Learn to Play Bluegrass Banjo - Lesson 7

[@godthoughts6754]

Jim, I am 37 years old. I loved my dad tremendously. He died when I was a teenager. He is to play the acoustic guitar and banjo. I was always amazed when he would play. We are from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It was perfect for moonshine and bluegrass. My dad was an alcoholic so there were many things that he did not teach me before he passed away, how to play banjo was among them. Seven years ago I decided to buy and banjo. I bought strings for it and did my best to put it together. I kept snapping strings while trying to string it. I put the banjo in storage. I found it after a move a thought I would give it a try again. I bought more strings and a new bridge as I had lost the old one somewhere. I searched utube on how to put this thing together. I came across one of your videos. It was easy to understand and helped me get my banjo string up and tuned. I thought I would give your tutorial videos a try and have been playing through them ever since. It has been three weeks and I am going to start video 10 of this series as soon as I feel more confident in my review of the previous 9. I sit for hours on the weekends strumming away at the three songs I know now, thinking about my dad. My fingers are not raw anymore and thing about my dad and wander if his finger tips were as calluses. I want to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart because your instructional videos take me back home to the mountains that I love and fill me with memories of a man that I miss very much. I am a Texan now, but the those hills are in my blood. Again, thank you brother. God bless you and your family. Take care

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you. Glad you’re learning!

[@micmacnz]

Hi Jim, Rock/Blues/Jazz guitarist here, love the Banjo and Appalachian music but never could find 'way in' , well my Daughter bought me a Banjo, and you opened the door. Thanks from the bottom of my heart...you rock!

[@pennporterfield643]

Jim...you are so awesome...I told my wife that if I die she can only marry you. Good luck. And thanks for making my son a believer. He said no old man like me could even learn to whistle. Now I whistle AND play banjo, thanks to you.

[@Butterapplejuice]

Penn Porterfield Can you teach me how to whistle. I tried really hard these days but failed.

[@chrisrobbins2632]

​ "You just put your lips together and blow". Lauren Bacall to Humphrey Bogart in 1944's To Have and Have Not.

[@0SUMatthew]

This is hands down one of the best instructional series I've seen on KZbin, I feel like I'm making more progress here than I do with my guitar teacher. I just bought your tab book, and I can't wait to start working through the rest of your videos once I finish up here. I love your emphasis on practice and breaking things down, and it's so helpful to be able to play along--thanks for doing these videos Jim!

[@MadelineRadium]

Hi Jim! I am 37 years old and have never fancied myself any kind of musician. My family is full of them, but I've never found an instrument that speaks to me. Because I wanted my kids to have every opportunity, we own an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, a drum kit, a bell set and a full size keyboard. I can't really find interest in any of them, myself (nor do my kids, for that matter, but maybe they will someday). Anyhow, on a whim I bought a banjo (can't resist the nice twang of the strings, you know?) and stumbled across your tutorials. Sir, these are the best KZbin tutorials for anything I've ever seen. I work from home with skills I taught myself using KZbin videos (I sew and knit -- and run a successful online store using the skills I learned exclusively online). BUT -- I've had to skip from video to video to learn the basics and onward of each new skill I acquire in those fields. Never have I found a single source that was so potent as yours. I've just finished this video (Lesson 7) and am already looking forward to learning more from you. The manner in which you teach; slowly building skills in ways that are not overwhelming, is absolutely perfect. After my first 5 days of playing with my new banjo, I could play an (albeit slow) song! And I'm getting faster each day. I really, really appreciate your videos and the time you take to make them for all of us out here. Thank you so much.

[@amymiller2632]

"Social finger"! Ha! You crack me up, Jim. Working hard on this new song and looking forward to the next part!

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@ItsBocephus]

Finally got cripple creek down, and figured I was ready to move to this episode and got a little too excited, so I watched this lesson at work. Can't wait to get home and start trying this!

[@JimPankey]

Awesome. Keep me posted on your progress.

