I can't decide whether Mike's system is brilliantly simple, or simply brilliant !!

Great video. This is what the Banjo is all about.

Has to be the best music lesson that I've ever watched. I'm actually going to play banjo.

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

Sounds great happy to answer any questions 🏜🪕

Actually, this video could be the most important ever uploaded onto KZread - thank you so much!!!

@mr.mikeaz1

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you I hope it helps you . I have a lesson #1 update with my DEERING banjo which is blond and more easier to understand how it works

Beautiful thanks for sharing!

Just wonderful. I'm totally inspired! Thank you Mr.Mike

I play 3 finger Scruggs style and I'm sitting here with my mouth open! Lol this is a great idea of a way to get people interested in the banjo.

@mr.mikeaz1

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve had people around the world take them out of the closet and enjoy it now it’s so easy. That’s why I keep every song I do with the same strum pattern and same chords with minimal hand movements and I do about five hundred songs like that . Less thinking more playing 😉🪕

brilliant Mr Mike

Wow! Thank you! Just opened up my ears to a whole new thing. I've been messing around with a broken finger and torn ligaments so this stripped down roll is exactly what I need to be practicing!!! Splendid instructions, cheers to you sir

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

Glad it can help you. On some of my newer videos I just do a one finger strum which is very easy also, good luck and have fun.

Thanks Mike that was just great. !!!! blessings my friend.

I play guitar after a couple of years trying clawhammer which i could not get the rhythm seemed impossible for me, never had a problem with rhythm on guitar once i learnt. So my Banjos have gathered dust, but i really haven’t got over not being able to play Banjo. Just stumbled across your video and wow think i may be able to pick this up, i love country and in my opinion you cant beat simple songs! Its the content/story and the melody of the voice that makes them. Going to take my fifth string off and give it a go, Thanks so much.

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

Linda Wilding I think you’ll find it very relaxing just think of the banjo as a metronome maintain your rhythm and your voice is the instrument. Feel free to ask any questions good luck 😊

Excellent!! Thanks

@mr.mikeaz1

3 жыл бұрын

Also try lesson 1 update very easy with my blonde DEERING banjo😉🪕

Hi Mike ,Took your advice in my last post and studied the updates and played your videos on you tube playback speed 0 . 75 and can play along with you worried man blues and you are my sunshine i;m over the moon and if i can do it then anyone can will be 87 on January JUST A BOY [AT HEART ] cheers Mike.

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

That's great Jim, I'm not there yet but my good friend who played bass with me is Just turning 90. So glad it's working out🌵👍

@norman-gregory

4 жыл бұрын

Greetings. Well done. Have a great day in January. All the best for the New year.

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

Norman Hooper thanks One thing about a banjo you can sit in any chair without banging it on the arm of the chair have a great Christmas and New Year

@norman-gregory

4 жыл бұрын

@@mr.mikeaz1 ...greetings. Yep...agreed there Mr. Mike... Saying goes...Have chair will banjo. haha. Thanks for your kind words. All the best for the New year.

Thanx Mike, I value your advice, will be fun to learn, that I suppose is the enjoyment.

Very very neat.

Absolutely brilliant thank you for sharing

@mr.mikeaz1

8 ай бұрын

Thank you have fun playing all the banjo and ukulele songs and most all guitar songs are the same chords good luck

Great lesson; simple is good !

A great method. Well done.

Love your simplicity and such a great vocals singalong to this easiest of strum patterns. I'm 75 now and always wanted to play banjo just for my enjoyment. Tried the 5string and claw hammer style but just couldn't get the complex finger picking needed. Thank so much for this informative friendly lesson and I'm sure there are heaps of folks just like me wanting play and get the grandkids singing along...Many thanks Mike

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

This is very easy I have about 450 songs you can play with that one pattern. Glad to answer any questions.

