Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Mike_R · November 25, 2021, 2:53pm

I had the same impressions. It helped me with the metronome to set it to 3 beats with triplets (so that it sounds like 9/8). Once I got it, I really liked it.

ambergkeith · November 25, 2021, 3:25pm

So, here’s a quick video I took. I messed up the timing somewhere around measure 28-33. With most songs, if I mess up, I can come back in but with this one, it seems like if I miss one beat it’s done for. Also, it just doesn’t sound like Silent Night at this tempo. It seems when Ben does it the measures starting around measure 4-6 are faster than the rest. Anyway, enjoy your turkey today, and I’ll keep practicing the peeench.

Archie · November 25, 2021, 5:49pm

Hi Keith. That was great playing along with the metronome. If you don’t mind I’d like to make a suggestion, Try practicing with the TEF file (TablEdit or TEFView) or Mp3 Files. I think you’ll find you get a better FEEL for the tempo, also try speeding up the triplets, at times I felt you were playing the triplet in time with the clicks.

I recoded my version 5 years ago using the TEF file for backing.

Mike_R · November 25, 2021, 7:27pm

Nice and clean Keith! There are a few bonus beats in there and as Archie said, the TEF (or MP3) would greatly help with the phrasing.

Mike_R · November 25, 2021, 8:26pm

It’s easier to show than explain what I was talking about on the metronome so I made a quick video. Having the triplets going helped me to get the timing into my head. Also, playing this one slower is actually tougher than playing it faster (to a point of course). When I was learning the song, I played with Ben’s slow playing and from there went to the metronome with 9/8, but as Archie suggested, the TEF may be even better. Good luck with it, there’s still plenty of time to get it down before Christmas!

Mike_R · November 26, 2021, 4:26pm

@ambergkeith, I forgot until I came back to look at this today… the “a little bit faster” video that Ben did was what I played with quite a bit. It was fast enough that it sounded right, but slow enough that I could play along while getting it committed to memory.

ambergkeith · November 29, 2021, 5:22pm

Archie, Thanks. I’m using the TEF and it’s definitely helping me get the timing down. Regarding the triplets, I’m a bit confused. Using the TEF, it seems as if everything is in just 3/4 time. Playing triplets is basically cramming 3 notes in where there’s only two beats, correct?

Archie · November 29, 2021, 5:38pm

Hi Keith Glad to hear you are making use of the TEF files, As regards the Triplets yes essentially your cramming notes into a shorter duration. The problem with using a metronome whist playing triplets is there is a tendency to match your notes to the clicks and as a result loose the timing as you practice. The TEF file gives you a sense of the melody and in this particular tune a feel for the phrasing and dynamics of the tune. As it rises and falls. Listen to Ben play through the tune hear the melody rise and fall

ambergkeith · December 4, 2021, 4:17am

Hey, @Mike_R Mike and @Archie Archie. Thanks for the tips.After spending time with the TEF FILE this week on breaks at work I got the timing down.

Sorry, can’t figure out the dropbox thing. I’ll try again later.

Archie · December 4, 2021, 12:33pm

Great Job Keith, Timing is much much better.

Keith if you don’t already have one, create a YouTube channel, Upload your video to YT then copy and paste the link right here on the page. Easiest way to share your video’s

JohnM · December 5, 2021, 7:28pm

Mike, that’s great for quick video with the bell sounding ending! You’ve become a decent banjo player in short time it seems!!

Mike_R · December 5, 2021, 10:58pm

Thanks for the kind words John! I am still a beginner on banjo, but am excited to be able to play a few carols on it this year.

ambergkeith · December 7, 2021, 10:23pm

I have one, I just have some other stuff on it so didn’t want to fill it with just practice videos. Maybe I’ll create a separate one.

Archie · December 7, 2021, 10:28pm

Sounds like a plan. fixed

ambergkeith · December 10, 2021, 4:37am

OK, did it. Not much different than the one I did earlier. Still sounds a bit choppy.

Mike_R · December 10, 2021, 5:23am

That’s some great progress! Very nice!

ambergkeith · December 10, 2021, 6:21am

Thanks Mike.

Archie · December 10, 2021, 9:44am

That was EXELLENT Keith. A wee stumble at 016 - 017 not sure if you’re suppose to pinch with two fingers there or your not picking it squarely on the string. I heard that in your other video a momentarily lapse in concentration perhaps? Other than that it sounded great.

ambergkeith · December 10, 2021, 3:58pm

That’s the measure with the d shape, right? Yeah. I think I didn’t make a good shape on that one and I hit it kind of dead.

Archie · December 10, 2021, 4:32pm

Hi Keith, it doesn’t sound dead it sounds like you almost missed the string with your picking hand. Listen back through the video and watch the time stamp and that should help you see/hear the wee stumble. Maybe your focus was on the fretting hand, It’s nothing major or cause for concern.

Discuss the Banjo lesson: Silent Night