[@ItsBocephus]

@@JimPankey I’m actually already getting pretty good at the contents of this lesson already, but I plan to keep practicing it for the next few days to really get it down before I move on. Thanks for all you do!

[@donmitchell5732]

I’m in my early 70’s and want to learn to play the banjo. Your lessons are helping me more than any of the others that I have tried. I appreciate how you go slow enough that even I can catch on. Thank you!!

[@JimPankey]

Glad to hear it! Keep me posted on your progress!

[@ethanrox333]

Hey Jim, just wanted to thank you for these lesson videos. Im 26 now, and I've fiddled around with nearly any stringed instrument you can think of, with varying success. The banjo has always been one I've wanted to learn, but, I just didnt think I had it in me to learn successfully. Your videos showed up in my suggested feed at the perfect time. I have the experience behind me to really dedicate myself to learning, and the way you teach makes a ton of sense to me. I have a musical family, so, it's really special thinking that some day I'll be able to play along with them. Looking forward to continuing your series of videos, and, hopefully, gaining a lifetime of experiences with a beautiful instrument.

[@JimPankey]

You’ll be playing with your family soon! I’m sure of it!

[@isaachouston8943]

When you think you're ready for the next step and *holy crap you were not ready*

[@yvette1100]

Another great lesson, Jim! I SO enjoy the pace of the lessons, the small but worthy tips, and putting together all of the pieces. I still find I have to write it down and then go through it, but it comes together in the end!

[@JimPankey]

Very welcome!

[@betz11]

You are literally the best teacher on the face of the planet. Been renting a banjo for the last month, and about to buy my first. Thank you SO much for teaching me how to play. I believe I can do it, now.

[@JimPankey]

I know you can do it! Be sure to share a video sometime. :)

[@patriciosalinas7242]

I am 72 and started two years ago . I am a slow learner but I know about the discipline that is required with a musical instrument. I sincerely appreciate the time you dedicate to teach us. I am a serious follower. Thanks

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you!

[@CalvinH-eg2ic]

Jim your the greatest I truly mean that.its just the way you explain its slow and you show your steps.thank you so much what I do know on the banjo I owe it to you thanks so much.always a like God bless 👍

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me help you learn 😀

[@beckyhoernig5911]

Thanks Jim, I'm slowly getting the hang of this. I have to play over and over but I'm getting it.

[@JakeC1015]

I have always wanted to learn a bluegrass instrument of some sort especially the banjo ever since I have been going to the bluegrass festival in Winfield Kansas. I was always intimidated as I have messed with some of my friends string instruments but could never get anything down, but I finally pulled the trigger after this year and bought one and stumbled across your videos. I just have to say thank you, your videos are easy to follow and have great tips in them. I have blown my wife’s mind and my own with how far I have progressed in just a handful of weeks thanks to you and your videos. I travel on the road for work and now the first thing I grab with my suitcase to leave for the week is the banjo! Thanks again!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me help you learn!!

[@bronteblades1186]

I live on the east coast of Australia and watch your videos with my housemate, we are both learning the banjo and it brings us so much joy! Thank you so much, I'm so grateful I found your tutorials :)

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you!

[@noahkee8739]

I really appreciate how in each video you review concepts from the previous lesson

[@JimPankey]

I try. Glad it’s helpful.

[@craigclaeys6158]

Jim is the man. My banjo went from being an artifact hanging on the wall to a source of musical joy. I’d kick in on the Patreon thing.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks a ton! It's good to hear folks are getting the banjos in their laps as opposed to hiding them away. :)

[@olddognewhobby1757]

Loving the lessons. By far the easiest to understand and follow. Closing in on 3 weeks and I'm working on lesson 7! Thank you and keep posting videos.

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! Thanks for letting me teach you.

[@kboller777]

Thanks for making this easy for the first time is over 40 years of trying to learn the banjo! You are the best!

