Learn to Play Man of Constant Sorrow - Bluegrass Banjo

Here’s a great tune that gets requested a lot. It’s not hard and if you’ve been through my beginner videos I bet you can knock this one out quickly! :)
Tab: sellfy.com/p/w5cm/

[@JimPankey]

Tab: sellfy.com/p/w5cm/

[@grannyblaylock623]

👍👍 THANKS

[@aaronstevers5015]

this man is without a doubt the best banjo teacher on youtube.

[@JimPankey]

Thank you so much.

[@yourordinarypieceofshite8982]

True

[@stephenedwards3140]

Got me jamming love it amazing I'm so happy

[@deebee4575]

Agree.

[@eskandarmokhtari8791]

🙋‍♂️⚘🤣👍🌺💓🌞🙏🌞🙏🌹

[@billfriendo2]

you’ve gotten me through so many of my banjo struggles, thanks Jim you’re a legend!!

[@JimPankey]

Happy to help!

[@Phoenixhunter157]

This is great. Thank you. I just donated and got a copy of the tab. ❤you’re such a gifted teacher.

[@cman9730]

Jim I honestly think i would have given up banjo by now if it wasn’t for you! Thank you so much!

[@JimPankey]

Gosh, thanks for letting me teach you ☺️

[@pamhamilton3009]

I have always wanted to learn the banjo.I love the way it sounds! Thank you so much for taking the time out to teach this old dog a few new tricks! You are one awesome dude! Keep that positive reinforcement coming!

[@andyreece9646]

Just bought my 1st Banjo, a Washburn B16 after waiting and wanting one for over 50 years. Your the guy who's going to take me the rest of the way:-) Enjoy your style, born to teach. Looking forward to growing with you! Thanks for what you do.

[@matthewbishop4342]

How's the learning coming after a year?

[@codygurien7663]

well Matthew i guess he gave it up

[@nathaliefournier4385]

Yay! A new tune to learn! Thanks so much for sharing all your tricks with us! :) Can’t wait for the snow to melt and sit on porch and pick away!

[@boby6328]

Love the way you teach. You go slow and show every step to play. Just starting to learn and have learned a lot with just your first video.

[@stevepawluk4129]

Thank you, Mr. Pankey. A nice tune and you made it easy to learn, even for a novice like myself. Your video instruction is very much appreciated!

[@rockofagesusa7942]

You’re a great teacher, I watched your I fly away video and in three days I was playing it. Thank you very much for doing your videos.

[@mikepettit3540]

Thanks Jim.I"m another beginner with the banjo. I went through your 10 beginning lessons and they were a great help, and now I'm learning "Man Of Constant Sorrows" How cool is that!! Thanks again for the lessons.

[@zachkelly89]

THANK YOU !! Just finished learning foggy mountain break down been playing by the beach and people are tipping me with out me having a sign or anything out just doing it for fun

[@kennyballantyne7404]

This was the tune that attracted me to the banjo ,and now after lots of practice and your videos I can finally play it, although I've added a few bits of my own into it ,I started playing a couple of years ago and completed your 10 lessons .I think I'm actually getting it now. So all the best from Scotland jim from a very happy man

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you ☺️

[@stephendewar8849]

Just realised this may be the page to give honest feedback for Jim's tuition. It's been an excellent, very generous, friendly and approachable introduction.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks so much!

[@danielhoyt6744]

Im an old man with a tin ear but I can learn from you and I'm ready for lesson ten of the beginner lessons thank you so much I

[@theskraful]

Jim, I recently discovered your channel and thoroughly enjoy your videos. I'm quite new to the banjo and even newer to bluegrass music. I sincerely thank you for your inspiration, instruction, and entertainment. All the best, Mr. Pankey. From a true fan, Curtis

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you 😊

[@daveherrin2701]

Thankee kindly Jim. I thought i couldn’t learn without tabs but this makes two songs done with you. You make it easy for a lower intermediate old guy like me.

