Hi Jim thanks a bunch for the videos, I dusted my late sons Banjo off and started playing, it eases the pain of losing him, I know he's listening in and is helping his old man along.
Jim, I'm not sure I can thank you enough. I have a little story I would like to share with you, from one Georgia boy to another about me and my banjo. I fell in love with the sound of the banjo after listening to John Hartford and Steve Martin on TV. So, in July 1975 I bought an Arianna Eagle from the local music store for $94.51 (still have the receipt) and tried to learn from a book, and soon put it away in the closet for over 40 years. I just retired this past year, and made an off-hand remark listening to my wife play her guitar, "I ought to put some new strings on that old banjo." Lo and behold, there was a set of strings under the Christmas tree, but again, how to learn? Thanks goodness for UA-cam; you can learn anything on UA-cam. I learned how to string the banjo, how to tune and started following a couple of instructors. However, it wasn't until I came across your videos that things clicked. Now, after less than 3 weeks I can play Cripple Creek reasonably well (and learning new ways with this video), and am working on Banjo in the Hollow, even picked a few bars of Foggy Mountain. You have a teaching style that just works, and a personality that makes it easy to look forward to the next. I am always hearing in my mind and in my sleep, "Go practice this a bunch." This video is one of those 'next' moments that gives greater life to an old banjo, and a new student. Thanks! This works!!!
Jim you're the reason I bought a banjo. I saw you online and thought I can do that. I went through your lessons and I'm starting to get the hang of it. Plus my wife really likes it. She starting to feed me better now. Used to eat a lot of sandwiches now I'm back on the chicken fries thanks to you. Appreciate that
Thank you thank you thank you Mr. Jim! I’m a 58-year-old blind guy here in Arkansas try and learn to play the banjo and I think with your help I will get it!! Chattanooga Chattanooga swing! Thanks again Jim!
Awesome videos. I just turned 64 years old and for the first time I'm trying to learn banjo. I don't think I would have gotten anywhere without your excellent instruction, your great personality, your encouraging demeanor, and your extraordinary talent for teaching. And as a long time University professor, I know a few things about teaching. I can't thank you enough for what you do for others who have an interest in playing the banjo.
Been playing guitar since childhood. My whole family pitched in and bought me a banjo for my 30th birthday this past August. I have been loving getting to know this amazing and jovial instrument. So excited for this next chapter in my life with the banjo... Thanks, Jim, for these incredible lessons---you are not only a gifted banjo player, but a gifted teacher.
Hey Jim, just want to say thank you for teaching me to play cripple Creek.I got a banjo for Christmas,and I never played a instrument in my life,my wife can't believe it,she's amazed how good I've gotten.God bless you Jim for your videos.
Really enjoying playing again, thx to you. You gentle approach has helped so much. I’m a 30 year student of the banjo. I started in the 70’s too but medical school and a family took all of my time. Got back to flying 3 years ago, started skydiving last year and now the banjo! 62 and loving it! You are awesome ! Plz keep it up!
I guess I doubted my ability to learn when I was younger or I would have learned to play banjo long before I turned 57 years old,It took me many years to get my head around 6 string guitar and that gave me a skill set that is helping me with banjo playing, I understand your style of teaching and enjoy your humor,Thankyou Jim
Jim, I have been practicing every day(except for the 5days we were on vacation) since February 15. Your videos have been very helpful! Even an idiot like me can learn from you. You are a very good teacher! I have watched other banjo instructional videos, but yours explain things so much better. I wish you were closer to Arkansas. You seem like the kind of fella that would be a blast to be around. Thank you, Trent
Jim, I bought a banjo after graduating from college in May. I started your video's in early July and just got to the point in the last week where I feel like I can play Cripple Creek. I've been doing 15-30 minutes a day.... it takes a while to say the least! But I just kept at it... your videos are the absolute best. I've even told some buddies about you. Thank you sir!
I’m 51,just picked up playing the banjo! You were the first one I saw and absolutely love your videos! I’ve started December 20th and I can play Cripple Creek and Banjo in the Hollow! I practice every day even if I only have a few minutes! Always loved bluegrass and now I have the pleasure of playing this wonderful instrument! Thanks so much, from Quebec, Canada!
Hey Jim...with the COVID-19 lockdown, I decided to try and put the down time to good use so I bought a banjo! Found your lessons and am working thru them...a week in and I can do a passable Cripple Creek! Couldn’t be happier with how quickly I’m picking it up with your instruction. Looking forward to lots of practice, improving and learning some of my Bluegrass favs...THANK YOU!!!
Hi Jim, my kids bought me a 5 string banjo for my 50th birthday 18 yrs ago, no youtube then but got a video of Fred Sokolow. I did ok with the basics for a while but then put it a side for the Uke! I have now found your videos which have rekindled my interest and made me try again, love your teaching style and humour. All the best Keith
Jim Pankey has shown me how to do something with a banjo that doesn't involve swinging it around by the neck until it is dead! Thanks Jim! I'm finally having the fun I always wanted to with this instrument.
Jim, your videos are the BEST!! I got a banjo for my birthday and your videos are the only ones that I watch--I learned Cripple Creek and You are my Sunshine...I am now attempting Foggy Mountain Breakdown :) THANK YOU--you are a bluegrass rockstar!!
Many thanks for your time. I've been playing for a week now and getting the hang of it. You're a very good teacher. May the Lord Jesus bless you in all you do!
I’ve been playing since 2006. I still like to watch and learn from other banjo players such as yourself. It keeps it fun, exciting, and challenging to be able to play songs multiple ways. Thanks so much for your videos.
