Good Evening everyone! I’m an adult beginner student in banjo and guitar. Back in elementary and high school I was in the band, trumpet and baritone horn. I even made it to the National FFA Band. But I always loved bluegrass but did not have the opportunity to learn. Now with the internet and a great site like Banjo Bens’, I’m ready to learn. Also dabble in the cello, as well. My wife and I live in Sanford, NC.
New Member Intro
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Welcome to the forum!
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Whooo-heee, get ready for a ride!
I’m a Beginner banjoist & been with Ben for about a year and a half. Here’s my “expert “ advice:
- Follow the Learning track. It keeps you focused & it gives you a way to see progress.
- You will not progress as fast as you want, but you will progress fast enough that others will notice the improvement.
- This is really #1- Have fun!
- Use the Forum & post videos of yourself picking. No one here will judge you, but they will appreciate the effort you put into your music.
- Learn to use the TEF files. Tabs alone just don’t cut it.
- As quickly as possible, stop using the tabs & tef & play the song with the backing tracks. It might take days, it might take months, it doesn’t matter.
Big picture is you’re not trying to learn how to play a song, you’re on a journey to learn how to play the banjo! - This is the MOST IMPORTANT thing: Have fun!
FWIW- I am a 67 year old beginner & loving every minute of it!
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@Ranger1, I too have a few years of life experience. Not so much banjo experience. I have a similar story. Trumpet in middle and high school. Tinkered around with guitar. Decided in my fifty’s to start learning the banjo. Up til now my learning has been through private lessons. I found my way here when I signed up for Cabin Camp. I haven’t signed up for the on line lessons just yet. I’m focusing on the lessons for the songs we’ll be using at camp. I can’t tell you how excited I am to get a chance to be a part of that. I am also enjoying being a part of this community as well. Hope it will be as much fun for you as it has been for me.
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Thanks for the advice @BanJoe, sounds like a plan and a plan to move forward is always best! :)
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Welcome Shannon!
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Hi @Ranger1 Shannon 
to @BanjoBen 's Forum. Well you have definitely come to the right place to learn and at the same time have lots of fun. If you have any questions or need help just holler and we will do your best to help you.
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Hey @Ranger1, great to see another face here on the forum. As @Banjoe said, follow the learning tracks and take your time. It’s a must if you wanna progress as fast as possible. Congratulations on joining the best music site in the world!
-Justus
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Welcome man that’s great. I’m picking up the banjo as well. When I was in high school I tied for first place in the Washington State solo and ensemble contest on euphonium. Glad to have you on here.
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Welcome @Ranger1! You’re in the right place here. Was a trombone guy back in the day & started beginning banjo about 3 years ago in my 50’s. Met some great folks through the forum and at Cabin Camp. Have fun and keep interacting with the forum members…wishing you all the best in your musical adventures!
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