Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Banjo method books? (for any style)

  1. #1

    Banjo method books? (for any style)

    I came across a reference to Frank Converse's mid-nineteenth century method books the other day, and then noticed that some of them are still in print (http://www.banjocafe.net/forum/showt...thout-a-Master). Got me thinking about the myriad method books there are for banjo. When I first picked up the banjo I used Patrick Costello's The How and the Tao of Old Time Banjo and Old Woodchuck's Rocket Science Banjo. I also have Muller and Koehler's Mel Bay book, Frailing the 5-String Banjo. When I dabbled in Scruggs style I did not use any books, but I know there are many titles for this and for other styles. What are your favorites? I say 'for any style' in the thread title because I know lots of players play more than one style and beginners often don't even know which style they want to learn.

  2. #2

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    The Following:

    "Straight Ahead Jazz", Pat Cloud................... Mel Bay
    "Melodic Clawhammer Banjo, Ken Perlman...... Centerstream
    "Clawhammer Style Banjo" , Ken Perlman............. Centerstream
    "Mel Bay's Complete Clawhammer Banjo Book ", Lisa Schmitz and Alec Slater.......... Mel Bay
    "The Complete 5-String Banjo Player", Tony Trishka......................Mel Bay
    "Splitting The Licks", Janet Davis................. Mel Bay

  3. The Following User Says Thank You to Jeff Hildreth For This Useful Post:


  4. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Midland, Michigan
    Posts
    4

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    I'd have to say for Bluegrass it's Earls book. When I started I was pretty much on my own, just me and Earl's book with the LP, remember those ?

    Chris

  5. #4

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    Yep, I don't play much Scruggs style right now, but I've got to get Earl's book.

  6. #5

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    Earl's book was the first one I got many moons ago.

  7. #6

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    These six were hugely important to me while I was learning... probably explains a lot.

    image.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpg

  8. #7

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    Jack Hatfield's books are great!

  9. #8

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    I play Scruggs Style, for me its been:
    Earls book
    Janet Davis Back Up Banjo ( Mel Bay)

  10. #9

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    I've used Dan Levenson's "Clawhammer Banjo from scratch".
    I have an older version that came with CD's, and I have the DVD with it also. Always found it easy to follow and understand.

    Wife brought home the "How and Tao of clawhammer banjo" but I have not read it yet.

    d

  11. #10
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Gardena,CA
    Posts
    15
    Blog Entries
    2

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    Wayne Erbsen's "Complete Ignoramous" books for banjo and mandolin. Very fun,easy to understand,and you learn the history of the tunes. Dan Levenson's tune books in the old time style for banjo & mandolin as well. (I know tunebooks aren't method books but felt compelled to share!

  12. #11
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Germany: Ruhr Area
    Posts
    16

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    I like Pete Wernick's "Bluegrass Banjo" (Oak Publications). However, I always failed to learn to play Scruggs style...
    For Clawhammer, I used youtube... Pat & Patrick Costello, Josh Turknett.

  13. #12

    Re: Banjo method books? (for any style)

    Pete Seeger's, "How To Play The 5 String Banjo." The bible of basics, IMHO.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •