Banjo: Left Hand Technique: How To Bend
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Banjo: Left Hand Technique: How To Bend
This instructional video will show you how to use 'the bend' in your banjo playing. Paddy Achtelik shows you where to hold you fingers when doing the Left Hand Technique on the banjo. This bend gives a great edge to your song even though it sounds strange by itself.
Another left hand technique that is often used on the banjo, but not quite as often as the other ones that I showed you, is the bend. Now, on the banjo you wouldn't usually do a bend as wide as on a guitar, for example, where you would use it to hold a note. Because of the sound of the banjo which is less sustained, and more, has more attack, you just use it in a roll, for example, to give a short little spicy element to a note, I'd say.
So below, I could use a bend on the second thread of the third string. with my second finger, Now, on its own that sounds a bit weird, but if you come on it would have rolled. For example, I'll use it in that reverse roll.
Which doesn't make it sound very blue grassy and out a bit of edge to the sound of it. Instead of, just going. Again, start practicing slowly and get comfortable with the movement. And, try not to put too much strain on your fingers.
Try using the wrist to get a smoother movement. Like this. And, never push upwards with your fingers.