Beginner clawhammer

[therainbowsheep]

Hi

I have just started learning frailing banjo and have only had four lessons so, to put it bluntly I am truly awful. The problem is that I now find that I may be moving to another part of the country, namely Wimborne in Dorset. Does anyone know of any clawhammer tutors around this area.

Cheers

Colin

[dougie]

Hi Colin,

You could tune into www.dailyfrail.com and get lessons from Patrick and Dear Old Dad. I am sure that's what most of us here do, well I know I do. They have got new lessons every day, books that you can download, video's on youtube and years worth of lesson in archives. You will find older material by them on costelloarchive.wetpaint.com I hope you have a look and find it helpful. I fumbled about with other sites and books for a long time until I came across Daily Frail and it was like a breath of fresh air, and best of all it's free. That has got to be a good deal ! Have a go and let us know how you got on, I am sure everybody here on UK Folkies would be interested to hear about it.

All the best,

Dougie

[Danny]

Welcome aboard Colin, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Banjo

I second what Dougie says, go to www.dailyfrail.com, Pat & Patrick are where it's at. I can email you Patricks books if you like, just send me a PM if you want a copy.

[Colin]

Thanks guys.

I have seen the Costello videos and have downloaded some of them. However I am the type of person who needs people to point out my mistakes, just like my current teacher does. No screen tutorial can do that.

[dougie]

Hi Colin,

Sorry that I can't be any help to find you a teacher in the Wimbourne. You could always post a video of you playing and we could collectively fuss over your technique. I hope some of the other members here can help you to find somebody. In the meantime just keep practicing the lessons that you have been shown until your hands fall off and I am sure that will advance you beyond being "truly awful" Stick at it and who knows you could be "awful" just like me

All the best

Dougie

[reels]

Good luck in your search but don't let the lack of a tutor put you off Colin. It can be comforting and useful to have someone there while you are learning but as someone pointed out, you could always post some video , audio and/or questions here for help if you feel the need to. Youtube and the internet in general is such an amazing resource these days you can do much more on your own so much easier than you used to be able to manage.

Keep practicing the basics as often as you can for as long as you can, even watching telly or something still practice (dampen the strings if need be). It WILL suddenly come together a lot more if you do that. I promise.

[garf]

hi i learnt to frail about 4 months ago from watching the daily frail also using a slide now check it out on youtube under geushky75 the frailing strum pattern just comes and you won't beleive it when you're doing it sounds amazing. thanks to patrick and his dear old dad. real teachers!p.s am from portsmouth uk not many banjo players round here

[garf75]

hi guys i put some new videos on youtube under geushky75 i not really been frailing that long so would welcome any comments or tips for my playing as i have no jamming buddies or anyone to point out my frailing tequniches as i learnt from pat costello from videos much appreciated thanks guys

[dougie]

Hi Garf

Just watched your vids on youtube, and have seen you on Tangier Sound too.
Your playing is awesome for somebody that has only been playing banjo for a few months.
Any tips?.....Keep doing what you are doing, keep an eye on what Patrick is up to and you could also check out Cathy Moore, I think she has some interesting rhythms and tips too.

www.youtube.com/user/BanjoMeetsWorld

All the best
Dougie

[lilfolkdup]

Is there a spot on this site where constructive criticism and/or pointers can be give to beginners? Where someone can submit a video and the experienced folks can help out? I'd love to help out in that if there is or start one...? Thanks Danny

Benjamin

[ned]

Hi Benjamin
Help is always welcome, thanks for the offer.
Any chance you could run us (me ) through the blues harp thing you have on your blog?
That student sounds superb by the way! As do you of course!

I know you are capable of helping a lot of us that are starting out on new instruments. So anyone looking for advice. - - - Give Big Ben a shout!

[lilfolkdup]

You bet! I'll run though that blues harp song... my pleasure!

[Danny]

Good man Benjamin, I'm looking forward to it

Danny

[phil]

Hi Garf,

Just checked out your Youtube vids - brilliant!

Keep up the good work!

[riemannfan]

Hi

Where is your current tutor?

I'm planning to get myself a banjo this year.

Philip