Banjo Instructional Video: "Intro to 5-String Banjo"

Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 22:22:03 +1300
Subject: NEW ZEALAND CALLING

G/DAY MICKEY,

Thank you for your E/M,reply. I will look forward to seeing a tabbed out version of"" JESU, JOY OF MANS DESIRING'' in your banjo lessons sections at FOTW. at the moment I am trying to teach myself your advanced level key of G ""BEETHOVENS NINTH { ODE TO JOY ].
I hope you don't think this is a silly question, you will have to bear with me, but the question is: do I try and put rolls between these melody notes,?? or is that how the tune is played as I notice the tune is 4/4?

Greetings Al,

The tune is played exactly as is written on our lessons section...no need to add rolls at this stage.

I would be very grateful to you Mickey if you could help me, as I am trying to teach myself the 5 string as we have no teachers where I live
Also I notice that you said '' JESU'' is in the '' Classical'' section of your video "" INTRODUCTION to the 5 -STRING BANJO'' does the video come with a lesson book with the tabs to the tunes etc ?? if so I would be only to happy to purchase a copy from you, hope I have not taken up to much of your time, and thank you for a fantastic music web site,!!
KIND REGARDS.
AL FIELD

Yes, this piece is showcased on the video...only, no sheet music is included, and it's not taught step by step...it's only performed. Notwithstanding, we're currently working on an accompanying book to go with the video. Just the same, I will be offering a tabbed out version of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" free on our website...so stay tuned.

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

ate: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 15:10:00 -0600
Subject: Question Re: Banjo lesson on web vs video.

Greetings Don,

HI, I recently purchased a Deering Goodtime from you and am trying to teach myself the basics (May or may not be a good idea).

I'm using both the Intro to 5 string banjo video and the web lessons.

There is a difference between the two regarding the forward roll - pattern or variation 1.

The web lesson ends the first 8 notes with the first finger on the B string. Mickey's video ends the first eight notes with the second finger on the D string.

Is one of the examples wrong or, are the just variations of the same thing?

Yes, there are many variations of the Forward Roll...most importantly, is learning the 8-note per measeure (or per four beat) process...eventually, you'll be coming up with your very own variations...When you start incorporating melodies with your forward rolls, you're going to find many different variations of this roll are required to get through even one meldoy.

I've been spending about an hour daily and am really enjoying it, but don't feel I'm progressing much. In your opinion is trying to teach myself a futile effort? I have no prior training, knowledge or experience with playing an instrument.

As long as you're following the proper positioning illustrated in my video, teaching yourself is a viable option (many have no other choice...I know I didn't)...upon gaining a foundation of rolls and chords, you might feel that you're ready for personal instruction...and, at this point, you'll want to look for a qualified local 5-string instructor...if you can't find one, your best source of instruction would be videos and books...

Hope this helps, Mickey

Thank You for your time ............. Don Hampton

Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 07:27:23 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: thank you

Hello Folk of the wood,

Mickey I just wanted to tell you thank you for the "Intro to the 5-String Banjo" Video. I have talked to you by e-mail and you were right the video was a lot better than any book. I have made a whole lot of improvement since I got it. I have learned almost all the rolls but I am still having trouble with speed but I know it will come with time. I also ordered the tuner from you thank you for that I found that I was way out of tune just don't have the ear yet but I hope that will come to. I was wondering if you could e-mail me the Dueling Banjos Tablature with the finger placement so I know what fingers to use on what string . I have looked everywhere and can't find it. I would really like to learn that. Thank you again for your excellent products and time

Brian

Greetings Brian,

Thanks so much for the positive update...

Here are a couple of more tips on learning your rolls...the ultimate goal is to learn the rolls at a level where you can play them without thinking:

1. try playing the pattern, at every opportunity, even without the banjo. you can tap at a roll on a desktop...be sure to carry your fingerpicks everywhere you go so that they become a part of you.

2. one thing you might try, and this would be to gain less dependence on right-hand concentration, would be to watch TV as you repetitively play each roll over and over. Eventually, you'll be playing the roll without thinking about it...or having to look at right hand while playing.

3. it's important to make sure your picks feel as comfortable as possible. If they move or shift during playing, you'll want to tighten the collars...additionally, the tips of the fingerpicks should be adjusted for a good smooth attack on the strings. If necessary, try experimenting with bending the tips of the fingerpicks for a smoother roll.

4. consider investing in a metronome...this will assist you in keeping an even tempo...and, if used properly, you can push your speed...most importantly, you can monitor your progress.

Dueling Banjos is a copywritten tune...I haven't tabbed it out to date...however, I'll look into what can be done about paying any necessary royalties for both recording and publishing purposes. I was hoping to produce a book/cd or video with all of the most popular banjo classics such as:
Foggy Mt. Breakdown, Dueling Banjos, Rocky Top, etc.

Thanks again for your avid support of our products...Mickey

Subject: mickeys video
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 22:59:13 -0700

GOOD DAY, I JUST WATCHED MICKEYS (Intro to Banjo) VIDEO FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT WAS LIKE BEING WITH A FRIEND, THANKS MICKEY. CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT HE WAS SITTING ON AND WHAT HE USED FOR A FOOT REST
THANK YOU.AND GOD BLESS.
JP

Greetings JP,

Thanks for the kind words...

I was sitting on a wood chair with back...it's sort of a butcher block chair with a light oak finish...now, because of the grueling hours of shooting, I used a pillow for a buffer...now, what I used for a footrest would be interesting to most: this is a push-up bar which can be found in most any exercise department. They come in a set of two. When I purchased them, I had no idea they would end up as footrests (good thing they were good for something). They're a perfect height and solid as a rock.

Let me know if I can assist further, Mickey

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