Category Archives: Tips & Techniques

Major Categories of Banjo Practice

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Pgibson

A banjo student and I were discussing these various topics just now and I realized that I’ve not actually discussed them more formally with very many people. Here are several major categories of banjo practice, as I’ve just thought of … Continue reading →

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Should I Always Wear My Finger Picks When Playing the 5-String Banjo?

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Pgibson

When I first learned to play the five-string banjo (not the second time), I read the admonitions to always wear your finger picks. I kept to this rather faithfully, but there were a few occasions when I would just pick … Continue reading →

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The Good Idea Fairy

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Pgibson

Playing the mandolin, or banjo, as we have it in our modern society, is a fairly complex process. As such, it, like all complex systems, is susceptible to visits from the Good Idea Fairy. You may well have seen this … Continue reading →

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5 Balances in Your Music

Posted on January 28, 2021 by Pgibson

All of life is a series of balances. At least, that’s what I think. I often say that in response to discussions of complex topics, as though it is the be-all and end-all of the subject. In reality, I do … Continue reading →

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Strength, Accuracy, and Speed

Posted on December 14, 2020 by Pgibson

If you’re the type of musician who just likes to grab your instrument and start playing without much analysis of techniques, you probably won’t get much from this post. It’s a very in-depth look at what you are really asking … Continue reading →

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Getting Good Feedback

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Pgibson

As you progress in playing the banjo, your skill level will increase. Simple enough. But realize that that increase in skill level doesn’t come just as a result of your having practiced for a long time. You also need feedback; … Continue reading →

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Tales of My Picking Demise were Greatly Exaggerated

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Pgibson

I didn’t realize until a friend told me the other day, that I have left people in the Blogosphere hanging indefinitely in regards to my banjo-injured arm. Long story short: it’s back to normal! Long story long: As you may … Continue reading →

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Wastin’ Time

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Pgibson

Every once in a while (I’d say, once a day for a few minutes) try pushing yourself with practice. Don’t worry about playing sloppily, or too fast, or too crazy-sounding. Push some kind of an envelope in your banjo life! … Continue reading →

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Left-hand Techniques Are Like…

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Pgibson

Or, I should say ‘Fretting Hand techniques’. Lefties use the right hand for these moves, obviously. After learning the basic rolls and a few chords, students are ready to move on to several other topics, one of which involves fretting … Continue reading →

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Quitting While You're Behind

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Pgibson

Imagine you are going to a regional bluegrass festival (That would the the Tennessee Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention in Athens, Alabama for me). You hear some young banjo player picking out an incredible set of licks and you think to … Continue reading →

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