The Munster Cloak is a Waltz that has a fun, yet challenging melody. In this lesson, we’ll learn a single-string & melodic arrangement that contains two variations, in the key of G (standard tuning). The techniques used in the arrangement combined with the tempo make this a challenging single-string tune, suited to the intermediate banjo picker, while the melodic part of the arrangement, up the neck, will be suited to the more advanced picker. Go to lesson...
Lazy John is an Old Time song that has a great melody. In this lesson, we’ll learn a melodic arrangement that contains two variations, in the key of G (standard tuning). The techniques used in the arrangement combined with the slower tempo make this a great entry level melodic tune, suited to the intermediate banjo picker looking to learn the melodic technique. Go to lesson...
Handsome Molly is a traditional ballad and in this arrangement there are 2 solo variations, plus an accompaniment variation and outro. Played in the key of G in Drop D tuning, the Travis picking technique is a feature of this version. The parts can be arranged to suit many forms of the song, either with a singer or played as an instrumental. Go to lesson...
Bluesy melodic licks! In this lesson, we’ll look at many lick variations for the advanced picker, in the key of G (standard tuning), using the major, mixolydian, blues & chromatic scales & arpeggios with a great bluesy feel to help ease you into the world of melodic improvisation! We’ll analyse the licks, looking at chordal notes (arpeggios) and how the licks are constructed & how they may also be altered or applied to other chords. Go to lesson...
Lazy John is an American Old Time song with a really sweet melody. In this lesson we’ll look at an intermediate fingerstyle arrangement, in the key of G, with 2 variations. We’ll focus on the right-hand techniques used which include Travis picking & the floating technique and I’d suggest this arrangement is suitable for the intermediate picker. Go to lesson...
George Brabazon is a beautiful Turlough O’Carolan tune and in this lesson we’ll look at an intermediate Celtic Fingerstyle arrangement. In the key of G, we’ll focus on left hand position, with extra attention given to the 4th finger while developing good right hand habits. Part A stays in the open position and as we venture into Part B, we’ll need to work on quick position changes to ensure a smooth melody. Go to lesson...
The Good Natured Man is a great traditional Irish Hornpipe. In the key of G, the tune moves along at a quick tempo & features many triplets within the melody. As part of this lesson, we’ll focus on the efficiency of the picking hand, specifically looking at the follow-through & alternating picking techniques, directly relating to the triplet. Go to lesson...
George Brabazon is a beautiful tune by Turlough O’Carolan. In the key of G for the 5-string banjo, we’re in standard G tuning. The techniques used in the arrangement include single-string, melodic & the brush stroke, played with the thumb. I would suggest this piece is for the intermediate picker and is typically played at a moderate tempo. Go to lesson...
In this Traditional Celtic mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at a great jig, The Blarney Pilgrim. The tune is in the key of G Major, has 3 parts and would suit the intermediate student.
The left hand positions are relatively straight forward, but the right hand has some difficult rhythms to contend with. Go to lesson...
In this Traditional Celtic mandolin lesson we’ll take a look at a fun tune, Merrily Kissed The Quaker. The tune is in the key of G Major, has 3 parts and would suit the intermediate student.
The left hand positions are relatively straight forward, but the right hand has some difficult rhythms to contend with. Go to lesson...