Our good friend Hank Smith guides you through a couple strategies to help you build a five string banjo solo when playing in the 3 finger style. These two videos use the popular fiddle tune "Blackberry Blossom" as the tune to take off from and build a solo.
Whether you are at a bluegrass jam, in a band, or just playing around your home, bluegrass banjoists are expected to take a solo. Many banjoists have trouble coming up with ideas that are fresh and original but also keep within the flavor of the tune being played. Hank guides you through these two strategies for creating your solo with his usual articulate, patient, and in depth teaching style.
The first of these strategies Hank explains how to use thematic variations to construct your solo. Whatever version of Blackberry Blossom you originally learned will give you a great deal of information that you can use for your solo.
The second strategy for building a solo that Hank talks about is using melodic patterns. Watch these videos now and learn!
The single string style of playing the 5-string banjo is a way to get linear and melodic ideas out of your 5-string banjo. This technique was pioneered by...
When playing the 5-string banjo for bluegrass, the 3-finger style is the go to technique. A seldom talked about topic for players trying to hone in their...
Learn how to play the Christmas tune "Carol Of The Bells" on the 5-string banjo with Hank Smith. This is a fun and fairly easy holiday tune that 3 finger style...
3733 Kenora Dr.
Spring Valley, CA 91977
COMMENTS