Banjo (Bluegrass)

The Banjo According To John Hartford - Licks, Ideas And Music - Lesson 1
John Hartford
60 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641653

This is the first of two highly-packed lessons that provide a rare opportunity to spend time with the late John Hartford and get his personal take on how he plays the five-string banjo. A thoughtful and knowledgable musician, John had many unusual theories and a treasure-trove of ideas and techniques that he enthusiastically shares with learning players. With Chris Sharp backing him up on on fiddle and guitar, John's video lessons provide invaluable insights into his trademark banjo sound.
On this lesson, John works with several well-known traditional and original songs taken from his vast repertoire, demonstrating a variety of ideas pertaining to his banjo style. He shows you a number of important rolls and licks, along with invaluable tips about getting good tone (finding the "sweet spot"), phrasing, accenting, using picks, playing backup and lots more. John reveals his personal tricks for playing fast (using hammers and pulls, triplets and "ghost" notes), and illustrates how he "plays the words" to a song to give his banjo solo depth and meaning.

The tunes John covers on this lesson include "Cumberland Gap," "Old Time River Man," "Cripple Creek," and his best-known hit song, "Gentle on My Mind."

The Banjo According To John Hartford - Licks, Ideas And Music - Lesson 2
John Hartford
60 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641654

On this second part of his unique banjo lesson series, John Hartford once again imparts numerous ideas and a myriad of techniques for the learning player. He explains chromatic scales and teaches his famous "slide whistle" lick, which allows you to play ear-catching runs that will enhance any tune. You'll also learn to add color and excitement to your banjo solos with John's trademark "fiddle style" melodic licks, which you will learn to play anywhere on the fingerboard. Sally Goodin and Old Time River Man provide the perfect examples for this dynamic technique.
John provides words of advice for everything from using a metronome and a tape recorder for your practice sessions to detailed instruction on dancing while playing the banjo (complete with his "footlature" notation system. Among other topics he covers are licks based on diminished and augmented chords, banjo back up licks, pushing the beat, how to create "accidental counterpoint," and how John writes his original breakdowns for banjo.

Some of the other instrumentals John and Chris demonstrate include "Leather Britches" (backup), "Goin Back to Dixie," " Cackling Hen," "Annual Waltz," "Your Tax Dollars at Work," "Lorena," "Boogie" and "Foggy Mountain Landscape." - 

The Banjo of Eddie Adcock - Lessons from a Bluegrass Legend
Eddie Adcock
75 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641978

"Terriffic...and what a challenge! It really is like learning a new language - at least I have my work cut out for the rest of the winter (and quite a few future winters also). It really is an excellent video. Good job!" - Scott Street, Richmond VA

"I really liked the video. I have always been fascinated by his style but also intimidated. Eddie makes it easy to learn and makes you want to learn it." - Richard Dress, Alexandria

The Banjo of Ralph Stanley - from Old-Time to Bluegrass
Ralph Stanley with the Clinch Mountain Boys
90 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641906

This intimate look at Ralph Stanley's pioneering banjo style begins with the first tunes he learned from his mother in the old-time clawhammer technique, and progresses through the three-finger bluegrass picking he helped make famous. Included are both detailed instruction and full-band performances of some of the most beloved Stanley Brothers tunes: "Little Maggie," "Hard Times," "Dickenson County Breakdown," "Little Birdie," "Clinch Mountain Backstep," "Train 45," more.

Banjo Picking Styles
Béla Fleck
60 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641814

Here's a unique opportunity to learn a variety of banjo styles and techniques as played by one of the hottest players on the scene today. Béla Fleck shows you stylistic innovations that will add sparkle and interest to your playing, as well as several great tunes. He covers bluegrass, single-string picking, harmonics, Keith Tuners, blues improvisations and fabulous tunes such as "Texas Bar-B-Que," "Brilliancy," "Natural Bridge Suite," "John Henry" and "The Wind That Shakes The Barley." Watch Béla's fingers as he slows down and explains the licks for which he's become famous. 

