Classical Banjo Technique & Instrucution

Subject: Opinions
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 18:29:59 -0600

Hi,

Greetings Bob,

Glad to assist:

I have been browsing your website for about a day and a half now and I want to say how much I am enjoying everything I see, especially the video samples.

Thanks so much for the kind words...

I have been looking at the banjo samples mostly but, I did start looking at the acoustic guitar samples. Very well done. I am using a cable modem and everything worked very fast and the quality was good. I just ordered the "Intro to 5-string Banjo video" and I know I will be ordering from you again. I have a Goodtime banjo I purchased in 1998 when I bought my first electric guitar (TelePlus w/3 lace sensors). I just recently picked the banjo up again and have become quite interested in learning how to play. (I have carpal tunnel problems from practicing too long on the classical guitar, but I love the sound and it is still my favorite). I started out playing the classical guitar and learning how to read standard notation (w/ Frederick Noad's books). Then I got into tab and chord melody charts.

I also started out with Frederick Noad's books...back in the '70s no less...and feel it's done wonders for my banjo playing...it should yours too!

I was very interested in seeing you play classical music on several banjo video samples. Do you have any instruction books on playing classical music on the five string banjo?

I've always wanted to write out a book for classical banjo pieces...hopefully, it will someday come to fruition...

There is a book that's available, of which we also carry, titled: Bach for the Banjo

I have a copy myself...

http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=97163

Is it a good idea to try and learn the banjo w/ standard notation music or should I just stick with tab? I don't know what the average banjo player does.

You might check out our Banjo Lessons section on our website...we cover many styles along with exercises written out in both tablature and standard notation...once you get used to tablature on 5-string, standard notation appears to be quite difficult to decipher...I've included both in most of the exercises and lessons on our website...

Thanks again for a job "well done",

You're most welcome...keep on pickin', MIckey

Bob Sutton
League City, TX

Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2002 09:23:56 EDT

hi
have you ever tried nylon strings on a resonator type banjo such as black diamond and what did it sound like if you ever tried this? thanks
paul lauber

Greetings Paul,

I personally haven't tried nylon strings on a resonator banjo...on an open-back, they sound very sweet...they do have a mellow sound with very little projection...great for classical banjo pieces...

Barry, with Deering, states that you would have a very delicate light funky sound...very pleasant...the Black Diamond would be a good choice since it will add sustain...finding nylon strings long enough may be difficult.

Classical: approx 24 1/2" scale length

Banjo: approx 26 3/16" scale length (the string length would be quite a bit longer than the scale length itself)

Hope this helps...Mickey

Subject: Deering Goodtime for Classical Approach
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 16:07:33 -0700

Will the Deering Goodtime banjo work with gut strings -- classic banjo style -- or only with steel? Looking for an entry level into the world of playing vintage banjo styles: classic and minstral.

Appreciate your time and help,

Greetings,

Most definitely...gut strings on the Goodtime will work fine...although, keep in mind, there will be a different tension level on the neck which means you may want to adjust the truss rod after installing the strings. This will ensure that you're not encountering buzzing problems.

I love Classic-Style banjo!

Mickey