davidmullen1335]

You Sir do an outstanding job teaching. I came back to playing for years and years of absence and your step by step is so much appreciated. I am actually going unlearning some muscle memory in my picking rolls and am loving it. Thank You!!!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you 😀

[@glennmeyer4539]

Thanks Jim love how you break it down into parts this will keep me busy for a while

[@JimPankey]

Glad I can help ☺️

[@cilliandevlin5024]

Jim, thanks so much for these lessons. I hope you and the family are keeping well and safe.

[@JimPankey]

You're so welcome! Thanks, you too!

[@LakeHighiii]

I love your videos. You are a great teacher. I am just getting started with my new RK R-20, and would be nowhere near where I am without your help. Thank you!

[@brianlong4223]

Thank you Jim !! Your teaching style has made it a joy learning the banjo at 60 yrs. young.

[@JimPankey]

Very welcome!

[@williambutler7312]

. . outstanding tutorial explanation break down , thanks for all your time and effort posting up all you do Jim , wow

[@JimPankey]

Thanks and you’re welcome 😊

[@Fourleggedchicken]

What a fantastic tutorial! Learning with you reminds me of when I was a kid sitting around playing music with my uncles. Thanks so much.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you

[@RayRand]

You're an awesome banjo player and teacher, Santa! (You can't fool me.) I just bought a pretty new banjo and I'm a'learnin to play. Thanks for the lessons!

[@dmdecc]

You’re the best teacher ever, I’ve learned so much from you in only a week and now I can play songs all day long

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! Keep picking. :)

[@tom-green]

Nothing like spending a Saturday learning a new song, courtesy of Mr Pankey. Can't get much better than this.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me help you with your Saturday 😊

[@FreakingRockstar101]

Thanks Jim, It took me about 5 days to learn each section and practice them individually but now I have it. I just need to work on putting them all together. I've been playing banjo for about 6 days now and this video has helped me learn my first song.

[@JimPankey]

Awesome!

[@stevefitzpatrick1101]

The man is a brilliant teacher and in my humble opinion the best banjo teaching videos on the internet, Thanks jim 😀 👍

[@JimPankey]

Thank you for the very kind words.

[@ct4883]

This is great. I've been playing that lick wrong for a year. It sounds so much more authentic now. It really rolls. Thanks, Jim!

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help!

[@ShitroenC2_Liam]

Truly the Bob Ross of banjo teachers. You got me into banjo and I'm starting to get the hang of stuff so thanks a lot from England 👍

[@JimPankey]

thank you for the highest of praise :)

[@mush01]

Jim, I'm coming to this a bit late but I just wanted to say thank you: I've always been a bit banjo-curious but after finding your videos I finally got round to getting one, and with the help of them I feel like I am already progressing nicely. Thank you for putting all this guidance together, it's much appreciated.

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help!

[@tscotw1997]

Jim thanks to you this is the 5th song I’ve learned from your teaching! I really appreciate your simple teaching I just picked up banjo 2 months ago!

[@JimPankey]

Fantastic!

[@donaldabailey1]

Mr Pankey, thank you for doing these video banjo lessons. I have been working on your lessons for almost 2 years now. I keep in mind from beginner video lesson one. Practice like bushing your teeth every day. Best advice from a pro to a beginner. Your a great man! You put smiles on peoples faces.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you ☺️

[@alekkozikov]

This is absolutely the best tutorial for this song on the internet! I've seen quite a few, tried playing by ear, but you explained it simple and perfectly. Greetings from Poland for all banjo fans!

[@JimPankey]

Glad it helped!

[@jensvanhoof]

finally picked up my banjo after purchasing it MANY years ago. This video content is awesome, thanks a lot!

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! Thanks for watching. 😊

[@dickrichardson1089]

Great way to teach, I'm picking these tunes at a good pace. Thanks.

[@jm653]

Thanks Jim! It‘s taken me two weeks to learn You are my Sunshine and this. This one was much easier after the struggle last week. Now I have five songs to practice. Great teaching!

[@JimPankey]

Awesome. Thanks for letting me teach you 😊

[@stevefitzpatrick3117]

Undoubtedly the best banjo teacher on the internet and what a lovely lovely guy as well, Thanks jim 😀

[@JimPankey]

☺️

[@farielkennington2926]

Thank you for your lessons!You make this stuff a little less intimidating, I've been following your lessons for about 2 years and have decided, hey I might really be able to do this!God bless you Sir

[@JimPankey]

You're very welcome! You can do it!

