Yes, I agree ^^^^^^^^^ I use to teach guitar All my students HAD to use a metronome reason being it teaches em what a beat is and also develops solid meter.. Nothing worse that someone that speeds up and slows down.
Anyway the mostly have done very well over the years and a couple ended up going professional.


Yes Metronome and solid meter are a must if one wishes to get anywhere.

Where in Iowa are you? I know in Minneapolis if you're kinda close, they have some Cajun bands. Krewe de Walleye and the DL Cajun Band are two of those.
I'm self taught. I play almost every day. I play fiddle and guitar too.
Practice, practice. Watch YouTube videos, if Cajun jams sessions are available go to them as well. Completely immerse yourself in the music. It will come. I promise.

Thanks everyone !

Will be playing and listening everyday. I'll also be sure to use the metronome as I learn tunes. I know the metronome really brought my banjo playing to another place entirely, it really did something beyond what I expected.

I am in Des Moines so it is about 3.5 hours out from Minneapolis. Don't know of any local jams here. Will just keep listening and playing. I have only one Cajun cd, it's Amede's collection of recorded works. I really love that old stuff, and Dennis McGees early recordings also light me up. I came across Jesse Lege at a string and festival a couple years ago and he really blew me away, so I check out some videos of him on YTube.

I appreciate all of your input, truly. I am thankful to have a community to lean on/come to when I need. Will stay in touch.

Any musical recommendations/ links/ names are welcome.


Anyone reading this I truly hope you are doing very well.


Michael