Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: All Other Styles Forum Feed

BASS playing

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:56:56 CST

my lil girl is wanting to learn to play the upright/dog house bass, what can i put on the finger board so she can remember where all the cords are?

Mandolin lessons in the Toledo area?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:55:38 CST

Not sure if this is the place to ask this -- moderation team please feel free to move this question if there's a better choice!

A few years back my wife bought me my first bottle-cap banjo and it was love at first pluck. I'm now the proud owner of that bottle-cap, a Deering long-neck, and a sweet Kalamazoo conversion parts banjo, so I guess the seeds she sowed took root. :) Well, at Christmas this year I got her a mandolin starter kit at Elderly and she's enjoying learning how to play it. Went to a beginners' masterclass and came away with some good suggestions. The class was in Lansing, MI and she liked the teacher a lot, but we live quite a ways south in MI near western Toledo, OH. Dundee MI area, if you know the local geography. Toledo's close enough if you don't.

I like learning on my own, from videos and such, but she'd really like to work one on one with a teacher. Should probably mention that she's an accomplished clarinetist and a school band director so no need to start from scratch learning basic music theory, note reading and all that.

While we're on the subject I wouldn't mind at all if somebody knows where I might find a banjo teacher also near Toledo. I've gotten pretty good with Seeger-strum style but would like to learn old-time frailing (love the sound change but can't seem to get any speed up) and/or bluegrass and melodic styles, get ideas for a strum pattern I can use in 6/8, and all that kinda stuff.

Any suggestions?

Them Banjo Blues!

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:07:20 CST

I've just written a book called 'Patterns on Your 5-string banjo - Unlocking the Secrets to Blues Improvisation. If you happen to play fiddle I've written one for fiddle too!

My books are all about pattern and do not require any music or tab reading. You just need some Blues backing tracks which you can easily download off the computer for free. Or you can play along with other musicians.

Please check out my web-site www.jenniewilliams.com. You can download a free sample.

Sunflower Dance backup track (new)

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:55:37 CST

Seeing how popular this piece is even among people who don't mainly play classic-style banjo, I have recorded a new 2nd banjo+cello banjo backup track for Sunflower Dance with my new mic. I have recorded it at my usual performance speed. As always, all of my stuff is free to use in practice sessions, live performances or recordings.

This recording can be used as a companion to the tutorial made by my friend Ian (thereallyniceman): sunflower dance tutorial

Here's a mediafire download link for the mp3 file in case you can't download it from the Hangout: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?tzda79w8qhd9wny

Finger picks

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 May 2013 12:40:14 CST

Are there any five string players who cant get on with picks so use their finger nails instead,? after all, guitar players use their nails on an acustic and a banjo is as loud if not more so.

Warm up exercises for fingers prior to playing?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 May 2013 08:54:34 CST

A question for you all......do you do any warm up exercises on the fingers/hands prior to paying?

I ask because my step-daughter has bad tendonitis and the doc has suggested that she rests from her guitar for a week or two. \this is not great as she gigs regularly, but obviously has to recover so she can play.

For future prevention rather than care, she is going to pay more attention to wrist/finger/hand exercises and stretching. Makes sense if you are doing a lot of regular playing. i mean no sportsman goes straight into exercise without a warm up if they don't want injuries, so why should finger exertion be any different?

Opinions? Experiences?

Thanks

Calv.

More fun than I ever imagined!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 May 2013 17:52:24 CST

I have my 6-string tuned to ggdgbd with the 6th being a small gauge drone string like a 5string. The 5th string adds extra bass and the rest are like on a 5 string. So, basically I have a 5 string with an extra bass string. Been playing with fingers, Scruggs style and a plectrum. Man, I haven't had this much fun in a long time!

Todd

That 5th string!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 May 2013 15:05:38 CST

I came across to banjo a little while ago from years of playing guitar, I am actually loving playing it when i can, it really sings to me.

