Tenor Banjo Lessons on YouTube!

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Comment by Michael Keyes on May 31, 2010 at 2:28am

I just updated my web site (www.mikekeyes.com) to reflect the new Mel Bay archive system. They went to a new software recently and I lost all of my links. I think they are all corrected.

Mike

Comment by Chris Youlden on May 5, 2010 at 3:12am

As a newb to the banjo I admit that I don't focus on DUDDUD when I'm playing a tune. I just play the tune! But I do practice simple scales with it because then I don't have to think about tune, just the motion. And I'm as wobbly as a new born calf! LOL The idea being that it gets into the muscle memory and after a while I'll be doing it unconsciously when I'm playing tunes.

Comment by Michael Keyes on May 4, 2010 at 10:29pm

The DUD DUD technique defintely adds an Irish jig feeling to jigs. One of the problems with crossing over from mandolin or guitar is that DUDUDU is the automatic method even though I think that it causes more problems with 3/8 music.

I bit the bullet and learned DUD DUD after years of otherwise. It took me months to get it right. Now I use it most of the time and it helps me play jigs of all sorts more efficiently. I don't adhere slavishly and there are times when I revert to the old ways but when I catch myself and change, DUD DUD sounds better in my hands.

The bottom line is that you should attempt to learn DUD DUD well so you can then play off of it. I think in the long run it will enhance your music.

You will hear the argument that various famous banjo players don't use DUD DUD but remember, there is a reason they are famous. I did a survey of several very well known players all of whom said that DUD DUD was the standard even if they didn't follow it all the time. But their excuse was that they did what worked best for them and you have to admit that the results are very good. When I asked them about their occasional drift to DUDUDU, they said it just sounded better.

i suspect that in order to drift from the orthodox position you have to have it down pat first, otherwise you are just playing in a hodge-podge manner.

Comment by chris black on May 4, 2010 at 9:59pm

LOL that's the age old debate.... If it helps, this was one of the first tunes, that I started trying to change to DUD DUD technique. What i did was write the stroke above the tune and learned it very slowly almost it bar by bar...

I've never quite got settled in to DUD DUD and do vary my picking technique on jigs... Some would suggest that as you're at the start of your banjo playing career that you concentrate on DUD DUD, that way it will become automatic for you to use... Some tunes are easier than others to dud dud, when it comes to crossing over strings (up or down), then that's when it becomes confusing...

Chris

Comment by Big Ed Dono on May 4, 2010 at 8:07pm

Chris & All, I tried plunking Shandon Bells a bunch of times.... but it doesn't sound close.... Now here's the Newbie "Hand holding needed' question.... Should I be playing this DUD DUD..... ?? If so, that's another challenge to overcome.... any hints? Thanks, Ed

Comment by Big Ed Dono on May 3, 2010 at 2:53am

Chris, Thanks, I'll certainly check these out.... much thanks, Ed

Comment by chris black on May 2, 2010 at 10:25pm

Big Ed - I've put a couple for another beginner on my Youtube - look up my username chrisblackk - I've put up Rambling Pitchfork and Kilavill Jig for "northbound 74" - see if they are suitable for you - also check out shandon bells for philselschied or another good starter tune "the cat that ate the candle"

Chris

Comment by Big Ed Dono on May 2, 2010 at 7:29pm

Hi All, Any chance one of the Experienced members could pick a good "Irish sounding" tune, reel, jig or anything for a Beginner to learn.... and walk us thru it on You Tube or your own vids, etc with Tabs, etc ???
I think the greatest boost to learning is being able to play a tune and have it sound and 'feel' like like you know what you are doing. As we see from the responses here there are many excellent tips for learning pieces of the technique, but if we could get a full song to learn by a 'tutor' it would be great.... then we can apply some of Mike's & other's great enhancements.... Thanks, Newbie.. "trying to learn on my own" .. Ed ( besides, Mike needs time to get in some Carp fishing....... almost spawning season here in the NorthEast)

Comment by Michael Keyes on April 5, 2010 at 1:08am

Here is my latest video for an article on the Mckenna grip. I have been trying this grip out and am impressed with how useful it is.


Mike Keyes

Comment by Michael Keyes on March 25, 2010 at 4:41pm

Most of the video links you have are related to articles on www.banjosessions.com I have links to those articles, which are reports on my lessons with various teachers for the most part, at my web site www.mikekeyes.com

My next adventure will be on the 17th of April in St. Louis with Darren Moloney. I'm also interested in doing an article on the McKenna grip (the bent thumb grip) and comparing it to the "natural' grip. Is anyone interested in commenting on this for me? I'm not looking to see which one is "best" but more to compare the two as far as how they are used and how they affect style, and how consistent the stroke is with each.

Mike Keyes