[Dan Holbrook]

Good morning. How are you today? We’re doing well and staying in which gives me a little time to practice. Mike, my first question is, how important is it to follow the first note (index finger second string) with the thumb (second string)? Would it be wrong to just continue with using the index finger? To me it’s more natural and I have a tendency to pluck harder with my thumb. So I bring out that note more.

Second, I’ve been practicing index middle finger on the first two strings a lot. I’m trying to get faster and smoother. So I’ve been mostly using my thumb for strings 3,4 and 5 unless I start with the second string. Then I’ll drop the thumb down. Should I switch to using my thumb more on the second note second string?

Thank you. I’ve really enjoyed the lessons and I’m pleased with how I’m doing. I hope that all is well with you. Dan

[Dan Holbrook]

I’m with Tom. I’d like a simple tune for a beginner to the Battle of New Orleans. Also, one for the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Thank you.

[Dan Holbrook]

I’ve just downloaded this song and will start trying to learn it beginning tomorrow. Wish me luck and if there’s any pointers that you can give then that would help. Thank you.

[Dan Holbrook]

Hello. Thank you for this song. It really helps me to slow it down. This is one that I seem to have improved on and I’m getting better on it. I really enjoy playing it.

[Dan Holbrook]

Hello. I too have problems making 4 finger chords and also some 3 finger chords. I’ve been working on using 2 finger and bar chords instead. Because I’m a beginner I’m not sure if what I’m doing always works, but most of the time I figure out something that will work. I had an accident to my left hand so I can’t use my index finger on many chords or notes. I use my little finger, ring finger and middle fingers mostly. Obie, thank you for your comments because it helps to see that I’m not the only one with physical problems. Thanks again,Dan.

[Dan Holbrook]

Hello. Thank you for this lesson. I’ve been working on the first part mostly and getting better on the forward reverse roll. The forward roll is improving but I really haven’t done much with any of the others. Should I continue focusing on these rolls mostly until I get them down or move on to the rest of the lesson? Again, thank you so much. Dan

[Dan Holbrook]

Hello. I’m Dan and new to the banjo. Thank you so much for your tip on not sledding to quickly. I’m getting much better (not saying much because of where I started) and your tip really helped. Thanks again.

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