Hot Banjo How-Tos

How To: Play rampi rampi rhythm with the right hand

This instructional banjo video takes a look at what the right hand does while playing the Rampi Rampi, a Turkish song in 9/8. The rhythm goes something like this: 2 (quick), 2 (quick), 2 (quick), 3 (slow). This is basically the bum-diddy pattern. Watch this tutorial video and learn how to play the rampi rampi rhythm with your right hand.

How To: Play a bluegrass banjo lick on a Bb pentatonic scale

Learn how to play probably the most recognized melodic licks in bluegrass banjo with this tutorial. This lick is based on a Bb pentatonic scale. You can hear this lick in a lot of Ben Eldridge's playing though it may date back farther than the 1950's. Watch this how to video and you will be able to play this famous lick based on the Bb pentatonic scale.

How To: Play banjo licks on a two note melodic scale in G

This banjo tutorial goes over working with a two note melodic scale in G major to form ideas for licks. This lesson teaches you improvisational techniques on the banjo. You will also learn the 3 different types of the melodic scales. Watch this how to video and you will be able to play banjo licks on a two note melodic scale in G major.

How To: Play banjo licks on the C melodic scale

Learn how to play melodic C licks on the banjo with this tutorial. This lesson is an introduction to the C melodic scale and improvisation on the C scale. This is a great lesson for beginner to intermediate banjo players. Watch this how to video and you will be improvising on the C melodic scale on the banjo.

How To: Play the banjo for beginners

This banjo tutorial video will teach you how you can play the banjo. The banjo is a stringed instrument that is tuned like a guitar. It is said to have originated from Africa. This video is great for beginners just starting out on the banjo. Practice playing the banjo and improve your banjo playing skills.

How To: Get started playing the banjo again

A bit rusty on the banjo? This video lesson from the BCC will get you going again. If your banjo hasn't been played for some time it's possible the vellum might need replacing - this is the skin, like the head on a drum, which is stretched over the banjo's circular sound body, and tightened using tensioning nuts. Plastic is a good option these days, as it's more constant and less likely to attract moisture and slacken.

How To: Play a melodic ending passage on the banjo

Learn how you can play a common melodic ending passage on the banjo with this tutorial. This is an Earl Scruggs style banjo lick that can be used as a phrase ending lick or break it into fragment and use it in many ways. Watch this how to video and you can play this melodic ending passage on the banjo.

How To: Play more advanced fingerpicking rhythms on the banjo

This two part how to video is an informal banjo lesson showing ideas for syncopation and other rhythmic techniques you can use to make a tune your own. The tune "Julianne Johnson" is used as an example of more advanced fingerpicking. This video is aimed at intermediate players who are comfortable with drop-thumbing and plucks. Watch this two part tutorial and you can jazz up your banjo playing with different fingerpicking techniques.

How To: Play "Mississippi Sawyer" on the banjo

This banjo how to video teaches you some easy tricks to play with the classic D tune Mississippi Sawyer using minor and modal variations. This banjo lesson is based on the assumption that you already know the tune, Mississippi Sawyer. This lesson is for advanced banjo players. Watch this how to video and you can learn how play Mississippi Sawyer in minor and major keys.

How To: Play a banjo lick based on the C melodic scale

This banjo tutorial teaches you how to play a lick based on the C melodic scale. This riff is a backwards roll where you add a chromatic note to the mix and then resolved to C major. This is a great banjo lesson for beginner to intermediate students. Watch this how to video and you can play this banjo lick based on the C melodic scale.

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