Skills and lessons on how to improve your improvisation abilities.
Today I want to talk about the various methods of improvisation. This outline will break down things to practice so you can become a better improviser. It will cover the advantages and challenges of each approach. Improvising By Scales One thing most instructors teach pretty…
A few years ago, I did a scale on one string video. This turned out to be one of my more popular videos on YouTube. Today I want to further elaborate on this vertical scale approach. It’s one of my daily practice routines. The TAB…
Banjo Scales in Melodic Style Here is a MAJOR scale WORKOUT done in the melodic style. I group the scales in 3-4-5’s so you can gradually become more flexible with them. These exercises are a good next step for someone that already knows their basic…
5-string banjo TAB to “Sweet Georgia Brown” Here is a beginner-intermediate TAB of this jazz banjo favorite “Sweet GA Brown”. The Tablature can be found here in pdf format: Sweet Georgia Brown banjo TAB This arrangement uses mostly a roll based style mixed with some…
I decided to work up the Hank Garland song, “Sugarfoot Rag.” The first break is taken largely from Hank’s melody and the rest is my own creation. I’m playing it in A Mixolydian without a capo, leaving the 5th string tuned to G. A mixolydian…
One question I get a lot is, “I’ve learned my scales, now what do I do with this knowledge?” Comments like, everything I play sounds like I’m running up and down scales, I know the fingerings but I can’t make up any good melodies. A…
Using the Mixolydian Mode What is the Mixolydian Mode? Why is it important? When can you use it? What songs are in the mixolydian mode? I’ll unravel the modal mystery for you today. ARTICLE CONTENTS What is a Mixolydian Mode Mixolydian Mode history and…
Banjo Licks for a D minor Chord D minor is one of the most common keys and chords in music. Whether it be bluegrass, jazz or classical, you will encounter it bunches. You want to have so much material for D minor chords that you…
In my latest teaching video I go over some listening hints for hearing chord changes. These are sounds I often listen for to help me anticipate the next chord change. I think knowing a little more about what to listen for will help you increase…
I just added an update to my Improvisation Insights Course on Teachable: https://jodyhughesbanjo.teachable.com/p/improve-your-improvising This time I list all the various ways to create variations. First up is How to add pickup notes. Without the ability to add pickup notes to a melody that is already…