Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Just curious

#1

I’m just curious about a simple, non-life threatening item.
Would anyone who has never played a string instrument in their lifetime, and is absolutely brand
new to banjo, and is well into their “twilight” years care to share how long it has taken you
to play a D major chord fluently and or clearly ???
Just wonderin’ :thinking:

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#2

Hi @kooseman Steve Well I just turned 77 back in August took up the banjo at 61 and have been playing D chords all that time. So I guess I am qualified to respond. I will say some folks really struggle with the full D chord shape but if you can make an F Chord Shape then making a D Chord is easy.

Just make the F Shape G Chord switch the two middle fingers and move that shape down half a step. A good way to practice is make the F Shape G Chord and just practice switching the middle two fingers back and forth.

I think of the two outer strings as a railway track keeping the pinky and ring fingers on the rails as I slide the shape up and down the neck lifting and switching the middle & index as I slide.

Check out @BanjoBen 's Lessons on making D chords he gives lots of examples on how to simplify the chord.

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#3

I match that description. I can state unequivocally to make a proper D chord will take longer than you like, but it will come. It will frustrate you, embarrass you, anger you and may cause you to think bad thoughts. But by Halloween it should be second nature.

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#4

You’re correct about all the descriptors. Especially the “bad thoughts” one.
Then I reconsider and think "what good will a banjo neck in ten pieces do me "???
Also, my neighbor plays golf several times a week and from what he tells me
he has to travel to a golf course and lug a bag of clubs around for hours to experience the
same frustration I can get from sitting in my practice room on a comfy chair and cussing at the
D chord. Guess I’m lucky at that !!! :blush:

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#5

Thanks for the great advice and sharing your info Archie.
Much appreciated. :+1:

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#6

Two consolations @kooseman your neighbour has the rain to contend with during practice and he doesn’t have great coaches like @BanJoe and me to encourage him with his swing. When I was considering a retirement plan I quickly struck off golf from my bucket list.

#7

Hi @kooseman Steve. I just recalled another exercise I used when I was a beginner trying to memorise the chord shapes. When I was watching TV. I would sit with the banjo on my knee and hold a chord shape. During the commercial break I would shake out my hand muscles and make the next chord shape as the movie continued on. This helps train the brain to memorise the shape. Eventually making that shape and placing it down on the strings becomes automatic. i.e. No thought process involved

#8

Once again, thanks for the great advice. :+1:

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