[Mike]

Somewhat personal preference but I talk about how I shape and wear my picks in this video:

Wearing Your Picks and Basic Right Hand Technique

[Mike]

Robert,

Thanks for the feedback it’s helpful.

I do have most the banjo basic videos separated into individual lessons. But yes, I will continue to add more very basic beginner material.

Here’s some links to the lessons you were asking about.

Strap: https://mikeheddingmusic.com/lessons/banjo-rig-rundown/ starts at about 5:10 in the “Acoustic” video.

Bridge Placement: https://mikeheddingmusic.com/lessons/mini-banjo-lesson-harmonics-on-the-banjo/ starts at about 7:40 in the video

Tuning: Second video of the banjo basics talks about how to tune your banjo

Backup: I have a bunch of backup lessons with tabs and I’ve got quite a few more planned. You can see them here: https://mikeheddingmusic.com/browse-lessons/?fwp_lesson_instrument=banjo&fwp_lesson_categories=beginner&fwp_lesson_tags=backup%2Csruggs-style%2Csoundslice

If you run into any other questions let me know. Keep pickin’.

Best,
Mike

[Mike]

I’ve used a bunch of different ones in the past. They all work about the same regardless of the price so I don’t recommend spending a lot on a tuner.

I currently use one called Uni-Tune and I think it was around $20-30.

[Mike]

Yes, you can download the tab on the right side of the lesson page under “Lesson Tabs.”

Best,
Mike

[Mike]

I split the videos into multiple sections so sometimes once section can stop quickly.

All the means is that you’re ready for the next video in the section.

I’ve tried to improve that as I’ve made more videos so it doesn’t stop without an outro explaining that we’re going on to the next part.

Best,
Mike

[Mike]

Tony,

I think that’s great that you’re hearing something else in your head and choosing to play it that way.

I’d go with how you’re hearing it in your head. A lot of those little details are more personal preference so if you’re hearing the melody a certain way in your head you should follow that.

If at some point in the future you want to try syncopating it, it will likely be easier when you’ve got the straight version really dialed in.

– Mike

[Mike]

Melanie,

If you want to email me a quick video of you playing I can take a look at your technique.

It could be that you’re not holding down the second note with enough pressure.

A lot of times though, I’ve found students actually aren’t giving the first note in the hammer-on/pull-off enough value.

You need to hear the first note clearly so you have somewhere to either hammer-on or pull-off too.

I’d try giving the first note a little more value and then yes, you need to keep the pressure down on your other finger.

But it shouldn’t take too much strength or pressure.

Feel free to send a video though and I can offer some specific feedback.

– Mike

[Mike]

Yes, that’s very common. I’ve done that too.

It’s really good practice to try and switch back and forth between different rolls so you don’t get locked into one pattern that you end up always playing.

Keep practicing and really slow it down and you’ll get it. Keep pickin’.

– Mike

[Mike]

I’ll have to check it out. I’m not familiar with that song. Thanks for the request.

– Mike

[Mike]

It’s hard to say without seeing/hearing you play.

It could be an issue with your banjo. Is a railroad spike blocking you from fretting that note?

Can you email me a video of you playing that part so I can take a look?

– Mike

[Mike]

It’s going to depend on whether or not you’ve got a click on every beat or every other beat.

If you’ve got a click on every beat, 180-200 BPM would be a good goal to get to.

If you’ve got a click on every other beat (like my practice tracks) cut that number in half, so 90-100 BPM.

It’s much more important to be able to play with control and good rhythm and tone though than to be able to play fast.

– Mike

[Mike]

Make sure your fingernails aren’t too long. If they’re too long it’ll make it so you have to play on the wrong part of your finger which will cause a lot of string muting issues.

Otherwise, feel free to email me a video of you playing to mike@mikeheddingmusic.com and I can provide more specific feedback.

– Mike

[Mike]

Thanks Micky!

This exercise is one I consistently go back to for warming up or for working on new roll patterns.

[Mike]

Tony,

Thanks for the question.

I haven’t recorded a video for this lesson yet but I likely will at some point.

Sure, it’s totally fine to use your third and fourth finger to fret the 5th string if that feels easier.

I like to use my thumb a lot of times to fret the 5th string because I have a slightly wider neck on my banjo and it’s a little easier for me.

But it’s personal preference so feel free to do whatever is most comfortable for your hand.

– Mike

[Mike]

Yes I forgot that but I believe I have had it referred as that as well. Good tip.

Mike

[Author]

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