Here’s another mini lesson to help you work on improvising using the major pentatonic scale. We’ll talk about the basic scale down-the-neck and show you a moveable pattern you can use to play the scale in any key. We’ll also talk about some situations where you can use this scale!
Moveable Major Pentatonic Scales Read More »
Here’s a mini-lesson geared towards beginners which talks about wearing your picks and my basic right hand technique. I’ll also give you some of my tips that I’ve learned over the years that help me improve my right hand technique and keep my picks on!
Wearing Your Picks and Basic Right Hand Technique Read More »
Here’s a mini lesson that talks about basic left hand technique for the banjo. I discuss some of the common beginner mistakes I see and how you can avoid them. I’ll also give you basic exercises to build strength and make sure all your notes are ringing clearly.
Basic Left Hand Technique Read More »
This is a fundamental concept to playing bluegrass banjo and I get a lot of students asking questions about how to accurately play this lick. We’re also going to talk about the basic concept behind why we play slides and different ways to incorporate them into a basic practice routine.
Basic Slide Practice Read More »
Here’s a short lesson that breaks down one of my all time favorite banjo licks! This is a classic lick I got from the great banjo player Terry Baucom. I break down the lick and show you a few places where you can use it!
Banjo Lick Breakdown Read More »
Another fiddle tune in the Key of D without a capo. This song will help you practice moving around the neck and playing a fiddle melody on the banjo. I’ve included my recommended left and right hand fingerings. I’ve also included an alternate A part that I’ve heard played on the fiddle.
Whiskey Before Breakfast Intermediate Banjo Read More »
Here’s a great kick-off or solo to this classic gospel tune in the Key of G. This is a great song to work on adapting a simple melody to the bluegrass banjo style. Includes a solo for the verse and chorus.
What A Friend We Have In Jesus Intermediate Banjo Read More »
Here’s a great old song to work on adapting a slower tune to the banjo. This song will help you practice playing in a minor key and give you some great roll practice staying away from your 5th string. This song has been done by lots of artists over the years so it’s a great
Wayfaring Stranger Intermediate Banjo Read More »
Here’s a gospel classic, adapted to the banjo. This song will help you work on playing slow and bringing out the melody. We’ll use some different techniques on this song including triplets and three note chords to help to harmonize the melody.
How Great Thou Art Intermediate Banjo Read More »
Here’s another great fiddle tune for the banjo. Sometimes also called “Teetotaler’s Reel” this song is played in bluegrass, old-time and irish jam sessions. This song’s B part goes to the relative minor (Em) which gives the song a unique feel and makes the song really fun to play.
Temperance Reel Intermediate Banjo Read More »