Comment by Claude L. Medearis on October 4, 2010 at 15:03

My first 5 string banjo video. After seeing Rob MacKillop's videos I had to try classic finger-style banjo, so I started cutting wood.

Comment by Carl Anderton on October 4, 2010 at 21:54

Where did you get the tune, Claude? There's so much old stuff out there waiting to be rediscovered.

Comment by Claude L. Medearis on October 5, 2010 at 1:32

Furusato is a popular old Japanese song I found on YouTube. Furusato I played along with it as I found the notes, then added some simple chords that were too easy to pass up. I'll be doing more folk songs when I learn how to actually play.
There may be no stopping me, but its hard to get started. I'm supposed to be learning to read and play the notes in the first position, but other songs keep popping out of the strings. "Muss I' Denn" can all be played in the first position, you know. If you start on the open 3rd string, the open fifth string is the highest note.
I really should buckle down and follow the book.

Comment by Joel Hooks on October 5, 2010 at 2:15

Say, that is a cool 'jo, any chance you might post some pics?

What book are you working out of? The "Eclipse" book on my site has easy to read scales and simple pieces to go along with it.

The Stewart book that J. Adam posted looks very promising as well.

I'll be looking forward to more videos from you!

Comment by Claude L. Medearis on October 5, 2010 at 2:40

I bought a copy of "Mel Bay's Banjo Method: C Tuning - Concert Style" by Frank Bradbury.
I know I can find books on the net, but I'm old enough to be addicted to the feel of paper.
I'll have to check out the book on your website, too. Banjo books are fun.

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