Frailing at life
Frailing at life
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Blues on the banjo!
In this tutorial we look at how to get a 'blues' sound on the banjo and adding the use of a slide (and how to play Banjo Jen's original bluesy song ' Colour of the Devil').
*Edit: For technical accuracy I should point out that from around 16.45 onward where I start talking about sliding up to the 'C' chord and down to the B♭, it's technically a D to a C. If you're playing without a capo on a banjo (in open G tuning as usual) barring the third fret always gives a B♭ chord, the fifth fret gives a C chord and the seventh fret gives a D chord. So that was in my head as I was talking about it! But with a capo on the second fret (as I was using in the video), three frets along from the capo is actually the fifth fret so is therefore a C chord, then five along is a D chord, and seven along is an E chord, etc! Confusing eh!
.........................................................................
Hey everyone :) Welcome to the banjo ranks! I'm Banjo Jen - a singer-songwriter from Sheffield in the UK. I don't really play loads of old tunes (even though they're cool) and I don't focus overly on too much theory or technical aspects. But I use the wonderful frailing banjo style to play and create songs, and - most importantly - to play for fun. So I hope that I can help you to do the same thing and get enjoyment out of this fab instrument if you're just starting out (just be aware you will always be the butt of jokes in folk music circles if you play the banjo!). Please join me in the uphill struggle to make banjo cool!
If you're interested in my original singer-songwriter material, please check out my website www.banjojen.com and subscribe to my main UA-cam channel ua-cam.com/users/banjojen. Thank you :)
Other links:
Facebook: banjojenmusic
Instagram: banjojen
Twitter: BanjoJen
Bandcamp: banjojen.bandcamp.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/3YOVXUh7y4kZt6B42pHmsc?si=1Xe8yPQLQ06mRZufMe6o7w
These tutorials are of course available for free, but if you feel that you'd like to contribute anything, obviously any donations to poor banjo players are always appreciated in these tough times! My PayPal account is www.paypal.me/banjojen for any of those exceptionally lovely humans :)
And finally, always remember …pick tunes not fights!
Jen xx
Переглядів: 15 451

