How hard is it to learn to play the Banjo?

[Doomer]

Any tips on how to go about it much appreciated it. I'd like to someday be able to play "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" like a pro.

TIA

 

[TwiceOver]

Do you have any current musical talent?

Good banjo players are hard to come by. Very fun insturment to watch and listen to.

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

It's an interesting instrument. I play the guitar, but I've picked up a friend's banjo and it's fun. It didn't seem horribly difficult to learn to play, but to play it well is probably hard as hell, just like any instrument.

 

[rayray2]

much appreciated it? maybe you should spend your extra time learning proper english before you tackle the banjo

 

[SuperjetMatt]

Playing chords on a Banjo is easy. It always helps to have prior experience with musical instruments.

However, to get even halfway decent in Bluegrass style playing is quite difficult.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: SuperjetMatt
Playing chords on a Banjo is easy. It always helps to have prior experience with musical instruments.

However, to get even halfway decent in Bluegrass style playing is quite difficult.

I was amazed at how fast you can play just picking it up the first time. Fast != skillful, but I think it's more approachable than many might think.

 

[RKS]

It's easier than mastering rapids in a canoe but a little more difficult than squeeling like a pig.

 

[Dirigible]

Originally posted by: Doomer
Any tips on how to go about it much appreciated it. I'd like to someday be able to play "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" like a pro.

TIA

1) Buy banjo.
2) Take lessons
3) Practice



That's how I learned to play the banjo, at least. I like playing, but no one would ever mistake me for a pro.

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: rayray2
much appreciated it? maybe you should spend your extra time learning proper english before you tackle the banjo

Hey punk, why did you even waste your time posting this? All it did was make you look stupid.

To everyone else, thanks for the tips. They're much appreciated.

 

[SuperjetMatt]

One more thing: Buy the best banjo you can afford.

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: SuperjetMatt
One more thing: Buy the best banjo you can afford.

Cool. Do you have any recommendations as to brand and model?

 

[SuperjetMatt]

Deering makes some fine entry level, quality banjos.

Stay away from Fender. They make fine electric guitars.
Fine banjos they make not.