Love the videos Jim. Got me real enthused to learn the banjo. I'm 77 just got my first banjo ,lovin' it. I'm on lesson 3 and practice practice practice, on a daily basis. Looking forward to being able to play Cripple Creek. Thanks for your style of teaching, I watched many teaching vids on UA-cam... I chose to go with you and your very detailed teaching style.. Thanks again. next week, lesson 4. John M
Hey Jim, thanks for posting all those gerat tutorials! Useless to look for a banjo teacher here in Germany - and no need to because ther's Jim on youtube and nobody does it better. Banjo is not common over here and I always wanted to learn it. And now I found your videos, teaching all those songs I like so much and in a way I can keep up. 20 years of guitar, but honestly I never enjoyed practicing an instrument so much! Ganz herzlichen Dank! as we say here.
Hi Jim, I just got a banjo for my birthday from my wife (she always wanted to refine the blunt instrument I am haha) Just wanted to say that as a total beginner on any musical instrument, after a month of following your lessons, I can already almost play Cripple Creek. Your lessons are enjoyable and very easy to understand and follow. Many thanks from England 👍
These videos are great. Very easy to understand and jumps right into the music. I really enjoy hearing you play at the end of each video. Gives me something to work towards.
Jim, just wanted to say you rock! At 45, all I've ever played was the radio. I'm a slow learner but you've got a way to keep encouraging me. Thanks a bunch, your the best!
Sir, I bought a banjo close to 10 years ago and it has done a fine job collecting dust all those years. Thankfully I found your videos and I’m happy to say, that banjo spends a lot more time in my arms nowadays.
Your videos are awesome !!! I am learning a lot. I have finally decided on buying the "Recording King Dirty 30s Open-Back Tone Ring Banjo" .........it is only $219.00 .......so not a lot of investment.......however it will be fine for me to learn on for the first year. If I can devote myself to learning for a entire year.....then I will buy 3K + one.......Thanks for the inspiration .....keep up the great work.
nice! this is great, ive been playing about 3 weeks now and completed your 10 beginner videos. this is great because ive completely exhausted cripple creek and now this provides the perfect challenge to reinvigorate this song again. lots of love from canada!
Hi Jim, thanks for this video, it has opened up my eyes to a whole new world of banjo music for me. As a beginner, I realise now, that if I just stick to Cripple Creek for a good while, learn and apply these techniques, they will serve me for any new tunes I may learn in the future too. This journey just gets better every day. Jim Pankey taught me to play the banjo!!!
Jim, just a quick check-in: I'm still at it, and continuing to learn every day. Again, thank you for your time and passion you put into your videos. They do make a difference. God's Peace.
I learned to play from you on a banjo my dad bought that he never used. Now Ive restrung my grandpas banjo which has sat stagnant since he died in the 90s. It’s kind of cool to play his banjo even though I never met him.
I've been adding these pieces to the basic lesson series, what a great collection of learning tools you've put together Jim . Thanks a lot! I love that Im able to keep coming back to this to clean it up.
Jim, you gave me my starting lessons on banjo and have taught me the majority of what I know from your You Tube lessons. Keep up the great work cause I'm still learning from you, Thanks.
When I first knew I was playing this at a good skill I was thrilled. Now it's like tying a shoelace. Well, maybe not that easy. I've had days where I could pick the strings off this song. Then I've had days where I could pick like a sloppy beginner. My mood determines my playing. Also, I play better with no or very few people listening. I'm bashful like my dear departed mom in Heaven. I learned what I have because my dad always wanting me to follow his banjo skills. I hope I've made him proud. I love you Jo Jo Paton!
Another great lesson Jim! Thank you so much for putting these out! I was on the fence about getting and banjo but then I watch the first few episodes of your beginner course and I pick myself up a little gold tone ac-1. Hope to get myself a nice recording king like that one day.
Im'a learnin'. I have to look, a lot, at my strings & fingers. Working on banjo in the hollow, just when I'm gaining a little confidence I go and watch this video! Its incredible but am lost on the new pulloff..my own fault for skipping ahead. Still on my Korean, firewood, string holder.. thanks again for your videos. Looking forward to buying some of your tabs one of these days.
Hey Jim! I know I'm late to the party on this one, but I just want to say I appreciate the videos. I played and practiced bass for half a decade and decided to make the switch to my other favorite instrument. I thought it would be far more daunting, but all the practice and your simple explanations really took all the fear out of it. I've watched all your beginner lessons and feel confident I can continue learning. Anyways, Thanks a ton and keep on keeping on!
Hey Jim, I love your videos! I've been learning to play for just under a month... I'm technically only on your 4th Bluegrass lesson but I sneakily watch your other videos because they're awesome! Thanks for the lessons.
I’ve got to see Jim you are good. And I have learned a bunch in the last two years. Now can enjoy sitting out on the back porch or front porch, picking my banjo and having a good time. And also got a channel on UA-cam. Do it Saturday evening picking addition thanks for what you do my friend and I’m one of your subscribers 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hey there Jim, I just wanted to tell you that thanks to you and your videos I decided to take up my life long dream of playing the banjo, I know I will never be as amazing as you, but I’m gonna do my best and someday I’ll be able to say Jim Panky taught me that.
I learned how to play "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "Cripple Creek" watching your videos. Now I can't put my banjo down. I'll play hours at a time. Believe it or not "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" was the easiest for me. Right now I'm working on "Ballad of Jed Clampett." I appreciate you sharing these videos. I play banjo in a Gospel group called "The Gospel Roadrunners."We play mostly in nursing homes.
Glad I found you Jim, you are teaching exactly how I wanted to start learning, have always wanted to learn to play a banjo and thanks to you I think I am on my way, please keep up the good work and Thanks again
Holy smokes Jim! I've been following you for awhile, but this came up in my feed. I tend to stumble between the 3rd string pull off and the 4th string hammer. Your forward and reverse roll through there solved it! Very cool. Wish I'd have thought of it before. Thanks
I play a bit of guitar but love the Banjo and will be buying my 1st one soon, Love watching your videos such a great tutor, Looking forward to watching these with my own banjo..
Gday Jim from Australia Ive been using your videos to learn banjo and its been very easy to learn. You are a great tutor and thanks for your time and patience to create these great videos. Looking forward to learning some more songs for a little jam session we have been having down here. Thanks again mate!
Jim I am just very thank full for your way with words it rings So well in my head when it come around ( you can do this) Wow 3 little words meany so much I purchased a Rk - R35 May 25 and I am able to play that part of Cripple Creek my Friend say Pat how did you learn so fast did the Guitar help and I say not really but Jim Pankey did at hole lot. You have a really good thing going with the You Tube because people can go back and replay your video over and over as many time as they like,I have ben and Flight instructor for 45 years and Teaching is a wonderful thing I have not enough words to say how Happy Iam to be alive and able to put this Banjo in my hands and make good sounds. Thank you JIM
Thanks Jim! I am back at it again trying to practice more. Would like to do a progress video but haven't gained the confidence yet. Having a lot of fun with it though!
I've played the banjo without a 5 th string in a partyfolk band but i really rediscovered the instrument with your videos! I hope to incorporate some tunes of us in this style, but first i gotta practise some more... Thanks for the amazing videos!
Jim I’m new to the banjo but at 49 your videos are so much fun it’s easy to learn. Slow going but I can’t wait to practice every night! Thanks and keep it up. PS. If you have sheet music for this it would be appreciated. I found out that I still need the music in front of me to increase my pace.
G'day Jim from Downunder, in the south of Australia so banjo seems an obvious hobby right? Thanks so much for the videos and tutorials, I love the humour you put in there and the whole play with feeling and expression thinking. I've discovered it's impossible to feel sad or take life too seriously when I'm playing my banjo, I'm definitely on training wheels still but I'm hooked (wife bought me a banjo for Christmas so I'm a lucky fella). Keep it up mate, thank you
For me, when I'm playing the banjo, nothing else really matters. The day to day frets and worries just disappear for a moment. Keep at it! Maybe one of these days I can may a trip. I've always wanted to visit Australia!
Got the banjo fixed ( strings out of alignment) they straighten the neck (bar) put solution on it tuned it good to go Should I invest in a case and strap? Thanks going on to the next lesson ( played a $$$ banjo at Sam Ash store + you made me sound like a professional! ) Mrs Sheridan
HI Jim. Thanks for this video explaining banjo tunes are not written in tone and they can be more fun by adding different rolls slides , hammer no's and more you have given me an open book , thank you Jim 🤠🪕,
Hey Jim, I've just got a banjo about 2 weeks ago now. I've gone through your first 4 lessons so far on Cripple Creek, I think I've been going through them at a steady pace but taking my time to learn muscle memory on the rolls. I admit, I've never done rolls or finger picking before. It was quite frustrating to begin with, many mistakes. But now I've got it. I feel like I have a long way to go but I can play comfortably now and I just love playing the banjo. I always thought it was such a complicated instrument, but it really comes down to learning those rolls doesn't it? I skipped ahead and watched this video and I'm glad I did, I will still watch your other lessons but I might play around with some of these new ideas since I pretty well have the song learned from your first 4 lessons, I've even added in a pitch bend technique to replace the slide in which I learned in another video. Never thought I would do that either. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and that I'm glad I am able to learn this instrument from many teachers on the internet, but I've enjoyed your videos and relaxed nature very much and will continue to learn from the rest of your videos. Foggy Mountain Breakdown is the tune I aspire to learn the most, but I need to start somewhere and your videos are helping with that. I know you have a tutorial for Foggy Mountain Breakdown as well, and I look forward to getting to that when the time is right and I've learned your beginner lessons first. Thanks!
More and more genial, gets more bluegrasserized.....just was spying whats comming up here, i,m still at lesson 6, smoothing cripple creek ;-)... Thanks and regards frm Germany
Just learning the banjo. working on cripple creek, Thanks Jim , love how you teach. I'm going to get this down, was wondering how to get the music for cripple creek? thank you
You were right about the finger picks. The video you sent me described me to a T lol. Any way thank you for the banjo lessons, it’s helping me out with a Chinese gal, she had never heard of a banjo, when I first mentioned it to her, she asked “what is banjo” and I showed her some Foggy Mountain and Cripple Creek. You’ve opened up a new world for me and for her. Still I have 1 problem though, I just got regular metal finger picks, and my issue is I can’t add some of my own embellishments from other instruments that require both up and down strokes with my fingers, I know it may not be standard banjo, but when I play without the picks and do some of these things it sounds really cool, but the metal picks get hung up on the strings when I try it with them, and even fly off, what should I do about this so I can keep volume and tone, but not sacrifice my mobility? Is there any sort of special finger pick I can get, that’s actually good, I’m skeptical of all the products I’ve seen, i don’t want to waste like 50$ on picks and them not be any good.
Looking at your fingers your doing the hammer and pull-offs right on the fret but hitting the notes between the frets.. Is that right.. Oh and you make it look so easy.. Other UA-cam banjo teachers do it so quickly you can't see what they're doing, but your camera angles are so tight you can see clearly.. Awesome teacher..
Ey up Jim. I'm Paul from Yorkshire, England. I really enjoyed your beginner lessons and I'm hooked on cripple creek. I've watched your expansion pack and I'm also learning other licks you have posted. I really like your approach to teaching. I'm a complete novice and I'm sure my banjo would be gathering dust if I hadn't found you. Do you have any backing tracks at different speeds I could use to play along to? I've scoured UA-cam to no avail. Thanks Jim your an Inspiration. Please carry on with the good work 👍👍
Hi Jim I think you are the best banjo teacher however try as I can I just cannot make out what strings you are playing when you play the pull off and thereafter prior to the hammer. Could you please break it down to string numbers on both left and right hands for me. Cheers
Watching the video.... looks/sounds like I do and say the string sequence 3241 for the pull-off sequence. You can watch me put my index over on the 4th string for that sequence too.
Thanks a whole bunch Jim,..can you recommend an order after the ten lessons, and expansion pack(cripple creek) for songs to learn first before jumping to a favorite like foggy mountain breakdown? i 'm just so anxious, but still quite clumsy. I'm trying hard, but you just have so many videos. Tom
Hey Jim! Do you have an opinion on what banjo to start out with. I'm on a limited budget so don't have thousands to spend and I'm 73 years old, so... Anyway there's one on Amazon for around $200 that seems to get pretty good reviews. Vangoa is the name. Probably China-made.
I’ve seen one or two of those and found them to be fairly inconsistent. You should be able to get the Recording King Dirty 30s open back for that kinda money.
Jim amazing teaching. I've worked through all of the first 7 beginner lessons. Love the way you build on each lesson. Question what is that black contraption on the headstock? Does that provide better sound? Thanks again.
@@JimPankey howdy Jim it's getting there my picking has gathered pace loving the banjo right now you changed my and I am sure others life with your teaching skill I know I wouldn't be playing if you hadn't said .go get ya banjo it's over there behind the sofa. go get it thanks again Jim
Good grief I find new bits a struggle (truth be told I find the old bits a struggle!) but it's funny how difficult I found the pull-off until you added the new bits!
Hello Jim, I really enjoy your videos and I've learned quite a bit. I am struggling, however, with 3/2 pull offs. I have tried index and middle fingers, and index and ring fingers. I cannot say that either sounds much better. I find that the pull off is weak and anemic in its sound and my pulling finger tends to hit the B string (when doing the pull off from the G string). Sometimes, I find that I am muting the first D string with the edge of my hand/palm. I attempt to rotate the wrist but I guess my left hand grip is poor. So, can you provide some guidance and perhaps some drills and exercises to improve the technique? Thanks! Bob
I've been working on Cripple Creek for months and have just about exhausted the patience of everyone who has to sit and listen, but where do we go from here? The high and low parts are (for the most part, though I still hit the occasional wrong string) coming together for me, but what now? Is the entire song just a repeat of the high and low parts? When I watch other videos of Cripple Creek played at normal speeds, the high and low parts are evident, but at some point they end up playing down the neck.
Focus on the process. Try to understand how the pieces of Cripple Creek fit together and how you can use them in other songs. Obviously there is an infinite number of options and ways to approach the song. Taking bits and pieces from other tunes you’ll learn will help you create all sorts of variations.
If you need a good banjo that's around 500-600 bucks. Go to Google and order you a RK-R20. It's a Recording King. You can't beat it for the cash involved. It sounds great. If you're just beginning, that's my suggestion. I have one. My first and only. I'm happy with it. I promise. Just have a set up man who knows what he's doing.
Jim is the best banjo teacher on UA-cam. Period.
100% absolutely agree👍🏻
I concur with that!
Yes indeed!
Agreed 👍
Hi Jim thanks a bunch for the videos, I dusted my late sons Banjo off and started playing, it eases the pain of losing him, I know he's listening in and is helping his old man along.
Jim, I'm not sure I can thank you enough. I have a little story I would like to share with you, from one Georgia boy to another about me and my banjo. I fell in love with the sound of the banjo after listening to John Hartford and Steve Martin on TV. So, in July 1975 I bought an Arianna Eagle from the local music store for $94.51 (still have the receipt) and tried to learn from a book, and soon put it away in the closet for over 40 years. I just retired this past year, and made an off-hand remark listening to my wife play her guitar, "I ought to put some new strings on that old banjo." Lo and behold, there was a set of strings under the Christmas tree, but again, how to learn? Thanks goodness for UA-cam; you can learn anything on UA-cam. I learned how to string the banjo, how to tune and started following a couple of instructors. However, it wasn't until I came across your videos that things clicked. Now, after less than 3 weeks I can play Cripple Creek reasonably well (and learning new ways with this video), and am working on Banjo in the Hollow, even picked a few bars of Foggy Mountain. You have a teaching style that just works, and a personality that makes it easy to look forward to the next. I am always hearing in my mind and in my sleep, "Go practice this a bunch." This video is one of those 'next' moments that gives greater life to an old banjo, and a new student. Thanks! This works!!!
Wow! You are amazing Jim. I am really enjoying your great teaching. I love your style and you make it fun. 👍
Thanks 😊
Jim you're the reason I bought a banjo. I saw you online and thought I can do that. I went through your lessons and I'm starting to get the hang of it. Plus my wife really likes it. She starting to feed me better now. Used to eat a lot of sandwiches now I'm back on the chicken fries thanks to you. Appreciate that
Still got you wife?
Thank you thank you thank you Mr. Jim! I’m a 58-year-old blind guy here in Arkansas try and learn to play the banjo and I think with your help I will get it!! Chattanooga Chattanooga swing! Thanks again Jim!
Awesome videos. I just turned 64 years old and for the first time I'm trying to learn banjo. I don't think I would have gotten anywhere without your excellent instruction, your great personality, your encouraging demeanor, and your extraordinary talent for teaching. And as a long time University professor, I know a few things about teaching. I can't thank you enough for what you do for others who have an interest in playing the banjo.
Thanks so much!
Been playing guitar since childhood. My whole family pitched in and bought me a banjo for my 30th birthday this past August. I have been loving getting to know this amazing and jovial instrument. So excited for this next chapter in my life with the banjo... Thanks, Jim, for these incredible lessons---you are not only a gifted banjo player, but a gifted teacher.
Thanks! I love hearing that you're enjoying the banjo!
Hey Jim, just want to say thank you for teaching me to play cripple Creek.I got a banjo for Christmas,and I never played a instrument in my life,my wife can't believe it,she's amazed how good I've gotten.God bless you Jim for your videos.
Really enjoying playing again, thx to you. You gentle approach has helped so much. I’m a 30 year student of the banjo. I started in the 70’s too but medical school and a family took all of my time. Got back to flying 3 years ago, started skydiving last year and now the banjo! 62 and loving it! You are awesome ! Plz keep it up!
Glad I can help 😊
I guess I doubted my ability to learn when I was younger or I would have learned to play banjo long before I turned 57 years old,It took me many years to get my head around 6 string guitar and that gave me a skill set that is helping me with banjo playing, I understand your style of teaching and enjoy your humor,Thankyou Jim
Glad you’re finally learning the banjo!
Jim you’re an absolutely charming fellow and a great player to boot! Your videos are not only informative but extremely entertaining and good hearted.
Jim,
I have been practicing every day(except for the 5days we were on vacation) since February 15. Your videos have been very helpful! Even an idiot like me can learn from you. You are a very good teacher! I have watched other banjo instructional videos, but yours explain things so much better. I wish you were closer to Arkansas. You seem like the kind of fella that would be a blast to be around.
Thank you,
Trent
Jim, I bought a banjo after graduating from college in May. I started your video's in early July and just got to the point in the last week where I feel like I can play Cripple Creek. I've been doing 15-30 minutes a day.... it takes a while to say the least! But I just kept at it... your videos are the absolute best. I've even told some buddies about you. Thank you sir!
Thanks for letting me teach you! You can do it 😊
I’m 51,just picked up playing the banjo! You were the first one I saw and absolutely love your videos! I’ve started December 20th and I can play Cripple Creek and Banjo in the Hollow! I practice every day even if I only have a few minutes! Always loved bluegrass and now I have the pleasure of playing this wonderful instrument! Thanks so much, from Quebec, Canada!
Lotza heart in this one. I come back sometimes just to hear Jim be so warm and kind. :)
☺️
Hey Jim...with the COVID-19 lockdown, I decided to try and put the down time to good use so I bought a banjo! Found your lessons and am working thru them...a week in and I can do a passable Cripple Creek! Couldn’t be happier with how quickly I’m picking it up with your instruction. Looking forward to lots of practice, improving and learning some of my Bluegrass favs...THANK YOU!!!
Great to hear!
Hi Jim, my kids bought me a 5 string banjo for my 50th birthday 18 yrs ago, no youtube then but got a video of Fred Sokolow. I did ok with the basics for a while but then put it a side for the Uke! I have now found your videos which have rekindled my interest and made me try again, love your teaching style and humour. All the best Keith
Awesome! I play the ukulele too. :)
Glad you’re picking the banjo again.
You are truly the best banjo instructor on UA-cam.
Jim Pankey has shown me how to do something with a banjo that doesn't involve swinging it around by the neck until it is dead! Thanks Jim! I'm finally having the fun I always wanted to with this instrument.
That's great!!!
Jim, your videos are the BEST!! I got a banjo for my birthday and your videos are the only ones that I watch--I learned Cripple Creek and You are my Sunshine...I am now attempting Foggy Mountain Breakdown :) THANK YOU--you are a bluegrass rockstar!!
Many thanks for your time. I've been playing for a week now and getting the hang of it. You're a very good teacher. May the Lord Jesus bless you in all you do!
You're very welcome!
I’ve been playing since 2006. I still like to watch and learn from other banjo players such as yourself. It keeps it fun, exciting, and challenging to be able to play songs multiple ways. Thanks so much for your videos.
Glad I can show you something. :)
Love the videos Jim. Got me real enthused to learn the banjo. I'm 77 just got my first banjo ,lovin' it. I'm on lesson 3 and practice practice practice, on a daily basis. Looking forward to being able to play Cripple Creek. Thanks for your style of teaching, I watched many teaching vids on UA-cam... I chose to go with you and your very detailed teaching style.. Thanks again. next week, lesson 4. John M
Thanks for watching. Please keep me posted on your progress. :)
Hey Jim, thanks for posting all those gerat tutorials! Useless to look for a banjo teacher here in Germany - and no need to because ther's Jim on youtube and nobody does it better. Banjo is not common over here and I always wanted to learn it. And now I found your videos, teaching all those songs I like so much and in a way I can keep up. 20 years of guitar, but honestly I never enjoyed practicing an instrument so much! Ganz herzlichen Dank! as we say here.
So happy I’m able to help! Would love to hear you play!
Hi Jim, I just got a banjo for my birthday from my wife (she always wanted to refine the blunt instrument I am haha)
Just wanted to say that as a total beginner on any musical instrument, after a month of following your lessons, I can already almost play Cripple Creek.
Your lessons are enjoyable and very easy to understand and follow.
Many thanks from England 👍
Congrats on a wonderful wife! So glad you’re learning!
These videos are great. Very easy to understand and jumps right into the music. I really enjoy hearing you play at the end of each video. Gives me something to work towards.
Jim, just wanted to say you rock! At 45, all I've ever played was the radio. I'm a slow learner but you've got a way to keep encouraging me. Thanks a bunch, your the best!
Shucks... just glad you’re picking!
Sir, I bought a banjo close to 10 years ago and it has done a fine job collecting dust all those years. Thankfully I found your videos and I’m happy to say, that banjo spends a lot more time in my arms nowadays.
That's great news. Keep me posted on your progress. :)
Your videos are awesome !!! I am learning a lot. I have finally decided on buying the "Recording King Dirty 30s Open-Back Tone Ring Banjo" .........it is only $219.00 .......so not a lot of investment.......however it will be fine for me to learn on for the first year. If I can devote myself to learning for a entire year.....then I will buy 3K + one.......Thanks for the inspiration .....keep up the great work.
Awesome! Keep me posted on your progress 😃
nice! this is great, ive been playing about 3 weeks now and completed your 10 beginner videos. this is great because ive completely exhausted cripple creek and now this provides the perfect challenge to reinvigorate this song again. lots of love from canada!
Glad you are having fun!
JIM IS THE BEST! HE'S PATIENT, CALM, COOL & COLLECTED!
Thanks 😊
Hi Jim, thanks for this video, it has opened up my eyes to a whole new world of banjo music for me. As a beginner, I realise now, that if I just stick to Cripple Creek for a good while, learn and apply these techniques, they will serve me for any new tunes I may learn in the future too. This journey just gets better every day. Jim Pankey taught me to play the banjo!!!
Thanks for letting me be your banjo teacher ☺️
Jim, just a quick check-in: I'm still at it, and continuing to learn every day. Again, thank you for your time and passion you put into your videos. They do make a difference. God's Peace.
I learned to play from you on a banjo my dad bought that he never used. Now Ive restrung my grandpas banjo which has sat stagnant since he died in the 90s. It’s kind of cool to play his banjo even though I never met him.
I've been adding these pieces to the basic lesson series, what a great collection of learning tools you've put together Jim . Thanks a lot! I love that Im able to keep coming back to this to clean it up.
Glad you’re enjoying them. :)
Jim, you gave me my starting lessons on banjo and have taught me the majority of what I know from your You Tube lessons. Keep up the great work cause I'm still learning from you, Thanks.
When I first knew I was playing this at a good skill I was thrilled. Now it's like tying a shoelace. Well, maybe not that easy. I've had days where I could pick the strings off this song. Then I've had days where I could pick like a sloppy beginner. My mood determines my playing. Also, I play better with no or very few people listening. I'm bashful like my dear departed mom in Heaven. I learned what I have because my dad always wanting me to follow his banjo skills. I hope I've made him proud. I love you Jo Jo Paton!
😊
Another great lesson Jim! Thank you so much for putting these out! I was on the fence about getting and banjo but then I watch the first few episodes of your beginner course and I pick myself up a little gold tone ac-1. Hope to get myself a nice recording king like that one day.
I have a Gold Tone BG250F that plays great like the RK's, cost is about the same.
Im'a learnin'. I have to look, a lot, at my strings & fingers. Working on banjo in the hollow, just when I'm gaining a little confidence I go and watch this video! Its incredible but am lost on the new pulloff..my own fault for skipping ahead. Still on my Korean, firewood, string holder.. thanks again for your videos. Looking forward to buying some of your tabs one of these days.
Hey Jim. Great job. I love your style. Thanks so much for taking the time to teach. You are a master and I appreciate you sharing.
Hey Jim! I know I'm late to the party on this one, but I just want to say I appreciate the videos. I played and practiced bass for half a decade and decided to make the switch to my other favorite instrument. I thought it would be far more daunting, but all the practice and your simple explanations really took all the fear out of it. I've watched all your beginner lessons and feel confident I can continue learning. Anyways, Thanks a ton and keep on keeping on!
Hey Jim, I love your videos! I've been learning to play for just under a month... I'm technically only on your 4th Bluegrass lesson but I sneakily watch your other videos because they're awesome! Thanks for the lessons.
I’ve got to see Jim you are good. And I have learned a bunch in the last two years. Now can enjoy sitting out on the back porch or front porch, picking my banjo and having a good time. And also got a channel on UA-cam. Do it Saturday evening picking addition thanks for what you do my friend and I’m one of your subscribers 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks so very much!!
When you played at the end, was just so awesome. Youve been a great teacher and i cant wait to reach this point!
You can do it!
Hey Jim i got my first banjo last August at age 33. I can play Cripple creek and banjo in the hollow thanks to you. Thanks much👍
Hey there Jim, I just wanted to tell you that thanks to you and your videos I decided to take up my life long dream of playing the banjo, I know I will never be as amazing as you, but I’m gonna do my best and someday I’ll be able to say Jim Panky taught me that.
Thanks for letting me be your banjo teacher!
I learned how to play "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "Cripple Creek" watching your videos. Now I can't put my banjo down. I'll play hours at a time. Believe it or not "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" was the easiest for me. Right now I'm working on "Ballad of Jed Clampett." I appreciate you sharing these videos. I play banjo in a Gospel group called "The Gospel Roadrunners."We play mostly in nursing homes.
Excellent!
I'm excited to learn more, and I love your teaching style! Thanks Jim, I hope I can play with you some day!
Thanks for letting me teach you 😊
Glad I found you Jim, you are teaching exactly how I wanted to start learning, have always wanted to learn to play a banjo and thanks to you I think I am on my way, please keep up the good work and Thanks again
You are such a great teacher sir, all the banjo I know, I learned from your videos. Much thanks
Holy smokes Jim! I've been following you for awhile, but this came up in my feed. I tend to stumble between the 3rd string pull off and the 4th string hammer. Your forward and reverse roll through there solved it! Very cool. Wish I'd have thought of it before. Thanks
Glad you found it!
I play a bit of guitar but love the Banjo and will be buying my 1st one soon, Love watching your videos such a great tutor, Looking forward to watching these with my own banjo..
Gday Jim from Australia Ive been using your videos to learn banjo and its been very easy to learn. You are a great tutor and thanks for your time and patience to create these great videos. Looking forward to learning some more songs for a little jam session we have been having down here. Thanks again mate!
Keep me posted on your progress
Jim I am just very thank full for your way with words it rings So well in my head when it come around ( you can do this) Wow 3 little words meany so much I purchased a Rk - R35 May 25 and I am able to play that part of Cripple Creek my Friend say Pat how did you learn so fast did the Guitar help and I say not really but Jim Pankey did at hole lot. You have a really good thing going with the You Tube because people can go back and replay your video over and over as many time as they like,I have ben and Flight instructor for 45 years and Teaching is a wonderful thing I have not enough words to say how Happy Iam to be alive and able to put this Banjo in my hands and make good sounds. Thank you JIM
Thanks for letting me be a part of you banjo journey!
Jim you are the best teacher!! Thank you!!
Thanks 😊
Sir you are the best banjo teacher I have seen
Thanks ☺️
I got my start on playing banjo from your videos Jim. Keep up the good work.
Great way to learn by ear and watching you! No tabs. I really think tabs are a crutch. Maybe not for some. But, I like the way you teach! Thank you!
Thank you so much! You are a great teacher. I’m new to the banjo and not musically gifted , but you make it doable and fun!
It is fun, isn't it? Thanks for the kind words.
Thanks Jim! I am back at it again trying to practice more. Would like to do a progress video but haven't gained the confidence yet. Having a lot of fun with it though!
Thanks for the great video instructions Jim. You make it fun and easy for a beginner. Keep it coming!
Really enjoying these lessons !!!! Best instructor for me.
Thanks 😊
I watch your videos daily before practice, great inspiration
Glad I can inspire you 😀
I've played the banjo without a 5 th string in a partyfolk band but i really rediscovered the instrument with your videos! I hope to incorporate some tunes of us in this style, but first i gotta practise some more... Thanks for the amazing videos!
Good luck! I’m sure you can do it. :)
Got me playing hanky Panky on cripple creek. Great teacher and fun to watch. Thanks Jim from, Chico ca.
Jim I’m new to the banjo but at 49 your videos are so much fun it’s easy to learn. Slow going but I can’t wait to practice every night! Thanks and keep it up.
PS. If you have sheet music for this it would be appreciated. I found out that I still need the music in front of me to increase my pace.
G'day Jim from Downunder, in the south of Australia so banjo seems an obvious hobby right? Thanks so much for the videos and tutorials, I love the humour you put in there and the whole play with feeling and expression thinking. I've discovered it's impossible to feel sad or take life too seriously when I'm playing my banjo, I'm definitely on training wheels still but I'm hooked (wife bought me a banjo for Christmas so I'm a lucky fella). Keep it up mate, thank you
For me, when I'm playing the banjo, nothing else really matters. The day to day frets and worries just disappear for a moment. Keep at it! Maybe one of these days I can may a trip. I've always wanted to visit Australia!
well it'd be great to see you if you can get here, I can show you around and maybe buy you a beer if that's your thing@@JimPankey
thanks for the update Jim....I'm going to try your forward reverse variation!
The best teacher, thank you from the west coast of Canada
Thanks ☺️
Thanks Jim again a great video you have made learning the banjo fun and also make it make sense
Got the banjo fixed ( strings out of alignment) they straighten the neck (bar) put solution on it tuned it
good to go
Should I invest in a case and strap?
Thanks going on to the next lesson
( played a $$$ banjo at Sam Ash store
+ you made me sound like a professional! ) Mrs Sheridan
For sure get a strap! Get a case if you're going to take your banjo out of the house.
HI Jim. Thanks for this video explaining banjo tunes are not written in tone and they can be more fun by adding different rolls
slides , hammer no's and more you have given me an open book , thank you Jim 🤠🪕,
My pleasure!
Hey Jim, I've just got a banjo about 2 weeks ago now. I've gone through your first 4 lessons so far on Cripple Creek, I think I've been going through them at a steady pace but taking my time to learn muscle memory on the rolls. I admit, I've never done rolls or finger picking before. It was quite frustrating to begin with, many mistakes. But now I've got it. I feel like I have a long way to go but I can play comfortably now and I just love playing the banjo. I always thought it was such a complicated instrument, but it really comes down to learning those rolls doesn't it? I skipped ahead and watched this video and I'm glad I did, I will still watch your other lessons but I might play around with some of these new ideas since I pretty well have the song learned from your first 4 lessons, I've even added in a pitch bend technique to replace the slide in which I learned in another video. Never thought I would do that either. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and that I'm glad I am able to learn this instrument from many teachers on the internet, but I've enjoyed your videos and relaxed nature very much and will continue to learn from the rest of your videos. Foggy Mountain Breakdown is the tune I aspire to learn the most, but I need to start somewhere and your videos are helping with that. I know you have a tutorial for Foggy Mountain Breakdown as well, and I look forward to getting to that when the time is right and I've learned your beginner lessons first. Thanks!
Make your way thru the 10 lessons before tackling Foggy Mountain Breakdown. Thanks for letting me teach you 😊
More and more genial, gets more bluegrasserized.....just was spying whats comming up here, i,m still at lesson 6, smoothing cripple creek ;-)... Thanks and regards frm Germany
Just learning the banjo. working on cripple creek, Thanks Jim , love how you teach. I'm going to get this down, was wondering how to get the music for cripple creek? thank you
Music? I don’t offer tabs for Cripple Creek.
You! and you over there! cracked me up! love your videos! keep em' comin'!
UA-cam randomly played this lesson for me. I’m I’m at video 4 after a week of having the Jo. But this sounds cool. Love the pull off sound.
Give it a try, but don't get too sidetracked. There's a lot of good information in the 10 lesson series. Most of all, have fun.
Learning something new and still pick cripple creek thanks for all your help out there
Glad to be part of your banjo journey.
I really enjoy the videos. I used lesson 1 to start learning for the first time ever and have went from there. Thanks
So glad you like them!
You were right about the finger picks. The video you sent me described me to a T lol. Any way thank you for the banjo lessons, it’s helping me out with a Chinese gal, she had never heard of a banjo, when I first mentioned it to her, she asked “what is banjo” and I showed her some Foggy Mountain and Cripple Creek. You’ve opened up a new world for me and for her. Still I have 1 problem though, I just got regular metal finger picks, and my issue is I can’t add some of my own embellishments from other instruments that require both up and down strokes with my fingers, I know it may not be standard banjo, but when I play without the picks and do some of these things it sounds really cool, but the metal picks get hung up on the strings when I try it with them, and even fly off, what should I do about this so I can keep volume and tone, but not sacrifice my mobility? Is there any sort of special finger pick I can get, that’s actually good, I’m skeptical of all the products I’ve seen, i don’t want to waste like 50$ on picks and them not be any good.