Thanks Mr Mike, you're a real Gem

Hello from Albany. Western Australia. I am about your vintage. There are so many lessons trying to take me to fancy playing but your method is refreshing & so welcoming. I have a tenor ukulele and at last I can try somethin easy thanks to you. Kaye

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

Good to hear I hope this works for you . On the ukulele I tune to low G open C which is G3 C4 E4 G4 and play the same way as the banjo 0=open 5=5th fret 7= 7th fret good luck. Feel free to ask questions 😊

The best lesson I've heard, I have the same hand problem, thank you, from Australia 😊

@mr.mikeaz1

3 ай бұрын

Thanks I know it sure made it a lot easier for me good to know it's helpful for you too ❤️

Thankyou so much had a banjo for a while been struggling so thanks again

Love it!

That is so cool!

This is the best video ever for learning the awkwardest instrument in the world. Thankyou so much Mr Mike.

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

Maurice Whalley I also have 2 lesson updates any questions use folksinger777k@gmail.com

Man, I LOVE that! I may need another banjo, though, just for this.

@mr.mikeaz1

6 жыл бұрын

Tim Therrien I'm keeping it as simple as possible so anybody can do it and have fun. Check lesson 1 update

Thank you Mr Mike. That was very interesting and a new way to learn.

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Les I have 2 lesson updates and over 200 banjo songs all the same pattern and as basic as I can get so anyone could learn in 1 day. Learn one song you could play and sing them all good luck

Thank you I am also 9 months into this banjo an I learnt more in this first lesson than the last 9 months. For the first time I feel like I am really playing music.

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad this could help you just a great way to have fun. I have over 220 songs so hopefully there's a few you'll like. There all the same pattern.

Well done mike.your the Bob Ross of banjo

That was excellent, very inspiring

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

MrAlandrez there’s also 2 lesson updates that may be helpful

This is a legit way to play the instrument for sure. And thanks, Mr. Mike, for the lesson. But I would encourage banjo newcomers who don't have disabilities to try standard banjo tuning. It's rewarding enough that you don't have to fall back on the comfort zone of guitar tuning. Jim

@mr.mikeaz1

2 жыл бұрын

Jim hopefully when they look at my about info I say learn 3 finger or claw hammer if you can but for quick simple pleasure can't beat simple

You make it look so simple. Nice job!

@mr.mikeaz1

2 жыл бұрын

Also look for my lesson update with my blonde Deering banjo very easy to understand good luck❤🪕

Gonna give this a try. Many thanks

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Any questions feel free to ask. So easy to apply to all kinds of songs,think of the banjo as a metronome and your voice the instrument.

Hey, man, I love how you dinked around to find a way to play and make it your own. Keep on pickin'

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

I have never cancelled a performance since the early 70s my hand was in a cast and it was pure necessity luckily I could move 2 fingers now it's just down right fun

Thank you for doing this Mr. Mike. I am learning how to do this. Because of you, I can play the banjo. That is a wonderful gift you gave me.

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear Jim

@dmc949

2 жыл бұрын

Great video many thanks. Dave.

Thank you Sir. Been trying to learn banjo for a long, long time and finally feel as though I can achieve something. I am in Australia and wish you lived just down the street. You're my kind of muso. Cheers Mate and keep it coming. Ray from Down-under.

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear, I wish I could have figured this out when I was 20. I like to call it T L P M 0 5 7 THINK LESS PLAY MORE. Should put that on a tee shirt LOL. Good luck to you,feel free to ask any questions you might have.

I rarely make comments, but for this one, kudos to you, I appreciate this video

@mr.mikeaz1

28 күн бұрын

@@Floyd930 I also have one with my blonde Deering Banjo which might be helpful too

i love this! thank you

@mr.mikeaz1

2 жыл бұрын

That’s great just trying to keep it simple 🪕😊

Thanks for this lesson. Found your site through one of LewDite’s videos. Great lesson.

Hi Mr Mike. Like your vids, i strugle to master what you make look so easy. take care Regards Eric.