Відео

3/4 time (waltz time) on frailing / clawhammer banjo - with Edelweiss song
Переглядів 10 тис.3 роки тому
In this tutorial we look at techniques for playing in 3/4 time, with some basic exercises and the lovely song / tune Edelweiss (and a little Tennessee Waltz and Wild Rover!). Words / chords for Edelweiss: G D G C Edelweiss Edelweiss G Em Am D7 Every morning you greet me G D G C Small and white, clean and bright G D G You look happy to meet me D G Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow C A D Blo...
Slow it down! 'Hobo's Lullaby' - frailing (clawhammer) banjo
Переглядів 25 тис.3 роки тому
This time we're slowing it down! The banjo can sound lovely played slowly and this song 'Hobo's Lullaby' is a really pretty one to play. This version is just C, F & G. ......................................................................... Hey everyone :) Welcome to the banjo ranks! I'm Banjo Jen - a singer-songwriter from Sheffield in the UK. I don't really play loads of old tunes (even thou...
Introduction to drop-thumb - frailing / clawhammer banjo
Переглядів 6 тис.4 роки тому
Seeing as I've injured my left shoulder, I decided to do a tutorial just focusing on a right-hand technique! Drop-thumb isn't something I use that often, but I wish I'd learned it earlier on as it's harder to get to grips with if you've played a long time without using it! It can be very useful for players who want to play in a more melodic style and put more individual notes into tunes. Hopefu...
Old Joe Clark tutorial - how to play on frailing (clawhammer) banjo
Переглядів 11 тис.4 роки тому
In this episode we go through the song / tune ‘Old Joe Clark’ using lots of techniques, including double-thumbing. Apologies for the occasional crackles in the sound (something must have gone dodgy with the mic during recording) - stick with it though as they don't last for long when they appear! ......................................................................... Hey everyone :) Welcome t...
Double thumbing exercises (including Shortnin’ Bread tune) for frailing / clawhammer banjo
Переглядів 11 тис.4 роки тому
This tutorial focuses on the double thumbing technique and some exercises to practise this (including the tune Shortnin’ Bread). ............................................................................ Hey everyone :) Welcome to the banjo ranks! I'm Banjo Jen - a singer-songwriter from Sheffield in the UK. I don't really play loads of old tunes (even though they're cool) and I don't focus o...
This Train is Bound for Glory - how to play on frailing (clawhammer) banjo
Переглядів 13 тис.4 роки тому
This Train is Bound for Glory is a really fun old gospel-type tune / song to play. This tutorial runs through a range of different options for experimentation. Learn to improvise with it! It can be as simple or as fiddly as you like, just have fun :) ......................................................................... Hey everyone :) Welcome to the banjo ranks! I'm Banjo Jen - a singer-son...
Banjo Pickin' Girl tutorial - frailing (clawhammer) banjo
Переглядів 6 тис.4 роки тому
I had a request for a tutorial for this tune / song - so here it is! It's a really fun one to play and you can add lots of your own extra bits to it. There's a recording of my version of this song on my EP 'Lost & Found', so you can play along on UA-cam ua-cam.com/video/2ZfQ5Gbw3Cw/v-deo.html or Spotify open.spotify.com/track/3n5bqaBVsepqb8qfIFhBsF?si=dUZtX2CFS_-sM1uqRsiMtg. Just be aware if yo...
F-shape chord / 'Little Maggie', and a 'bluegrass' sound on frailing (clawhammer) banjo
Переглядів 9 тис.4 роки тому
In this tutorial we focus on the F-shape chord and how this can move up the neck, and also look at a very cool hammer-on in this chord shape which gives a more 'bluegrassy' sound. The tune/song 'Little Maggie' is great to play with this technique. ......................................................................... Hey everyone :) Welcome to the banjo ranks! I'm Banjo Jen - a singer-songwr...
Lazy John tutorial - frailing (clawhammer) banjo
Переглядів 8 тис.4 роки тому
This tutorial focuses on the fun old-time tune/song 'Lazy John' (in G), which is great for practising hammer-ons and pull-offs. ......................................................................... Hey everyone :) Welcome to the banjo ranks! I'm Banjo Jen - a singer-songwriter from Sheffield in the UK. I don't really play loads of old tunes (even though they're cool) and I don't focus overl...
Banjo lesson #7 - Cripple Creek! (Beginners tutorial - frailing / clawhammer banjo)
Переглядів 80 тис.4 роки тому
In this episode we put the three techniques from last time (hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides) into practice by learning the fab tune Cripple Creek. It might take a little while, but once you've got the hang of it this is a really fun tune to play with the frailing style. Oh, and beer helps! ......................................................................... Hey everyone :) Welcome to the ...
Banjo lesson #6 - Hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides. (Beginners tutorial - frailing/clawhammer banjo)
Переглядів 9 тис.4 роки тому
In this episode we move on to techniques with the fretboard hand. Hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides are three techniques that add so much flavour and fullness to this style of playing. So play around and have fun with them :) ......................................................................... Hey everyone :) Welcome to the banjo ranks! I'm Banjo Jen - a singer-songwriter from Sheffield in ...
Banjo lesson #5 - Chord shapes up and down the neck (Beginners tutorial - frailing/clawhammer banjo)
Переглядів 9 тис.4 роки тому
In this episode we first explore the different ways of playing a standard D chord (2, 3 and 4 fingered) down the neck, and then we look at the other major chord shapes that can be moved up the neck. *There's also a bonus bit of Creedence Clearwater Revival (always a good thing!). ......................................................................... Hey everyone :) Welcome to the banjo ranks...
Banjo lesson #4 - Basic songs with 3 chords / using a capo (Beginners tutorial - clawhammer banjo)
Переглядів 14 тис.4 роки тому
In this episode, we continue to practise the frailing strum using the G, C and D7 chords for basic folk songs with well-known melodies. We discuss the importance of singing along with playing, training the ear to hear chord changes and why the chords work together ("1,4,5" progression). We also discuss using a capo to raise the 'key'. ...............................................................
Banjo lesson #3 - "Take 'em Away" (OCMS) play-along (Beginners tutorial - frailing/clawhammer banjo)
Переглядів 25 тис.4 роки тому
In this episode we add the C chord to the G and D7, and play Old Crow Medicine Show's gorgeous song "Take 'em Away". ......................................................................... Hey everyone :) Welcome to the banjo ranks! I'm Banjo Jen - a singer-songwriter from Sheffield in the UK. I don't really play loads of old tunes (even though they're cool) and I don't focus overly on too mu...
Banjo lesson #2 - First chord and tune. (Beginners tutorial - frailing / clawhammer banjo)
Переглядів 24 тис.4 роки тому
Banjo lesson #2 - First chord and tune. (Beginners tutorial - frailing / clawhammer banjo)
Banjo lesson #1 - Intro and basic frailing strum. (Beginners tutorial - frailing / clawhammer banjo)
Переглядів 59 тис.4 роки тому
Banjo lesson #1 - Intro and basic frailing strum. (Beginners tutorial - frailing / clawhammer banjo)

