This is great. A very welcome addition to the site. Looking forward to more lessons in this series!
Discuss the lesson: PickAlong Cripple Creek
Wow! This is great! Now we can sharpen our jam skills. Can’t wait for more of these!!
Thanks Ben!
Cool stuf…and a great idea… would appreciate if there would be a chordsheet with chords and numbers for download to each song… how ever … cool lesson and I look forward on feature lessons like this! Greets
@Banjojoe, I believe the idea of this particular lesson is to take one away from tab dependency to force him/her to play by ear. However, there is chords and numbers on the video itself to ensure one is not completely lost.
This is great idea. I am a beginner on Mandolin and have been so busy focusing in on and trying to learn the tablature note for note that I forgot all about one of the mandolins most important jobs and that is providing rhythm through the chop chords, etc. This will give me a chance to play through some chord changes and get a better handle on the mandolin chords and changes. It will be a big help to my improving my ability (when the time comes) to play along with others plus it’ll be fun.
Y’all are really understanding the concept, yes! I want this experience to be the most real-life experience you can have, in the comfort of your setting. @Banjojoe, I understand your request, but part of what I’m doing is encouraging you to learn by ear. Thank you!
4 Likes
Perfect idea BanjoBen, what a blessing to have a jam session that doesn’t care what level I am at and will even slow down for me! The band accepts me at the level I am at over and over and I don’t have to worry about ruining their experience! It kind of reminds me of how God allows me to be apart of His plans no matter what level I am at or how inept I am at catching on.
4 Likes
I summarize: it’s just perfect! Thank you Ben!
2 Likes
The pick a longs will be helpful!
3 Likes
I’ve replaced the POV videos with new ones that have some text captions to help.
5 Likes
Ah this takes me back to when I was beginner. Messing around with an early bootleg version of Band-in-a-Box.
Much prefer @BanjoBen 's version 
1 Like
This is really, really good stuff! My greatest improvements happen when I am playing along with jam tracks. As invaluable as the TEF files are, they are no replacement for jamming along with real instruments. I also appreciate the helpful tips added during the song. I am thoroughly enjoying the direction that Banjo Ben is taking with his latest videos! 
2 Likes
Pushing using the ear and “hearing” chord progressions in a “jamming” setting will really help folks along. Hopefully you will be able to put the classics out there to play along with now that specific “teaching” is not involved.
1 Like
Actually the name and performance of the melody is copyrighted, but I’m working on some things!
5 Likes
This pick-along lesson is awesome! Looking forward to more! It has really boosted my confidence!
1 Like
This is amazing! So much fun.
2 Likes
Good googly boogly, I’m just getting a hang of Cripple Creek in G and while this looked really fun I have no idea what it happening up the neck there when you’re just sorta pinching along. I love the idea of jamming and have started thinking about it. After watching this, which is great by the way I’m sure for some, I realize I have another few years before I’m ready. Welp better get plucking I guess.
3 Likes
Few years? More like a few weeks, or days! Have you watched my backup videos? https://banjobenclark.com/courses/basic-banjo-backup
3 Likes
@Archie Nice to hear from you! I’m just a Pickin and grinning trying to keep up with brother Ben! I’m hoping to make one of his camps in the near future. I’ll try and post more.
Take care,
Dean
2 Likes