Will you add any guidance on how to add a swing to the song? The version you play of the full speed song has quite a swing that is not discussed in the tutorial videos.
Discuss the Banjo lesson: Cumberland Gap- Basic
Hi @peter So this is a BASIC arrangement. As @BanjoBen points out in his description “This version is a bare-bones approach to this fun tune! We don’t use any “ornaments” so that you can concentrate on getting that pick hand going. Don’t forget there’s an advanced version on the site already!”
The key to playing the swing ( or bounce as it is sometimes referred to ) is LISTENING. Being able to identify the difference is great. Emulating it is not all that more difficult. Put away the TAB and play Ben’s intro video. LISTEN carefully to the sound he makes, keeping that timing and phrasing in your head pick up your banjo and try to emulate what he is doing. You don’t need to play the tune all the way through just the first few measures should get you started.
Go visit this lesson if you need a fuller explanation https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/banjo-shuffle-rhythm-banjo
yep! Archie listed a lesson about it in his comment, and I agree with him that listening and mimicking is the primary way.
I learned my first tag! I can’t stop playing it = ) This was the perfect lesson after doing roll studies for the last several weeks. Tysm!
Congratulions @Ry1 Ryan and
to @BanjoBen 's Forum. Stick with the learning track and you’ll soon have a bunch of licks in your vocabulary that you can link together that will make you sound like a seasoned banjo player. ![]()
I’m playing this very slow I feel progress for sure … it’s been about 5 months and this is where I’m at on the lessons is thst normal …… sorry if questions are annoying just eager to learn
I’d say it’s just fine as long as you’re having fun. The measure isn’t how many lessons are under your belt. It’s how accurate is your picking. By that I mean timing, note clarity, hand positions, tone… all the things that make the banjo sound good, which ultimately results in more fun while playing.
Note I didn’t say speed. The speed will come on its own. It should not be a goal, IMHO.
Hi @kevbrush I agree with everything @Mark_Rocka says, As I recall when I started learning to play banjo at 61 I used to get really frustrated at my perceived lack of progress, it didn’t help listening to the bad advice I received from folks over on the Banjo Hangout. I had been struggling for two years and it wasn’t until I joined @BanjoBen that I began to see regular progress. But even then progress came one day at a time.
Is a good way to practice maybe trying this song slow and then going back to practicing the roll studies ???