Playing and Singing with the Banjo - An Introduction - Bluegrass

I've had a lot of requests for this. I guess it was time I did something about it... :)
I'm playing my Recording King M5
Patreon: / jimpankey
Tabs: www.sellfy.com/wildjimbo

[@calebhershberger3820]

Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time and effort to make these all these videos you’ve made over time! In just 6 weeks I’m able to play four different songs smoothly and at fast speeds along with playing backup fairly well in our jam sessions we have. Love the videos! Keep them coming and I’ll keep pickin!

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@calebhershberger3820]

@Big Daddy I played some guitar before banjo so I knew timing and finger coordination when I started playing. I also play every evening for a good two hours on average. Unfortunately there’s no shortcuts to learning an instrument 😁

[@sandyj621]

Thanks, Jim! This is something I've been struggling with a bit, so I'm gonna try this when I play later!

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@Bradm426]

Thanks for doing these! Always enjoy your videos.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@Anti_everything_and_everyone]

We love you Jim! 🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@JimPankey]

😊

[@captainpicard1701e]

Great video, Jim. I've been playing for a long time but have always struggled to sing simultaneously. I'll certainly try this!

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@davidruscoe4261]

I have the same problem Jim, so this lesson has given me a way to train myself with this. Thanks a bunch as ever. Your super relaxed style and constant reassurances drives me on!

[@JimPankey]

Happy to help!

[@spirituspantanolungo9863]

Thank you Jim. I would love to hear you play it and for me to learn it. It was my mom’s favorite and I’d like to learn it in her memory. I find you to be the best there is on these tutorials and you have renewed my interest in playing this old wonderful banjo.

[@JimPankey]

Which song?

[@spirituspantanolungo9863]

@@JimPankey Gentle on my Mind... such a great tune!

[@magnolia3485]

Amazing as always

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@catalinapaez4667]

Great video, Jim! You're looking swell :)

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@peterjohnson724]

Brilliant Jim, thanks.

[@JimPankey]

Very welcome

[@michaelmcgcp]

Great video! You look like a rock star lately

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@glynnbates3241]

Jim, you are one great teacher .

[@JimPankey]

Thanks 😊

[@LyndaNorth]

Thank you for these tutorials!

[@JimPankey]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@cmcapps1963]

Love your lessons so much! I would love to hear you teach how to play in other keys such as d and c in depth!

[@JimPankey]

Great suggestion!

[@sheilacrilly1830]

Another awesome beaut tute, so easy to learn from you, what a great guy, Thankyou for your sharing ,

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@davidskimin3471]

Great advice Jim, hope your keeping well, I'm going to go back over your backup series now, Davy

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@maxwellfan55]

Good advice. I also help folks with banjo and find so many are shy about singing, which is a shame. Your video should help and encourage those get over that hurdle. If I can add. It might also help to use an open back banjo, or even a nylon strung one for singing to allow the vocal to come through, the resonator banjo can be quite loud! Also use different picking techniques, as you suggest, with use of a capo or open tunings to find the right key for your voice. Making it simple and easy to allow the song to come first is great advice. For some songs, I have stripped the banjo accompaniment down to using a two finger style and found this really works well.

[@JimPankey]

All of that is good, but in the “bluegrass world” we have to deal with the resonators and steel strings. We learn to sing loud enough, and how to control the instrument.

[@virgin_olive_oil7550]

Just had my 3rd knee surgery it's hard to play still but hey i got time off of school and it distracts me from pain thanks Jim

[@JimPankey]

Sorry about the knee... or congratulations... whichever is most appropriate. I mean most folks don’t have 3 knees. 🤣

[@virgin_olive_oil7550]

@@JimPankey well I had 2 surgerys on my left and this is the first on my right. But I wish I had 3 knees we could just replace the bad one 😂😂

[@blocky27]

Thanks Jim. Great help mate

[@JimPankey]

Glad I could help!

[@marxistmystic]

finally all i needed

[@JimPankey]

Glad to help 😊

[@AvromCrovax]

The way I think about it is singing the song or a song along can help your rolling timing and rhythm

[@JimPankey]

Yup! 👍🏼

[@Bordo430]

Thanks for sharing this with us. What helped me to get to the point to play and sing? I've introduced intermediate steps like sing and stomp my feet, then play one note and sing.

[@JimPankey]

Wonderful! Those are excellent steps to add. :)

[@nightskyimaging]

Thanks again! Not sure I will ever sing with my playing ......I have a voice that only a mother would listen too.

[@JimPankey]

You can do it!

[@coldcasekids8445]

My wife would throw tomatoes at me if I sang, lol.

[@JimPankey]

Like banjo it requires practice.

[@ricemanroadtour8500]

Was wondering if you could do a Christmas song series? Maybe if I got started now, I could play a couple this Christmas. Thanks for all your videos and help,

[@JimPankey]

I don't really know many Christmas tunes. I do have Jingle Bells posted...

[@ricemanroadtour8500]

@@JimPankey Ok, thanks. I’ll try to figure out a few with the chord progressions and a roll like you said. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks again.

[@spirituspantanolungo9863]

Can you show how to play Gentle on my mind? You taught me how to play Bury me beneath the willow and you are so great!

[@JimPankey]

Thats a good suggestion.

[@harley7311]

Jim would you PLEASE do a video for “Down the Road .Just entered another lockdown and would love to learn down the road! Just finished fireball mail. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@JimPankey]

That’s a great suggestion!

[@harley7311]

Awesome, thank you Sir!

[@marcuscool3579]

Hey Jim. I was wondering, could do a lesson on rovin' gambler?

[@JimPankey]

Great suggestion!

[@alannash68]

Jim have done any easy Christmas songs can you do 1 or 2 for People coming around this Christmas thanks jim🎅

[@JimPankey]

I really don’t play much Christmas music, so not so easy just to toss up a tutorial. I do have Jingle Bells posted though.

[@hunters.5627]

What are the chords for you are my sunshine that you just played?

[@JimPankey]

It’s only three chords. I bet if you listen and watch my hands you can figure it out.

[@hunters.5627]

@@JimPankey G,D,D7?

[@tylersimpkins8200]

Do a vidio showing all your banjo

[@JimPankey]

That might take a while... 😉

[@stephensheridan93]

👍

[@JimPankey]

😀

[@stephensheridan93]

I picked up a book by Hal Leonard Christmas songs 60 simple arrangements(for piano) Bu I could just play the same chord for Banjo G. C.D7.? Have a Happy Thanksgiving - Mrs Sheridan

[@JimPankey]

@@stephensheridan93 Yes.

[@markglore7196]

Great advice Jim. My problem is, I CAN'T SING! Period...! I could stomp on my cat's tail and she would sound better! 😆

[@JimPankey]

Just like banjo, it takes practice.

[@timothystone9379]

For rolling backup, I would definitely recommend Eli Gilbert's rolling backup series, it's simple, but it has improved my backup banjo a lot.

[@JimPankey]

Yup... it's a good series.

[@padraicsnype2714]

And if you cant form chords but can play the melody

[@clawhammer704]

I know some very good banjo pickers who just don’t sing. They’ve been playing for years but can’t sing worth a flip.

[@JimPankey]

Singing, like picking, takes practice

[@rehanulislam5801]

আপনার ল্যাংগুয়েজ বাংলায় করেন। আমাদের শিখতে সহজ হবে।

[@JimPankey]

Unfortunately, I do not speak Bengali. If you would like to do subtitles you’re welcome to. ☺️

[@Heathharris508]

First