[@frankdittmer8540]

This is the best concise tutorial for learning the banjo EVER! Thank you Jim for helping me to begin my dream of playing the banjo. You are the best!!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me help you learn 😊

[@AuralayKristine]

I'm so glad I listened to your advice to practice practice practice those rolls in earlier lessons--having them down made this lesson super easy! I'm going to still give it a few days of practice, until I can go from that 10th fret to the 5th without looking, and then I'll go to the next lesson. But it's so gratifying to see all that repetitive practice on rolls paying off!!!

[@JimPankey]

Hang in there and keep at it. Your hard work will pay off!

[@lukebacon6560]

THANK YOU JIM! I'm a guitar player, and I've owned a banjo for a long time. I know a bunch of chords on it so I've never felt like I needed to go back to basics but I found myself with some time on my hands so hear I am, and let me tell you, I needed it. I've never been able to de-couple banjo from my guitar habits and because of that it always sounded flat and uninteresting when I played it. never learned the standard or nothing. just kinda tried to play it like the instrument I already knew well. this series is making me realize that it is a total unique thing and I can't just treat it like any old string and fret instrument. you're the best

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me help you learn! Yup, it’s a different world from guitar.

[@woodcarvermusic]

Hey Jim, I have played the guitar for many years and I love it. I decided to pick up a banjo to try something new two weeks ago. I found your lessons and I am loving them. This is great. I can't believe I have learned so much in such a little amount of time. This reminds me of when I first started playing the guitar. I have that fire again. Anyway, thanks!

[@JimPankey]

I'm thrilled that I can help you learn!!

[@chrisbailey905]

Jim, I'm on day 10 of playing the banjo and I want to thank you so much for these tutorials. I'm practicing about 3 hours per day to really nail the fundamentals and I'm progressing so much all thanks to you!

[@JimPankey]

Just keep at the it. The more work on the basics the bigger the payoff.

[@perrybucsdad]

Okay... times for my reference 00:01:14 - Roll Pattern 00:02:00 - 10th Fret pattern (not sure what chord this may be) 00:03:18 - more 10th Fret 00:03:45 - 5th fret pattern 00:04:58 - D7 Chord and alternating roll 00:05:58 - putting it all together The one difficulty I am having Jim is when I change hand position, the note is still ringing, but when I put my fingers in their new position, it kills the sustain of the note. I've been watching your hands over and over again, to try and see how you get it to just seem so fluid and natural... I'm sure I will get it eventually... lots of repetition and I'll figure it out eventually.

[@JimPankey]

You’ll get it. Just keep practicing.

[@perrybucsdad]

@@JimPankey It almost looks like you put your middle finger down first (just slightly before), and then the index finger... that seems to help me at least.

[@matthewdeaton2179]

jim I am very thankful that you are kind enough to share your love of music with the world...im a beginner and not very musically inclined..thank you for keeping it simple for us that may be a little slower. I am very grateful for your ability to be able to help this milan indiana boy!! I will be purchasing some merchandise for sure.. heck I feel bad getting these lessons for free... I would love private sessions if you do them? it would make me feel better at least I could pay ya for all this wonderful training..lol cripple creek forever!!

[@JimPankey]

Glad to help! Feel free to visit www.Sellfy.com/wildjimbo

[@bradley16]

Already thanked you for these videos like 3 lessons ago but im going to say it again, you make it so easy and enjoyable, such a great teacher and such a great man, thank you again Jim i look forward to the next lessons 👍✌

[@JimPankey]

☺️

[@MyrKeys]

I realize I'm a little late to the party with these videos being uploaded about 5 years ago, but I'm slowly chugging my way through this video series and I'm loving it! I've played banjo for a while now, but only clawhammer, and I wanted to branch out, I feel like this video series has been helping me achieve that quite quickly! Can't wait to start improvising with this stuff and the rolls, but I'm definitely not at that stage yet.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks. I’m glad I can help 😀

[@pvesely299]

I can’t believe it! I’m playing (almost) a couple songs. Thanks Jim.

[@JimPankey]

Glad I can help!

[@edeaton288]

You are the best teacher. Just keep going slow to show us where to place our hands.

