Banjo For Dummies
Book + Online Video and Audio Instruction
2. Edition November 2020
384 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Here's the quick way to get pickin' with the best of 'em
The banjo is both a staple of old-time music and an instrument that makes frequent cameos in today's chart toppers. Whatever your musical leanings, Banjo For Dummies will show you how to pick your way around your instrument, even if you have zero musical background! With a little practice--and the easy-to-follow instructions in this book--you can learn your way around the banjo, try out various musical styles, and discover what banjo culture is all about.
Think of this For Dummies guide as your personal banjo tutor, as you learn how to buy, tune, hold, play, and have fun with your five-string. You can also go beyond the book with online video lessons and audio files that will get you picking even faster. Follow the guidance of respected banjo performer Bill Evans and soon you may find yourself jamming with a band or rubbing elbows with the pros at your local bluegrass festival.
* Learn the basics of banjo: how to strum chords, pick notes, and read tablature
* Add new styles to your repertoire, including clawhammer, three-finger styles, vamping, and classic banjo
* Play bluegrass music and learn how to network at festivals
* Choose the banjo and accessories that work for you, and discover how to keep them in good shape
Banjo For Dummies is for anyone who want to learn to play the five-string banjo or brush up on banjo-playing skills. No experience required!
Part 1: The Amazing Five-String Banjo 5
Chapter 1: You Want to Play What?: Banjo Basics 7
Chapter 2: Tuning Your Banjo 23
Chapter 3: Starting to Play: Fretting and Strumming 35
Chapter 4: Playing by the Rules: Songs and Tablature 53
Part 2: Let's Pick! Basic Banjo Techniques 75
Chapter 5: Getting Right with the Right Hand 77
Chapter 6: Sliding, Hammering, and Pulling: Adding the Left Hand 103
Chapter 7: Working Up Your First Tunes: Clawhammer and Bluegrass 129
Part 3: Playing Styles Past, Present, and Future 141
Chapter 8: Playing the Old-Time Way: Clawhammer and Traditional Styles 143
Chapter 9: Playing Three-Finger Styles: Scruggs, Melodic, and Single String 161
Chapter 10: Playing Up-the-Neck Backup: Chords and Vamping 195
Chapter 11: Playing Historical Styles: African, Minstrel, and Classic Banjo 209
Chapter 12: Networking into Banjo Culture 221
Part 4: Buying a Banjo and Keeping It in Good Shape 239
Chapter 13: Finding Your Banjo Bliss: A Buyer's Guide 241
Chapter 14: Getting the Right Stuff: Banjo Gear 267
Chapter 15: Taking Care of Your Baby: String Changing and Basic Maintenance 291
Part 5: The Part of Tens 311
Chapter 16: Ten Tips to Make Practicing More Fun 313
Chapter 17: Ten Great Banjo Players You Need to Hear 321
Part 6: Appendixes 327
Appendix A: Banjo Chords and Notes 329
Appendix B: Audio Tracks and Video Clips 335
Index 343