Tough Love for a Struggling Picker…and Playing the Words of Wichita Lineman

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This article originally appeared in the January 2011 issue of Banjo Newsletter, and is also available as an easy-to-print PDF. Ira writes: One of my jam students last week had trouble changing chords on time and was right at the … Read More

Getting Away from Strict Memorizing and Creating Your Own Solos

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Will J. writes: I have been taking banjo lesson for about a year and a half now. My instructor is a great banjo player, winning competitions at major events. My problem seems to be that he wants me to learn songs by ear. I currently have about 30 songs in my repertoire, mostly traditional Scruggs tunes. … Read More

A Jam Skill You Can Use: Hearing Chord Changes

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We’re in peak jamming season now, and I hope those of you who bring your banjos to festivals actually take them out and get into some real live jams. More players than most would imagine rarely if ever get to play music with other people. You know who you are!… Read More