Blues played on the banjo always sound great, and in this lesson, we’ll explore a captivating lead break performed over two complete cycles of the 12 Bar Blues with a shuffle feel. The solo is in the key of G and incorporates a plethora of cool licks spanning up and down the neck, utilising both single-string and melodic techniques.
The Temperance Reel is a popular fiddle tune, with a fantastic melody and chord progression. In the key of G (standard tuning), there are 2 parts, played at a quick tempo. The techniques required (melodic, single-string & rolling) as we cover the movement of the melody are suited to the advanced picker, but we’ll break this down within the lessons. Go to lesson...
The Sailor’s Wife is a traditional Irish jig (6/8), played at a fast tempo, in the key of Dm, and the banjo is in standard tuning (gDGBD). The structure of the melody provides some challenging picking passages and left-hand movement, making it an appropriate study for the advanced intermediate picker. As part of the lesson, we’ll analyse the melody and picking technique within the 6/8 time signature and learn a fun tune! Go to lesson...
In part 3 of this introduction to the melodic banjo techniques, we’ll continue to work out of open G tuning, but look at the key of D major. We’ll cover scale positions and exercises for the key, while applying these to another great tune, that is sure to enhance your technique. Go to lesson...
In part 2 of this introduction to the melodic banjo techniques, we’ll continue to explore scale positions and exercises, while applying these to another great tune, that is sure to enhance your technique. In the lesson we’ll cover:
The style of melodic banjo allows for intricate melody playing on the 5-string, with a very smooth or legato sound. Fiddle tunes can be played note for note, in a way that flows over the banjo neck. In this introduction to the style, we’ll cover:
Cooley’s Reel is a traditional Irish reel in the key of Em (Dorian) and we’re in standard tuning on the 5 string. It has a great feel and features some difficult passages that use arpeggios and triplet slurs, all while giving your right-hand a brilliant work out, combining single-string, melodic & rolls. Go to lesson...
The Maid Behind The Bar is a traditional Irish reel, with a 2 part form. In the key of D, the banjo is tuned to aDGBD to accomodate the melody in an easy way. Incorporating both the melodic & single-string techniques, the melody is sweet, the tempo is fast, and this tune would suit the advanced picker wanting a challenge! Go to lesson...
Da New Rigged Ship is a traditional Scottish reel, with a 3 part form. Part A & C are in Am (dorian), while part B modulates into A Major, and the banjo is tuned to aDGBD to accomodate the melody in an easy way. Incorporating both the melodic & single-string techniques, the melody is easy enough to pick, but this tune would suit the advanced picker due to the tempo and will be a great addition to your repertoire. Go to lesson...
The Kid On The Mountain is traditional Irish slip jig (9/8), played at a fast tempo, in the key of Em (standard tuning). There are five parts to the tune, each containing some excellent picking passages that require us to accent the 3 beats found in each measure, whilst ensuring we apply an appropriate picking technique, that incorporates both the melodic & single-string techniques. Go to lesson...