Banjo Tuning Basics for Beginners
Wed, 08/19/2015 - 10:39am
The first thing you’ll need to learn when you start playing the banjo is how to tune it properly. If you’re lacking in musical experience like me, banjo tuning can be pretty intimidating at first. But never fear, Tony Trischka can show you how to master this critical banjo skill so you'll be tuning like a pro.
Learning Banjo Rolls Online with Tony Trischka
Wed, 05/27/2015 - 11:10am
Tony Trischka has crafted his online lessons at ArtistWorks to get beginning banjo players up and running quickly while simultaneously building a strong musical foundation. Tony has been teaching people how to play banjo – from raw beginners to advanced players – since 1970. After he teaches students their first 3 chords, he says:
“I have them play the melody [of ‘Ode to Joy’] on the third string, and alternate with the first string, which acts as a drone. From there I show them their first roll... the thumb, index, thumb, middle alternating thumb roll.”
That’s great, but I can hear you wondering, “What the heck is a banjo roll? And how in the world can I alternate my thumb?” As a beginning banjo student, I had the same questions, so let’s learn more about this important technique.
Tony Trischka has crafted his online lessons at ArtistWorks to get beginning banjo players up and running quickly while simultaneously building a strong musical foundation. Tony has been teaching people how to play banjo – from raw beginners to advanced players – since 1970. After he teaches students their first 3 chords, he says:
“I have them play the melody [of ‘Ode to Joy’] on the third string, and alternate with the first string, which acts as a drone. From there I show them their first roll... the thumb, index, thumb, middle alternating thumb roll.”
That’s great, but I can hear you wondering, “What the heck is a banjo roll? And how in the world can I alternate my thumb?” As a beginning banjo student, I had the same questions, so let’s learn more about this important technique.
Upcoming Summer Bluegrass Festivals
Fri, 05/22/2015 - 3:42pm
The summer is fast approaching, and there's no better time for outdoor jamming than some of that nice warm weather. We hope everyone finds some time to sit back and play some music this summer. Whatever style or instrument you play, the important thing is to enjoy it for all that it's worth. If you're in any of these areas, check out some ArtistWorks bluegrass teachers playing live at these upcoming event
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival: June 18-21. Telluride, CO. Featuring Bryan Sutton. Click here for more info.
Recording with Michael Daves
Mon, 12/29/2014 - 8:59am
Topics: banjo, Tony Trischka
After many years of blowing people away with his singing and guitar playing (check out his duo album with Chris Thile on Nonesuch) and my Great Big World album on Rounder, Michael Daves has started work on a double album (the same songs on both...one done bluegrass style, the other more stripped down with drums). He's recording in Brooklyn and yesterday I got to play cello banjo on two tunes.....an old time tune called "The 28th of January" and a somewhat obscure, but amazing Bill Monroe song called "Sally Jo". Noam Pikelny was playing on his regular five string, Sarah Jarosz was on mandolin, Brittany Haas played fiddle and Mike Bub cemented it all together with the bass. It's going to be an amazing two album set, so keep your eyes and ears open for it. Michael's doing a show with all of us (plus more) tomorrow night at the Bell House in Brooklyn, so if you're in the area you should definitely check it out.
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