ISBN 9781513459493. 8.75x11.75 inches.

This book counters the claim that the Devil gets all the best tunes! Rob MacKillop has arranged these well-known carols in chord-melody style with jazz chords, folk, and classical influences, engaging countermelodies beneath the principal theme, and more. Written in standard notation and tablature, these intermediate-level arrangements are not only enjoyable to play and hear but will enhance your technique as you learn them. Rob's performance notes are full of insights, and his online audio recordings of each piece make illuminating and delightful listening. Includes access to online audio.

ISBN 9781619115651. 8.75 x 11.75 inches.

This is a unique collection of drills for all three popular three-finger banjo styles: Scruggs, Single String and Melodic. There are over two hundred sixty exercises ranging from beginner to advanced levels. The physical exercises include finger strengthening, increasing position changing speed, agility and hand-eye coordination. There are detailed aspects of technique not addressed in any other book such as pick depth control, controlling the pick angle for the best tone, stabilizing the right hand and improving economy of motion in both hands. Musical exercises include roll exercises, roll combinations, modern (post-Scruggs) rolls, scales and scale patterns in both single-string and melodic styles, chord scales, fretboard positions for the G scale over the entire fretboard and triad and seventh chord formations. Location of root, seventh and minor tonal centers are shown in chord formations and in the fretboard patterns. Melodic quasi-chord formations are revealed which have never been codified in any other book. Mental tips which enhance focus and dozens of theory tidbits are featured.

ISBN 9781619118478.

Early American Banjo by Tim Twiss provides complete banjo tablature transcriptions of the instrumental solos that first appeared in standard notation in Buckleyas Banjo Guide of 1868. This modern tablature edition of over 100 mid-19th century jigs, waltzes, polkas, hornpipes and reels provides insight to the transition between the African down-stroke technique, which preceded claw-hammer style and the newer, more refined plucking technique. James Buckley (1803 a 1872), sometimes referred to as the aFather of the Classical Banjo,a was one of the most prolific transcribers of early banjo music. His compositions and arrangements were performed on the minstrel stage, and his scholarly discipline produced a lasting record of banjo music of his era. This repertoire collection includes easy tunes as well as more complex pieces suited for the concert stage. The player will delight in discovering how fresh and unusual some of this music sounds, even todayaall in modern banjo tab. While best experienced on a period reproduction, gut-string fretless banjo in a lower tuning, any 5-string banjo in C tuning (gCGBD) may be used to interpret this collection. Includes access to online audio.

ISBN 9781609744649. Learn from the best. Grandpa Jones was a country music legend and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was very well known and respected for his own style of clawhammer banjo. The instructions are helpful for the beginner, with tips on caring for your banjo to keep it sounding its best. The text covers tunings, chord diagrams, and the right hand rhythm patterns that made Grandpa Jones famous with the 5-string banjo. For the intermediate musician, there are alternate tunings, drop thumb rhythm, and exercises for practicing your new skills. Included are several favorite songs, along with lyrics and chords for your accompanist. The preface of the book, written by Grandpa Jones, along with the collection of personal photographs, makes this an excellent keepsake as well.This is simply a must for your music library.