ArtistWorks Blog

If you’re learning bluegrass banjo, you’ve probably encountered the term “banjo rolls.” These are foundational picking patterns that form the backbone of bluegrass banjo playing. Among the many banjo rolls, the alternating thumb roll stands out as one of the most versatile and essential. Whether you’re just starting your banjo journey or looking to refine your technique, this blog will dive deep into mastering the alternating thumb roll—complete with exercises and tips.

The I-V-vi-IV progression is one of the most popular chord progressions in music, featured in countless hits across genres. It's a fantastic tool for piano improvisation, offering endless opportunities to experiment with melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. In this blog, we'll explore how you can use this progression to enhance your skills and make your piano practice sessions more creative and fun. Along the way, we’ll refer to expert advice from Zachary Deak's ArtistWorks online piano course, which provides invaluable resources for mastering improvisation.

Exciting news for guitarists diving into blues rock! Jared James Nichols has added four brand-new lessons to his popular ArtistWorks course. These lessons dive deep into one of Jared's signature tools: the Mixolydian scale. Known for its distinctive blend of major and minor tonalities, this scale is a staple in Jared’s expressive soloing and improvisation. In the first new lesson, Jared breaks down the Mixolydian scale, explaining its unique sound and why it works perfectly over dominant chords across genres. He offers tips on how to internalize its flavor and make it your own.

Mike Marshall, one of the foremost innovators and virtuosos of the mandolin family, has once again broken boundaries by bringing Johann Sebastian Bach’s six cello suites to the mandocello. Long celebrated as masterpieces of baroque composition, these suites were originally written for the cello, an instrument with a distinctly different tonal range and technique than the mandocello. Yet, through Marshall's unparalleled artistry and dedication, these works have been reimagined and recorded in their entirety on the mandocello—a feat never accomplished before.

We’re thrilled to announce that ten brand-new lessons have been added to Dave Isaacs’ highly acclaimed Session Player Toolkit course on ArtistWorks. These lessons form the all-new tenth unit of the course and focus on a fresh original composition from Dave in E Major called “Major Rock Walkdown.” Whether you’re honing your rhythm playing, expanding your soloing toolbox, or diving deep into music theory, these new lessons are designed to elevate your skills to the next level.

When it comes to playing the clawhammer banjo, understanding chord inversions and triad inversions can elevate your playing to a whole new level. Whether you're exploring backup techniques, arranging tunes, or adding melodic variations, triad inversions are a must-know skill for any banjo enthusiast. This blog will break down the basics, and we’ll also recommend exploring Allison de Groot’s online clawhammer banjo course at ArtistWorks for a deeper dive into these concepts.

We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new addition to Alex Hargreaves’ fiddle course on ArtistWorks: a Duets section! This exciting feature kicks off with ten incredible duets featuring Alex and renowned flatpick guitarist Jim Nunally. Together, they bring fresh insights and inspiration to the tunes already taught in the curriculum, making this a must-see for fiddle enthusiasts and musicians looking to deepen their understanding of collaboration and improvisation.

We’re thrilled to announce that Michael Daves has expanded his popular bluegrass vocal course at ArtistWorks with seven brand-new lessons! Perfect for singers of all skill levels, these lessons bring classic bluegrass tunes to life with detailed instruction across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to refine your skills, these new additions offer something for everyone.