Still trying to get a handle on this banjo thing, love everything about it , but it can be frustrating.
Some days it just feels natural and other days its a mess.
Finally played in church a few weeks ago and managed to get through Amazing Grace, but I had the tab on hand just in case!
Playing in church
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Playing in any performance situation can be stressful at times. I find that when I’m well-prepared, it’s not as bad. Still, I mess up a lot. I have the good days and bad days just like you were talking about! I’m really glad to hear, though, that you’ve stepped up and went ahead and played in church! That’s really fun, especially when the focus is on serving and glorifying God, not on trying to please people or lift up ourselves! Good for you!
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Amen & thanks for the encouraging words
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I’ve stepped away from the banjo and started playing guitar at church. The first time was about a year ago. I was so nervous. The more I’ve played the more comfortable I get. Finally the feeling of severing has overcome the fear of messing up.
This past Wednesday i played I’ll Fly Away at Bible study. I had my 9 year old grandson running the laptop with the words. He paged up instead of down so we sang some verses twice.
Our pianist is on vacation this Sunday so I’m playing guitar for worship service. This is a first for me and our church. Being Baptist, it’s hard to find hymns with 3 verses and 3 chords. 
Just in case you’re curious,
Victory in Jesus
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Just a Closer Walk With Thee - yes I play the diminished chord.
My grandkids learned “I Thank God” in their praise group in school. I’ve been trying to learn this but the strumming pattern is not boom chuck. The version by Worship Tutorials on YouTube is like my GK’s know. I can’t get the strumming pattern or figure out how to play anything that sounds decent. It will take divine intervention….
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I’ve played guitar for many years, just a strummer! It came in very handy when I became a pastor. It is sometimes very hard to find an organist or pianist, so I stepped in with the guitar. I use Song Select and Worship Together to try and find the chords. Now that I am retired I still play and lead worship in my wife’s church, because they cannot find a pianist. I also was very nervous at first, but when you realize you are doing it for the Lord and it is not a performance it is very satisfying. I am trying to do some songs on the banjo, but I am still a newbie after 3 years! It’s very hard to turn away from the Tabs!
I’m hoping to play I’ll Fly Away, I Saw the Light and Unclouded Day in church some time.
Trusting in God
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