@mr.mikeaz1

3 жыл бұрын

Just remember every banjo song will have the same chords and same strum pattern it’s on my lesson update with the blonde DEERING banjo

Shalom Mr. Mike I surely hope your hand is better and life is treating you fair! I still have one of my banjos left, but am struggling to play it. Night everyone Shalom

@mr.mikeaz1

10 ай бұрын

If you like pick one of your favorite songs that I do and I'll send you a lyric sheet for that song with the chord changes. It can be done with email or Facebook messenger

Thanks man 🪕🪕🪕

Hello Mike - what a GREAT lesson! I struggled for years trying to learning Earl's style and could NEVER figure out the melody notes. Now I am doing two finger style with my thumb and middle finger and finally enjoying playing my banjo. How about some more simple lessons and having fun with the banjo?

@mr.mikeaz1

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Ed. I'm gonna keep adding songs when I get the chance and they will all be with the same pattern . When my hand was in a cast I had to learn something quick because I have never cancelled a performance. I like it so much I had to share it. Enjoy the music

Mr. Mike, I just started playing and singing 'Long Black Veil', Johny Cash version, goes really good with what you have taught me. You probably already do it but if you don't, give it a crack. I think you will like it. It's good done nice and slow for a beginner like me. Cheers Mate.

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

Ray Blanchard yes Ray I have that one . I have about 240 songs on KZread. Since your down under I did waltzing Matilda twice . Check out the one I did on my blonde Deering banjo let me know if I’m close.

Mike, love to listen to you playing some days are diamonds have tried to find it but no joy, I live in hope,

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

JIM BURNS that song was written by Dick Feller. John Denver did it but I always remember Bobby Bare doing that one . I’ll have to take some time to get down the way I play. Always liked it but never did it yet.

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

JIM BURNS I’m uploading it now Jim hope you get it

@jimburns6232

4 жыл бұрын

@@mr.mikeaz1 That was fantastic thanks a million you made this day diamonds for me ,Take care.

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

JIM BURNS thank you for reminding me of that song😉👍🏻

Thank you so much

@old-timeangler5356

5 жыл бұрын

Mr. Mike, you said you tune your banjo to C?

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Yes open C, check out my lesson update with my Deering Banjo it will show you how to do it

@old-timeangler5356

5 жыл бұрын

@@mr.mikeaz1 thanks Mike. I've played guitar and now with arthritis in both hands fingers don't move like they used to.

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

I DEFINITELY understand what you're saying, that's why I like not having to move my hand up or down the neck or use the finger tips.

I use that technique on my ukulele and banjolele. I thought I invented it but it’s also called the Carter Scratch. Maybelle Carter that is. I’m sure she didn’t invent it but just picked it up.

Great help, Have you ever tried to tackle "well it's all right by the Traveling Wilbury's"

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Mike I haven't tried End of the Line . I don't read music so some songs are easy to simplify to 2 or 3 chords and some aren't. When I figure one out that I like I'll try to get it on KZread. One that seems harder than the others was leaving on a jet plane but it worked ok for me.

@mikesharrard5955

5 жыл бұрын

@@mr.mikeaz1 Thanks again for the feedback!

A big thankyou Mr Mike, you have been a big help to me....Can I ask what gauge strings you are using? ..Dave Fischer.....Australia

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

David I'm using Martin V700 light nickel wound banjo strings .009 - .010 - .013 - .020 - .009 There 5 string packs there cheaper Than 4 string packs where I live

Your comment is greatly appreciated thanks. I'll keep adding more here and there. I'm not that high tech I'm just using a phone.

Hi Mike, I changed my top string to C chord but my up strum sounds hard what's the other three strings set at ?

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

C G C E. THE smallest string is the E string Jim. This tuning is open C So if all strings are strummed without using the other hand that is a C chord

Have you thought about bringing a song book out Showing were you put the cords

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Mark I have 2 lesson updates and one of them shows how I place the chord changes. I now use 0,5,7 instead of C,F,G even if you use a capo and are in a different chord 0,5,7 will still be the same

I agree with you on that fifth string, I have a cheap banjo , Goya. But I still wouldn’t remove the fifth string. I’m still a little confused how you tune like a guitar.

