Two-finger banjo lesson to get you started playing

Two-finger banjo is pretty recent thing to me but it immensely helped to escape the three-finger vs clawhammer problem that I had in my head since I bought my first banjo aged 17 or so. I'd say it's easier than each of the above but sounds equally nice. I hope this video might help you get started with two basic right hand patterns / styles. Let me know if you want some more or some more tunes for two-finger. Cheers!

[@keithcary5103]

Thanks for the comparison between thumb and index lead. Very helpful.

[@johnschneider4160]

Yes,please. More detailed two-finger instructional videos. Thank you.

[@mateorguitar]

I'll try to post some, thanks!

[@LinusNilsson-kh1hm]

I second that. Would be fantastic!

[@shugie]

yes

[@paulgrady4183]

Thank you so much for sharing, I'm a recovering Alcoholic and I've got a lot of spare time on my hands, my sponsor recommended playing a instrument. I've started playing clawhammer banjo and love the sound of 2 finger, so thanks for this and I look forward to learning more from you,many thanks 👍

[@mateorguitar]

Thank you sir, this means a lot! Good luck on your journey and keep on playing! :-)

[@markbullen5989]

Thank you Mateusz I play clawhammer. I have been meaning to get started on two finger style. This helps I came across a version of trouble by Joseph Desamino and couldn’t work out the pattern so this lesson really helps I shall be playing some two finger style at my next old time session in Leeds uk.

[@mateorguitar]

Hey, glad I could help! Love the UK, I try to visit as often as possible. Keep on picking! Cheers!

[@shugie]

I just want to tell you in 30 seconds I'll learn more about two finger banjo playing than I did the whole videos from others

[@5150show]

Very helpful thank you 🙏

[@mateorguitar]

It's great that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@artaxAF]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@mateorguitar]

Great I could help! Keep on playing!

[@artaxAF]

@@mateorguitar I play clawhammer and some basic 3-finger, but 2-finger has always eluded me for some reason.

[@raymondmo4402]

many thanks for your tutorial👍

[@clawhammer704]

Sounding great on this side of the tube.

[@rmalcordia1818]

Great video, thanks!

[@mateorguitar]

Thanks! 🙂

[@louismarucci9056]

👍

[@tomnelson3362]

Mateusz, Your banjo looks like a 12". What type head do you have on it? Thanks

[@mateorguitar]

Hi, I think it's one of those Remo Rennesaince banjo heads or similar. It's factory stock from Gold Tone so might be one of their own. Not sure. It's a 12 and definately way darker and bassy sound than typical banjo head

[@8wheeledassassins.]

Great videos! Perhaps you might share what strange magic that allows KZbinrs to balance their instruments so effortlessly? It always mystifies me😅

[@mateorguitar]

Hey thanks! Could you specify what do you mean by balancing here? I have a few ideas but not sure what you mean 100% 🙂

[@8wheeledassassins.]

@@mateorguitar I’m just being silly. In your video (and those of others) despite not having a strap the instrument seems to float in front of you even without your hand on the neck. For us novices it seems so effortless. Like the instrument is part of you. I just found your channel and already learned a ton!

[@mateorguitar]

@@8wheeledassassins. Hahah right, that's what I thoght 🙂thanks again! Well I'm not sure how I balance the banjo when sitting down but what kind of helps for me is pulling it a little bit towards your body with your right forearm on the banjo rim. I hope it makes any sense haha 🙂

[@Oldbanjoman]

top lesson. Your banjo sounds nice, what is the brand?

[@mateorguitar]

I'm happy you like it! It's a Gold Tone CC Carlin 12.

[@jaredelton5956]

Thank you, this is very helpful and inspirational. I play mostly clawhammer, but am interested in 2 finger. What tuning are you in?

[@mateorguitar]

Thanks! This is standard G, gDGBD

[@utubewillyman]

Great stuff. Anyone interested in more inspiration for 2-finger style should check out Tom Adams. He's a well-known Bluegrass banjo player who developed a neurological condition rendering his 3rd finger useless. HIs 2 fingers sound far better than my 3.

[@tomnelson3362]

Please carry on with a little more instruction. Very good and well-done videos. Thank you.

[@mateorguitar]

Thank you! I'll try to find some time for those, I see people benefit even from this small video I did. It's great it was helpful. Cheers!

[@jmf2274]

so one is 145 145...and the other 415 415... right?

[@rayhomewood8831]

Great video - thank you 😀

[@mateorguitar]

Thanks!