Eric writes:
I'd like to get one of your instructional videos and wonder which one you'd recommend for a beginner: the Level One or "Ultra Easy". What's the difference between the 2 tapes? I took a couple months of lessons using a Goodtime II banjo, but only learned simple chords and started to learn tab reading. My instructor didn't teach rolls or 3-finger picking with picks during the lessons because he wanted me to learn the basic chords first and then progress to right-hand coordination.
Thanks for the advice and the music. Hot Rize got me started in bluegrass and your banjo got me interested in playing the instrument.
December 30, 2001
#16: Beginning videos
Good to hear you're working on the banjo, and that I helped get you interested. I think you might as well start with the Getting Rolling (Ultra Easy) tape since it is cheap and you will definitely get $20 of value from it. You won't learn a lot of technique, but it is great help to learn to play along and make chord changes in real time. You can work up to doing basic rolls along with the tape, and it will help you feel like you're playing real music (which will be true!).
The other tape I think is also a fine value at $40, and is a much more thorough intro to bluegrass banjo, including more rolls, licks, simple and then harder full-song arrangements, how to figure out a solo on your own, etc. A pretty well-packed 2-hour tape, comparing well to the cost of lessons, and always available for replay.
May as well get both!
Pete
The one video that every new bluegrasser needs, as soon as they get their first instrument!
140 Classic Songs!
The only book with instruction on bluegrass singing, including bluegrass harmony, and many pages of tips from the all-time greats.