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

The 4 smallest strings on a 6 string guitar are what would be the banjo strings . on the guitar the smaller the number the smaller the string . 1 being smallest 6 biggest. On the banjo 4 is tuned to C, 3= G, 2= C (octave higher), 1= E. CGCE that's open C chord. Can't use 5th string some folks can but that's more technical, I prefer simple with 4 strings. I also have 2 lesson updates good luck

@bruceanable7739

5 жыл бұрын

Mr. Mike Thanks for explaining that to me

Is there a songbook available with these three chord changes marked on the song page? I have a terrible time knowing when to change chords. Thanks

@mr.mikeaz1

3 жыл бұрын

If you would like find one of my songs I do on the banjo that you would like to play and I’ll send the lyrics with the chord changes and an explanation of how I play . I have about 330 songs. The only way I know how to do that is by email mine is ( folksinger777k@gmail.com )

Can someone tell me what tuning big Mike is playing in as my Banjo doesn't sound like Mike's

@mr.mikeaz1

2 жыл бұрын

Check out my lesson update with my blonde Deering banjo every thing is explained 🪕😉

So what strings are these from the guitar? Are they the top four strings from a guitar or are they just the C-G-C-E strings from the guitar or does it matter what key you want to play in? Could you please explain this? Thank you. I have enjoyed your videos very much!!!

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

They would be the bottom 4 strings on the guitar CGCE IS AN OPEN C TUNING E would be the smallest string. Also check lesson#1 update

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Jim I use guitar tuna app the pro version which you have to buy is the best you get all kinds of tunings for all kinds of instruments All the open chords so easy to change anything

This is a potential life changer, seriously. Could one tune the same way, but leave the 5th string for an extra drone while keeping the strum pattern? Forgive my ignorance, I've yet to try the banjo, but I have access to one and this lesson has motivated me to try.

@mr.mikeaz1

6 жыл бұрын

It wouldn't work for me but if you leave the 5th string off, tune to open C you can capo the 2nd fret and be in open D chord , capo the 5th fret that's open F ,capo the 7th fret your in open G . Just remember that the 5th and 7th fret from the capo will give you the 3 chords to play songs

@mr.mikeaz1

6 жыл бұрын

Mike Burch I left a reply I'm still getting familiar with this you tube stuff

@mikeburch8467

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@mikeburch8467

6 жыл бұрын

Is the correct tuning CGCE ?

@mr.mikeaz1

6 жыл бұрын

Mike Burch still figuring out this message stuff

Hi wondered if you have the chord pattern for these songs I could download

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

Email folksinger777k@gmail.com and I can answer

If your fingertips still bother you, you should switch to nylgut strings if you haven't already. They sound more like old school gut strings if you like an old timey, more plunky sound. They're made out of nylon and very soft and very easy to fret. I'm actually losing my callouses from playing on them their so soft.

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

I don't have a problem with my finger tips only after a hand operation and couldn't bend them to play the guitar and figured out the banjo with a narrow neck so I show folks with hand problems or learning frustration an easy way to play.. I switched to ultra light strings because I like the sound better than light or medium. My ukulele has gut strings don't want them on the banjo though 🪕

when I put my finger across the fret it mutes it, but if I put a capo no it is fine. So it is my finger muting it. I have even tried taping a piece of wood on my finger, which is ok, can anyone give me a tip on what I am doing wrong. Very frustrating.

@mr.mikeaz1

2 жыл бұрын

You have to put your finger just behind the fret your using and press ALL the strings hard enough to make solid contact with the fret

Hi Mike I just have the yearning to learn the banjo, at 68 is it worth it, just spend hours looking at blue grass and clog dancing, just can’t get it out my mind, thanx for your video.

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul and good luck. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Remember Paul just think of your banjo as a metronome and pick the speed you want to play fast or slow it's up to you have fun. But learn slow first.🎤

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Don't forget it's definitely worth it

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Just to let you know Paul I've played guitar most of my life and I figured out what I do on the banjo when I was 69. Because it was so easy I kept the pattern the same for all the banjo songs so 1 lesson you could play them all. That's why I'm sharing you should find it very relaxing.

