I keep missing strings while playing the banjo on tunes and simple rolls. I’ve tried adjusting my picks, but it always seems like my index finger is coming up empty during play. Any advice?
My index finger keeps missing strings
Hi @jacobweddle7 Jacob its all about training the brain work on autopilot.
Try these exercises, play them slowly about 60 bpm and focus on hitting the Index Finger string a little harder to emphasise the note
Strings 32 31 53 52 51 Fingers TI TI TI TI TI repeat 10 times
Strings 21 31 43 42 41 Fingers IM IM IM IM IM repeat 10 times
Strings 321 321 321 321 321 Fingers TIM TIM TIM TIM TIM 10 Times
Strings 531 531 531 531 531 Fingers TIM TIM TIM TIM TIM 10 Times
Strings 521 521 521 521 521 Fingers TIM TIM TIM TIM TIM 10 Times
Practice these exercises every day for a month.
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Thank you
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@Archie said “slowly” and I think that is the key. In classical guitar, they teach place the finger, press the finger into the string and then release through the string. It is a bit different with picks, but I think the concept holds water for building muscle memory for banjo as well. We (hopefully) aren’t slapping at the strings with our fingers, and breaking it down into three steps really drives that home.
Happy picking! I bet you will be over this hurdle very quickly with just a little bit of methodical work.
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The only thing I would add to the great advice given above is to pay close attention to your right hand position on the banjo. Are you anchoring your pinky and ring finger down (or at least pinky)/? Is your wrist slightly bent or straight? Do your fingers meet the strings at an angle or straight on? A minor adjustment to your picking hand placement can effect tone, pick noise, and accuracy. Just a thought.
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Hi @jacobweddle7 Jacob One thing I forgot to mention. When you have completed your month of exercises post a video of your right hand position in the Video Swap area and let @BanjoBen see what progress your making
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