[@JimPankey]

More lessons soon. Stay tuned. :)

[@markcagle4372]

Jim is an awesome teacher. Am practicing every day sence I found his videos

[@neilpaine9063]

Finally have my tuning issues sorted after a "duh" moment. Now have cripple creek "under my fingers" and am really enjoying the learning experience. Thanks to the way you break things down. Eternally grateful to you Jim, my neighbours not so much 🤭

[@JimPankey]

I bet your neighbors love it!

[@neilpaine9063]

@@JimPankey they're fine til one of my dogs starts singing along. Even the pets are starting to love bluegrass 😁

[@JimPankey]

😅

[@jethrofarmer3399]

thanks for your instruction! i bought a banjo in the 70's while hee haw was still on and learned a few songs then quit because i was frustrated. i'm 60 now, and really want to learn and your style of instruction seems to teach me better than any other or any books i have! by the way, i bought a fb-54 fender and a no-name kay-type banjo. both are the bottle-cap type with metal rings, kinda cheap, but one day i'll sell them and get a better one! thanks again!

[@JimPankey]

+Jethrofarmer you can do it! Just takes a little time. You'll be buying a nice banjo soon I bet!

[@TJ-yk8tq]

You are awesome! Thanks for all your videos! You are my only resource I use for banjo lessons and I am on my way to "you are my sunshine"!! Thanks again, I really appreciate you making these videos!

[@adamthorne3649]

Love learning the banjo . Thank you so much. High school principal from England . 😀

[@kelcamer]

This is seriously the best video in the series so far. I love the 7ths!!! and man it's so cool with bluegrass. Thanks so much!!!

[@mikelawson9715]

Thanks Jim you have made learning this instrument so fun and have given me the desire to continue. My little boy has even taken a liking to it. Thanks bud.

[@JimPankey]

Wonderful!

[@jrcash1234]

Jim you're the best. So good following along with these lessons and has made my banjo playing much easier. Thank you for all your efforts sir.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you ☺️

[@scottc9638]

Thanks again, Jim! I was totally ready for this lesson. Glad I listened and waited until I was ready. Looking forward to getting this new material down!

[@JimPankey]

You’ll get it!

[@scottc9638]

Thanks again and Happy Easter!!!

[@leftycut1]

I am loving these videos . I am one of those Mid 60's guys who have felt the need to learn banjo !!! After one month with your help, I am proud of myself. I'm still on lesson 7 but with your instruction, my dirty 30 just sounds like what I had dreamed !!! I was wondering about where my eyes should be more focused though. I do have trouble picking when I look at the fret board as vice-versa . Any hints? I am eternally grateful !!! George

[@JimPankey]

I almost never look at my right hand.

[@leftycut1]

@@JimPankey Ok. Great. I will definitely work on that. Thank you for your invaluable time and instruction.!!!!!!!

[@buddywaters9427]

Been working on cripple creek about a week now I had been working on your lessons and quit about 6 months ago. shame on me. This time I’m working harder to be smooth and accurate not rushing it. And it sounds so much better. I just turned 73 today and thanks for these lessons 😊

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! Keep me posted on your progress.

[@MDH6408]

Just found your videos a few weeks ago. I used to play the banjo when I was a teen (40+yrs ago) and after reconnecting with it during a move - thought to try it again. Cripple Creek came back to me after all these years! So thankful for you sharing this and your method is spot on - exactly how I was taught so many years ago. Thank you so much and now looking to acquire your Tab Books. Question - I don’t recall this being an issue years ago - but I have this irritating habit of striking the banjo head w/my thumb pick. I’ve read some posts on it - I’m watching how my hand is arched/placed..can’t seem to pinpoint it so I may just whittle it down unless you have a better idea. Thanks again for all your encouragement and videos!

[@JimPankey]

You can always shorten the pick. I know some of them are just too long for me.

[@MDH6408]

@@JimPankey will try that thanks. Time to find the grinder. :) Thanks again for all your videos

[@fredanugent2253]

I've just started on this song and it's one I didn't know. It sounds really nice and so far so good. I find I have to really look at the strings a lot (more than watching my left hand on the frets) so I don't hit the wrong one's. After years of strumming guitar I'm slowly adapting to finger picking. I completed Cripple Creek and will keep practising to get a bit of speed. Great lesson!

