Hi,
As you may have guessed, I'm new at the banjo, though no stranger to music. My instruments are the organ and cello. I'm also a composer of several years experience. After a long time of wondering I finally took the plunge into the banjo. I've always liked the clawhammer "sound," so I bought a Deering open back banjo. With some books and you tube videos, I'm having a go. Being a music teacher myself, I know the importance of having a teacher, so seeking out a teacher in the eastern Appalachian foothills of Ohio will be my next priority.
Getting my hands on a banjo was an interesting experience. The strings seem awful close together, and I keep wanting to finger like a cello. However, after spending time with it, I'm getting oriented to the "feel" of things. I'm able to move between the G, C, and D7 smoothly, but I still have to work at getting to the F. I have keyboard improvisation skills, so I hope those transfer easily to the banjo. I will start looking for a teacher after the holidays. I don't want to teach myself any bad habits. Thinking you know something is often worse than not knowing it.
Anyhow, I wanted to introduce myself and wish everyone a good holiday season.
Best wishes,
Mike