So, just bought my first banjo....and, at 65 years old, first instrument ever as a matter of fact. I ran across your video series "30 Days of Banjo." After watching the first three episodes, it seems like it something that is completely achievable! And so it begins!

@selfactualizer2099

2 жыл бұрын

Don't worry too much about having super skills, most of the funnest jams and songs we love don't have intensely complicated instrumentals, just keep learning one song at a time and you'll always have it with you

@juliettesavage3975

2 жыл бұрын

Try Jim pankey on u tube

@billyoung3192

2 жыл бұрын

Gives me hope. I'm only 55 and in the same position!

@stacyeasley531

Жыл бұрын

53 and just bought my first banjo. The saying old dog new tricks comes to mind every time I pick it up

@wdmore

Жыл бұрын

I am 65 also. never played an instrument and am about to buy my first banjo. any suggestions

You might be the best teacher I've ever had for anything. You are truly talented.

Thanks Eli, Just picked up a Banjo at 70 years old. Fingers are full of arthritis and old man working hands. So it has been a little hard trying to get my rolls down. Keep banging the 1st string trying to hit the 2nd so I get frustrated. I get what your saying. Slow down, ain't in any race so why rush it and screw up. So trying to slow down tomorrow during practice. I guess speed will come in its good old time. No need to rush it. Thanks again for the help... dave

I tried to learn banjo 50 years ago. Took lessens at a local music shop for 6 months. Bought several beginner books and learned to play a lot of the beginner tunes, but found it difficult to improve. Put the banjo down, joined the military, went to school, got married, had several kids and so on... Last year my kids bought me a nice student banjo in the hopes I would pick it up again, I still didn't (insert any excuse, or all the excuses you hear). Last month I finally dug out my old banjo (it was my grandfathers, a 1930 Kay). I have started anew and I am practicing smarter now, and am playing better than I ever had. I have been taking several of your videos very seriously and have backed up to true beginner steps (Stop Wasting Time, 7 Mistakes, etc.). I am solely focusing on practicing slow and with a purpose to fix my mistakes before I move ahead...tedious, yes, noticeable improvement in ability, absolutely. I can see your method working to push me past the wall I have hit every time i have cracked open my banjo case over the years. I'm 65 next month. I don't have the time to become a master at this, but I do feel I can build a library of great songs that I could play around family and friends and stop hiding my banjo in the basement. Thanks for your on point instruction, Gary C.

Been playing music for 42 years. Banjo is my 8th instrument to learn and Eli has made it so easy to learn. The best advice for practicing is, “practice does NOT make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” Eli is a genius when it comes to teaching and is one of the best instructors I’ve ever seen online. Thanks for the lessons and keep up the great work Eli. 👍

Me: I'm really getting good at these banjo rolls. Melody has entered the jam: aight I'm out. I'm currently working on lonesome moonlight waltz.

@jacoblittleton2220

4 жыл бұрын

BGSP?

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Ha!

Hi Eli I'm at Day 15 of your 30 Days of Banjo, series. Its hard to go slow...we want to be "there" and play the rolls that we feel when listening to the banjo music. But then I listen to a recording of Cripple Creek and it brings me back to earth, my goodness 160 is fast!!! So you are right and its like a saying I heard when learning to ride a motorcycle....first you get good, then you get fast! Thanks for your work on these videos. I am enjoying them ALOT!!

I wish Eli lived in my neck of the woods. i have a feeling he could turn me into a banjo player with in a year. 8 years and not where i want to be. THANK YOU ELI !!!

This is the scolding i needed

I appreciate your take on the difference between practice and playing for your own enjoyment. Your explanation demystifies some of the difficulties I am having in making progress. Thank you for the words of encouragement...they are helpful. Also an observation. I think that a large portion of your 30-Day students consists of us folks within 5 years either way of their 70's. Sure, learning is difficult, and we all experience running into brick walls, but at least we are running in a good herd. We ALL need to stay strong! Thanks for the guiding hand.

