Hot Banjo How-Tos « Banjo

How To: Read tablature for the banjo

This lesson takes the mystery out of reading tablature. We also expand on the Forward\Reverse Roll and play it with three chords.

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 "Cumberland Gap" on the banjo

David Cavage breaks down "Cumberland Gap" on the 5-string banjo so you can you understand and play it easily, while he also lectures on the pentatonic scale and other necessities. This is a 10 part tutorial.

How To: Play Worried Man Blues on the banjo

Get your banjo and learn how to play the Worried Man Blues!

How To: Play 'whiskey before breakfast' on banjo

This is a version of a popular fiddle tune that I worked up to play with our fiddle player. Since we were playing it in unison, I wanted a version as close to the standard melody as possible.

How To: Play a fancy banjo lick

This video teaches you visually how to play a fancy lick on the banjo

How To: Play "Eighth of January" on the banjo

David Cavage shows you how to play the traditional fiddle tune "Eighth of January" on the 5-string banjo. This is a 6-part tutorial, lessons 82-87.

How To: Play right hand rhythm patterns on the banjo

Learn about right hand patterns you can use when playing the banjo.

How To: Play "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on banjo

Watch to learn how to play "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on banjo, which features a right hand pattern that is used in many other banjo songs.

How To: Play "The Little Beggarman" on the banjo

Although mainly demonstrational, this video shows you how to play "The Little Beggarman" on the banjo. This video is intended for advanced players who learn easily by watching or listening. Read the useful tips posted below to aid your banjo learning:

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 Fire-Ball Males on the banjo

This tune is a great opportunity to practice your forward rolls - Fire-Ball Males.

How To: End a song on a banjo

This video teaches you visually how to end to a song with a cool lick on the banjo

How To: Play a melodic lick on the banjo

Learn how you can play a melodic lick on the banjo with this tutorial. This banjo lick is a nice melodic idea with chromatic intervals added. Watch this how to video and you will be able to play a melodic lick on the banjo.

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.

How To: Play two finger chords on the banjo

For intermediate banjo players, this video will teach you how to play two fingered chords. While two fingered chords are more difficult than four fingered chords, learning this skill will bring great improvement to your banjo skills as shown by the sample song "Banks of the Ohio." Play two finger chords on the banjo.

How To: Play chord progressions on the banjo

The banjo is a stringed musical instrument that's been adapted from several African instruments. Learn more about the banjo and chord progressions with expert tips in this free video series.

How To: Play Down the Road on the banjo

This next tune has a very special melody - Down the Road. Learn how you can play it on the banjo.

How To: Play banjo patterns in the key of C major

This two part tutorial teaches you a banjo pattern in the key of C major. This banjo lick is a slight variation on a basic scale. Watch this how to video and you will be able to improvise different patterns in the key of C major.

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

Learn how you can play a lick based on the D melodic scale with this banjo tutorial. You will learn different picking patterns and variations on the melodic D scale. Watch this banjo how to video and you will be able to improvise over the D melodic scale.

How To: Build basic scales and chords on the banjo

David Cavage shows you the basic building of scales and chords on the 5-string banjo, and he shows some exercises afterwards. This is a 7-part tutorial, lessons 74-80.

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 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 Cripple Creek on the banjo

Learn this fun tune for the banjo - Cripple Creek. The lesson will begin with the second and easier part.

How To: Play Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arm on the banjo

Learn this traditional bluegrass song on the banjo. Avram Siegel shows you how to play Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arm.

How To: Perform transitions when playing banjo

Learn how to properly perform transitions when playing the banjo. Learn how to hit those open strings!

How To: Play beginning rolls on a banjo

Learn two basic rolls and apply them to the song Red River Valley. Instructor talks about right and left hand positions. Taught by Dennis Bailey.

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 tag licks on the banjo

Here we will learn to fancy up our banjo playing with some tag licks.

How To: Play Liza Jane on the banjo

This song has an arrangement that will help you work on your timing. Watch and learn how to play Liza Jane on the banjo.

How To: Play basic chords on the banjo

Learn some basic chords for playing the banjo. The video will begin with open chords - the G and C chords.

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.