Building A Banjo Solo Tactics

by David Bandrowski

 


 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! 

Thematic Variations

Melodic Patterns

COMMENTS

Kristin Scott Benson chooses the Deering Golden Series banjos
New call-to-action

Search Blog Post

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Sep 6.2023

Michael J. Miles Clawhammer Banjo Workshop | 37 Ways To Play G, C, and D

Come learn 37 ways and more to make your G, C, and D chords on the 5-string banjo in Episode 4 of our Clawhammer Banjo Workshop Series with Michael Miles....

Aug 23.2023

Michael J. Miles Clawhammer Banjo Workshop | Blues & Blues Improvisation

Welcome to the third episode of our pre-recorded clawhammer banjo workshop series with the talented Michael Miles. In this episode, Michael and his co-host,...

Aug 8.2023

Michael J. Miles Clawhammer Banjo Workshop | Song Accompaniment Part 2

Welcome to the second episode of our pre-recorded clawhammer banjo workshop series with Michael Miles. Throughout this episode, Michael and co-host David...

Jun 28.2023

Michael J. Miles Clawhammer Banjo Workshop | Song Accompaniment Part 1

Join us for the premiere episode of our pre-recorded clawhammer banjo workshop series with Michael Miles. Discover how to accompany yourself or others while...

sign up for our newsletter

Archives

see all