[@mariah-banjo]

I know learning with tabs is hard because you just keep looking at the tab and never stop looking at tabs and not learning the skill of banjo but leaning the skill of reading tabs

[@johnmarston2915]

I just got a banjo a couple of days ago and I never thought I could be up to lesson 4 with the help of this amazing banjo teacher. I have subscribed for more and can’t wait to go to the next lesson. Sliding does make your finger sore since I was practicing for about 4-5 hours yesterday. I am excited to learn how to play man of constant sorrow.

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! Thanks for letting me teach you!

[@claimjumper7866]

I've been ex lusively using your videos to get back into my banjo. Got the free time now. Working on your old lessons 1-9. For some reason your teaching just works for me. Looks like you got a lot of videos. We practice everyday, sometimes twice.

[@JimPankey]

Glad I can help you learn ☺️

[@thomasdebler6248]

Hey Jim. I'm a new banjo guy. 50 years old. Wanted to learn since I was a kid. I love your style. Looking forward to working with your lessons.

[@timothyhannum4366]

Thanks Jim for sharing your passion so we can build our own....you're the best!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for trusting a stranger on the internet to teach you banjo. 🥸😁

[@lindabohm8895]

Just bought my first banjo and Jim is my first teacherr, and what a great first tune. He makes it very doable. Thank you Jim!!!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you ☺️

[@isaac07517]

I bought a banjo January '23 as Bluegrass has been my favorite genre for a whule now and I can say I have been pretty consistent with practicing, and your videos are helping so much!

[@JimPankey]

Glad I can help 😊

[@tobypritchard6095]

So classic, thanks again Jim!

[@brendankleinschafer6950]

Mate, I have been stuffing around with my banjo for years in Australia, looking for lessons, however have found them difficult to follow and sometimes boring. I've finally found your lessons and loving playing and improving. Thankyou Brendan

[@JimPankey]

Fantastic! Glad I can help. 😊

[@petrolhed1]

Absolutely love this song and as I just bought my first banjo yesterday I can’t wait to try playing this,thanks Jim you made my day 👍🏻

[@JimPankey]

Have fun! I hope you'll go thru my beginner series first.

[@petrolhed1]

@@JimPankey already on lesson 3 of beginner bluegrass cheers

[@MatONeill]

This is fantastic Jim - thanks so much! I've wanted to learn this for years.

[@JimPankey]

You're very welcome!

[@HGTEDARTS]

Just bought the TAB for this beauty, Thanks for everything you do Jim

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@perrybucsdad]

Jim... I love it. I tell you... another fella has this in 13 lessons... you do it all in one and much easier to follow. Now, to be fair, I think the other fella adds a lot of other fancy stuff in it, and that is all well and good if you have been playing for years maybe, but your teaching style and lesson format is just so much easier for people like me who are just learning and get frustrated so easily. Thank you for making these lessons so approachable.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks. The goal of my lessons is to teach people how to play the banjo, not memorize stuff.

[@evanhafley9923]

I just started playing banjo and this was the first song I wanted to learn and this guy made it so easy to understand.

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help 😀

[@flintdavis2]

Keep that look Jim!! Very professional and neat looking. Thanks for the lesson!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks ☺️

[@whiskeydan5763]

Great lesson!! Learned it with no problems. Looking forward to learning more. Thank ya!

[@JimPankey]

Great! Keep picking!

[@b.j.bassfishing9464]

Best banjo teacher on youtube. Learned it within minutes. Thank you!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@rossbergman7023]

Thank you the easy to follow directions. Love it!

[@cinnamongum466]

Such a simple set up makes it seem like he tutorial would be difficult but it surprisingly makes so much sense

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@sistermanic]

I love this lesson, you’re a great teacher ❤️

[@JimPankey]

Thanks!