[@JimPankey]

Keep me posted on your progress 😊

[@thetarrbabyx]

SO Motivational at the end!!!! Much needed when learning a new instrument.

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could motivate you!

[@catherineguitar]

Hi Jim, when I play the high part it sounds better to my ear, or maybe it's my banjo (a budget Epiphone open back) to start with my middle finger on the ninth fret and my index finger on the eighth, rather than the 10th and ninth as you are doing. Just a little weird thing I've noticed. I'm becoming addicted to my banjo thanks to your brilliant tutorials. Love them!

[@JimPankey]

Maybe your bridge is in the wrong place?

[@catherineguitar]

Ah, thank you. I will look at that. When i bought it it was flat in the box and we had to set it up so it's more than possible that it's not in exactly the right place

[@catherineguitar]

Yep, you were right. The bridge was 1/2" too close to the neck. I moved it by loosening the strings - then a world of trouble started with strings coming out of the pegs, then I broke one tightening it up again. They are so fiddly and have a mind of their own! but it's all ok now

[@kelcamer]

I like this one so much! It's my favorite of these videos so far 👍

[@shaynegoodison]

ty Jim. I've been learning this tune with the C chord on the 5th fret only and the D on the 5th and 7th. This version sounds a little different but so far is a bit easier.

[@JimPankey]

It’s part simplicity, but mostly a particular skill set that I’m trying to teach. :)

[@shaynegoodison]

@@JimPankey This is helping me work both hands together and is great for working up and down the neck. I had actually been practicing this song before cripple creek when I stumbled onto your lessons. Guaranteed I will be going back to lesson one. So far your lessons have been the easiest for me to follow and to nail down. Many thanks!

[@n411xbushpilot]

I love this song it is beautiful Jim thank you so much I am able to play this a just lesson how nice it sounds and not even think about it it just floods out of my finger

[@JimPankey]

Awesome. Keep practicing. 😊

[@n411xbushpilot]

@@JimPankey every day and last two days all day I like to get clean and smooth slowly it seem to do that

[@gregwaldrop3810]

Do these shapes at 2:00 and 3:45 have names? When you say later to play a D7 I can follow that, but when you say make "that shape" have memory problems.

[@JimPankey]

I don't have names for them. Since they're both the same shape... and both the same shape as a D7 you'll just have to remember that finger position.

[@roylewis5386]

Jethrofarmer and I have a great deal in common. I bought my banjo in the late 60s and it sat in a closet for decades. Back then I did not have the patience to practice. Now thanks to your wonderful videos I can feel some degree of accomplishment. I have tried several books but with no success. I really appreciate the time you take to clearly describe what is happening and your encouraging words during the lessons.I too look forward to the time when I think I am good enough to justify buying a better instrument. Can you recommend a teacher in the Austin or Round Rock TX area? Thanks again for all your hard work.

[@lizstorer000]

Hey Jim, On this lesson and found it easy because of your great teaching... Hardest part is trying to think about moving my fingers up or down the fret board whilst playing the downward roll (so as to get ready for the next finger positioning). I have used D7 previously (strumming skip to my lou), but what are the 9/10 & 4/5 finger positioning notes here called? Will keep on practicing this Part 1 and the previous rolls and get on to Lesson 8 for Part 2 of Banjo in the Hollow soon. Liz 🙂

[@JimPankey]

Those aren't really "chords" but they work over the G and C chord respectively.

[@guitarman2262]

great lessons again really good jim am on 6 and 7 lessons and keep recapping on lesson 4 where are you live jim

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me help you learn!

[@antoniocordano9895]

Jim this is awesome! Thanks for the lessons. This is my first time playing an instrument and your teaching style is helping me pick it up quick! I got Cripple Creek down, although I am having a hard time matching the lyrics with the tune. any suggestions? I can't seem to find any versions of the song online that are similar as well.