A problem I have is the visual side, after years also of classical guitar the fifth string on the banjo in my music mind looks like the 6th guitar string and when I need to play the 4th string I am hitting the fifth string by accident.

I have developed a sort of classical guitar based 4 finger banjo style so i have some kind of hand confusion, any tips to get over this?

Gestalt Banjo by Paul John Hawthorne

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 May 2013 01:17:22 CST

Hello,

I am looking for the book "Gestalt Banjo" by Paul John Hawthorne. It is out of print and there is any banjo player here in Europe I am aware of who could provide me with an exemplar, copy or .pdf-file of this book.

I there somebody out there on BHO who wants to sell it or could provide me with the information givven in this book?

If there exists an .pdf-version of this book I would be very happs if you could send it to banjobear@web.de.

Thanks for your kind help and endeavours. ;-)

SaltyDog

Pat Metheny Phase Dance "Roll" - exploring diatonic 4ths

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 May 2013 05:49:46 CST

just a fun thing to noodle around with ....

Improvising in Melodic style - Sally Goodin

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 May 2013 05:47:26 CST

Simply moving your fingers around can get you far in improving ...

5 RH rolls for Single String Playing

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 May 2013 05:45:11 CST

The 5 rolls in this video are:

forward

backward

forward reverse

alternating thumb

dillard (my naming)

AND I did an awful job of demonstrating a tune exercise that you can use to practice some of these in ... but hopefully it will be of some help to someone.

Playing Dobro Tunes on the 5 string

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 May 2013 05:40:48 CST

Jerry Douglas's Choctaw Hayride ... tabs on my photos page

Coltrane Changes - Comping the entire Fingerboard

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 May 2013 05:38:23 CST

Giant Steps Comping can help you become more proficient in your Jazz comping/accompaniment.

More Latin Jazz for 5 string

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 May 2013 05:35:58 CST

Jobim's Wave and Girl from Ipanema ...

Edward Dick banjola

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:25:50 CST

I was reading the threads about banjolas and about the use of nylon strings.Edward Dick, the fellow who coined the term banjola in the 90s and developed the instrument to its ultimate end has as one of his options a classic nylon string model. I have one in a six string configuration and it is an exquisitly turned out professional instrument. I have seen the Asian imports and it comes down to you get what you pay for. A visit to his web site is an eye opener. If you are looking for a fine instrument made by the original developer check him out.

Looking for a Deering 6 string to try

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:18:48 CST

I am a want to be new Banjo player and would like to learn to play a Deering 6 string Banjo. Even used, they are fairly expensive...so I would like to try one before buying. None of the stores in the Greater Boston area have one, and they ask that you buy it before they will bring it into the store. I was hoping that someone in this group, in the state of Massachusetts ( I will drive to wherever you are) might have one that I could hold in my hands and play. ( I have played the guitar for 40 years....so I should be able to make a few chords, pick a bit, etc....or maybe not) If I posted in the wrong place, my apologies. I would welcome any suggestions for a solution. Thanks

best guitar beginner book

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:55 CST

Ok so a long time ago I tried using Ernie Ball's beginner guitar books. I started playing banjo and looked at learning a bit of guitar and I realized they're terrible books. I am really liking how janet davis you can teach yourself banjo builds slowly and puts what you learned together into songs. Is there a guitar book as good as JD's?

Songs with too many chords?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:38:44 CST

Hi, do you know what I mean? those songs where every beat equals a chord change or two.

'G  Em  Am7  D' for example representing just one bar of a 4/4 song.

I just can't play that fast, to get those changes in time...

What can I do?

Stage Fright... Common?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:37:31 CST

I can finger pick clean at 140 BPM... except...

Except when I know someone is listening.

That's when I forget my name and my hands get to feeling like they're submersed in Jello

How common is this? Is it ever chronic and terminal?

any nyc area based banjo players?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 9 Apr 2013 12:32:09 CST

Hello, i'm with a nyc based (astoria, queens rehearsals) folk rock band (mumford, wilco, ryan adams, etc). we are looking for a good banjo / mando player .

our music can be heard here: http://www.reverbnation.com/raymazzaandthegutterbandits

this is a not for hire position at the moment but we split any money from gigs or use it to pay for rehearsals, other band needs, etc.