[@fredanugent2253]

Hi Jim. Thought I'd attempt this after doing the beginner lessons, and I love it. After just a few tries I got it and of course it needs work and practice but I really enjoy it. I know and like the song which helped. I still have to write all the notes down to start with because If I can't play for a few days I forget it but I think the roll patterns make sense now. Thanks for a great lesson.

[@JimPankey]

Fantastic! So glad I could help. :)

[@brianbevis3769]

Hi, I started playing in November (50th birthday present) and have been working through your 10 lessons, just so I can get to the point where I can play this song 😁. Love all your lessons I’ve learned so much, but this one I get lost on the tag at the end😥 Amazing stuff, keep the lessons coming. (UK)

[@JimPankey]

You’ll get it. Just hang in there.

[@lifeofchrisj]

Love your videos Jim! Maybe a suggestion is that you could teach us these songs like you did in the learning bluegrass version! It would be very helpful and easy to follow. Keep them coming!

[@JimPankey]

Thing is, once you're applied all of the material from the beginner series you shouldn't need step by step instructions... Hopefully, once you're ready for these tunes you should only need a basic sketch of how the tune goes. You can fill in the rest on your own. :)

[@joshs8968]

Thank you! You’ve taught me my first song!

[@JimPankey]

Awesome 😎

[@thomasgrafvonstrzemieczny822]

Thank you for your Videos, they help me so much start playing Banjo!!!! Best regards from Germany!

[@JimPankey]

So glad I can help. 😊

[@jimsmith8212]

Just learned this in about a week! Thanks a lot! Great lesson!!!

[@JimPankey]

Great!!👏🏼

[@melissamessmer6544]

Never played a musical now after 1 month I'm really making progress on lesson 3 thank you Jim never thought it was possible your the best

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! Knew you could do it!

[@phoebearmstrong9804]

Thank you so much for the lesson. I’m going to practice what I’ve learned.🤗

[@JimPankey]

Be sure to keep me posted on your progress

[@jamesroberts1655]

I wish you lived near me. You are the best I have come across when explaining things.

[@JimPankey]

Glad I can help!

[@jamesrodriquez2863]

I wouldn't have guessed that this tune is as simple as it is. Thanks for the lesson!

[@JimPankey]

Enjoy!

[@ghostparlour60]

You the man Jim!

[@jackorbit7258]

As always, thanks Jim.

[@SkeepyJeepyJohnson]

Thank you for making banjo so accessible. You deserve far more subscribers and views sir.

[@bobmizen1]

Really nice sounding tune. Thanks Jim. Take care. Regards, Bob M. South Wales

[@JimPankey]

...and fun to play too!

[@TheGhost5600]

Thanks for this Jim..

[@heliopijpe]

Loved it! It is a nice intermezzo between clawhammer practise :-)

[@mhd5826]

Loving this, and have to say that I absolutely believe that my little English neighbourhood is all the richer for me learning to play banjo with my backdoor open now it's getting warmer :-D

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me teach you and thanks for sharing me with the neighbors. 😊

[@mhd5826]

@@JimPankey The pleasures all mine! (Though noone has yet shouted to get my door shut!)

[@mariah-banjo]

thanks Jim I looked for a banjo lesson for that song for a long time : )

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help 😃

[@marykeating3767]

hi- I just bought a banjo for my birthday and this video is helping me so much! i want to be a bluegrass player like my dad. thank you ❤

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@leeharvener897]

This is awesome!!! Your videos allowed me to learn the banjo and now I play in the church worship band! Thank you so much! Could you put out a video for "Come Thou Fount"?

[@JimPankey]

Come Thou Fount isn't the most banjo friendly tune... I recently worked out a version in 4/4 time, but probably won't be making a tutorial for it; it's just a little too weird. lol Best advice I can offer on that song is to find the chords then hunt and peck until you find the melody notes... hopefully you can play somethings appropriate behind the choir with the worship band.

[@chrisrose6938]

Hi Jim. Thanks so much for this. You have done a video for it I believe but it's always great to recap. Any chance you could do a video for Steve martins the crow? Thanks.

[@jamesnash8857]

Wanted this one for ages 🤩

[@JimPankey]

Glad you found it. 😊

[@BanjoBumbleBee]

Day two of practicing this and already got it memorised 😏 Can't say my neighbours are pleased though 😬

[@JimPankey]

Awesome! I bet they love it.

[@charlotterogers8733]

Thank you ....nice and simple. I have a bad habit of trying a complicated version way too soon.

[@JimPankey]

Why do something complex when the simple version will do? :)

[@mikefinley4367]

Nice job, good lesson.

[@JimPankey]

Glad you liked it!

[@patrickgordonmayo7170]

Pure Awesomeness !!!

[@JimPankey]

thanks!

[@dasilvaben10]

Hey Jim, I'm Brazilian and I've been watching your videos since I got my banjo, about two weeks ago. Since you taught me like everything I know I decided to bought your TAB Book "32 arrangements and ideas for bluegrass banjo", which helped me even more and is really great, but some of the songs I can't figure out how to play just listening to the original songs, because some of them are really fast. The one that I'm stuck with now is "banjo signal" cause I can't figure out the end, I've listened to some versions but I still can't understand like the timing and pretty much anything of the final part, so I was wondering if you could post some videos, not only of banjo signal, but of the others songs of the book that you don't have videos playing them to help me and the other buyers to follow and learn them. Doesn't have to be walk through videos, just the demos, maybe just played slower so we could follow with the tab. I appreciate all of your work, and thank you for all of your help, really yours are the best tutorials that I've watched and everything that in just two weeks I'm now capable to do I own to you. Thank you very much again, and I hope that you answer my request. Ps: Sorry for any english mistakes, I hope everything is understandable.

[@calebbarricks9199]

Bro is the goat no cap like I already play for people and there like dude your so good lol

[@JimPankey]

Thanks!

[@kirbonite]

I subscribed. I play some of these songs already but always enjoy hearing your take. If I may, This is out of line with the typical request but one song I've never been confident in my arrangement is Country Gazette's: Don't let nobody tie you down out of G in the key of A. It may be too much to ask but would love to hear your spin. If it's out of line of normal banjo stuff.. no problem.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for subscribing. I’m familiar with the song, but don’t guess I’ve ever played it.

[@DougieLink]

I got ya tab for this one. I played it to FB friends and they said it sounds real nice.

[@JimPankey]

Glad you liked it!

[@robinporter8243]

I am just now learning banjo. Have played guitar for years and I'm really wanting to learn banjo now. I'm loving your videos and how you teach. This song is my first song I wanted to learn. I've tried playing it on banjo by just doing a fingerstlye pattern, for now, like I do on guitar. Wrong, but at least, it kept me motivated to keep learning and worked for the meantime. I now am practicing rolls, so that I can play correctly and learn banjo well. I have a Fender and by looking up pictures of different Fender banjos and studying the inlays, etc., I'm thinking it's a 54 (fb54?). Action is kind of high, but still seems to be good beginner banjo to learn from. Will that make it harder to learn with that higher action? If I learn well, one of these days, I want to get a Deering Sierra or Calico. I've been studying those and from watching KZbin, it seems the Sierra has a lower, mellow sound and the Calico has a brighter sound. So far, I'm loving the Sierra sound. Of those two, which do you like the best and are they a good, nice, upgrade banjo to own and to stick to (if I get good enough, lol)? Thank you!

[@JimPankey]

How high is high? I like my action 1/8” at the 12th fret. I’ve always thought the Calico was a pretty banjo. A lot of other brands to look at though, so don’t make your mind up too quickly. Feel free to check out my beginner series.

[@spanarnz]

Thank you for this, awesome!

[@JimPankey]

Glad you liked it!

[@errk8093]

Jim you should sell t-shirts with a graphic of you leaning over like you do for the camera 😂 love your videos!

[@JimPankey]

I need to do that. Or rather, I need someone to create that for me. 😆

[@ronniemiller220]

Love your videos man. Could you please do Tom Dooley?

[@chevylynn4997]

love it, u explained it well, great playin,,

[@JimPankey]

Thank you kindly!

[@mikespeer9538]

I enjoy your videos Jim. Have you ever done one on, me and my old banjo, the Osborne Brothers?

[@filiperiksson9944]

You are a great teacher. I would love if you played the song in the begining of your videos so that you can her how it sounds and how you play it .

[@JimPankey]

Yeah... I think you'll see that I typically do that now.

[@dans.8198]

Thanks ! Love you Santa !

[@JimPankey]

You’re welcome Dan. Ho Ho Ho 🎅🏼

[@angelawalker6940]

I love this and it easy to learn

[@JimPankey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deshawnpankey6441]

Hey Mr. Pankey, my name is DeShawn Pankey. I live in Arkansas, I play a banjo to. I'm enjoying your style. Just thought I'd share it with you. Thanks.

[@JimPankey]

I bet we're related! Keep picking!

[@mikefreidline5429]

Love it!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks!!

[@carolinemichelle238]

Will you PLEEEEEEASE do a video on how to play Stillest Hour by .357 String Band? THANK YOU

[@nightskyimaging]

Awesome - awesome awesome!!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks ☺️

[@zachkelly89]

Can you please do sunny side of the mountain if you find time one day thank you buddy

[@TheRainbowrae]

My great granddad wrote this song. Ed Haley❤ I think it's a great place for me to start learning banjo!!! Thank u

[@DanyaRhea]

I just picked up the banjo two days ago (had it for a few years but just now getting serious about learning) and I’ve gotten Cripple Creek down pat and learned this in about 30 minutes! I’m so happy! Thank you so much, Mr. Pankey. You are the best teacher EVER. PS - My daddy bought me this banjo a few years ago in hopes that I would learn it. (He raised me on bluegrass. I’ve been doing the guitar for about 10 years but he loves the banjo) I’m so excited to surprise him soon. 27 years old with 2 babies of my own now, but still my daddy’s girl. Haha And even though he’s not “on KZbin”, I’m sure he’s going to be thanking you, too ❤️

[@JimPankey]

Sorry for the late reply. Hope you're still picking. You'll have to share a video!

[@DanyaRhea]

Jim Pankey I am 😊 Thank you so much!

[@mr.nostash3038]

I did it ,it was hard but I can now start practicing

[@JimPankey]

Awesome 😎

[@garrylarose1506]

i find it really helped me if i kept in mind that every time i bent the G cord that i have to instantly pick the D cord as if doing those 2 together as like a single pack. otherwise i was always missing something and it didnt sound right.

[@JimPankey]

Glad you've found something that's working for you. :)

[@damjan9257]

Thanks Jim! I picked it up very quickly and learned this today, but I am trying to play along with the song now and man it feels impossible. It's so fast that I can't remember what to hit next even though I practiced it for quite a while today. Any tip on how to improve there, or is it just playing for a longer period of time till I get used to it? I play guitar and bass and I have no problem there will following songs, but this song is so fast, it feels impossible.

[@JimPankey]

Slow down, take your time, and don’t expect to be able to “just do it”. It’ll come. Keep practicing.

