Are you here because you are tired of playing the banjo only in the key of G? So much of the 5-string banjo’s repertoire is in the key of G (after all, that is what it is tuned to), but it’s not much more difficult…
Today I want to talk about what I feel like is the best banjo tuning app I’ve tried so far. I’ve tried many tuning apps and this is my favorite so far. I am using IOS; I believe it’s available for Android as well. Where…
The most common chord change in all of music is: V-I In the key of C, this is G7 to C major. This chord progression goes from a very tense chord to one of complete resolution. You’ll find this sequence all the way back to…
Spicing up the ii-V-I for jazz guitar In the jazz genre, the ii-V-I chord progression is THE most common chord progression. You’ll find it in nearly every song before the advent of modal jazz. Everything from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, to Charlie Parker. You’ll even…
Today, I’m going to show you a basic bluegrass backup lick that everyone uses. It was made popular by one of the most famous banjo players of all-time, Earl Scruggs. I HIGHLY recommend listening to the Foggy Mountain Banjo album if you haven’t already done…
So, you’ve bought some of those metal claws that go on the ends of your fingers, and now you’re wondering what to do with them? I know, banjo finger picks can be SUPER uncomfortable. OUCHIE!!!! Yep, banjo finger picks might dig into the cuticles of…
Are you spending more time TUNING the banjo than you are PLAYING it? Today I’m going to help you out with some tips I’ve learned from playing the banjo in all sorts of places and environments over the years. In addition these are things…
What’s up! Today you’re gonna learn about harmonics, one of the coolest sounds you can produce on the guitar and banjo. To the untrained ear, harmonics may leave your listener scratching their head, wondering, “How on earth is that possible?” Time for you to learn…
Today we are going to look at the differences between 3 finger banjo picking and the old-time clawhammer style of banjo playing. Bluegrass banjo is the style most associated with the three finger style of playing. Contents of Finger Style Banjo vs Clawhammer: Click Images…
What are the best banjo strings you can buy? Should you go with medium or light gauge strings? Do you need to spend extra money on more expensive banjo strings? There’s no shortage of banjo string choices in today’s market. They make them in a…
Using Banjo Tablature In many blogs I’ve discussed learning by ear and methods for increasing your ability to hear chord changes. Today I’m going over another popular method for learning, one that’s familiar to most beginners. This method is called TABLATURE or TAB for short….
Jam Session Survival Guide for Banjo So you’ve bought an instrument, have played for a couple of months, and are now asking yourself the important question, “Am I ready for my local jam session? Here’s a list of Essential banjo skills Know two forms of…
You want to buy a banjo, but don’t know where to start? Let’s help you out! There are lots of options, not only when it comes to banjos, but picks, capos, strings, and other equipment. This guide will give you what I believe are the…
In this video, I go over how the 5-string banjo is tuned. I discuss the tuning and relate it back to guitar tuning. Many guitar players are interested in learning to play the banjo and wonder if the banjo is tuned like a guitar? It…