I apologize to all if this was posted in the wrong section.

please contact me, joe at: 516-659-6179 or by email: joshcamp99@yahoo.com

Double-thumbing a jig?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 9 Apr 2013 10:30:17 CST

I'm trying to three-finger Swallow Tail Jig from here. However, this single-string-ish stuff is pretty alien to me (a relatively new scruggs picker). The first three measures look like this:

(in case that img breaks, here's another link)

I found a youtube video of someone playing this to banjo, and he is double-thumbing the 4th string in the first two measures. Is that the best way to play this? It works with a slow jig like this but it feels so... wrong. I'm half-tempted to dig a plectrum out of the closet.

Jeff

(Tom, I will order your 'easy' book asap )

Cheap banjo mute

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 5 Apr 2013 09:43:24 CST

I don't know if this has been suggested before by someone else, but pipe cleaners (craft stores call them fuzzy sticks) make a great, inexpensive banjo mute. I just weave the pipe cleaner through the strings right above the bridge. It really dampens the volume, but still lets me hear the actual notes.

Anyone like to play "out of the box" ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:30:10 CST

I play mostly clawhammer. with my fingers of course. But some times I lke to put my bluegrass fingerpics on and and play my clwhammer banjo... scruggs style. I LIKE it. It dosnt sound like scruggs, but it dosnent sound like CH.

But it sounds good!

Likewise, I like to sometimes playfull on Scruggs style... with NO PICKS! I Just fingers

It makes bluegrass style sound a bit more old timy

Unusual Tableture for 2.99

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 11:39:34 CST

I saw some persons website up selling banjo arrangements in tablature for around 2-3 dollars. I cannot find it. WIll someone link me? THank you.

Blackberry Blossom/waltz

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:24:13 CST

I've just finished playing BB in waltz time and found it most enjoyable.

I intersperse brushes and pinches to break up the steady flow and at the right speed find time to think of chord substitutions.

I like "deconstructing" the 7th fret Em by flattening the 3rd string E to Eb,D C# C (while pinching the 7 and 8 after each new note))G chord,A chord,D chord

Reposted From Beginners Group

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:26:34 CST

Hi,

I'm super new to banjo (about a month in) and I've been learning by the hand of my father. He recently lent me his electric banjo to try with a pandora box (?) that changes the sound to a plethora of styles. I'm looking for a instruction video on chords and progressions that will make sense for someone who is a memorizer not a notation reader... Anyone have suggestions?

Elliott Smith Tabs

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:57:22 CST

Hi,

I'm looking for tabs of Elliott Smith's music, specifically Everything Means Nothing To Me.

The main music is originally piano.

Does anyone know where I can find this? Or an easy way to change music into tabs. Thank you.

Beginner needs advice

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 11:47:41 CST

Hi everyone.

I am interested in learning the banjo for fun and to keep up dexterity in my hands. I really have no musical background except listening.

I found this banjo for sale and would like opinions on whether this would be a good instrument for a beginner.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-5-String-Banjo-Full-Size-with-Closed-Back-24-Brackets-Remo-Head-Maple-Neck-/370739797664?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5651d05ea0

Sorry if I posted in the wrong spot.

Brad

How to play and cover country songs on the banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 21:57:17 CST

What is the most common style for banjo picking they use in Country Music in songs like Bonfire - Craig Morgan, If You're Going Through Hell - Rodney Atkins, Am I The Only One - Dierks Bentley

And how to cover country songs?, would you figure out the chords? and just pick the chords, would you pick the melody? and add in a few extra notes, would you go scruggs style with it?

Banjo plus free-style RAP

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:39:16 CST

I am seeking any media posted on the net that reflects other artists rapping with a banjo also in the mix. I recall another BHO member that was attempting this many years ago. Also any advise o this subject would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Terry

Coming to banjo from classical guitar?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:40:11 CST

Just got my first ever banjo today YAY! from Andybanjo in England, I'm really pleased with it.