[@stephendewar8849]

Hi. I'm slowly learning from Jim's videos and occasional private tuition. I'm really enjoying it. So far I've done Jim's first 9 or so How to Play) bluegrass videos, but couldn't find how to do a 'tag' in bluegrass style, as mentioned in this video. Has anyone got any ideas where Jim talked about this in his previous videos. Maybe it was the one where he talks about bends, as I haven't found that yet, Thanks for any help. Steve

[@JimPankey]

A tag is just a lick that happens at the end of a phrase. I show tag in this video that I use for this song, but there are different ones you could us. I cover another similar tag here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpW1gmmXjL-DaZo

[@stephendewar8849]

@@JimPankey Thanks Jim. Just tried it and by George I think i've got it. Sorry if I'm not supposed to use the website like this. I'll be a bit more reserved. It seems more for thank you's than questions. I'm new to this and don't know if I'm following protocol. Anyway, I've left some heartfelt praise and I very much appreciate your helpful reply. Happy New year Steve

[@KirkMastin]

Thanks!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@southerncharm742]

Jim your so awesome do you know what this video means it means your a Super hero on the banjo what's it mean for me.im learning to play man of constant sorrow my favorite movie. well hmmm 🤔 it means to my family I'm that Super banjo hero 🤣😆 God I love your channel. update on me and my starter banjo I practice every day even if it's 20 to 30 minutes I do work 3rd shift but even at work I'm thinking banjo. thanks to you for the way you play a song let's see teach as you go.perfect. that makes learning the banjo so much easier. it really does always a like from me I promise God bless please never stop what you do we your fans are watching and learning 🪕 👍

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikefinley4367]

Love the song & music style. Thanks for sharing. What's the difference from the 36 and the RK20? I'm thinking the 20 may be of inferior components?

[@JimPankey]

Thanks! Yes, the RK36 is a pro quality instrument where the RK20 is a good student instrument.

[@kingofsludge7262]

Sweet!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@CiscoKid391]

You're the man

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@CiscoKid391]

I have learned a few of your songs already but I have to say this may be my favorite so far. Does it have lyrics?

[@JimPankey]

Yup... there should be some good versions out here on KZbin where you can hear it.

[@user-qh9pk9xx7h]

Clear simple very effective communication, would like access to the tabs to cross check

[@JimPankey]

Tab listed in description. Tab: sellfy.com/p/w5cm/

[@juliewicker3328]

I wish u would do a tutorial ...on the song ..big rock candy mountain.. please 😃

[@benwhitaker5802]

Can you please make a video of Hold On by Sons of the East. I can’t find a video on it on KZbin. It would be much appreciated!

[@JimPankey]

I'm generally only familiar with bluegrass tunes, so I had to look that one up. I probably won't do a lesson on it as it seems that it's just a forward and reverse roll played over the chord changes. If you've been through my beginner series I bet you could figure it out! :)

[@banjowoodsman7675]

Jim thank you for all you do. I have a quick question are you pinching the 5 and 1 or pinching 521? Thank you

[@JimPankey]

5&1

[@banjowoodsman7675]

Jim Pankey thank you for such a quick reply. ATB

[@user-qt1gs9pk8m]

Hey Jim! I have small hands, is the RK R35 a good pick? / is it suitable for smaller hands? Thanks!

[@JimPankey]

Should be just fine! :)

[@peterg5624]

As always, love your videos but I'm struggling with the bit around 3min where you play the forward and reverse, I cant quite work out which strings are played on the reverse, anyone help out ?? thanks

[@JimPankey]

Went back to watch. I actually call out the string sequence, but in case you missed it the roll is 52151231

[@peterg5624]

Jim Pankey I’ve watched this video numerous times and didn’t pick that up, thanks for taking the time to reply.

[@robertdubsky4801]

Can you purchase tab without a pay pal acct.? TX Rob

[@themaraca]

Could you do a version of I'd rather be a lonesome pine please.

[@JimPankey]

That’s a good tune.

[@WarrenNash-ef3sx]

Could you do I'll fly away or clinch mountain backstep. I would like you to do I'll fly away because I need to learn it so i can play for my church. And I need it broken down. Thanks

[@JimPankey]

I'll Fly Away - Verse - Bluegrass Banjo - Simplekzbin.info/www/bejne/mJXRmqCDYreHmLM

[@JimPankey]

Clinch Mountain Backstep - Lesson Notes and Demokzbin.info/www/bejne/aXnYn32Lf8SGeNU