Looking at your fingers your doing the hammer and pull-offs right on the fret but hitting the notes between the frets.. Is that right..
Oh and you make it look so easy..
Other UA-cam banjo teachers do it so quickly you can't see what they're doing, but your camera angles are so tight you can see clearly.. Awesome teacher..
I'm usually just behind the fret - as close as possible.
Ey up Jim. I'm Paul from Yorkshire, England. I really enjoyed your beginner lessons and I'm hooked on cripple creek. I've watched your expansion pack and I'm also learning other licks you have posted. I really like your approach to teaching. I'm a complete novice and I'm sure my banjo would be gathering dust if I hadn't found you.
Do you have any backing tracks at different speeds I could use to play along to? I've scoured UA-cam to no avail.
Thanks Jim your an Inspiration. Please carry on with the good work 👍👍
Thanks for watching! I don’t have any backing tracks. Me, I just played along with Flatt & Scruggs and other albums.
Hi Jim thank you for share your knowledge with us
God bless you
You are very welcome
Dude you’re the #1 teacher how are you not on top
Thanks 😊
Your lessons are the best. Thank-you.
Thanks for letting me teach you
Great teacher! My problem right now is I dig in to far on the strings. ☹️ keep hitting the head and thumb pick will hang up on my string
We've all probably struggled with that. You'll sort it out. Heck, from time to time I'll still get my thumb pick caught. :)
Thx = you continue to bring easy to understand and apply banjo challenges. U R Appreciated!
Glad you like them!
Hi Jim I think you are the best banjo teacher however try as I can I just cannot make out what strings you are playing when you play the pull off and thereafter prior to the hammer. Could you please break it down to string numbers on both left and right hands for me. Cheers
Watching the video.... looks/sounds like I do and say the string sequence 3241 for the pull-off sequence. You can watch me put my index over on the 4th string for that sequence too.
Thanks a whole bunch Jim,..can you recommend an order after the ten lessons, and expansion pack(cripple creek) for songs to learn first before jumping to a favorite like foggy mountain breakdown?
i 'm just so anxious, but still quite clumsy. I'm trying hard, but you just have so many videos.
Tom
Super Simple Ballad of Jed, Cumberland Gap, FMB
Hey Jim! Do you have an opinion on what banjo to start out with. I'm on a limited budget so don't have thousands to spend and I'm 73 years old, so... Anyway there's one on Amazon for around $200 that seems to get pretty good reviews. Vangoa is the name. Probably China-made.
I’ve seen one or two of those and found them to be fairly inconsistent. You should be able to get the Recording King Dirty 30s open back for that kinda money.
hello there love these videos there the best was wondering what is on the end of ur banjo holding the 2nd and 3rd strings?
Cheat-a-Keys for dropping into D tuning
Im learning with Jim!! One month in and im having fun..thanks!
That's great! Keep picking. :)
Jim amazing teaching. I've worked through all of the first 7 beginner lessons. Love the way you build on each lesson. Question what is that black contraption on the headstock? Does that provide better sound? Thanks again.
Oh... check this out: ua-cam.com/video/CrFzRVCOdV0/v-deo.html
nice little touches there Jim noted and added thanks, man
Enjoy! Thanks for watching. 🙂
@@JimPankey howdy Jim it's getting there my picking has gathered pace loving the banjo right now you changed my and I am sure others life with your teaching skill I know I wouldn't be playing if you hadn't said .go get ya banjo it's over there behind the sofa. go get it thanks again Jim
just a fabulous teacher!
Thanks 😊
Thanks Jim!! I like that ending too.
Thanks
Good grief I find new bits a struggle (truth be told I find the old bits a struggle!) but it's funny how difficult I found the pull-off until you added the new bits!
You’ve got this. Just incorporate new ideas slowly.
Hello Jim, I really enjoy your videos and I've learned quite a bit. I am struggling, however, with 3/2 pull offs. I have tried index and middle fingers, and index and ring fingers. I cannot say that either sounds much better. I find that the pull off is weak and anemic in its sound and my pulling finger tends to hit the B string (when doing the pull off from the G string). Sometimes, I find that I am muting the first D string with the edge of my hand/palm. I attempt to rotate the wrist but I guess my left hand grip is poor. So, can you provide some guidance and perhaps some drills and exercises to improve the technique? Thanks! Bob
Maybe this will help? G-Lick with a 3-2 Pull-Off - Lesson - Tip - ua-cam.com/video/J0K5wnm6XhM/v-deo.html
I've been working on Cripple Creek for months and have just about exhausted the patience of everyone who has to sit and listen, but where do we go from here? The high and low parts are (for the most part, though I still hit the occasional wrong string) coming together for me, but what now? Is the entire song just a repeat of the high and low parts? When I watch other videos of Cripple Creek played at normal speeds, the high and low parts are evident, but at some point they end up playing down the neck.
Focus on the process. Try to understand how the pieces of Cripple Creek fit together and how you can use them in other songs.
Obviously there is an infinite number of options and ways to approach the song. Taking bits and pieces from other tunes you’ll learn will help you create all sorts of variations.
That Recording King sounds awesome.
If you need a good banjo that's around 500-600 bucks. Go to Google and order you a RK-R20. It's a Recording King. You can't beat it for the cash involved. It sounds great. If you're just beginning, that's my suggestion. I have one. My first and only. I'm happy with it. I promise. Just have a set up man who knows what he's doing.