Hi @sonovtheking Chris
I am NOT a guitar player so take my advice with a pinch of salt. I would say in my experience as a banjo student here on banjobenclark.com these past 11 years. There are enough lessons here to help you achieve the goals you seek to achieve. If there is anything you think is missing or could be improved upon just give @BanjoBen a hollier and I am sure he will do his best to accommodate you.
I would say the best way to improve your playing is through self help. The lessons Ben has created here on the site are of excellent quality and the TABs are pretty accurate. But it is up to you as a student to follow his instructions, paying particular attention to the video instruction, fretting, pick stroke direction and the onscreen instructions. Practicing with the aid of the TEF Tab files to ensure accuracy. Developing fluidity and speed with the aid of the MP3 Audio Tracks.
When I was a young lad learning a skilled trade took five years as an Apprentice with a further three years as a Journeyman before a man could consider himself as a qualified Tradesman so bear this in mind as you study.
Accuracy not Speed should be your ultimate goal. If you pick with accuracy speed will follow with experience. Watch carefully how Ben frets the strings, how he moves from one position to the next to arrive at a target note at the right time. If you are fumbling with the fretboard you are not going to be accurate and you are not going to play fast. So focus on what’s important NOW and don’t try to get ahead of your skill level. If you work your way through Ben’s lessons at your own pace you will make steady progress and constantly adding to your skill level. More than that I will leave for others to fill in the gaps.
A final note. There will be times when you may feel you are marking time. Making little progress or at a stand still. This is NORMAL in the learning process. Take a short break and give your brain a brief rest. When you return you should find the going is easier and more achievable.
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