[@rustysimcox1735]

Mr. Jim thankful for everything you teach and the way you break down and simplify each lesson . I am 59 and just started playing thank you.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you ☺️

[@billwilliams3141]

You are so great! You are t'he.best teacher. I never thougt that I can play Foggy Mountain Breakdown and now I can do It! Slow, but I'm practice again and again. Thank you so much Jimmy!! Greatings from Sapin!

[@JimPankey]

Happy to help!

[@akoporc]

Just picked up a copy of the TAB. Thanks for putting this tutorial and TAB together. I am 17 days into my Banjo journey. I am bouncing from your beginner class and Eli's. Having an absolute blast getting 2-4 hours a day of practice! Thanks for taking so much time laying out a catalog of tutorials. Kudos!

[@JimPankey]

Have fun!

[@littlejo8006]

I started banjo last month and from watching you, i have already learned three songs. Im not fast with them yet but I'm getting there. Thank you so much for being such a great teacher. Love the vids!!!

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@ianbrunt7861]

You sir are an outstanding and generous instructor. You’re the best ! 🙌🙌

[@JimPankey]

Appreciate that

[@themoosehillclimb8829]

Amazing video! I a brand new to banjo but I have been a multi instrumentalist for about 3.5 decades and this is hands down one of the best tutorials I've found.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks ☺️

[@muscleman6299]

Hey thanks for this great video Jim, been wanting to learn this tune for years, thank you mate.

[@blainesenior9981]

Thank you so much! I been claw hammering for a decade but only dabbled in 3 finger picking. Your teaching style is just perfect! Thank you!

[@JimPankey]

You're welcome. Glad to help!

[@alanwoollett7961]

Hey Jim hope your well, best wishes from one of your students in the UK, your tuition and teaching style have kept me on track when I’ve felt that I just couldn’t do it and for that I’m eternally grateful 👊🏼

[@JimPankey]

Awesome, thank you!

[@vondavis1152]

Ive had to watch this a dozen times to absorb it all, but I have to agree with previous comments that call it a comprehensive tutorial. Thanks for all you do Sir!

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help!

[@plmercer1]

Cheers Jim for the fantastic videos, this is my 5th song now, it’s took me 4 weeks, but l can now play this from memory, not perfect yet but getting there, had my banjo a year now, I’ll continue to learn from your video’s, cheers from Manchester UK.

[@JimPankey]

Congratulations!🎉 keep picking!

[@damon3903]

Amazing tutorial. I'm learning this an hour before going camping with some buddies and feel like I've k own the song forever. Thank you so much

[@JimPankey]

Have fun picking it!

[@MLankford1962]

Earl Scruggs was my cousin and I wasn't able to really pick his brain on the art he mastered. I did learn some. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@georgelynn2413]

Thanks. Really enjoyed this. I'm about 3 months into learning so it all helps. I seem to jump from book to book as they all teach just a little different. Seems to help when I get stuck on something. This one helped a lot.

[@JimPankey]

Hang in there. Glad I could help.

[@geofo60]

As always Jim, great lesson. Thanks for the heads up regarding the "slow it down" option, I've never spotted that (doh !). Your version is definitely simpler than the one in Earl's black book. Thanks for giving us your time. Geof (UK).

[@hokris3939]

Thank you for you videos, you're the best teacher one could find!

[@coco-wi3ot]

I never thought I would be able to play foggy mountain breakdown and I cant very fast, getting there like you said the speed will come. Many thanks jim your the man!!!!!

[@JimPankey]

Keep at it. Thanks for letting me teach you 🌞

[@mojo3443]

I literally just started playing consistently three weeks ago and this is by far one of the most technical pieces I’m learning. You taught me how to play cripple creek and the first part to rainbow connection. You’re a great teacher can’t wait to learn more with you

[@JimPankey]

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

[@jordanantolik3882]

thank you so much!! i just started playing the banjo last December and thanks to your lessons i have learned a lot and always look forward to playing every day! your lessons have helped me very much. thank you again!

[@JimPankey]

You'll have to post a video of your progress! I bet others beginners would love to hear! I know I would.

[@jordanantolik3882]

i will definitely work on it sir!!

[@carsenhudson]

Thank you so much Mr. Pankey, you have taught me so much since I first started. Now I can play with my whole family!

