This concept is a game-changer for me. I LOVE your POV videos and how you developed this. As someone who loves to play, but doesn’t have a jam group opportunity, THIS IS PERFECT!!!
Discuss the lesson: PickAlong Cripple Creek
2 Likes
Great video, Ben. I immediately saw how you “jammed” in the Nashville Numbering System on us. You’d be proud of me, too. Last weekend I flew down to Knoxville to see my friends Shandy Glover and Chris Hopper in their duo Southern Spirit. The venue (okay, it was a bar) was small and I was practically under foot. Anyway, as I watched them play on a few songs I watched the chords and then was mentally calling out the chord numbers as they played. (They made it kinda easy as most songs were in G or A!). Time to go play along with the jam track!
5 Likes
This is what I’ve been looking for for ages! Genius! Thanks Ben!!
2 Likes
I really like this Ben,
Thanks, see ya soon
2 Likes
Thank you, Ben, for the pick along! It has been a while since i played along with some picking going on! Long story. Don’t need to go there. lol I have a trouble making the G you use due to carpal tunnel op. The middle fingers will split apart and work that way. So, I use the cowboy G. I would get off beat after the D going to The G on this song. Then I saw your G you used on the half measure after the D. On time now. 
5 Likes
Thank you! This was FUN! best learning site EVER!!!
1 Like
Just want to say, I’m late to this dance, but this is EXACTLY what I needed!
You knocked it out out of the ballpark with this, Ben! Mucho gracias!
3 Likes
I like these pick-a-longs a LOT!!! Good practice for where I am weak. Thank you, Ben!
4 Likes
So, later in the play through you say to start adding slides and rolls in the backup. What’s the best way to train how to do this other than simply playing the arrangement again?
Great question! Go watch my build-a-break lessons and also this one: https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/banjo-solo-anatomy-banjo-intermediate
1 Like
bit confused on how this is cripple creek. been learning the scruggs version, in prep for banjo camp, but this version totally confuses me. lots of improvisation that i don’ t know. hope i can keep up at camp
1 Like
Hi @ryan2, Scroll down and click on the guitar video. Listen to it a several times through to get the music and tempo in your head and when the banjo break comes (don’t think about what your doing) just play YOUR Scruggs version.
This lesson is not about playing Note-For-Note the same thing as @BanjoBen it’s about making the right noise at the right time.
The banjo’s job at the intro is to vamp the chords in time with the mandolin. So you’ll need to know your chord shapes and where to find them on the neck. If you have not learned how to play basic back up yet check out this lesson.
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/intro-to-banjo-backup-banjo?from_track=beginner-banjo
If you play Cripple Creek in G you’ll need to capo up 2 to A and retune/spike the 5th String to A also.
Don’t worry about keeping up with others at the Camp. You’ll be fine once you get there.
Hope this helps.
1 Like
Hey @ryan2, first, yes you’ll keep up at camp.
The point of the pickalong is not for you to learn what I play. It’s to see what other folks might do for a solo and give you ideas if you want to expand beyond what you’re playing. It also gives you an opportunity to play rhythm along with me like you’re in a jam. Don’t panic or worry.
4 Likes
I’ll second that statement.
Have no worries about the camp…
3 Likes
thanks ben. so excited to be there and learn the way of the bluegrass jam. with learning banjo, i can get stuck in the exact notes and licks that i have been learning in the tabs. looking forward to getting more comfy with the free form bluegrass jam.
1 Like
forgot already what I was suppossed to do
1 Like
try listening a few times thru then try playing chords if. you get lost go to the 1 chord and try again. Eventually you’ll start to predict the chord changes
1 Like
Is this capo’d at the second fret? If so, why reach for the E chord as the 5? Wouldn’t you just play out of the G position so the 5th chord would be a D?