Cherokee Shuffle is a popular American fiddle tune, played in the key of A (standard tuning – capo 2). This is the third version here at Pickin’ Lessons on the banjo and is a variation that approaches the melody in a more basic way, using the single-string & melodic techniques, while still capturing the essence of the tune.
Soldier’s Joy is a wonderful traditional fiddle tune in the key of D and very popular amongst bluegrass pickers. This banjo arrangement of the tune is a beginner friendly version, using the melodic technique and played in standard open G tuning. Capturing the essence of the tune while keeping the phrases on the easier side, it is quite accessible for the beginner picker and a great way to approach the melody.
The Sligo Maid is a fantastic traditional Irish reel in the key of Am (Dorian – Standard Tuning). Featuring both the single-string & melodic techniques throughout the tune, paired with a faster tempo, this arrangement is well suited to the advanced picker. It’s a great trad reel and an excellent technique workout!
Jingle Bells on the banjo! Featuring both the verse and chorus melodies, this arrangement is in the key of G (standard tuning) and uses both the Scruggs style and melodic techniques, suited to the intermediate picker. It’s a great Christmas Carol and one well worth having under your fingers during the holiday season!
Miss McLeod’s Reel is a great traditional Scottish reel in the key of G. This melodic banjo arrangement of the tune is in standard open G tuning and the phrases sit around the G melodic scale position. While getting the tune up to tempo might be suited to the intermediate picker, the phrases and position of the melody are very accessible for the advanced beginner picker.
Whiskey Before Breakfast is a wonderful traditional fiddle tune in the key of D and very popular amongst bluegrass pickers. This melodic banjo arrangement of the tune is in standard open G tuning and beginner friendly, capturing the essence of the tune, while keeping the phrases on the easier side, making it quite accessible for the beginner picker.
Tarbolton Reel is a traditional Irish reel, played at a fast tempo, in the key of Em. Using both the dorian & aeolian minor scales, this arrangement features a nice mixture of ornamentation, rhythmic variation and both the melodic & single-string techniques. Up to tempo, this is a challenging tune, well suited to the advanced picker.
Banks of the Ohio is a fantastic traditional song and this arrangement on the 5-string banjo is in the key of G (standard tuning). This banjo arrangement is a great advancing beginner exercise that features some Scruggs licks, a little melodic technique, and some great rolling ideas over the chords. In the lesson we’ll break down how to approach the break and work through the techniques you’ll need to focus on.
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.
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.