I’ve been playing “at” the banjo for 12 years. I’ve taken lessons both in person and on line and even subscribe to three web based systems like BanjoBen. I practice or at least pick up the banjo everyday. I jam with others at least twice a week and sometimes more. Heck I even try to “perform” in a four person group that does the local senior citizens circuit where we “entertain” for an hour. With all that said, I can not play fast enough to keep up with most folks in a jam at 8 beats per measure. My fingers will not do it. Then only thing I seem to be able to do is roll the chords and that’s usually an in and out roll. I try to add some banjo spice by doing a slide or hammer on here and there but still only with 4 beats in a measure. So I’m looking for some advice, not to get faster because I don’t think that’s going to happen. Is there any way to make my playing sound more “banjo” at half the normal beats per minute?
I can't play any faster, so now what do I do?
I don’t know if it’s really time to give up on it. I guess it depends on whether or not you’ve tried the following.
Have you posted a video of yourself playing? Right hand technique is so important to playing up to speed. You’d be surprised the tweaks Ben can recommend that might get you there.
What’s your age, and do you have any age related issues that might contribute to the problem? For example, arthritis will definitely slow you down. There ARE things you can do about that, but that’s going beyond the scope of this forum.
If you’ve really tried everything and can’t get there, have you considered clawhammer style? It might be perfect for you.
Hey Mark thanks for your thoughts and questions. I have not posted a video as yet but will try to do that. I am 70 and knew nothing about music till I started this banjo journey. My in person teacher did a great job of getting my on the right path and dispite my lack of speed I can play in just about any key with a capo. I do not seem to have any physical restrictions such as arthritis. And while I’ve considered clawhammer, just playing the banjo has been a challenge and I want to continue that challenge with 3-finger if possible.
I’d be interested to see and hear an example of your backup, played at the speed where you break down. A standard 8-note forward-reverse roll usually isn’t the best choice for speed.
Technique is going to be a big thing to target, definitely check up with this lesson if you haven’t already:
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/inside-cabin-camp-back-to-basics-with-kristin-benson-banjo-beginner/video/lesson-preview
If you’ve been practicing the same thing for a long time and not getting better, it’s probably not that you can’t get better but that you’re practicing in the wrong way or focusing on the wrong thing. What we’re going to want to do is take a step back, “reset” and focus in on the exact parts that are causing issues. It’s amazing what you can do with deliberate practice, which feels grueling at first, but usually ends up feeling therapeutic. Sometimes you just need to practice things in such slow motion, that you can’t even put it on a metronome. Either way, you CAN get better!
Playing for 12 years doesn’t guarantee you will play fast like a pro. A lot depends on what you have been studying over that period. What fundamentals you learned as a beginner and the structure of your solos. I agree with @Mark_Rocka and @Michael_Mark. Post a video let @BanjoBen see where you are at.
It may mean you need to go back to basics and follow Ben’s beginner learning path. There is no shame in revision.