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @kevingumfory
    @kevingumfory 2 дні тому

    looks like a deering goodtime .... sadly pat costello has taken down all of his media and personally i think its tragic. the dude was an outstanding teacher. i watched your whole vid in his honor. you kinda move your thumb like banjo lemonade lol

  • @unclejoshafat
    @unclejoshafat 5 днів тому

    Please keep making these videos. I’m coming from guitar and bass, and your advice simply works.

  • @umbertocapasso67
    @umbertocapasso67 12 днів тому

    that's beautiful girl ..!!!

  • @darrengarlough5121
    @darrengarlough5121 13 днів тому

    The way you explain things is the best way possible for me. I watched several videos on this song and you were the only one to be able to connect with my brain. Tab is definitely not for me. Do you break down any other tunes?

  • @jaggedoldman
    @jaggedoldman 28 днів тому

    Thanks, Jen

  • @neilhunt5863
    @neilhunt5863 Місяць тому

    Best tutor on the web to inspire and get you going.

  • @kathyskorek2565
    @kathyskorek2565 Місяць тому

    I love this, yes half chord sounds great❤

  • @bobcline2069
    @bobcline2069 2 місяці тому

    LOVE YOUR LESSON, Love your accent.. West Virgina country Boy!

  • @roymundy3688
    @roymundy3688 2 місяці тому

    Jen, I want to thank you for your amazing tutorials on the banjo. I purchased a ukulele around 5 years ago and taught myself via youtube. I started getting into clawhammer on the ukulele and managed to get the technique. I have made a jump and just purchased a cheap 5 string banjo. Your lessons are fantastic. Thank you so much. Im going to really enjoy this new journey. Im working on cripple creek and my ukulele clawhammer works great and is making my journey easier. Im looking forward to learn with your help ❤ Thank you

  • @Exod365
    @Exod365 3 місяці тому

    Dang I was totally not thinking you were in the UK. Before the video started I thought there's a banjo picking mama. 😊 Pretty too..

  • @peartree460
    @peartree460 4 місяці тому

    Camt to learn banjo....wrote a song while i was waiting for the lesson to start😂😂😂 @10:00

  • @พี่น้องOutdoorทีม

    Thank you you are very lovely

  • @terrywood3268
    @terrywood3268 4 місяці тому

    Just wondering what strings and gauge do you use, I'm using GHS light which sound a bit too bright fo rclawhammer any advice appreciated

  • @peterclark9653
    @peterclark9653 4 місяці тому

    That was Freaky! Four years after this video was made I'm sat here with my new Pisgah Banjo and it starts to thunder and lightning. Next thing Jen is commenting on the thunder she can hear. Think it must be good omen as I seem to be picking up clawhammer pretty quick from these videos, although I have been trying to play Scruggs style for 6 years.

  • @apriltempleman3949
    @apriltempleman3949 5 місяців тому

    I just found you and im so happy i did!!

  • @HarryJVick
    @HarryJVick 5 місяців тому

    Hey Jen, I'm having a little trouble with thumb positioning. I seem to naturally rest my thumb on the 5th string, essentially muting it every time after I play that string. Am I meant to do this or should I adjust my position slightly so that the 5th can really ring out better without being muted in my adopted position?

  • @TaterBisket45
    @TaterBisket45 5 місяців тому

    Got my first banjo in the mail yesterday, practiced the bum diddy bum all last night and now im half way playing , im so excited , thank you a million times!! 😊😊

  • @jaggedoldman
    @jaggedoldman 5 місяців тому

    Hope you’re having a great summer. Thanks for all your Patient teaching. I’m going to try to work harder on your stuff. Hope your shoulder gets better. I have the same thing and it takes time.

  • @timjones363
    @timjones363 5 місяців тому

    You need keep this up im62 . Your lesson are good.

  • @timjones363
    @timjones363 5 місяців тому

    Thank you

  • @catalib2
    @catalib2 5 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for these lessons. I have been working on learning banjo (mainly bluegrass) for ages and have just switched to frailing. I love your methodology of not playing from tabs and for the first time I am working out where to put those hammer-ons and slides for myself instead of relying on notation telling me what to do. You are a fabulous teacher.

  • @lifeonasmallholdingfarm.5837
    @lifeonasmallholdingfarm.5837 5 місяців тому

    70 and given a really bad banjo. Gonna be expensive I recon. Yeay sheffield!!

  • @andreasschmidt8828
    @andreasschmidt8828 5 місяців тому

    I am playing Cripple Creek! I am so happy! Thank you so much for your great tutorials, a big hug!

  • @andreasschmidt8828
    @andreasschmidt8828 5 місяців тому

    So inspiring! Your lessons sent me on my way to make music the first time in my life! Thanks a lot!

  • @maciejchaubinski7419
    @maciejchaubinski7419 6 місяців тому

    I love your channel. I hope you are doing well after those pandemic years

  • @Storkus100
    @Storkus100 6 місяців тому

    I miss your videos, I have learned a lot from your wise and informative lessons.

  • @EmilioArroyoFoto
    @EmilioArroyoFoto 7 місяців тому

    Amiga. Gracias por tus vídeos. Estoy aprendiendo a tocar con libertad gracias a ti. Creo que eres muy simpática y preciosa. Algún día encontraré a una mujer como tú, con ilusión por la música y la vida. Gracias.

  • @JR-bj3uf
    @JR-bj3uf 7 місяців тому

    A story: Back years ago I was playing bass for several blue grass bands. Our group had landed a spot on a morning TV show promoting an upcoming Bluegrass Festival. We had done our stick, played our tune and we had gone to a commercial break prior to the final segment. Our banjo player put his banjo in the lap of the host lady. He said "pluck this string, this string, this string and this string." She did. "Now" he said, "do it again." She did and in the space if less than three minutes he taught her a simple banjo roll on an open cord. We came back and she did her lines all while doing a good job playing that little roll. After we were done I don't think I have ever seen someone so overjoyed in my life. She kept saying "I played the banjo, I played the banjo!"

  • @caseybruce8414
    @caseybruce8414 7 місяців тому

    I just went from a “boom chick-a” first lesson yesterday to fairly fluently playing Cripple Creek in less than an hour with your instruction! Thanks so much for this tutorial all the way from the Folk Capital of the South, small town Arkansas, USA!

  • @Tbowie13
    @Tbowie13 7 місяців тому

    😂 Im like you, once I start playing a song with hammer ons and pull offs, its really hard for me to show someone how to do it without it. Its possible, but I really have to force myself. Once I start playing for fun, it starts getting "hoppy" again! 😂

  • @bloomsandthreads8519
    @bloomsandthreads8519 7 місяців тому

    Great lesson! You’re the best at explaining!! Do more!!

  • @amandasanders1141
    @amandasanders1141 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for your clear tutorials Jen! I’m thinking of getting the same Deering Goodtime scoopneck banjo - can you let me know if you would you recommend it? 🙂

  • @daveduncan8004
    @daveduncan8004 8 місяців тому

    That’s really good picking young lady and you sing very well. Also, that’s a hard thing to do is play a Musical instrument and staying at the same time. That’s very good. Keep up the good work I’m enjoying your channel.

  • @amandasanders1141
    @amandasanders1141 8 місяців тому

    Thank you! Just hired a banjo and this is really clear and useful 😊

  • @amandasanders1141
    @amandasanders1141 8 місяців тому

    This is the clearest explanation I’ve found. Thank you!

  • @EmilioArroyoFoto
    @EmilioArroyoFoto 8 місяців тому

    es fabulosa tu forma de tocar este estilo, es alucinante verte mover los dedos. gracias amiga, estoy a años luz de tocar tan bien como tu, pero me anima mucho verte y escucharte. gracias preciosa.

  • @jaymaxfield5056
    @jaymaxfield5056 8 місяців тому

    Great lesson Love your accent!!

  • @donmartin4545
    @donmartin4545 8 місяців тому

    Awesome lesson thank you

  • @briandonnelly3052
    @briandonnelly3052 8 місяців тому

    I'm a beginner and appreciate this video, but that failing note...really, you over-play it. We get it already. Awesome video otherwise.

  • @phantomfreckle
    @phantomfreckle 9 місяців тому

    Hi Jen , thanks for the videos . Frailing all the way , the blues and hill country blues is super addictive . Make another video , you know you want to :)

  • @barriesansom2070
    @barriesansom2070 9 місяців тому

    Great stuff🪕

  • @volkitsa
    @volkitsa 9 місяців тому

    That was great!! The strumming pattern you use to sing - is it the clawhammer bum-ditty? Or something different?

  • @dromaharg
    @dromaharg 9 місяців тому

    I have been following along with your lessons from Canada and I am learning so much from you. You explain things in a very natural and welcoming way. Thank you so much for passing on your significant skills.

  • @senojekim579
    @senojekim579 9 місяців тому

    Hi, your style of banjo is exactly what I am looking for. I have just ordered a 5string banjo. I'm a guitar player so I do expect some problems, but I'm sure you will get me through okay. Thanks

  • @monty3621
    @monty3621 10 місяців тому

    Where are you? 2 yeas without a post. You are a joy to watch. Hope your OK.

  • @guthriemayfield8721
    @guthriemayfield8721 10 місяців тому

    Thank you ❤

  • @monty3621
    @monty3621 10 місяців тому

    You are a joy to watch. 👍

  • @Emil-Antonowsky
    @Emil-Antonowsky 10 місяців тому

    Well, I'm 96 years old next birthday and after finding my pappys old banjo out in the barn, I've decided to finally learn it like he always wanted me. These lessons are great as due to mobility issues, I only get to see him once a month.

  • @SanctumOfDreams
    @SanctumOfDreams 10 місяців тому

    Never thought I would get the claw thing down, having played mostly finger picking on guitar my brain did not like fingers moving backward to strike a note. I thought it would take weeks to get here. Your teaching techniques are making this a lot easier for me. Thank you for these lessons.

  • @georgiawells865
    @georgiawells865 10 місяців тому

    16:14 Full Song, 20:47 Improv, 25:21, 32:43 Blues Improv