Week 4

It's been a few weeks longer than I anticipated on posting, but I'll blame that on guests and too much fun! 

The past few weeks I've just been trying to master the two and four beat exercises using my right hand. I tried to incorporate some left hand chords, but realized that was way too much, way too soon.  That's the next lesson on the DVD, so I may work on these a little bit more and will probably start learning some chords next week. 

I failed in my goal to learn Old MacDonald before my last day at the daycare, but think I've progressed with the basic exercises. I did bring the banjo in to work one day and the kids loved it! I have a feeling I should blur out their faces, but honestly, that's too much work! Note to self: If I ever have 6 kids, break out an instrument! I have never seen them sit so quietly or still!

So here's the audio for the two beat exercise. 

And here's the four beat exercise. 

I know... music to your ears... RIGHT?!

Week 1

So, learning the banjo is way harder than I ever thought it would be. For someone who is as uncoordinated as I am, I should have known better. Not only do you have to use both of your hands at the same time, you also have to manipulate your fingers in really weird ways. I was proud of myself for getting through the first 17 minutes of the 60 minute tutorial video in 2 hours, but now I feel slightly deflated because there is SOOOO much that I do not know! I feel like I am constantly going back and forth to the internet to understand what the guy is talking about and then looking for online videos to supplement the DVD's instruction. I attempted to learn Old MacDonald last night and was pretty impressed with myself when the first few notes really sounded like the song. Then I made the mistake of listening to what it really was supposed to sound like... man... did I get a laugh! I guess I should probably take some lessons, however, I kind of like the fact that I laugh so much at my inability to play! 

This is what it is supposed to sound like.... 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=571LMChgyx4

This is my version.....I only made it "Old MacDonald had a farm".... the rest will come once I learn how to use my left hand in this whole process. 

My goal is to learn this before I quit the CDC so I can bring my banjo in to play it for the kiddos. We'll see what happens! :)