[@JimPankey]

Just keep practicing. Try singing along with me in the lesson.

[@soviet_onion_4208]

thank u jim another good ole leeson

[@JimPankey]

You're welcome! :)

[@dalestehlik622]

When I feel like it's sounds good to me. Is that the time to work on the other parts of a song. Thanks from Nebraska

[@JimPankey]

If you can play along with me in the lesson that would be a good sign that you could move on to the other parts.

[@dalestehlik622]

I guess my next step is to start playing along with you. I am glad nobody will hear me play

[@colinsarah120]

Thank you Jim ❤️

[@JimPankey]

You're welcome!

[@colinsarah120]

@@JimPankey any plans for a live stream soon?

[@phoebearmstrong9804]

He’s funny, I like his since of humor😂

[@garfieldfletcher3665]

Your really good to follow, appreciate your time

[@anthonyhester9568]

Thanks

[@JimPankey]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@robjrice]

Hi Jim, as I move from fret 10 to fret 5 as shown at 4.05 on your video, I seem to deaden string one as I pick up speed, Is there a way to go faster without this happening please? Great videos thank you.

[@JimPankey]

Practice….

[@waynekeiderling6352]

P.S. THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL THE LESSONS I BOUGHT YOR T SHIRTS AND TRY TO SPREAD THE WORD OF YOUR GREAT LESSONS. KEEP ON KEEPING ON MAN.

[@JimPankey]

Awesome thank you!

[@davidcoomer2535]

Hey Jim loving the lessons, what is the first chord called?

[@JimPankey]

It’s not really a chord. It’s just a position we use to get the melody we want.

[@pigfinder]

Great video. Thanks.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching ☺️

[@natasharoberts2489]

This is a tricky one but will practice 👍

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@johnnyellison9797]

Howdy jim its me johnny the hillbilly from Tennessee im still with you little slow but im getting there so keep up the good work and god bless you Johnny

[@JimPankey]

Hang in there! Just keep at it. Gets easier as you go.

[@noelsmyth9165]

Brilliant great tutor

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@cocktai1king]

Hey Jim, love you videos! Been playing guitar for years, and bought a banjo a while back and never knew where to start with it. Your videos have me starting to feel like I can actually play! Any chance you'd do a walk through for Shifty Shaft by Cabinet? One of my favorite tunes!

[@JimPankey]

Glad the lessons are working for you. Stick with it, you'll be able to play anything you want.

[@RaisedbyaWildPackofCigarettes]

Thanks again Mr. Pankey! You are definitely right about people finding their footing about now. I couldn't tell you the notes I am playing, but I can easily put things together and repeat them from memory. I also got some metal picks and my finger tips stopped turning blue and throbbing.

[@JimPankey]

Glad I’m able to help!

[@evildave7656]

I am really having trouble with my left index finger. The string I’m plucking has no tone. Not sure if my left hand is on correct position. I’m trying to curl my fingers but having no luck. Very frustrating.

[@JimPankey]

Left index? You a lefty? Keep trying, I’m sure you can do it.

[@colinhands6926]

Hey jim its colin here in australia hope u dont mind me contacting u i really enjoy your lessons on line i play banjo ok ive played rythm guitar for 40 years and im pretty good at that i still play solo at the local hotel i no all the banjo chords up the neck and i can play forward roll forward and reverse roll and alternate roll at a reasonable speed but i have trouble changing the roll midstream so the songs dont sound right any help would b appreciated with this issue thanks colin

[@JimPankey]

I kinda get what you’re saying, but the solution is likely going to be looking at those trouble spots and focusing on them. Find tunes that force those transitions and just play the living snot out of them. The fact that you can hear where you need work is the biggest hurdle. Keep picking, you’ll get it!

[@nikalia3370]

I thourouhly enjoy your lessons, thank you for sharing them. Quick question. I am a baby banjo picker & my banjo is not fancy (mulucky). When I place my social finger on the 5th fret second string and my index on the 4th fret first string, the first string sounds exactly like the fifth string. It's all off. I've used multiple tuners, to no avail. Would love any advice. Playing my banjo is my happy place, (when she sings correctly).

