What was it that first got you interested in playing the guitar, mandolin or banjo?
My dad has an old banjo that has sat for a long time - he played it back when he was in the Navy over 50 years ago! I wanted to rekindle that interest in him by playing one myself. Plus, Iâve always loved Bluegrass and Americana but that interest increased dramatically after I moved to North Carolina several years ago. Finally, the quarantine that we all endured allowed me the opportunity to pick up a new hobby that I knew I would enjoy well beyond this crazy year!
How long have you been playing and whatâs your motivation to play?
Only 2+ months - and the first time Iâve ever even picked up a stringed instrument. My motivation is that I love it, am having a blast learning something new, and look forward to being able to play well enough to jam with friends.
Whatâs your favorite lesson on Benâs site and how has it helped you improve?
The roll studies for banjo. Very helpful! Oh, and I canât dismiss the âBanjo Boot Campâ as there were some fundamental things that I was not doing correctly initially.
Whatâs your goal when playing?
Though it has only been a few months, Iâm realizing that I really need to improve in accuracy, expand and learn the fundamentals, and probably most importantly to establish a very strong sense of timing. I want to learn the right things and not have to break bad habits that I pick up.
Are there any other instruments or genres of music that you enjoy playing?
I have played a bit of piano and started learning it as an adult. And I wouldnât say that I am necessarily playing music⌠yet. Ultimately, Iâm pretty much game to play anything!
Do you have a favorite technique? What is it?
I like the Earl Scruggs version of banjo picking versus the clawhammer technique. It suits me better.
If you could play in anyoneâs band, who would it be and why?
No interest in playing in a band - I just want to enjoy playing it both by myself and with friends.
What type of gear or accessories have you found that work best for you?
A strap! I didnât have one and had been playing/practicing every day for about a month. Then I watched the âboot campâ video and realized that I really needed one.
If money was no object, what would be your dream instrument(s)?
No clue. I love my Deering Goodtime 2 and donât see a need to buy others⌠yet.
If you didnât have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Tough question - I love to sleep. Family time, banjo time, baseball time, game time.
Anything else youâd like to add?
Just that I really like Banjo Benâs approach. It is both informative and technical yet enables quick and positive feedback and results. I watched several other beginning banjo training and though they were certainly helpful, I realized that I was already learning bad habits and didnât understand the why behind the what. Benâs combination suits me very well.
How did you find out about Banjo Ben?
Typical searching on Youtube for videos on how to play the banjo. I then visited the site and sampled several videos. The more I watched, the more it resonated with me.
Thanks for letting us feature you @G8rBoy17