This is what I think Im really striving to do at this time, being able to play along with others without sounding like I’m trying to play a bluegrass lead at the same time. I want to have fun playing with others and I think this is a way for me to get started while feeling comfortable getting use to it. It seems a bit natural for me to get the beat by tapping along with the song. The hard part for me will be trying to figure out what key the song is in so I can play along with it and with the right chord changes.
Discuss the Banjo lesson: Non-Bluegrass Grooves on Banjo
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After practicing Groove 1 and 2 a few days I am attempting to play it with full speed set on the backing track. Now I think its a good idea to just do one Groove at a time, at least for me. When I got Groove 1 so I could play along at full speed. I tried Groove 2 and kept getting them mixed up. That’s probably ok in the big picture. It seems the more I play these the more I feel how to connect it to little mistakes. I really like the syncopation of #2 . It feels good.
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I like that it feels good! That’s a good thing!
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Yes, but one question I have had a problem with for many years now is when I want to play along with a recording how do I quickly find out what key it’s in so I can have fun playing along with some favorite rock or cw songs. Just so I can find the 1,4, 5 easily.
I think the easiest way, about 99% of the time, is listen for the melody note at the end of the chorus. It’s almost always the note of the key of the song.
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I LOVE you Banjo Ben. I’ve played bluegrass banjo all my life, but in recent years I’ve become a little tired of the genre. I am currently jamming with folk/rock musicians and am really enjoying it, but have struggled to find my groove with them. This lesson is the Holy Grail for me. THIS is what I’ve been looking for.
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I’m back playing the banjo but play in a country band. This lesson has really helped me expand my playing from basic rolls in the background, to grooving in the background. The guys in the band just love it…thank you so very much Ben.
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