
To start with, it’s much easier to use simple picking patterns like the Square Roll. If you want to play Bluegrass, you will eventually need to learn many different patterns to get those amazing cross-rhythms the banjo is renowned for. There are many different picking patterns and rolls you can play. 4) The simplicity of the Picking strokes and Rolls required with the RH.
Start off easy with songs that only need a few fingers to play, gain musical knowledge and confidence by playing something you know, then add extra fingering positions later once you are ready! A lot of the songs in the Banjo Academy can be played with just one or two LH fretting fingers! For example the walk up and down in G part of Duelling Banjos only needs you to use the Index amd Middle fingers.
3) The number of fretting fingers/ positions required with the LH. This is why we’ve selected well known songs like Amazing Grace, Country Roads and Dueling Banjos to give away as free video tutorials. It’s going to be easier for you to work out how to play your first melody on the banjo if you already know the song. Most of the notes in Amazing Grace can be played on open strings! Most of the songs on this website are in G to make it easier for beginners. The 5-string banjo is normally tuned to a G major chord (Standard tuning) so you’ve got a huge headstart if you play songs in the key of G. It’s much easier for a beginner to play ‘Down the neck’ meaning with the LH (fretting hand) close to the peg head or nut part of the instrument. It’s a great idea to use all the Right Hand fingerpicking options – Thumb, Index, and Middle fingers – right from the start, but don’t feel embarrassed if you find it more convenient to sound the strings with just one preferred finger (or thumb) over and over to start with – that’s ok! You only need to use the four basic Left Hand positions you can find everywhere in the beginners section of this website.įor the Right Hand technique, the Melody is slow enough so it’s not really important which fingerings you use, just go with what feels most comfortable to start with.
This instructional video is suitable for absolute beginners. Literally everyone knows this!īroken down one note at a time you will see closeups of both Right- and Left- hands, with every pick stroke and fingering position explained in detail. Play the chorus melody Country Roads, take Me home on the five string banjo – free video lesson.īy the time you complete this free tutorial, you will be able to play part of this favourite campfire song.