I guess that sounded kind of dumb never mind I just thought I'd ask. Not that that's going to stop me just thought I'd ask. Y'all have a good day now here.
This is an old post and you probably figured out that it is never too late to start learning something, as the banjo, for example. In my case, I used to think that way but then I realized that if I did not try, I would miss the chance. I thought I could never learn to play strings, but then I found Clifton Hicks here and I have been playing the banjo for 3 years. We only live once, so you better try now while you can.
More sense spoken about old time banjo than I’ve probably ever heard before. Old time banjo just is….pick the banjer up, play it your way. Don’t ever, ever try to be someone else…BE YOU!
thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us. you are by far my favorite banjo player (you, frank proffit, and benjamin todd) and i just cant imagine how many people like myself would have never loved the instrument without you. thanks -DCG
When I started, the only way to learn was to slow down 33 rpm records down to 17 rpm, which dropped the speed by 1/2, and lowered the pitch by exactly octave. It made it easier to hear each note. No teachers out on the farm, obviously that was a long time ago (1970s).
I've played clawhammer banjo for some time, along with fiddle,and for most of that time , could hardly be able to tell the difference between two notes...this has never troubled me, but it's still comforting to hear a top class player such as yourself, say more or less the same thing ! .....
Hobart Smith, a fairly well known mountain musician from Western Virginia, said he would spend all day humming the tune in his head before tackling it on the banjo (or fiddle). Makes sense. Close enough to learning by ear, I guess.
The way I learn long ballads with tongue-twister lyrics is to just sing it over and over. The best time to do this is when walking or driving a long distance by oneself. I figure once I've sung it 100 times, I'm ready to sing it in front of others.
CLIFFTTON I see other guys that write music go by the nashville number system...but I totally agree singing the song helps you know the notes this is how I e learned the mandolin
Hi Clifton, interesting explanation, thanks for that. I always was confused about my way of searching for images and pictures when playing or listen to music. Good to know i'm not the only one who is doing it that way. Greetings
I"m still terrorized by words. I can make up stuff and even make rhymes with ease but programmed words, I hate. I even f.u. Christmas Carols. That's why I like Frank Proffitt. His approach to words releases so much for me. I understand what you say about feeling an image and following a mental formation with the sound. After all, don't we say that the banjo is the accompaniment? Thanks for making all these videos and putting so much imagination into the topic. You are special Clifton Hicks.
The fact that you have a dislike or 2 on every video tells me someone is being vindictive toward you. You a heartbreaker? Kidding around. I made a patreon account just to follow your talks and lessons and such.
Patrick Costello has some very good videos about learning to sing and play (frailing style banjo, also guitar) without relying on reading tabs or music. Like Clifton says here, start with singing the song. Though I still find that very hard. I can definitely see the images when you sing which I really enjoy. I feel that you have respect and love for the characters and can imagine what they are seeing and feeling. I also have that sense from Tim Erikson as in this excellent (guitar) piece Frozen Girl or Frozen Charlotte. ua-cam.com/video/3VEX3WegAF4/v-deo.html
If you're interested in the banjo and its history, consider supporting this project at Patreon.com/CliftonHicks
How does somebody know when they're too old to start playing and of course they have to start with practicing first, is there such a thing let me know
I guess that sounded kind of dumb never mind I just thought I'd ask. Not that that's going to stop me just thought I'd ask. Y'all have a good day now here.
This is an old post and you probably figured out that it is never too late to start learning something, as the banjo, for example. In my case, I used to think that way but then I realized that if I did not try, I would miss the chance. I thought I could never learn to play strings, but then I found Clifton Hicks here and I have been playing the banjo for 3 years. We only live once, so you better try now while you can.
More sense spoken about old time banjo than I’ve probably ever heard before. Old time banjo just is….pick the banjer up, play it your way. Don’t ever, ever try to be someone else…BE YOU!
thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us. you are by far my favorite banjo player (you, frank proffit, and benjamin todd) and i just cant imagine how many people like myself would have never loved the instrument without you. thanks -DCG
When I started, the only way to learn was to slow down 33 rpm records down to 17 rpm, which dropped the speed by 1/2, and lowered the pitch by exactly octave. It made it easier to hear each note. No teachers out on the farm, obviously that was a long time ago (1970s).
these videos are so good, i love getting to watch your brain get picked.
I've played clawhammer banjo for some time, along with fiddle,and for most of that time , could hardly be able to tell the difference between two notes...this has never troubled me, but it's still comforting to hear a top class player such as yourself, say more or less the same thing ! .....
What can I say, you you have the ability to interact with folks on the banjo,outstanding
Hobart Smith, a fairly well known mountain musician from Western Virginia, said he would spend all day humming the tune in his head before tackling it on the banjo (or fiddle). Makes sense. Close enough to learning by ear, I guess.
The way I learn long ballads with tongue-twister lyrics is to just sing it over and over. The best time to do this is when walking or driving a long distance by oneself. I figure once I've sung it 100 times, I'm ready to sing it in front of others.
Muskrat is the first song I'm gunna learn hopefully before winter is gone ..thanks for your help
CLIFFTTON I see other guys that write music go by the nashville number system...but I totally agree singing the song helps you know the notes this is how I e learned the mandolin
Hi Clifton, interesting explanation, thanks for that. I always was confused about my way of searching for images and pictures when playing or listen to music. Good to know i'm not the only one who is doing it that way.
Greetings
CLIFFTTON I just got new new strings wisconsin Rog Dad's BANJO thanks for the tips it's all treasure 🇺🇸
Great tips CLIFFTTON ..as soon as I get on my feet I want to contribute and join patreon
You’re “In the zone”.
WAAAAAY COOL> i CAN'T BELIEVE i NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT MYSELF. TX
I"m still terrorized by words. I can make up stuff and even make rhymes with ease but programmed words, I hate. I even f.u. Christmas Carols. That's why I like Frank Proffitt. His approach to words releases so much for me.
I understand what you say about feeling an image and following a mental formation with the sound. After all, don't we say that the banjo is the accompaniment?
Thanks for making all these videos and putting so much imagination into the topic. You are special Clifton Hicks.
👍🏽👍🏽
The fact that you have a dislike or 2 on every video tells me someone is being vindictive toward you. You a heartbreaker? Kidding around.
I made a patreon account just to follow your talks and lessons and such.
I've certainly pissed a few people off over the years.
As it should be.@@CliftonHicksbanjo
Patrick Costello has some very good videos about learning to sing and play (frailing style banjo, also guitar) without relying on reading tabs or music. Like Clifton says here, start with singing the song. Though I still find that very hard. I can definitely see the images when you sing which I really enjoy. I feel that you have respect and love for the characters and can imagine what they are seeing and feeling. I also have that sense from Tim Erikson as in this excellent (guitar) piece Frozen Girl or Frozen Charlotte. ua-cam.com/video/3VEX3WegAF4/v-deo.html