Pigeon On The Gate is a fantastic traditional Irish reel in the key of Em (Dorian). This banjo arrangement is in standard tuning and features both the single-string & melodic techniques on the 5-string. Played at a fast tempo, there are some demanding passages within the tune and is certainly suited to the advanced picker.
In this 5-string banjo lesson, we’ll look at a bunch of melodic & single-string lick ideas, up & down the neck in the key of C (standard tuning). In the lesson we’ll cover licks for the 1 4 & 5 chords (C F G), analyse the ideas and learn the scales & arpeggio shapes that have help build the licks.
Waltzing Matilda is a traditional Australian bush song and this arrangement on the 5-string banjo is played in a chord melody style in the key of G (standard tuning). With the melody supported by the harmony from the chord progression, this version offers a lovely way to play the tune on the banjo and is well suited to the advanced intermediate picker.
Smash The Windows is a great traditional Irish jig, played at a lively tempo, in the key of D (standard tuning). This arrangement features both the melodic and single-string techniques and features the 6/8 time signature. Jigs always sound great on the banjo, but there are some challenging techniques and combined with the lively tempo this is well suited to the advanced intermediate picker.
Leather Britches is a great old-time fiddle tune, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of G (standard tuning). This arrangement features both the melodic and Scruggs style, up and down the neck, well suited to the advanced picker. There are 2 variations for each section, combining the different techniques, played over a Texas Swing stye backing.
St Anne’s Reel is a popular bluegrass fiddle tune, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of D (standard tuning). This arrangement lays out a nice, basic melodic version of the tune, well suited to the intermediate picker, but also allows for the fingers to more easily get around the tune comfortably at a faster tempo.
Carolan’s Welcome is a traditional air (3/4), composed by Turlough O’Carolan. This chord melody arrangement on the 5-string banjo is in the key of Am, played out of standard tuning (gDGBD) and is well suited to the advanced picker. All of O’Carolan’s melodies are beautiful and this is no exception. Played at a relatively moderate tempo, there are some challenging positions to work through, but well worth the effort to get your fingers around the tune.
Drops Of Brandy is a traditional Irish slip jig (9/8), in the key of D. Utilising the melodic and single-string techniques, this 5-string banjo arrangement is in standard tuning and is well suited to the advancing intermediate picker. It has a beautiful, driving melody, played at a brisk tempo and will be a great addition to your trad repertoire!
In this banjo lesson, we’ll take a look at a blues lead break with two variations in the key of G, that utilises the blues scale, major blues scale, arpeggios, up and down the neck licks, call and response, plus a variety of articulation. Played over a 12 bar blues, there are a lot of great licks in this break, but be sure to check out all the other blues lessons at Pickin’ Lessons for more great lick ideas and in depth analysis of the scales and arpeggio patterns used throughout the solo.
The Cordal Jig is a traditional Irish jig in the key of D (aDGBD). This 5-string banjo arrangement features the melodic and single-string techniques and will be a great tune for the advanced intermediate picker. It is a fantastic melody to pick and will be a great addition to your trad banjo repertoire!