Learning 2nd banjo -- any advice?

[Mike Moss]

Hello all,

having already dabbled in playing 2nd banjo parts previously, I would like to learn more about how to play these often tricky accompaniments. Whereas they are often easy to sight-read and involve fairly standard chords, I still have trouble learning 2nd banjo parts as they often feel a little too "abstract" compared to what's going on in the 1st part.

My method, so far, has been to use the Amazing Slowdowner, and to attempt to play along with some banjo recordings by sight-reading the 2nd part as I go, but my brain often ends up failing and I get lost halfway through. Another method I attempted was to hum the 1st part (or to think it) whilst playing the 2nd part.

I have generally been more successful with the simple root-chord, root-chord style accompaniments than the more elaborate ones (like the 2nd part in Return of the Regiment).

Do you have any tips on how to learn backup?

[Jody Stecher]

I would suggest identifying the parts that don't seem to work out and then investigating whether the problem is one of understanding, or of execution, or if the problem is due to an error in the score. It may several or all of these.

Once you are sure that the part is playable and correct and you know the moves and know you can do them, give more attention to how the two parts sound together than to the second part as free-standing independent banjo solo. Often 2nd-s  do seem abstract when considered as independent entities. But as they are intended to relate to the First part the player must keep that prime part in mind. You were on the right track humming but I'd suggest "hearing" the first part as a purely mental activity. 

[marc dalmasso]

 you can do it step by step , exactly like i  do if i have to learn  new pieces on the cello , starting with  root notes  ( 1st & 5th ) and then add , some melodic lines between  the chords  and  then finishing with the cello / 2nd banjo_ score which become not as difficult  as you 've seen at 1st sight

[Mike Moss]

Thanks for the advice, Jody and Marc. I'll try starting with 2nd parts to the solos I'm most familiar with by "hearing" them mentally as I play... this is definitely a very interesting challenge as it does require a good knowledge of the 1st part.

Marc, playing the cello banjo sounds fun. I assume the CB can play the 2nd part one octave below, right? Too bad cello 'jos are so expensive...

[marc dalmasso]

Not exactly  , the cello is almost   the " bass " of the band , so supposed to play 1st & 5th degree of the chords . But not exactly because ,  some lines from  original scores can sometimes follow the melody et the cello can play chords too , for this simple reason  he his in the cello " tessiture " and not inthe bass " tessiture " ; To speak more simple : the cello is between a banjo  ans a bass . BUT , from my idea ,  you may have a bass guitar or DB ' experience to play it  , it ' s better

One of my favorite is  " transatlantique " , éric does a fine job ; the piece is wonderful , written by TB junior himself & dedicated to the ABF

(favorite piece because very pleasant to play with the fretless ' cello made by éric )

http://www.youtube.com/user/cramasdamols#p/u/158/sgLmBsflmfo