Anyone play banjo?

My girlfriend got me a banjo for my birthday the other day! I'm incredibly excited as it's one of those "life goal" type of things i've always wanted to do. She's a great girl to be willing to deal with a beginning banjo player hacking away at the strings a half hour or so a day... heheh.

So are there any other pickers on this board just out of curiosity? Any tips? I've got a Johnson JB-100 5-string banjo with resonator and a Jack Hatfield lesson book. Enough to keep me busy for a few months i hope.

I don't play, but please immediately go out and buy this album. Bela Fleck is an amazing banjo player. They open with a jazz cover of Aaron Copeland's "Hoe Down" that's done with drums, bass, banjo, and saxohpones. It's so utterly cool beyond words.

Already got it! =]

Cool.

I'd also recommend Alison Brown.

Jim

Nice picture Loren! Although I don't think it's really hick just yet. More like a banjo playing extra member of the beastie boys!

EDIT: happy birthday for yesterday!!!!

Heh. So when is "Deliverance" for the Gamecube coming out?

Ya got da 'grinnin part down fo sho!

-Zeke

Someone needs a new avatar!!!

Boy Howdy!

edit - Loren - kidding aside, I think it's pretty sweet you're trying to learn the Banjo.

First of all, Bela Fleck rocks. Sinister Minister is too cool. Second, my neighbor plays the banjo. He says it's similar to the guitar with the exception that since the notes die so quickly you play them individually, rather than as a chord. I love the sound of a banjo though.

LMAO. Hahahah... thanks guys. Good stuff. Thanks for the new avatar! heheheh.

PS: i don't normally wear my hat that way, i freaking hate that. It was just to add a little flavor. now the real question is why i felt the need to explain that...

Nice graphics work!!!

But seriously, it is very cool. You might want to try and get some instructional videos if that kind of teaching / learning style fits the way you learn / practice. Also, here is a good source for supplies, strings, tapes, etc. for more exotic (i.e., not common rock) instruments. It is also an interesting source for really scary expensive instruments.

Thanks Paul! heheh. I think learning by videos would drive me nuts... all the rewinding and stuff detracts from actually practicing. I'm enjoying the book method so far, though it would be nice to have more visual feedback on stuff like hand positions.

That website is insane! A $14000 Gibson resonator?! Sheesh. Really interesting historical descriptions of each insturment though. It's like reading Antiques Roadshow.

Very cool that you are learning Loren. My great grandfather played the banjo and mandolin. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of him playing.

Apologies to yourself and the Dillards on the graphic but you looked a little too much like you were channeling Earnest T Bass