I can only speak for myself, but I certainly appreciate what you do for us less talented players and taking the time to teach us. I have good days and I have days when I want to sling my banjo thru the wall, lol. But I truest want to get good on my banjo. And I have noticed a vast improvement in my picking since the 30 days of banjo teaching you put out. So I wish to thank you

I’m just starting the banjo and have got into your 30 day lessons… I’ve been playing the guitar for about 30 years so I’ve got a bit of a start but, the banjo is new and exciting to me it’s even rekindled my guitar playing as it was getting a bit stale… So thanks for your videos and keep up the good work… Cheers from Scotland….🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Your honest comments about practising to get better, playing for fun, and not wasting your time are so refreshing, Mr. Gilbert. You are an excellent teacher. I look forward to my banjo sessions and your tutorials every day. I am led by the dream of playing at a little log cabin I built in the woods near my home where I boil maple syrup in the spring with my friends. I have played piano for years, but the vision of playing the banjo well on the porch next to the woodshed motivates me to follow your method. At 57, I am enjoying this in a deep way that I have not experienced in quite a number of years. Thank you so much from Northern Ontario, Canada!

I learned to play solos on my banjo , but didn't realize i needed to play backup to enjoy playing with others . I found your videos on playing chords and have dug the banjo out again with a new approach for a new year . Thanks for helping me dust it off!

Now in my sixties and playing for about 25+ years come to the realization that this, like so many things in life, is about character. One of the things I noticed first about you was your focus. That is what helps you excel. It's a gift, but also a discipline. Just got the drum machine to do some "focused" work with that.

I love your videos more and more. This particular one is so true. I try and concentrate on the areas that need work to improve my playing. I'm not always successful at doing this, simply because I just love playing, but when I'm strict on myself, I knuckle down and just repeat the difficult areas and YES... It does pay off. I've also took a step back recently and begun playing slower as I'm finding it more beneficial to concentrate on accuracy over speed. Thank you for all your great videos and keep them coming it's teaching me a lot. BTW, I love your pickin' 👍

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jon! Sounds like you’re on the right track!

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Congrats Jon, you're our String Giveaway Winner for this lesson! Send me a message through email, facebook, or instagram and we'll get you some strings!

Mr. Gilbert, not only have I enjoyed your patient and honest approach to teaching the banjo, but I find that your emphasis on correcting mistakes with slow and focused practising has application outside playing the banjo. This approach to other, in fact most areas of one's life seems to be the surest way to build success. Thank you!

Learning Scruggs, two finger chords up the neck. Struggle with timing. Love banjo!

I am the PERFECT example of what you are saying. I picked up the banjo at 51, now I am 70. When learning songs; I focused on memorizing and speed. Kept learning song after song, thinking that mistakes will take care of themselves over time. I played/practiced everyday for 15 years and just became a sloppy player. I put the banjo down for about the last 4 years, just picking it up occasionally. I am going to start over again and STRICTLY follow your expert advise. Thanks!

Having problems with the pull offs and you’re right, I need to practice just that

Great advice.. being on day 7 of your 30, I probably am trying to practice much to fast and too long. I will try to take this advice to heart.

I play with a group of musicians at church. I was asked to learn a special version of "I'll Fly Away" on the banjo. I am hoping to be ready with this piece by our next outing on September 30th. I already use the slow method and I don't use the focus method just yet, but I will now!! Thanks for the tips!!!

Love this one Eli!

Thanks for the info on patient and slow practice, I have been making every mistake mentioned.

You said this perfectly… something that I’ve been struggling with for a while now. Thank you!!! Such a simple concept, but so important.

I just began two weeks ago...your technique is masterful....so glad I found you!

I started trying to learn to play the banjo about ten years ago but didn't stick with it. i found everything you are saying to be true because thats exactly what I did, eventually I put it up and haven't picked it up again until now after seeing this video! I'm picking it up again because this all makes so much sense! Thank you Eli!!

@EliGilbertBanjo

3 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear that!

truly some fantastic info!!

I just happened upon Eli's videos and have found them to be my salvation with the banjo. I bought my first banjo about 1970 when there was no internet, no youtube, no videos, etc. All that existed was a few books with tablature and nobody to help. Needless to say that I learned the limited amount of banjo improperly and, of course, without success. I put the banjo down and later found that it had a twisted neck. I got rid of it but recently after finding Eli's videos, I bought a new banjo (intermediate quality) and have tried to forget everything I have previously learned. I'm working through the beginning course by the book and methodically. I've joined patreon and subscribed to everything. In addition to the beginners course, I watch this type of video to listen to the logic about mistakes, etc. as I was an expert at mistakes. So all of this blabber to say that I appreciate this series and at 67 years of age, I hope to actually learn to play properly. Thanks, Eli.

Perfect timing. I needed to hear this

Eli your point of view on the practicing is an eye opener . This will help me immensely .

I'm practicing chord changes for back up banjo in a jam setting. Thanks for the tips your videos are extremely informative!

Great advice. Thank you!

I agree playing slowly is key. Speeding up while playing alone is also hard.

