Backup Banjo (Part 1): Major & Minor Chords
Backup Banjo (Part 2): Celtic Backup
In this third part of the course, we’ll focus on the use of runs, fills, inversions & syncopation in our backup. With three example progressions: 12 Bar Blues, Folk Rock & Psychedelic Rock, we’ll explore these ideas while also learning the pentatonic box patterns that surround our chord positions. Go to lesson...
Backup Banjo (Part 1): Major & Minor Chords
In this second part of the course, we’ll look at five examples found in the Celtic genre; a Jig, Reel, Waltz, Polka & Hornpipe. With an example to work with in each tune variation, we’ll unpack the time signature, feels, accents and groove that we need to listen out for, all while exploring many backup options including; inversions, high tones, deep tones, passing notes, syncopation, staccato, etc…
Split in to 5 parts, the full lesson covers the following:
In this banjo course, we’ll be covering ideas that can be used to play backup banjo in styles such as Celtic, Folk, Pop, Blues, Jazz, etc. Learning about different time signatures, key signatures, vamping, rhythms, chords, grooves, triads, double stops and all the great information that will allow you to play along in any style of music. Go to lesson...
In this tenth instalment of the beginner mandolin crash course, we’ll cover:
The Finnish Polka is a traditional polka, in the key of Bm. This arrangement is played in standard open G tuning gDGBD, and features the melodic technique, played at quite a brisk tempo. For the intermediate picker, the lively tune is a great technique workout, but equally as fun for the more experienced picker! Go to lesson...
In this ninth instalment of the beginner mandolin crash course, we’ll cover:
In this sixth instalment of the beginner mandolin crash course, we’ll cover:
This crash course is for the complete beginner wanting to learn to play the mandolin. Focusing on traditional styles, the course will get you pickin’ some of your favourite melodies and learn how to accompany others, all while developing good technique and practice habits.
Learn how to harmonise the melody with this pretty chord melody arrangement of The First Noel. In the key of D, we’ll look at the basic maj/min chord choices when harmonising the major scale, while keeping the melody on top. We’ll also break down the arrangement of the Christmas carol, looking at the different voicing of the chords, some of which are a challenge for the left-hand, so I’d suggest this lesson is for the intermediate student. Go to lesson...
Get ready to learn a great Christmas carol & some awesome theory! The First Noel is a very pretty traditional English carol and this arrangement is in the key of D (standard tuning). While we follow the simple melody, we’ll be adding in a harmony using the 6th intervals. As part of this lesson we’ll look at the D Major scale played in 6th’s, which will allow you to pick up the tune very easily. Go to lesson...