[@JimPankey]

If there' a music store near you that can help you with it, that would be my first suggestion. It sounds like your action may be too low... or something wrong with a fret... no way for me to know without having it in my hands.

[@TheDoug109]

Jim thank you for making these beginner videos . Do you have a website?

[@pennporterfield643]

Where can I find Jim’s tab book?

[@JimPankey]

sellfy.com/wildjimbo

[@vincentbaca57]

Im loving these videos! But when did we switch from cripple creek?

[@JimPankey]

This video is where we look at a new tune.

[@jackvalentine566]

I’m really struggling with this my 5th string is buzzing and muted a lot do I need to Pull the 2nd string up abit with my middle finger to take it away from The 5th string?

[@JimPankey]

5th string? It shouldn’t be anywhere near your 2nd string.

[@jackvalentine566]

@@JimPankey Jim that’s my bad haha i meant my 1st and thanks so much for the reply

[@JimPankey]

Don’t bend the string out of the way. Get up on the very tip of your finger and apply “just enough” pressure to get the note clear.

[@jackvalentine566]

@@JimPankey thanks Jim I really owe a lot to you I’ve progressed my playing so much recently because of you.

[@waynekeiderling6352]

THANKS JIM !!!!!!I GOT IT ALL THREE SONGS ((((BUT AT MY AGE 83 I NEED A SUB FOR ((((D))))) CHORD BECAUSE OF BAD BENT UP FINGERS . ANY IDEAS WELCOME...

[@JimPankey]

Kinda hard to diagnose without seeing what you're up against, but I'm sure you will sort it out.

[@waynekeiderling6352]

@@JimPankey GOT IT JM!!!!!!!!THANK YOU I ALSO DO IT IN KEY OF C CAPOED YIPPY!!!I AM HI AT 83 YRS O. DO U EVER GET TO NEW ENGLAND I LIVE N MAINE .

[@fritsvanstratum3239]

Can you please explain dueling Banjo’s like you did cripple creek ? Lots of greetings from a big fan from the Netherlands who wants to play banjo

[@JimPankey]

I have no plans to do that. You can take all of the techniques I teach in this series, apply them, and create your own version of that tune. You can do it.

[@fritsvanstratum3239]

Thanks gonna work hard to get it done, practicing about 1,5 to two hours a day so one day I will get it

[@jerryhand4145]

Hi Jim, love the teaching videos... age 62 and first instrument ever... am on beginner 7 and doing ok with rolls, but having a challenge with smooth transition from one the next... suggestions? I am trying to move right hand up the neck (I am lefty) when I have open roll 1231, but never seem to get there on time... always a brief pause...

[@JimPankey]

You just have to slow it down and work on it until the pause isn't there.

[@Unicorniable]

Jim, thanks for doing this. I have problems with keeping interest but I really wanted to learn the banjo and look at me go, thanks to you. I just have this tiny miny problem, I came this far without fingerpicks cause I 1. Clumps around and 2. I hate that metallic clinge it makes when I hit the strings. Am I doing something wrong here or is it normal. What is the idea of using them, higher tones?

[@JimPankey]

Wear Your Finger Picks - Jim Pankey & Roy Curry kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJC1hpefmZuLmdU

[@Unicorniable]

Jim Pankey i missed that part. Thanks again banjo Santa!

[@dalestehlik622]

Hello Jim l was wondering when does a person develop speed in playing a song he is practice

[@JimPankey]

Speed is developing all the time. You can always work on speeding up, but don’t sacrifice your timing and note placement for speed.

[@sonicbudha9420]

Jesus Jim, I need a lock on these lessons...stop me jumpin the gun! Lol

[@JimPankey]

Just hang in there. Take your time and have fun.

[@jethrofarmer3399]

i've heard you talk about short scale and long scale. can you tell me which is easier to play? or what the differences would be?

