When I was 16 I decided I just *had* to learn the banjo. I can't even remember why but I think it had to do with watching a Billy Connoly doco and being inspired by him picking away in the desert somewhere. So I saved my pennies and bought a Goodtime II from the states. I think it cost me more in shipping than it did to buy the banjo itself!! I got a few Murphy Method dvds and fiddled around off and on for a few months and then it went back in the bag to be forgotten in favor of another obsession. I've dabbled with it a few times since then but life always gets in the way and it gets put down again after a few days. I've collected a few Tony Trischka books and a nice collection of different sized picks - each bought during a fit of inspiration.
Now I'm a nearly 30 year old Mum of 2 toddlers and I'm determined to make it work this time. In fact I think my problem has always been that I was always drawn to old time banjo - not bluegrass!! I never plan on playing with anyone or for anyone except myself and as a not-very-musically inclined person I don't think I will ever gain the speed required for half of that music to sound good. So I'm changing tracks. But then I have a whole new world of confusion. I have bought Wayne Erbsen's "Clawhammer Banjo for the complete ignoramus" but I am struggling without visual aids. I'm not good with tab and really found the Murphy Method enjoyable and easy to follow. What sort of dvds would you guys recommend? Or should I scrap dvds and use the internet instead? I already found a very user friendly youtube series by Pat Costello and although I've only watched the first 2 I do enjoy his encouraging personality.
My next issue is that although I prefer old time banjo and clawhammer music to bluegrass and I think the style suits me and my goals better - I do find even the basic strum to be awkward and difficult. I know this will come with time but the up-picking style of bluegrass felt a lot more natural. So do I play what I really enjoy or what my body seems to want? I feel a bit confused because I'm really drawn to the finger-picks and the 3-finger style but I enjoy the old time music so much more.
Any tips or advice to get me on my way again?