Anyway I've been playing classical guitar and fingerpicking blues for years, so I'm kind of using those techniques on my banjo, so I am quite good at nail upwards picking but playing the nail downwards over the strings feels weird.

Does it matter, will players hate me for not doing it 'right'?

classical guitar is quite strict about correct technique, but banjo is folk music do as you feel is right, is right?

Tips on Improvising?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:13:19 CST

Does anybody have any tips to when it comes to improvising (particularly in the blues)? I know where all the notes are on the pentatonic scale and everything, but that's just it. Whenever I try to solo, it just sounds like I am just hitting random notes on a scale, and I end up just repeating a bunch of the same phrases as opposed to a decent melody. How can I change this and actually play a meaningful solo?

almost got belas big country worked out !

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:28:43 CST

well ,,mostly anyway,, nothing on the boob tube tonite ,, i was tired so i came down here and dialed up belas and big country on youtube and started in on it.... basically not that hard but if you listen real close to some of the nuiances he puts in it ,,, it is a little work laid out for you. and the timing on the second part has to be perfect to work out right. but its a great tune and fun to play..... love the way this 11 sounds in open E....

terry m

do you think someone like Bela thinks chords when he plays?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:04:21 CST

I've always wondered about Bela Fleck, and whether he is thinking chord names and formations when he plays with the Flecktones or otherwise, or whether he is just feeling the music as he plays? I mean, I don't think of G, C, D when I play Cripple Creek. So with his advanced view of music, maybe he's not thinking about the complicated chord names, timing, and formations and he just feels it all. Who knows?

Playing the banjo as a drum

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 8 Mar 2013 08:34:20 CST

I noticed that over the years I started using my three finger picks to tap the sides of the pot and the drum head. Sometimes it sounds as clean as a click track. Does anyone else play this way?

Terry

Picking without picks is hard...

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 07:43:32 CST

I'd never really played any stringed instruments before banjo and because everybody said to use fingerpicks --learn to use them and love them -- thats exactly what I did. Now, I've restrung my jo with some nylons and trying to learn to play without picks. And I'm finding that its almost like relearning the process of picking all over again. My fingers -- especially thumb -- just seem huge, cumbersome and just plain clumsy. The strings seem too close together, I'm not getting in at the right angle and my shoulder hurt after playing for a bit. I think using the picks allowed me to just get away with some poor form all these years. I will say that my fingerstyle guitarist wife picked up my now nylon strung banjo and made it sing beautifully, hell she didn't want to put it down. so I know its possible, I just gotta learn how to drive it better. Oh, well practice it is then.

If anybody has any good online resources for picking without picks, the different stroke types, attack angle, excercises and all that jazz I welcome the links. I'll take some time to search out some resources on my own (maybe reperusing all those old 1800s books I downloaded) over the weekend. But I figured some of you might have some good resources bookmarked and might want to share.

The Ancient Tones: Easy Irish and Celtic Melodies for 5-String Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 1 Mar 2013 10:34:47 CST

Bill Monroe spoke reverently of the "ancient tones." Back in the mid-eighties, as a hungry bluegrass banjo player, this really grabbed my attention as I learned old fiddle tunes, and I wanted to get deeper inside Scottish, Irish, Scots-Irish, British Isles and Celtic music. So I set out on a pilgrimage, collecting tunes and eventually resettling in Ireland after I losing my first wife Kathleen to cancer on St. Patrick's Day in 2002. Kathleen, an Australian of Scottish and Irish descent, encouraged me to play and collect traditional tunes from Ireland and Scotland. I took her advice, and it's kept me going through some hard times. I was very blessed to have Kathleen, and she's still with me.

I've been collecting and transcribing tunes for some three decades, and my recent collections are designed especially for beginners, but also intermediate and advanced players who want to branch out or make friends with the "ancient tones” that Bill Monroe often spoke of.