[@JimPankey]

+Jethrofarmer I honestly don't think you'd notice a difference at this point. Some people say they have a preference, but the difference is so small most folks never notice.

[@shawn9878]

Still here learning... Thanks

[@JimPankey]

Glad to hear it

[@alexanderbogander2671]

so good!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks!

[@dalestehlik622]

What is the best way to build up speed with a banjo

[@JimPankey]

Eli has a good video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWbGmmlum7hqa68

[@thomascline6247]

My tenth fret sounds different than yours, i have to move each of my fingers down one fret to make it sound the same as yours. My tuner and multiple tuning apps say that I am in tune, what am I doing wrong? My fifth fret sounds just like yours.

[@JimPankey]

Your bridge may be in the wrong place.

[@thomascline6247]

@@JimPankey youre a genius, i fixed it, thanks!

[@JimPankey]

Great!

[@patrickfinger3013]

Can you do more live sir

[@JimPankey]

I will eventually.

[@patrickfinger3013]

Hey jim im still here. What about a lorena tutorial? Gotta love that old shit

[@JimPankey]

@@patrickfinger3013 It's not one I usually play, so I've never considered a tutorial.

[@spit-n-shoot3511]

Help Jim!! I can't seem to find a resting spot for my right hand . I start off wrong or finish wrong . Took typing in H.S. 62 words a minute but i cant seem to get in the right spot and stay there . In typing you have 2 keys for the index fingers with indention's so you don't have to look at the keys . I just keep getting worse trying to solve this . About ready to super glue my pinky in place !lol

[@JimPankey]

Just keep at it. You'll find a spot that feels comfortable.

[@daytoneman]

What is Patreon?

[@JimPankey]

www.patreon.com/jimpankey

[@steveschurman]

I've been through your full Learn to Play Bluegrass Banjo series, Jim, and want to thank you for your videos. I enjoy your style and I'm actually learning! My wife and I started fostering a dog a couple weeks ago. Turns out, he likes to sing along to Banjo in the Hollow. Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6TGf2esiJdrjdU. The best part is when he howls particularly loudly when I put my fingers behind the wrong frets!

[@JimPankey]

This is great!

[@stu9416]

The biggest issue I’m having is whenever I pluck my high string my thumb always ends up hitting the fourth string at the same time. Any tips to stop this?

[@JimPankey]

Identifying the problem is the first step. It's really going to be as simple as not hitting the 4th when you hit the 5th.

[@kujayhawker6732]

If one learns all these songs your teaching when done will a person be able to play any song with no problems?

[@JimPankey]

At some point you'll be able to take the skills and techniques I've taught and twist them into any song you might want to play. There'll always be things that don't go as planned while you're playing, but you'll get better at playing through your mistakes and making the best of it.

[@kujayhawker6732]

ok thanks appreciate it

[@TheAstilesus]

Ughhh, how do I keep my fat left fingers from fretting more than one string?

[@JimPankey]

Oh, practice really. You can do it. Just takes time. 🙂

[@jakerowsell8752]

need to exercise those fingers on the banjo!

[@menachem99]

thank you

[@thedarkpoet3002]

i cant get the second fret third string to sound right.ive tried adusting the bridge,tightening the head and changed the string.

[@JimPankey]

Sound right, how?

[@thedarkpoet3002]

It's out of tune, the open is in tune and as soon as I put my finger on the second fret it's out of tune and sounds bad. I'm not sure how to explain it well 😅

[@JimPankey]

Only things that could be wrong that I can think of… Bridge placement, but that will affect all the strings Tuning in general - most likely culprit You’re bending the string as you fret it - also a common issue

[@thedarkpoet3002]

@@JimPankey thanks dude. I'll play around with it.

[@thecgapblitzpodcast4148]

Started working on banjo in the hollar tonight....noooow my fingers hurt😂

[@JimPankey]

Awesome!

[@grannyblaylock623]

THANKS..🤗👍👍

[@JimPankey]

Welcome 😊

[@garfieldfletcher3665]

nice