I have been working on vamping with major 7th chords. I am fast at major chords, but learning with major 7ths had a new shape for me. It was like starting over. It is all about building muscle memory. I know the more I practice, the faster/easier it will get and I will be able to vamp 7ths just like I do regular major chords. Just remember the fun is in the journey, not the destination. 
Discuss the Banjo lesson: Intro to Banjo Backup
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PDF link is dead for the back up vid. Working on my Y to X positions,
Welcome to the forum Steve @bigwaves
it opened fine for me.
You can try refreshing the page or clearing the cache on your browser.
In case that doesn’t work I’ve sent you an email with the PDF attached.
let me know If you still are having a problem or not.
Dave
It’s most likely you stayed on the page too long. After several hours, the links expire. Just refresh the page and they’ll work again.
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Hello all,
Just on my week trial but wanted to chime in…
I’m already enjoying Ben’s teaching style!
Looking forward,
Brooks
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Welcome Brooks!
If you would like other’s opinion about Ben’s lessons, please check this link out… Lessons are they worth the money
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Thanks for the link. It was good to hear what other students think about the site.
Best,
Brooks
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Thanks Ben… will do
Hey folks maybe a dumb question…
I notice when playing these chord exercises that my banjo’s 5th drones naturally.
Is the 5th string drone normal for all banjos?
I’m pretty sure I’m hearing it on Ben’s videos as well
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Hi @brooks_jackson Welcome to @BanjoBen 's Forum. Yes it’s quite normal for the 5th string to drone whilst playing chords. You will find as you become more proficient that the open 1st string will act as a drone too particularly when playing a partial D chord.
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takes getting used to hearing that drone…
being a guitar player 1st, I’m used to palm muting unwanted noises…
Thanks for the reply sir!
Brooks
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Hi Brooks,
Welcome to the Forum, I hope you’ll find it and us useful. Happy to have you and feel free to chime in and ask questions.
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getting a great vibe from everyone here so far…
Thanks MissMaggie
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Hi @brooks_jackson Earl Scruggs and other banjo pickers are known to have damped the 5th string at times with the fleshy part of the thumb on some tunes. But for the most part they let it ring out. It’s a skill you will learn to acquire as time goes on.
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Be encouraged, it means your banjo is in tune 
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Great suggestion Archie… I actually thought about that thumb flesh technique.
Another little issue I’m battling is getting a clean note fretting on the 5th where a spike resides.
I posted some recent practice on my insta page https://www.instagram.com/evilbanjo/
where i’m working on a melodic bela riff that features one of these notes. A banjo buddy in Denver told me to fret in front of the spike but my fat fingers don’t quite fit in there but it’s getting better all the time! (can’t get no worse) lol
I love the banjo and the challenges that exist in making it sound lovely…
PS - there’s a pic on on my insta of my two banjos for those who might like to see them.
(Huber Lexington (Maple) & an OME Bright Angel (Walnut)
Cheers!
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Hi Brooks If you mean hooking the thumb over the 5th String that is challenging. Couple of tips to help you get a clean note. Don’t grip the neck tightly, Don’t squeeze the thumb tightly against the 5th String and the Fret. Wait till your just about ready to pick the string before fretting with the thumb and release just as quickly. Try to keep your fretting hand kinda loose If other strings are not in use don’t fret them, this will allow you to angle your wrist better and help you get a cleaner note. Experiment and find out which position works best for you. I have short fat fingers and a short thumb and I don’t always play it clean. Lot of patience, perseverance and practice is required in learning to play banjo.
I don’t use Instagram so can’t see your videos. Pictures look good.
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Argghhh…can’t believe I missed out on saying that…
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You’re not alone Brian, I have exactly the same problem with ring finger floating around on its own. I am doing the isolation exercises prescribed here and realize I just have to teach that finger who is boss. I was lazy about this for too long, relying on 3 finger chords up the neck. A shortcut that is way too limiting. Good luck.
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