@paulwatson2961

5 жыл бұрын

Mr. Mike you have a really easy attitude, and a very good voice, I am envious but I will practice this method, along with trying to get my fingers more nimble by practicing 3 fingers, as you mention you have acquired your skills over many years, I have my banjo and commenced practice, I will persevere, there is no rush, it’s already giving me entertainment in realising how clumsy my fingers are, just waiting for my picks to arrive, but thanx again for your encouragement, I will follow your videos with interest.

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Paul I also have 2 lesson updates that just explains a little more. I only learned how to do this 2 years ago and I only use 1 thumb and 1 finger on the right hand and 2 fingers on the left hand you can do it no finger tips at all your Just pressing all 4 strings on the 5th and 7th fret that's it and I don't use a pic

Hi Mike love your video but could you please tell me what strings you using on your banjo I'm so frustrated

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

I didn't like the feel of the strings that came on the Deering plectrum they were light but .010 Guage I switched to Martin V700 light but .009 Guage and that made the difference for me

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

Also the Morgan Monroe banjo in video same thing with strings

@sydneygregory9020

Жыл бұрын

@@mr.mikeaz1 I bought v700 light but can't tune it open c strings break any advice pc love your video Syd from England

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

@@sydneygregory9020 make sure your tuning to C3 G3 C4 E4 you may be an octave to high . I have never broken a string.

@mr.mikeaz1

Жыл бұрын

@@sydneygregory9020 one other thing Sydney it may be different if your using a shorter neck tenor banjo. When I tried to make my concert ukulele play the same way because of the short neck I had to tune that to G3 C4 E4 G4 to get the open C I wanted

Mr. Mike do you have a song book I can buy?

@mr.mikeaz1

2 жыл бұрын

If you can, contact me on Facebook messenger

@mr.mikeaz1

2 жыл бұрын

Or you can email me at , folksinger777k@gmail.com

@earlmisch2995

8 ай бұрын

Mr. Mike Do you have a banjo song book I can buy?@@mr.mikeaz1

Mike , What about a request i'd love to here you singing bottle of wine that would go down well [ excuse the pun ] .

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

JIM BURNS I’ll start working on that . I already have Green Green both are done by Berry McGuire

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

JIM BURNS bottle of wine was written by Tom Paxton

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

Ok Jim just uploaded bottle of wine hope you like it

OK >>>how can i sing with a black velvet voice?

@mr.mikeaz1

3 жыл бұрын

Just let er rip you might be surprised 😉🪕

Hi wot tunning are u in banjo novice had banjo For years and never bothered this I've decided to have ago guitar player

@mr.mikeaz1

6 ай бұрын

I'm tuned to open C . (C3, G4, C4, E4)

Hi

what are all 4 strings.all he said was cfg.starting with top what are the 4 strings

@mr.mikeaz1

4 жыл бұрын

Larry Mcduffie I also have two lesson updates. The strings are tuned from the top down CGCE and that’s open C chord

Yes Mike tuning is C G C E . But I'm still keeping everything as simple as I can so anybody could learn quick and have fun.

@mikeburch8467

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you

You should have ended by sayin "na ye'll come on back now ye hear"? Been totally in keepin. And you know what? I would've... And will

u

@nelsongreen8529

5 жыл бұрын

hello from old england thanks for the lesson

@nelsongreen8529

5 жыл бұрын

could you please tell me what is the banjo you are playing i have two but do not sound like the one u play is it a long neck can i buy one of these in the uk i have 2 banjos at the moment one i paid 2000 pounds for the other one 250 pounds i have taken the fith string but still cannot it to sound like your have sat looking at u playing before i spend more money thanks anyway mr mike from sunny old england

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

The banjo is a Deering Goodtime Plectrum. They are the same length as a standard 5 string but the neck is narrow all the way down to the pot. They are longer than tenor banjos but shorter than what they would call a long neck. I tune mine to open C chord. C G C E

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

I got mine from the factory in Spring valley California but they ship all over the world. Very well made

@mr.mikeaz1

5 жыл бұрын

Just in case you were talking about my old banjo that was a Morgan Monroe Rocky Top open back