The Fulcrum

[@martin701]

Hi Tom. Couldn't have been better timing for this video. I've been frailing for 10 months or so with a very good teacher but I'm finding that there is so much to think about (getting the fretting right, position of the banjo, rythm....I could go on!). BUT with all this, with me it's the right hand that tenses up. I've talked to my teacher about this and she has given me guidance on the fulcrum and banjo position (we've also ditched the sling), which of course I need to practice. Doesn't matter how many tunes you get down, in the end it keeps coming back to basics, but there is so much talk on the left hand out there and the frailing strum, but very very little on the right hand technique and relaxation of the right hand. Great video!

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hey MS, thanks for the post. Sorry I'm slow in responding...I totally missed your comment! Glad you found the video helpful. Trying different banjo positions can definitely help. Of course, don't get too distracted by all the details. Sometimes you just need to play, play, play! It took me a few years to really feel like the banjo was an extension of my body, and I credit two things for this change: thinking about position, and spending a lot of time playing. Good luck, and thanks for the comment!

[@martin701]

Thanks for the reply Tom. Great advice and very true!!

[@ProfileP246]

Great clarification Tom! many thanks!

[@withelisa]

Tom: we're doing something different today Me: neat Tom: we're going to have a little fun Me: oh heavens no

[@bradincaliphas]

You know Tom, it's funny that you've posted this today. Last night, while practicing, playing the banjo- I noticed something playing in front of a window that is normally covered. I had a really good angle to watch my rand hand on the drum... I was looking from the other angle, and there were no cats... but I did see some movements that were not helpful. They just seemed to be in conflict with the basic strum. I realize that those extraneous motions not only will impede progress on playing for a faster tempo... but ultimately could even contribute to injury... I like to play alot, and whenever I start to get some pain... I wonder if there's a better way of doing something? I don't know, but I'll keep looking! I read somewhere that there's a story about a pitching coach asking the young pitcher- "Ok now... can you live with shoulder trouble, or elbow trouble?" I don't like to think it's that desperate, but pain sure gets my attention. Thanks!

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hey Bradley, Pain is definitely a cause for concern! I can remember when I first started, I had forearm cramping and pain. I wish I had someone back then to tell me that adjusting my technique could fix it. I can play now for many, many hours and have zero pain. I'm so much lighter with both hands now, and I think that's really important. I also think neutral positions with both right and left hands are critical to both avoiding pain, and getting your stroke as smooth and efficient as possible. Definitely don't ignore pain! It means something is wrong, and you don't want to injure yourself. I have played with many musicians over the years, and so many have had to take significant time off for injury recovery. Best to avoid it in the first place! I hope the vid helps you do that. Best of luck! Tom

[@BookieCrook]

Banjologist.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Love it!