The Banjo Technique of Jens Kruger - Developing Skills, Creativity and Musicianship
Jens Krüger
50 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00642000

Join Jens Kruger for an exciting journey into the art of the five-string banjo. This outstanding lesson by a true virtuoso contains a wealth of ideas for players at all levels, and will help you expand your musical knowledge, build your technique and make your playing “stand out in a crowd.”
Jens provides a detailed roadmap to his highly original playing and composing, passing on concepts, exercises and gorgeous original tunes to help you bring your banjo playing to new heights. He gives you the tools to get a better sound, sustain the notes longer, play with greater tone, increase your picking speed and incorporate dynamics and tempo changes to utilize the full range of your instrument. 

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo
Pete Wernick
100 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641606

Through his books, videos, classes and workshops, Pete (Dr. Banjo) Wernick has probably gotten more people playing bluegrass banjo than just about anyone. His video, “Beginning Bluegrass Banjo, “ has been one of Homespun’s most popular titles since it was issued in 1986. Now we are re-releasing it in DVD format, making it easier than ever for new players to get started.
This is the perfect course for those who want to play three-finger style bluegrass banjo from scratch. You may never have touched a banjo before, but Pete will have you picking right from the opening minutes of this user-friendly DVD. After getting tuned up and learning some easy chords, Pete teaches you the basic rolls and left-hand fingerings that make up your first bluegrass instrumental. As you progress, you’ll learn how to add slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and a variety of right-hand rolls in the three-finger bluegrass style. 

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo, Volume 1
Greg Cahill
60 min
CHF 30.-
W70509

Includes: introducing the 5-string banjo to the complete beginner, identification of all the parts, how to tune, basic chord formations, how to read banjo tablature, wearing your picks, 5 roll patterns, and he teaches you to play 4 tunes in complete detail. Tunes include: Cripple Creek, She'll be Comin Round the Mountain, Oh Susannah, and Cumberland Gap (two variations: regular and up-the-neck). * accompanying tablature sheet music inside this package.

Beginning Bluegrass Banjo, Volume 2
Greg Cahill
60 min
CHF 30.-
MW70519

Picks up where Vol. 1 leaves off. Covers tunes in the Scruggs, melodic, and single string styles; using a capo, and how to play tunes in the G, D, and C positions. Tunes include "Fireball Mail" (two variations), "Old Joe Clark," "Devil's Dream," "Soldier's Joy," and "Sweet Dixie (Home Sweet Home)." Features split screen close-ups of both hands. Tab sheet included. 60 min.

Blazing Bluegrass Banjo, Volume 1 - Developing Jaming Skills
Greg Cahill
90 min
CHF 23.-
MW70399

Teaches the things you'll need to know when you get together with friends or start a band. Covers: chord theory, structure and positions, count-offs, "pre-ending" and ending licks, adapting various licks to different keys and positions, more. Tunes include "Arkansas Traveler," "8th of January," "Pike County Breakdown" and "Wildwood Flower." Intermediate. Includes tab sheets. 90 min.

Bluegrass Banjo Don Reno Style
Don Wayne Reno
60 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641931

"If you would like to learn some songs and licks by one of the most creative minds ever to tackle the 5-string, this video provides an opportunity like no other. My compliments to Don Wayne, Homespun Tapes, and of course, Don Reno." -- Banjo Newsletter

"This video is highly recommended to all fans of Don Reno or the Reno Brothers, plus anyone who wants to be a better banjo player. There is a lot of detailed information that can be digested in small bites. There is enough here to allow the intermediate to advanced player to gain a solid understanding of Don Reno's banjo style." -- Bluegrass Unlimited.

Branching Out on Bluegrass Banjo - DVD 1: A Treasury of Techniques
Pete Wernick
110 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641757

Pete presents hundreds of building blocks for creating licks, back-ups and solos. You'll learn dozens of left-hand chord groups, versatile right-hand rolls, classic up-the-neck licks and variations, rhythm patterns and chord vamping for back-up, movable chord positions, and more to help you improvise your own solos and variations. 

Branching Out on Bluegrass Banjo - DVD 2: Putting it all into Practice
Pete Wernick
90 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641758

Pete shows you how to apply the techniques covered in the previous video plus dozens of new licks, runs, back-ups, modulations, scales, chords, breaks and more. He shows you how to create your own improvisations and solos while teaching these great bluegrass classics: Soldier's Joy, The Wild Ride, High On A Mountain, If I Should Wander Back Tonight, Radio Boogie, Walk The Way The Wind Blows, Gone Fishing, Nellie Kane, Foggy Mountain Special. 

