Stop Stopping: The One Thing I Would Do Over | Clawhammer Banjo Fundamentals

[@marcnerenberg1]

When I took piano lessons as a kid, my teacher gave the same advice. She said it this way: "When you make a mistake, just keep playing - if you stop, what you will be practicing will be practicing how to stop when you make a mistake!" She said to always play through to the end, and then go back to the isolated spot you're having trouble with, and practice getting through that spot without stopping, and "try to eliminate that mistake by repeatedly playing through that rough spot".

[@admiralsnaccbarr5514]

Great advice, great insight, great shirt. All the hallmarks of a Tom Collins video

[@arcitejack]

I paused the video and tried to guess what you were going to say. I guessed, “listen more”. BUT what you said is spot on. We all really want to get the perfect phrase so we stop all the time. Music is a river though. Great advice sir. You and Clifton Hicks are my go to guys on the banjo. Thanks for all the years.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

A lovely comment, Jack. Here's to many more to come!

[@d.l.loonabide9981]

I watched this several months back. I've kept this in mind while practicing. It's a valuable concept.

[@willmarona4188]

Good advice! I’ve discovered some fun alternate runs and rhythmic patterns by playing through an error I’ve made. As they say in the theater world “ theater is all about recovery” keep it going!

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

I love that, Will. I think any musician could get on board with that.Best, Tom

[@Olmekc]

I started Ukelele on 6/29 with plans to play 30 mins a day (with the realization I’ll miss days here and there). I’m hoping after 3-6 months I’ll feel good about my abilities with the end goal of buying and learning clawhammer banjo once I reach that point. This is good to here as I work my way towards buying and learning the banjo.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Had I seen you channel a few years back, I would not have quit playing clawhammer and would not have sold my custom 1992 my Bart Rieter Professional.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

It's never too late, Jeff!! I hope you're still playing, and if not...jump right back in. Cheers, Tom

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@TomCollinsBanjo Nope... Bummer. I have been thinking about it, And your videos have brought me closer. Now to find another Bart Reiter.. of my dozen or so banjos over the years, my preference. I have had three of them , 2 Professionals and a Regent.. The Pros looked cool, the Regent was the better sounding.. Thanks again.

[@janicemarticorena2482]

I wish I could double like this video THANKS! So helpful.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Thank you for that, Janice! Best, Tom

[@SleddogMicker]

Hi Tom,fellow picker here. Is your work on itunes or KZbin music? I love your high tide track, wondering where to listen

[@mrswack-io6fn]

Wonder if Tom has any outtakes of his recordings of him playing through his mistakes....... would like to hear em...

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

There are soooo many mistakes. So. Many. And they'll never see the light of day!

[@jethrobodine4638]

Is banjo quest also for beginners? I have just started learning clawhammer banjo. i am struggling to find a teacher in my area so using youtube videos for guidance. I would have to say i am getting more proficient at the right hand picking out notes but i know i will struggle more with fretting. i am using some tab sheets for beginners as well but i find it odd that there are never any lyrics on the sheets with the tabs???? if there were words there on songs i know, it would be way easier to pluck out the notes, for me at least. do you know where a beginner can get tabs with lyrics included? is that something banjo quest offers?

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hey Jethrobodine...yes! We're just finishing up a Cluck Old Hen module, and the tabs have lyrics on them. I really like working with lyrics because they help melody memorization and timing. There are several tunes with lyrics built right into the tab. Plus, you get access to a wonderful online banjo community who are very helpful. Hope to see you over there! Tom

[@RyanHirschberg-ryanhphoto]

When you play along with Rayna, do stay in the double c tuning?

[@jonathanroyce9692]

What is that tune over the end credits? Nice stuff.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Thank you, Jonathan. That's an original tune of mine called "Half Tide". Cheers, Tom

[@Prajnana]

Hey Tom, How do I get a copy of "Half Tide"? Awesome tune, very Eastern sounding. Nice ringing tone, too; what kind of pot assembly on the banjo that you recorded it with? Thanks 😊

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hey Brian! So glad you liked the tune. I'm making that available to Patreon subscribers at The Keep level as a hi-res download. It will also appear on an upcoming solo banjo album that will be released to the public! That was played on my Ome Omega with a John Balch goatskin head. The Omega has their "vintage tone ring" on an 11" walnut pot. It sounds amazing! Cheers, Tom

[@Prajnana]

@@TomCollinsBanjo Awesome, Tom. I'll be watching for your album release. Ome makes nice instruments; I had a 12" mahg rimmed Tupelo awhile back, but it was too dark in my hands. Sounded good when others player her. The real magic is in the hands of the musician.

[@taylorborie]

Says “stop stopping” *doesn’t upload another video for 2 months*

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hahaha!! Touche! Actually, I've been uploading weekly, but they are for my Patreon community. Funny you should post this now....I'm editing a video for a wide release today! I hope you enjoy it. Cheers, Tom

[@uralpilot]

Thank you Tom. Timely lesson. I dont have the problem of stopping on mistakes, but am tempted to just STOP all together. I have been learning clawhammer a month now, and something just sounds off. A sort of harmonic tinny sound when down stroke with middle finger nail, yet if I up pick the same string it sounds "normal". I have asked a LOT of banjo players on here without any return contact. If you could just give a short listen and your opinion if you hear any weird sounds I would be so grateful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWSlgJ6uZsqaZ6c

[@ethanpace2225]

How long and hard is the nail you are striking with? Have you tried using your pointee finger instead?

[@uralpilot]

@@ethanpace2225 My middle nail is cut short. Seems hard enough, as I have experienced no pain or trouble. I cant use my index finger due to arthritis. :(

[@uralpilot]

@@ethanpace2225 Can you hear the weirdness in the posted clip?

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Sounds like clawhammer to me! Banjo is filled with wonderful and strange overtones, and you learn to influence them as you play. A tight renaissance head played with a beginning stroke closer to the bridge is a recipe for high frequency overtones. I'd recommend moving toward the neck joint, and working on simple right hand exercises that allow you to focus on time keeping, follow-through and striking consistency. I'd also recommend you sitting up, and getting your arms off of the chair arms if possible. Your posture is not doing you any favors. You could experiment with weaving a bit of shoelace or leather behind the bridge. Those string ends can get ringing and cause a ruckus. You're just starting out, so give it time and keep your playing simple, simple, simple. Above all, try to enjoy being a beginner. It's a precious time! Every player ends up with their own clawhammer recipe....so experiment, listen and play as much as possible. Good luck!