So, I'm delighted to announce the release of my third Irish and Celtic tune collection, all of them currently available in all formats (Book/CD or eBook/audio download). Mel Bay's Easy Irish and Celtic Melodies for 5-String Banjo: Best-Loved Airs and Session Tunes (MB 21598 BCD and eBook) is now available as of March 2013. It was a labor of love for me, and I set out collecting favorite melodies and songs, including chords, standard notation, some lyrics and standard tab.

Here's the product description from the Mel Bay page:

This book and accompanying audio present Irish, Celtic and British Isles folk melodies for the 5-string banjo. The book demonstrates contemporary Celtic fingerstyle banjo in G tuning using modern techniques. 32 airs and song melodies are presented, with chords written in standard notation and tablature. Play-along and up-to-speed tracks are included in the audio. The tunes are suited for beginner and intermediate players, and include practice tempo suggestions. Advanced players will also benefit by learning subtle arrangements of traditional pieces. This is the companion work to Mel Bay's Easy Irish and Celtic Tunes for 5-String Banjo: Best-Loved Jigs and Reels (2012), with 68 tunes, combining for a total of 100 Celtic melodies. The pieces can be played individually or combined for session playing.

(There is a related BHO discussion about the 2012 Celtic collection, here: Easy Irish and Celtic Session for 5-String Banjo: Best-Loved Jigs and Reels.)

Complete Book of Irish & Celtic 5-String Banjo has 100 tune transcriptions.

Though I didn't plan it this way, it makes good sense for beginners to start with the latest collection and work backwards, so the last collection (2013) is the one to start off with, sort of a primer, and the first collection, "Complete Book of Irish & Celtic 5-String Banjo" (1998), is best for intermediate-advanced players, because it has lots of variations, including fretting and picking-hand ornamentation. It can also serve as a general reference for its cross-referenced Glossary.

For beginners, I did make sure to sneak in some simple tunes, jigs and marches, especially in the Chapter Five, "A Cross Section of Celtic Tunes."

For intermediate players, any of these collections is a good starting point for getting fluid in Celtic fingerstyle banjo.

Best ~ Tom

Guitar rock rhythms and the banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:06:36 CST

I'm trying to cover modern rock and other songs on the banjo....easy example...night moves. It goes G, then quick F, C then doubles back on itself. I guess my question is how do I reflect the tone of the guitar strum into a roll? Should it be based off harmony notes? I'm struggling to take my banjo with me into the last 4 decades...I play guitar and sing, but can't seem to translate that to a banjo effectively...stuck memorizing tab. Is the method to break it down into tag licks and go from there????

The banjo techniques of Jens Kruger

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:30:31 CST

I just bought this dvd and poped it in to scan thru it. To say the least it was way over my head. So my question for those of you that have seen it is did you feel the same way. Did you stick with it and how is it going with it.

Salsa on the Banjo (banjo montunos)

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 07:50:47 CST

Edit: The subject of "how to play montunos on the banjo" starts in fact by Jocko MacNelly's post from 3/22/2013.

Go down to http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/256977/#3277132

As a sidetrack of my T-I crossover thread at http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/241661/2 here are three tabs of middle-lead three-finger rolls where middle finger picks the clave rhythm. Left hand holds some up-the-neck doublestop (here C7), in order to get the highest note at the 1st string. The tabs should be played as the loops.