Classic Bluegrass Banjo Solos
Tony Trischka
60 min
CHF 30.-
HL00641567

"As always, Homespun's production values are topnotch. On each tune, split screen techniques are used so you can see both hands close up at the same time. The sound and picture are excellent and on the DVD version, random access allows you to jump to any part of the lesson in a flash.... All in all, this is a wonderful learning tool, and with all the classic banjo solos out there, hopefully the first of many." - Banjo Newsletter  

Essential Practice Techniques for Bluegrass Banjo
Tony Trischka
50 min.
CHF 30.-
HL00641547

Here’s a lesson that’s a “must-have” for all bluegrass banjo players. Tony Trischka, who has been called “one of the most inventive banjo players alive” by Billboard Magazine, has recorded a nuts and bolts practice session that is designed to improve your timing, strengthen your hands and help you play with precision, power and rhythmic sophistication. It is filled with exercises, etudes and workouts for both your left and right hand, covering many of the building blocks of bluegrass banjo.

This in-depth workout will enable you to achieve sinewy slides, crisp pull-offs, powerful hammer-ons and locked-in right hand patterns. Working with a metronome, Tony details a variety of rolls that highlight the rhythmic aspects of the right hand. He helps you to “straighten out your time” so it’s consistent and even, and shows you how to identify downbeats, upbeats and in-between beats while playing increasingly tricky rolls. 

Get Rolling! An Ultra-Easy, No-Fail Introduction to Bluegrass Banjo
Pete Wernick
60 min.
CHF 20.-,
HL 00641 671

You can make good banjo music almost immediately with "Dr. Banjo" himself! Pete Wernick has taught thousands of people, young and old, to play three-finger style bluegrass "Scruggs" picking. This super-easy lesson has been time-tested at Pete’s many workshops and music camps, and he will have you playing along in the very first minutes.
With only two chords (one "open," the other using just two fingers), Pete gets you started strumming and accompanying ten bluegrass standards. By learning just one more easy chord, you are now able to play along with almost any bluegrass song. You’ll learn a sizeable group of favorites by simply strumming and changing chords in the right places. Getting started this way builds results and confidence quickly, and is extremely effective in learning timing, left hand, and "ear" skills -- all necessary for eventually playing in jam sessions. 

Ron Stewart - A Bluegrass Banjo Professional
Ron Stewart
120 min.
CHF 30.-
AcuTab

Ron Stewart has emerged in recent years as one of the most admired and influential banjos players in bluegrass music. His fluid - almost effortless - style is on display in this DVD, where Ron discusses his thoughts on many aspects of professional-level banjo playing - like finding and playing the melody on a vocal tune and positioning/adapting the right hand for the best tone.

AcuTab's John Lawless hosts the DVD which will be of interest and great value to players at all levels of skill or experience. Beginning and interediate players will be able to learn several of the tunes and also profit from Ron's descriptions of finding the melody. More advanced players can tackle some of the tougher tunes, but can learn a great deal from simply watching and listening to Ron's fabulous tone!

Sammy Shelor - A Demonstration and Analysis of an Award Winning Style
Sammy Shelor
80min.
CHF 30.-
AcuTab

Four-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year, Sammy Shelor shares his insight and experience in this 80 minute instructional video. AcuTab’s John Lawless takes Sammy through a discussion of such tricky concepts as playing the melody in a roll style, effective roll-oriented backup, filling the holes on a vocal number and finding the best tone. In addition, several songs are presented in a split screen format allowing you to watch Sammy’s left and right hands simultaneously. A tab booklet is provided and most examples are played both up to speed and a bit slower.

While not a specifically instructional video per se, pickers at even an introductory level will find much to interest and educate in this presentation. More experienced pickers and fans of Sammy's playing will not want to miss this one.

Steve Huber - Killer Tone
Steve Huber
80 min.
CHF 30.-
MB99961DVD

Steve Huber takes us through a detailed description of the parts of the banjo and how they affect tone, volume and playability. Steve also covers some of the most critical components of banjo set up: proper head tension, tap tuning the head, optimal tone ring/rim fit, adjusting the coordinator rods, choosing a bridge, adjusting tailpiece height, bridge placement and truss rod adjustments. After describing and demonstrating many of these variables, Steve completely disassembles and reassembles a banjo on screen as he shows you how to install a new tone ring. A section on tone production as it relates to right hand picking technique closes the presentation. With careful attention to this video and a bit of trial and error, you can get the best possible tone from your banjo-and learn a lot about the instrument in the process. The DVD version includes 20 minutes of bonus footage.

