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Essential Banjo Theory

beginner banjo Free lesson

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Step 35 of 49 in Beginner banjo

31 earlier steps

  1. 32 Intro to Endings
  2. 33 Old Joe Clark- Basic
  3. 34 D, F, & A Banjo Chords
  4. 35 Essential Banjo Theory — you are here
  5. 36 Backup Chord Drills: Learn the Neck! Up next
  6. 37 Gettin' Up the Neck With Blackberry Blossom!
  7. 38 Intro to Banjo Backup

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Here's some essential theory that every picker should know, but especially as we begin to build banjo solos and play backup!

Scales Theory

Lesson Discussion

6 replies Continue discussion

  1. Deb Carrigan ·

    Third time coming back to this lesson over two years. It's amazing what shows up when you're ready for it.

  2. Gene Sowell ·

    Try it without the pick for a few passes. Sounds silly but it told me my right hand was doing too much.

  3. Rita Alvarez ·

    Welcome aboard — you picked a good one to start on.

  4. Ben Clark Instructor ·

    Glad it clicked! That timing is the whole point of this lesson, so if that landed you got what you came for.

  5. Gary Feldman ·

    That's the one that made me finally understand backup. Stick with it.

  6. MandoMary ·

    Recording yourself is humbling but it's the fastest fix I've found.

  7. Ray Dunphy ·

    Take the capo off and play it in open G a few times, then put it back. Helped me hear it.

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