Reading those little dots

[Steve Jeter]

 I cannot read dots.  I never intended to learn,but... maybe I should a bit.

What would be a good simple tune to start with? One that stays down low on the neck.

 I think it should be something I dont know , or else I would just fall back on my ear. any suggestions?

 Im only thinking of learning the notes ,,, not time duration at this point,,, the time is what has always scared me away.

 I still want to remain

  "a chap with a cigar stump in the corner of his mouth, hat one side of his head, ...
 blue shirt, spring bottom pants  and a banjo in a bag under his arm"   LOL

[Ian Bell]

Contrary to your instinct I actually WOULD suggest starting off with tunes you already know (ones you know in your head but have never worked out on the instrument) and let your ears help your eyes. This is useful for getting the timing of notes as well as the pitch.

The Juba variations and Brigg's movements are great little exercises that will help you remember the positions of the "main" notes as they relate to the dots.

After that, there are lots of simple first position tunes in the Briggs and "Yellow" Converse books that share a lot of the same licks but allow you to build on the basics as well.  (these are also tabbed in the Weidlich Minstrel Banjo books)  

[Steve Jeter]

 That makes sense,  I didnt speak right , I did mean one I hear in my head , but havent either used tab or ear to figure out.

 Ill try Juba,

thanks,