Scales & Technical Practice | Banjo | Level 1

A course focusing on the melodic & single-string techniques including scales, arpeggios, chords, rhythm (back up), improvisation, speed development, general technique exercises & sight-reading.

Scales & Technical Work should form an important, structured part of your practice routine. It will improve your general technique, practical theory knowledge, improvisation, understanding of melody & harmony, rhythm, tone, and so on.

Check out the Pickin’ Lessons structured, 2 part, scales & technical practice below. Give it a shot & I’m positive you’ll find yourself moving forward in no time! Once you know the practice structure, you could cover all the important material in as little as 10-20 minutes. Aiming to practice everyday (or as close to as possible!)

Preparation: Scales & Technical Practice | Overview | Level 1 | Knowledge Base

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Banjo (Single-String & Melodic) | Part 1: S.A.C. (Key of G)

Introduction

Scales | Arpeggios | Chords

(Allow 4-8 minutes approx.)

Banjo | Scales & Technical Practice | S.A.C. | Level 1

Banjo | Scales Technical Practice | S.A.C. | Level 1

Part 2: R.I.S.E.S.

Rhythm | Improvisation | Speed | Exercises | Sight-Reading

(Allow 6-12 minutes approx.)

Rhythm

  1. Repeat individual examples fluently;
  2. Combine examples, e.g. 1 & 2, 4 & 5…;
  3. Combine with a single chord or change chords if possible.

    Banjo | Scales & Technical Practice | Rhythm | Level 1

    Banjo | Scales Technical Practice | Rhythm | Level 1

    Improvisation

    1. Practice the chord changes;
    2. Improvise using the G major scale &/or arpeggios to match the chords.
    3. Don’t worry about how it’s sounding in the beginning, just become familiar with the scales & arpeggios and give it a go!

      Banjo | Scales & Technical Practice | Improv Backing Track | Level 1

      Banjo | Scales Technical Practice | Improv Backing Track | Level 1

      Speed

      1. Start out with control & good tone;
      2. Gradually increase tempo, while remaining in control;
      3. Push yourself slightly quicker than comfortable;
      4. Ease back the tempo and finish with control & good tone.
      5. Don’t worry about the tempo or using a metronome at this stage.

        Banjo | Scales & Technical Practice | Speed | Level 1

        Banjo | Scales Technical Practice | Speed | Level 1

        Exercises

        1. Apply to each scale & arpeggio from the Level 1| S.A.C.
        2. Aim for an even tone & volume on each pick stroke.

          Banjo | Scales & Technical Practice| Exercises | Level 1

          Banjo | Scales Technical Practice| Exercises | Level 1

          Sight-Reading

          1. Aim for accuracy, not speed;
          2. Don’t practice the same sight-reading exercise in consecutive sessions;
          3. Ensure picking direction & rhythm are accurate.
          4. Download the Guitar Pro file and open in a free viewer to check how the sight-reading examples should sound.

             

            Additional Areas To Cover

            Repertoire: Make sure you are working on old & new tunes/songs. This is one of the main reasons to practice the above! Dedicate at least a little time to run over a tune or two.

            Notes on the fretboard: check out the Fretboard Freedom lesson and start studying the 4th string.

            Well done!

            Congratulations on finishing the practice session! Make sure you follow up & work through the exercises regularly.

            Tip: A practice journal is a great way of keeping track of your progress.