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* Play your fourth string at the fifth fret. Tune it up or down so that it matches the sound of the third string played open.
* The fifth string played open should sound the same as the first string played at the fifth fret.
Sit down with your banjo in a straight-backed chair that doesn't have any arms. I know, the sofa or the recliner is much more comfortable but for now go along with me on this. Posture is something you want to get right from the start because bad posture can make the right and left hand techniques we are going to be working on harder than they need to be.
Sit up straight.
I know, it's our natural inclination to slouch- it's more comfortable and it looks cooler- but until you can do this in your sleep you want to add a dash of ritual and discipline into your practice time.
So like I said, sit up straight.
Hold your banjo in your lap with the pot (or resonator) is flat against your belly. Not off to the side, not on your knee. I'd also suggest using a strap while you do this so your hands are not supporting the banjo.
Bring your banjo neck up so that the fifth peg is up by your ear. If you were facing a clock you'd want the neck up by 10 or 11.
Now let's talk about your picking hand for a second. First off, I really wouldn't suggest wearing picks right away. The last thing you need is volume right now and once you get a feel for the rhythm of the picking pattern it won't be a big deal to put on picks later on down the road - and trust me, it'll be a big advantage down the road to be able to work with and without picks because, in spite of what some folks may say, you are not always going to want to be loud.