If you want to play traditional music, especially in bluegrass picking circles, one of the first skills that we encourage you to develop is playing by ear. You might think this is a skill for professionals, but anyone can do it. By following these steps for learning to play music by ear, you will be able to play together […]
Differences Between Open Back and Closed Back (Resonator) Banjos There’s something about the cheery twang of a banjo that makes it a fun instrument to hear and to play. The snappy notes that flow from a 5-string make us think of lively bluegrass music, and so many songs would not feel complete without it. However, […]
The banjo might seem to have a simple design on the surface, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Banjos have an intricate design that consists of several parts. The construction of the banjo can be thought of as two main parts, called the neck and the pot assembly, that both contain several […]
You can find our beginner banjo lessons on YouTube. The banjo might seem like a straightforward instrument to play, but it takes a lot of practice to master. There are different playing techniques to learn, as well as different types of banjos to play. When you’re just starting, it’s important to find lessons that are […]
Beginning banjo players have a lot of things to learn about their new instrument. Besides learning how to play the banjo, there are often a lot of questions about the proper equipment for it. The decision about using capos and spikes for beginning banjo players is not a difficult one, but there are some basics […]
Encourage children to play any instrument. Source: Frédéric de Villamil via Flickr Learning how to play a musical instrument is a challenging yet rewarding experience for kids. While some are eager to start taking lessons, others might need a little nudge in the right direction. Encouraging kids to play an instrument involves helping them see […]
Whether you’re just starting out learning to play an instrument or looking to improve your skills, regular practice is the most important thing. You can also find plenty of inspiration and practical advice on how to play better from professional musicians. The following effective steps to playing an instrument well are based on the habits […]
Earl Scruggs is one of the most well-known banjo players of all time. His three-finger style of banjo playing became known as Scruggs Style and is commonly used in bluegrass music. Scruggs Style can be heard in several recognizable songs, including “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and the theme song of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” With the Scruggs […]