I really needed to hear all of this! The importance of the difference between practice and playing was great. Currently working on a piece by the Dead South- sometimes it works ....

Love the videos man, Thanks for sharing your experience

I’ve taken up the banjo at age 72. I’m loving it and you’re my teacher. I learn a lot by the way you present the lessons and tips. Thank you.

This is what I needed to hear. Thank you!

Love your videos Eli!! Keep em coming brother!! Practicing on back up right now and keeping the drive going with licks between my back up playing...getting better everyday!!!

I haven't played in 21 years and I'd like to start playing again so I put some new stings on and I turned it then found your channel. So needless to say I'm staring from the basics... 🪕

Great advice! I need to slow down an focus on smaller sections until I get it down. Thank you!

I'm practicing up the neck backup. I love this video... I'm a classically trained vocalist and I have people ask me in the jams all the time how to practice and get better... THIS... you've eloquently stated it. I am new to banjo, and I have to remind myself to slow it down, and only work on the sections that I have trouble with. It's even a good reminder for me. Thanks for your videos, they truly are making me a better player.

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear that Joshua!

Great way to say what is really important in becoming a good/great musician. It really takes work, thanks for the excellent information on practice versus playing.

Thank you, I probably needed to hear this. I also need reminded of this over and over lol

Glad I watched this. I'm definitely trying to play too fast. Practicing a lot, so I'll slow it down until I get it right.

I enjoy learning from Gilbert 😊

Best advice!

I follow your 30 days of banjo lessons and that one helped particularly. Thank you so much for what you're doing

going to take your word for it and try it. Thanks Eli

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Good luck Richard, you’ve got this!

Great video. I always slow down what I'm playing to get it right. I started out making some bad mistakes, but with slowing down, I finally am getting rid of the bad mistakes I started with before I had a teacher.

Thanks for this, Eli.

Thank you it is right on it really helps me practice practice

Thank you for your amazing and helpful videos. I just got my first banjo two weeks ago and im excited to learn play it. Best regards from Austria!

Your a confidence booster Eli! I had such trouble learning to do the pinch in day 2. I stayed patient and practiced it for days. After adjusting the way I was wearing the picks it just came to me. Thanks for your advice and lessons

Great advice!

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thanks so much for your teaching. I bought my dad a banjo many many years ago. He took some lessons and loved to play. He died several years ago and I’ve always wanted to hear that banjo again. So 2 weeks ago, I picked up the banjo, tuned those old strings and went online and found you. I just bought new strings and plan to re-string it soon. (By the way, I’m a 68 year old grandma but am loving it.) Thanks so much for reaching me. -Roni Squire

I learned a lot from this video--I'm going to slow down my practices and focus on how to correct my mistakes. Becky

Hey man, I really like you spreading your skills to the rest of us, thank you

Fantastic teacher. So grateful to have found your series and channel.

Great banjo advice. Great life advice.

You're a pretty good teacher. I wish I'd had internet years ago when I first started banjo pickin'.

GREAT BANJO ADVICE!!!!!

Really helpful tips on how to practice! Thanks!

Eli, I have just become aware of you, and I must say I am very impressed with not only your skill as a very fine banjo player, but also your teaching style . You not only provide great versions of popular bluegrass songs, but explain the nuances and difficulties. I currently am struggling with right hand anchoring and interference of ring finger with middle finger. I really got a lot out of your fixing your bad habits video. Great to have a banjo Maineiac out there to help us, I can say that because my family is from Maine, (Deer Isle). Love what you do and plan to keep in touch. I'm currently working on Roanoake and Sailors Hornpipes . Many thanks, Dave Heath 🙂

Very well said thanks

These videos are extremely comprehensive and accessible and it’s amazing!! Thanks so much man.

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks payton!

What a great video again Eli. You cover all difficulties where i struggle with. greatings from Holland i follow you, you're simply the best!

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

Thanks for making these videos Eli. I’m currently working on a melodic version of Red Haired Boy my banjo instructor Sam Guthridge put together for me. It’s similar to the first version you have on your video which I have been using to figure out a backup on my own. Thanks again for all you do.

Great advice, for any musical instrument. I’m working through your 30-day training on KZread and loving it! Thank you!!!

Hi Eli. I've just bought a banjo, & I am on day 2 of your 30 days of Banjo. I am really enjoying the lessons . I have just watched this video, & found it most helpful, especially the part about practising slowly, & also about not trying to learn a whole song but rather breaking it down into small sections. I would like to thank you for your great lessons. Paul Lucas.

I'm new and over excited but so glad I found you thanks for going slow and not over expecting . I'm at lesson 3 and loving what I can do. Had to trim nails more to get my left hand to sound better on frets and keep my hand planted or grounded. I find my picking hand floating while I play. Thanks for your videos and for not rushing 👍

Have been playing for a little over 6 months after many years of guitar and found this lesson so helpful, and eye opening. Thank you.

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that, thank you!

Tremendously good advice. This guy is beyond his years.

Eli............you're speaking directly to me. thanx for this basic.

Your videos are a big help with inspiration for me. I am just learning the banjo and having real problems with getting my left hand to work with my right. But that's getting better with time but that's my biggest problem right now. But thank you for your videos they really do help me a lot.

Very good advice. I’m a beginner and you are throwing out a lot of great and useful information for us. Thanks

I'm working on working by way through the 30 days of banjo! Played guitar for years and have always wanted to play the banjo. Got mine awhile back and have started working on it for real. Never realized how hard it would be to change my mind set from guitar to banjo, but I'm getting there!!!

Playing my first banjo at 55! A gift from my husband, using the left hand with fingers in frets is my current keep practicing mode, 5 lessons from your you tube videos and totally enjoying it! Lots of relative practising.

Thanks for the video. Really helps put things in perspective when I’m frustrated with my progress

Brutal truth. Practice takes time. A lot of time.

I used to play a lot, but I haven't had my banjo out of the case in over a year. Now it's almost worse than starting from scratch, because the frustration is really there constantly. Thank you for your videos. I'm going to come back to playing well , but I want to come back the right way and that means don't worry about getting up to speed---just be sure the picking is clean and accurate. The speed will come if I follow your videos like a rank beginner and don't rush it. Your videos are the best I've ever seen. Thanks again.

Well I really appreciated your honesty because it is so true true true. Lots packed into your banjo sermon, needed this to keep me moving forward.

Thank you I needed these reminders! It's easy to get caught up practicing to fast.

That is excellent advice. Thank-you! I needed to hear that as a beginner.

Damn! You hit me right on the head. Thanks for the advice.

I have trouble keeping in time from the transition to and from vamping. I appreciate your knowledge and your willingness to share it.

Man thank you so much

Hi Eli, trying to make the transition from clawhammer to 3 finger and your videos are the clearest path from here to there. Thanks for clear, articulate lessons.

Thanks for the lesson. I’m focusing on the areas I need to work on, playing them slowly until my tempo is right. Thanks for another good lesson!

In the process of purchasing my first banjo. Doing lots of research before I even try to play. This video was great to hear, thank you.

I've been learning Cripple Creek and Foggy Mtn Breakdown. 1 measure at a time. Thank you for another great video.

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim!

Wow Eli great video! I’ve been playing the banjo for about 2 years now and feel like there have been several times when my progress has plateaued and I’ve broken through to get a lil better before the next plateau. But hopefully the mindset and focused practice talked about in this vid can help me keep improving

Good Advice! i constantly work at mistakes

Awe man,you are so right,this has got me in a better frame of mind for learning in the future.thanks a million.no time like the present to get started.Alan Scott

Great tips there thank you. Quite new to banjo so this actually helps quite a lot, I’m currently learning foggy mountain breakdown and was doing just as you said, ignored my mistakes and just carried on in hope that eventually with practice I would hit that note correct eventually. Finding the pull off a challenge but working on it. Thanks again 👍

@EliGilbertBanjo

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan!

Great video

I've been working on cripple creek and have been using this advice to get better on the 3-2 pull off. It is one of my weakest points. Thanks a lot for the content. Being a Patreon supporter was never so rewarding!!

Nice Eli, right on. I'm currently learning Bela Fleck's 'The Landing' when practicing single string and 'How Great Thou Art' for its unique picking style. Both requiring slow, slow. Slow banjo is nice too. Thanks again

I'm on day 4 of your 30 Days of Banjo and really digging it. This has been my first four days of banjo ever. I was especially pleased that the first lesson didn't feature the first string, as I snapped it setting the banjo up. I was, you guessed it, moving too fast and admittedly very excited. After taking my first steps on the 4 string banjo, I'm back to 5. Anyway, right now I'm struggling with keeping a finger (sometimes 2) on the head. They're moving around a lot and as we're learning new picking/pinching movements I don't think I've found my happy place for those fingers. I appreciate the playing and practicing distinction. Thank you for your videos with all the small encouragements and wisdoms throughout.

Excellent info