3:2 Son clave
 C7
|8-----8-----8--|----8---8------|
|--5-----5-----5|--5-------5---5|
|---------------|---------------|
|---------------|---------------|
|----0-----0----|0-----0-----0--|
 |_|_|_| |_|_|_| |_|_|_| |_|_|_|
 M I T M I T M I T I M T M I T I


3:2 Rumba clave
 C7
|8-----8-------8|----8---8------|
|--5-----5---5--|--5-------5---5|
|---------------|---------------|
|---------------|---------------|
|----0-----0----|0-----0-----0--|
 |_|_|_| |_|_|_| |_|_|_| |_|_|_|
 M I T M I T I M T I M T M I T I


Buggle Call Rag Scruggs clave
 C7
|8-----8-------8|--8-----8------|
|--5-----5---5--|----5-----5---5|
|---------------|---------------|
|---------------|---------------|
|----0-----0----|0-----0-----0--|
 |_|_|_| |_|_|_| |_|_|_| |_|_|_|
 M I T M I T I M T M I T M I T I

Here are links to previous BHO discussions about clave rhythm:

http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/79128

http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/213418 (the enclosed link to Banjo Sessions is dead, the correct one is now http://www.mirekpatek.com/melbay/BanjoSessions_201012_Patek.pdf )

a recent video of danny barnes and nick forster

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:13:09 CST

hey, barnes here. thought you might like this banjo playing.

thank you,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac-_TyONifM

Using a different guage/tuned 5th string

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:39:41 CST

Has anybody here experimented with a thick 5th string - I don't mean a heavy guage one tuned to G but say a normal 4th string tuned to the octave G BELOW normal 5th string G (in G tuning obviously). Had a quick look at the archived threads but found nothing relevant so far. I sort of wonder how it would sound??? anybody tried it??

Learning Moonshiner

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:13:52 CST

Hi everyone, This is my first post here and I am not quite sure if this is the section I want this post but here it goes. I am looking to do a rendition of the song Moonshiner traditionally played by many. I remember John Hartford. Recently though I saw the Punch Brothers live and they played a version of the song I liked very much. I believe I have the chords figured out but I am wondering If anyone has any opinion on how it should be played style wise and I can link the video of the live performance if need be. Thanks for your time and help friends enjoy your day.

Don Reno Banjo Method

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 04:05:38 CST

I'm Searching a method for banjo of Reno Style. I wouldn't buy DVD method, but i want buy BOOK method.

Do you know something to advise?

Thanks

Alberto

Fernando Sor and three-finger banjo picking?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 01:25:20 CST

quote:
Rob MacKillop at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/robmackillop3 about classical guitar player Fernando Sor

He generally used only the thumb, index and middle fingers. He sometimes placed his little finger on the soundboard.

...

He would have liked to always have his middle finger solely used on the first string, his index finger on the second, and his thumb moving over the four bass strings.

What could three-finger-picking banjo players learn from classical guitar player Fernando Sor?

Book: Banjo for Dummies

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 5 Feb 2013 15:53:47 CST

Honestly, I have banged around on a banjo for about 40 years, but I decided to go back and brush up on some basics. For a small city I was really surprised to find this book and CD which appears brand new, all for the cost of gas. Has anyone else got any opinion on the book? I have read the first 30 pages or so, but so far it's not been all that useful for my non-bluegrass or clawhammer genre of playing. It seems that it may be a decent book for covering the basics of the banjo, and basic music theory. So far I'm a bit disappointed that on first glance it seems to be trying to teach Scruggs' style by simply rewording some of the information in Earl's book, Maybe after I read more I'll change my mind...

The only other good banjo teaching book was Earl's, and it was on hold (I already have 2 copies anyway). Anyway, I sure was impressed with finding such a special interest book to borrow for free.

Take care.

Terry

Mixing Styles - Single String and Melodic

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 3 Feb 2013 05:13:49 CST

Using a pentatonic exercise that Pat Cloud showed us years ago, I use the RH fingerings to develop Jazzy linear phrases thru changes.

There Will Never Be Another You

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 3 Feb 2013 05:10:23 CST

chords, melody and some theory for this Jazz Standard.

Blue Bossa - learning Minor 2-5s

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 3 Feb 2013 05:08:56 CST

hearing the difference between a minor 2-5 and a major 2-5 can help you "color" your improvisation skills.

Blue Bossa is a great example of how to use this sound.

Here's an introductory video explaining the difference between major 2-5s and minor 2-5s, and a video of Blue Bossa with chords, melody and some theoretical explanation.