Learn to Play Bluegrass Banjo - Lesson 3

Today's the day we put what we've learned to use and begin to play Cripple Creek! If you're still not comfortable with the skills in lesson 1 and 2 keep working on those before starting this lesson.

THERE ARE NO TABS FOR THESE LESSONS

I'm playing a RK-R35 in the video. :)

[renewtotalbodywellness]

My 23 yr old son was killed and I am learning how to play his banjo.. Tonight I progressed quickly and feel successful..Such wonderful teaching steps and encouragement.. I am going to MASTER this !!!

[amkrajc]

I must say... I'm 35 and I have never learned to play an instrument in my life... after one week and 3 lessons.. I'm amazed, that I picked it up this fast. You're an amazing teacher. 😊

[corneliousseuss]

Amazing! I can hear the tune come to life when I play! My middle finger no longer hurts when I slide, I’m understanding the rhythm and feel of my banjo more and more every lesson I watch! You’re a good man and teacher, thank you!

[kaplansanders]

Jim, I started watching these before I even had a banjo to follow along with. As I watched I just thought, "I could do that!" When I got a banjo the first thing I did was start on lesson one. Thanks for the encouragement to get a banjo and the help with learning to play!

[SheepHunter]

I've been trying for YEARS to learn the guitar, I'm just "ok" .... with it, not great.
I could never find a teacher I liked, or that was able to teach me, where it "Clicked".
My wife bought me a banjo for Christmas, and after only watching these 3 videos, I'm ACTUALLY PLAYING!!
This Guy is hands down the BEST Teacher I've come across!! SINCERELY THANK YOU JIM!! You Sir are a Legendary teacher!! I'm playing my Banjo simply because of You!

[johnvet]

I keep going back to Lesson 3 and listening to it and practicing, I've got to get it down if I'm ever going to play in Carnegie Hall. Ha! I guess I'd better hurry, I'm 74!

[longjohn]

Hi Jim I’ve had a banjo 20 years and never got a sound out of it now I’m retired loving the lessons thank you from a very happy Yorkshire man

[TTT]

32 years old. Been trying instruments since I was 5. Just couldn't do it. Finally, my wife got me a left handed banjo. I'm left handed but had only had access to right handed instruments. I've picked this up so quickly, in three days I'm right on track with this lesson. You're an excellent teacher, I just have to remember to reverse it for myself when you say left or right hand lol

[JohnB]

Ok Jim!!! Lesson 3!!! Granted I’ve been a guitar player all my life, so I may not struggle with certain aspects as much as others. But, I’ve only owned and played my banjo for 6 days now!!! I’m already hearing that bluegrass sound!!! A big big thank you my friend! I’m not worried about speed. Not right now. I’m trying to get used to finger picks, clean rolls and nice clear fretting. I can’t believe I’m hearing Cripple Creek already!!! You are the best

[damerkman]

2 months from starting this series and I am finally moving on to Lesson 3.... slow and steady but making progress!!! Thank you Jim!!!

[bridanncronin]

Greetings from Ireland. You are such a tonic, really enjoying your lessons.Thanks a million👌👌👌

[MrPiper]

Enjoying these lessons, and I do appreciate the time and effort you put into making them. You have a great way of teaching that really simplifies things.

[johnchoi]

I'm 50 years old and had a banjo for 3 years. I pretty must just let my banjo sit in the living room collecting dust, but after i've found your channel i decided to start again. Thanks for your awesome teaching!

[sinbadk.]

Hello mr Pankey. I’m just so happy you gave these lessons. I tried playing the guitar and so many people prided themselves on giving free guitar lessons over YT, but you always had to pay for the second half. You don’t care about the money (as much lol). You care for the instrument, and the art of the banjo. Thank you

[redneckbird]

3 weeks and lesson 3! I’m 60 and i’ve been wanting to learn the banjo left to me by my father who died about 10 years ago. Love the banjo sound. Tried difference teachings but yours is the best! Thank you

[thedailyvariety]

The interesting thing is the rolls and pinches he is helping you develop is leading somewhere. But you don’t know where until future lessons. I feel like I should be paying for this instruction. Thank you Jim

[banjoman]

Hello from Russia. Learning to play the banjo without a musical education. The lessons you have are excellent and understandable. Thank you so much.

[jlucydaisuke]

Work has been driving me nuts so I needed a break from sitting in front of a computer and that I needed to get a new hobby. In a moment where I'm still convinced I lost my mind I started driving to the music shop, promising myself that if this banjo I had been eyeing was still there I'd pick it up. Sure enough, it was. I saved up and bought it without much of a plan on how to learn to play. I did piano lessons as a kid but could never get the grasp of them. Your lessons have been a godsend. Very easy to follow, makes this whole learning an instrument business less intimidating, and this gives me something to do to unwind while not just sitting around and letting Netflix or whatnot melt my brain. I'm learning something. Thank you for providing these lessons, I'll keep in keeping on with the practicing!!

[jimbenton]

Bought my Ibanez in 1973, had two different instructors at a music store and had no good results. It’s been collecting dust for 40+ years and I saw your video last week. Your enthusiasm comes right out of the screen and I really liked your slow, methodical yet confident teaching style. Am practicing like crazy and LOVE IT!! I sound just average but in the back of my mind I know that if I keep enjoying practice...it will become easier. I just shut my eyes and don’t look down at those strings and practice. My fingers are slowly beginning to memorize where to go, it is just simple muscle memory. Thank you for breaking things down to SIMPLE, that was what I needed. Jim in Seattle

[SeeperServce]

I stumbled upon a song named Jackson in the Valley played by the 2nd south Carolina string band and was blown away by it.
I was in the mindset of wishing I could play a banjo but sceptical of buying one incase I gave up and wasted it.
Then I found your lesson series and watched them attentively and discovered that Cripple Creek is the same tune as the one I listen to while working 😃
I am going to get Banjo later this year and revisit episode one here and go for it 😉