[@JimPankey]

That's great!

[@ArkansasHillbilli3]

I've played Foggy Mountain Breakdown for years but I didnt like the way I was playing but now thanks to you I can play it way better now.

[@JimPankey]

That’s great. Glad I could help. 😀

[@steve-D696]

Just want to say thank you Jim here from the uk i started playing banjo a month ago thinking i would never be able to play but your lessons are perfect and have got me going and im enjoying every minute of it i prays you sir thankyou once again

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@briankofke]

I got my Banjo for Christmas; about 3 weeks ago. I was just able to finish playing this for the first time! WoW! I NEVER thought I would be able to play this tune! I am in love with the banjo. Thanks for teaching in such an easy way.

[@stevelevine7421]

Outstanding video Jim!! Exactly what I was looking for. Enjoyed your teaching style. Thanks!!

[@JimPankey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kamillok3273]

Thanks again Jim Pankey. Have a good day.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😀

[@esk2k5]

Just came across this vid after looking for beginner banjo vids. I just picked up a stagg 5 string with reno head which i plan to learn on and have subscribed to your channel. I am taking a look at your beginner vids so i can start learning.... long road ahead :). Thanks for your instruction vids, it really is appreciated.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for subscribing! Please keep me posted on your progress. You’ve got this!

[@andyupcott7399]

Hi Jim fantastic job could watch you all day

[@JimPankey]

Thanks!

[@thediamondintherough]

I love this song so much! Thank you Jim for helping me learn how to play it.

[@JimPankey]

Glad to help!

[@sharonsharpe7390]

Iv'e been playing for a whole 2 months now, still can't get my head around the rolls, but found this lesson really interesting, thanks Jim. Ronnie from Sheffield England.

[@banjopete]

sharon sharpe , you will, you’ll start to recognise different ones.

[@leeelliott4998]

That's it Jim. Making the difficult simple.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks! Trying to make a difference.

[@georgeheaven7786]

Such a good lesson from a really inspiring teacher! Thanks Jim, you rule!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you 😊

[@tonyringo4128]

That's awesome Jim, I love the sound of this song, I've almost got it. So far I got cripple Creek, man of constant sorrow, boil them cabbage down, and now I've almost got foggy mountain breakdown. Thank you so much Jim! 😁👍🙋🏻‍♂️

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you 😀

[@carlcathey7867]

No mater what playing level you may be at or type of banjo we can all learn from Jim. I appreciate his easy way of explaining proper playing techniques. His not afraid to share his talents as we all develop our own. Everyone keep on picking!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks Carl!

[@yoloswaggins2857]

your tutorials are wonderfully paced, I grew up playing guitar and just recently started learning banjo and feel like this is the perfect speed

[@JimPankey]

Thanks. Glad I can help. ☺️

[@spoimf6030]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I finished a bluegrass banjo class last semester and I have trouble following what some tab and other tutorials have to say, but this felt like being back in class. I'm getting a hang of it now, but I still need to practice!

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help! 😊

[@renzinitortelini831]

It took me some weeks to learn the whole song, but it was definitely worth it! Awesome tutorial, keep up the great work

[@JimPankey]

Glad you got it worked out! Keep pickin!

[@hewhopunchessharks9470]

Holy smokes I learned it. I took my time to practice (it took me almost two months to make it through the video) but I can play it now with only a couple bad notes! Maybe another month and it'll be flawless! You rock Jim

[@JimPankey]

That's great!

[@noahhirschl]

Thank you so much Jim. Really solid lesson and teaching. Learned it way faster than I thought! Can't wait to get it up to tempo

[@JimPankey]

That's great! Keep practicing, you'll have it up to speed in no time.

[@clintchambers3757]

Learning to pick, your vids are the least complicated and I made progress I never thought possible. I'm 58 and could not imagine beginning this late but, I enjoy it even if I'm never as proficient as Jim Panky he makes you feel it's possible.

[@JimPankey]

I'm so glad I can help you learn! Keep me posted on your progress. :)

[@petrolhed1]

Just finished lesson 10 of beginner bluegrass and can’t wait to get stuck into this one too many thanks , 12 days ago I couldn’t play anything but now I’m improving every day

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me help you learn the banjo!

[@MrKoki2000]

Tremendous pedagogy. Thank you Jim!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@glennevans2525]

Thanks for this!!! I really appreciate you method of teaching!