Power Pickin' Vol. I - Up The Neck Backup for Bluegrass Banjo
Bill Evans
2 h
CHF 30.-
AcuTab

A visual method for learning the basic techniques used to play bluegrass banjo accompaniment in up the neck positions. The material is presented in a step by step approach appropriate for all levels of pickers, and a tab booklet is included. Techniques covered include: --vamping - with variations--3/4 time backup--roll patterns based on chord forms --classic backup licks--2 finger backup for slower songs --bluesy backup styles One of the most challenging skills for any banjo player is being able to accompany other musicians in a jam session or band setting. Called backup, this art of accompanying singers and other instrumentalists requires the mastery of a set of traditional banjo techniques often involving distinctive sounds and licks found higher up the banjo neck. In this Power Pickin' video from AcuTab, Bill Evans takes you through a careful description and demonstration of many important backup techniques that you can incorporate into your picking right away. Each new technique is explained in detail, using a variety of camera angles and split screen formats to show you exactly how it's done. First off, Bill shows you how to use the vamping, or chopping technique. A number of right and left hand variations are demonstrated before moving into roll oriented backup. Bill describes the use of the forward roll in closed, up the neck positions as well as the popular two finger backup techniques, sometimes called "teardrop licks." A variety of right hand patterns are taught based on the different left hand chord forms and all examples are demonstrated both alone and in a band setting, using a standard bluegrass chord progression. Lastly, Bill teaches a number of popular backup licks that will appeal to more experienced pickers and shows how to work them into a song.

Power Pickin' Vol. II - First Position Backup For Bluegrass Banjo
John Lawless
2 h,
CHF 30.-
AcuTab

A step-by-step demonstration of the basic techniques and patterns used to play roll style bluegrass banjo backup in the open, or first position. Contains material of interest to both beginners and more experienced players alike. Starting with the most basic, first look at following a simple chord progression, AcuTab's John Lawless takes you through a detailed discussion and analysis of down the neck backup that encompasses most of the elements that define the bluegrass banjo style. After learning some simple accompaniment patterns, John shows you how to create an effective backup using the forward roll to get the bluegrass sound. An essential part of the presentation is the concept of the escape roll, which allows you to maintain a forward roll over more than a single measure, and then escaping that pattern to lead into a new roll or chord. Also covered: --Leading from one chord to the next --Fiddle tune backup (banjo/fiddle duets) --Filling the holes in vocal songs --Backup in keys other than G (C and D) --Using distinctive rolls and licks 2 hours. Tab booklet included. See video clips and screen shots online at www.acutab.com.

Power Pickin' Vol. 3- Playing Banjo Backup in a Bluegrass Band
Bill Evans
2 h
CHF 30.-
AcuTab

Bill Evans demonstrates effective banjo backup for 7 standard tunes, showing the techniques in detail, and also playing them with a band. A variety of keys, styles and tempos are demonstrated in this 2 hour DVD with examples of roll based backup, vamping and two finger techniques. Both up and down the neck backup are shown and a tab booklet is included.

Learn To Play 5-String Banjo
Rüdiger Helbig
BOE7458
CHF 22.50

A modern tutorial DVD for five string Banjo by GermanBanjo specialist Rudiger Helbig.
Starting with the purchase of your first Banjo and exploring such areas as music theory, rolls and chords right up to playing solos, Learn To Play 5-String Banjo contains loads of play-along tracks and songs to inspire you while practicing and simply having fun!
Rudiger Helbig has been Germany's most acclaimed Banjo player for over 30 years. He has made umpteen recordings, and countless appearances on film and TV, and is an internationally renowned performer on the Bluegrass and Country scene.
He is the author of numerous teaching methods.
English and German soundtracks.

Make Up Your Own Banjo Solos
Pete Wernick
HL000642108
CHF 30.-

Sooner or later every player must learn how to create his or her own solos in a jam session. These can be carefully built or improvised on the spot. Pete Wernick teaches how to get the most credible bluegrass Banjo sound, from the simplest 'placeholder' vamps to solos combining melody notes and licks with full rolls. Tab included on DVD.