Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Practice time alloted

#1

Just looking for general consensus on what everyone else does for practice time?
Yes i know Ben has a video on this very topic but I wanted to see what everyone else is doing.
I do follow Bens procedures or advise but my goal is always to spend as many hours as I can at it per day.
I like to put in a minimum of an hour but prefer 2 per day with some days I go to my hunt camp alone for the night and have put in as much as 8 - 10 hrs while there with no interruptions. I even take it on vacation with me. I’ve also had days where I don’t touch it at all but never 2 in a row. And Ive spent as little as 10-12 minutes on it.

But 2 hours is my hard minimum.

Looking for other input.

Has anyone else noticed that a 1 - 2day break will actually help? I find it does…

Steve Regan

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#2

@steveregan805 Steve it’s like the old adage. How long is a piece of string. After I retired and my wife was still working I used to average between 8 - 12 hrs a day as a beginner. Back then I was obsessed with study and practice so everything was easy. As the years have passed I’ve cut back dramatically I am lucky if I put in an hour a week these days. I’ve worked through ALL @BanjoBen 's Banjo Lessons and I just don’t have the same motivation I once had. That said, I think I play better after having a break. I think 2 hours is a good study/practice period. I am sure there are other students who envy the time you have. Make the most of the time you have and don’t worry about it.

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#3

When I lived with my parents, I used to play/practice for 6-8 hours daily average. Now that I’m married and working, with children, I might play/practice for 15min-1hr most days. I seldom set out time just to do focused study though. Usually that’s only when I learn something new. I should start practicing more often…

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#4

Ive definitely learned that aside from time…. What and how you practice Carrie’s a lot of weight in the process. Many hours kind of wasted just playing solos over backing tracks for fun but really not accomplishing much.
I have learned to structure my routines now to maximize return on investment…

#5

Jens Kruger would say “wasting time…for fun” is exactly the right way to approach it. And you are actually accomplishing a lot. You get fretboard geography, timing, finger positioning practice and most importantly, a better understand of who & where you are as a player. And you get all of this when playing for fun. Sure, it lacks the frustration of regular practice and the sense of inadequacy that comes with it, but you can always get frustrated. It’s easy. Burn all your tabs.
As for “return on investment,” I would not know where to begin to calculate it. The enjoyment I get, the thrill of “that sound,” plus all the admiring looks I get from the ladies, is darn close to priceless . Other than that, banjo lessons aren’t worth a plugged nickle.
I tend to practice in 15 minute increments. My banjo lives out of the case & is at hand, to be picked up & played in an instant. Whenever I get a stray banjo thought, I grab my five-string & try it. I may get 4-7 sessions per day, or about an hour total. I’m not recommending this to any one. It’s simply what fits my style. I’m the kid who would gaze out the window in class, rather than stay focused on the lesson. I still am. But now I can play the banjo!:banjo::smile:

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#6

A friend once told me any time you spend noodling or messing around with the banjo is quality practice. The brain stores all this info till it’s ready to use it. So NOT time wasted.

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#7

How things have changed since you joined this forum

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#8

No kidding! As you were much inspiration for me, I recently tackled “Sailor’s Hornpipe.” I almost have the A part down. Playing melodic style has confused my fingers!

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#9

If you think “Sailor’s Hornpipe.” is challenging you should check out Harvest Home by my other favourite teacher

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#10

Great tune, but way too much pinky action for me there! If I have to cover 4 frets, the pinky is very slow to cooperate.
Gimme a couple years. :smile:

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#11

Wrapping the thumb, up the neck, & those triplets play havoc with the brain cells.

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#12

Pinky Action! It’s high time you started working on this lesson @BanJoe

https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/lonesome-road-blues-banjo-advanced?from_track=advanced-banjo-checklist

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#13

You’ve always been a great source of good ideas. :grin:

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#14

I just want to see you develop your skills. I know you can do it. Just take one break at a time. Take it slow and you’ll surprise yourself.