Thanks. Relatively speaking how long does it take you to learn a song from scratch?
Presentation Trouble
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Depends on how much time I have to practice it. Also depends on the complexity of the song. Roughly 3-5 days. Are you working through the beginner banjo layout
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I finished all of the technical work in it I have like three songs in it I haven’t finished yet. I’m working on the intermediate list now
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Excellent 
be sure to use the rhythm tracks for each song. That’s the real test to see if you know the song well also helps with a lot of other things too. I found that my general over all playing sounds better without the rhythm tracks the more I play with the rhythm tracks if that makes sense. I usually don’t move on to a new lesson untill I can play the previous lesson relatively smooth at the slowest speed.
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Yeah those tracks are great
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@Michael_Mark and @Hillbilly_picker,
I am afflicted too… because I still don’t have confidence in my playing overall.
It takes a good run (maybe 1 out of 25) to feel like I did a performance marginally well - let alone to where I would say good.
The only thing we can do is practice and turn that camera on very often - just as @Archie proposes.
One thought I had about playing in front of people.
DON’T put on a show… but do go out in your yard or on your porch… alone is totally fine… and just play.
Next, go to a park… Get lost in your playing and don’t play for anyone… but don’t shy from it either. Let people come and go.
I think this is a gentle, low-pressure way to get more comfortable where nobody is there to see you perform with expectation. I think it is the pressure we put upon ourselves and the feeling of others expecting a performance which leads to a negative feeling of judgement.
Rather, play for you. Make your mistakes for you to improve… and allow yourself to makes those mistakes in front of others too.
You will improve while also breaking down unreasonable expectations you are placing on yourself.
I hope this helps you… I hope it helps us all…
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It’s true what @Lone_Wolf Emilie say’s When you think back to the making of Gone with the wind. Have ever paused to think how many times the Director called Action and Cut. and how much film ended up on the cutting room floor.
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That there was the best breakdown and advice!
If you don’t put yourself in that kinda uncomfortable place you will always feel uncomfortable:sunglasses: as a youngster I was always on stage ( in my own head) and was great, but as soon as I got in front of people ! DISASTER! It took me many years and a couple of very good friends to push me when I got on stage or in front of people, They taught me and told me to play it like you belong there mistakes and all. I am new to the Banjo and am now experiencing the fumble fingers all over again. But it’s cool I’m no Scruggs and I know it. So just have fun and don’t quit your day job just yet.
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Thanks @jon1,
Honestly, it has helped me… As I am not yet to a point to really jam with anyone else.
On occassion, I have informally played with others and really got over that intimidated feeling pretty quickly from doing that “practice in public” thing.
There is nothing better than just enjoying a warm day with practicing and playing. No expectation except a good practice session.
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Copy that! I think we all put those high expectations on ourselves and when we fumble a bit it messes with our self confidence. Once we train our mind to get over it and it’s not the end of the world it get’s better. So don’t sweat the small stuff and remember your havin fun rite!
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Nothing I can really add these fine comments. Just wanted to say it happens to most of us. I can’t tell you how many recordings I delete before I finally get one that looks and sounds half way decent. I’m convinced the camera’s record button is directly attached to my nerves. 
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Well, 'cept for @Mark_Rocka’s Eefin Contest winner.
That was OTD: One-Take Dealio… perfect the very 1st time, right Marky-Mark and Mark?
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Oh, uuuummmm, yeah… offffff course I got that all in one take. I mean, the first take is always the funniest, right? 
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I’ll have to agree with what everyone has said on this topic. I mean, in reality, I am probably the best banjo player in the history of banjos. but for some strange reason, when folks are listening or the camera is rolling, I just sound like a darn beginner. I can’t for the life of me figure it out. 
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I’ll Second That!
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
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Yep! Turn a camera on (or worse, a metronome) and suddenly I haven’t a clue what I’m doing or why I seem to think I’m a musician. It does get better though. Whenever I first started filming I would delete probably about 50 videos for every decent take I would get. But I have gotten more used to it and usually get it within a couple tries. Now when someone else videos me without my prior knowledge, as soon as I see them filming my playing falls apart like the Arsenal’s defense…
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Lol, I know what ya mean! We played at a church event (before the covid lockdown) & folks started pulling out phones & recording & I was like ut-oh! So my advice is dont look at them… look just past them, kinda like over their heads, but just a little so you dont look too goofy & spacey, ofc all the while with a slight smile on yer face…
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@Hillbilly_picker I just recorded a video you should watch here: Learning to Let Go & Relax While Playing
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