ISBN 9781609749149. The finest tenor banjo method available, this text represents Mel Bay's own approach to fundamental musicianship on this versatile instrument. This book is the standard by which others are judged. Easy-to-understand and thorough in its approach, this method addresses both melody playing and chord strumming. Through numerous studies, folk songs and several duets, students are systematically introduced to the various notes and positions on the tenor banjo fretboard. Photos aid in learning proper hand and sitting positions. Once in two volumes, this method is now presented it its entirety in this single comprehensive edition, written in standard notation only.As the tuning of the mandola is identical to that of the tenor banjo (CGDA), this method can serve as a note-reading approach for learning the mandola as well. Tenor banjo chord references can also serve for the mandola. As with the guitar, however, these instruments actually sound an octave lower than written in treble clef.

ISBN 9781610658645. 8.5 X 11 inches. This book is designed to aid the novice attempting to learn the 5-string banjo using 3-Finger Style, where the strings are picked by three fingers (thumb,index and middle) of the right hand. Upon completing this volume, you will have learned how to combine left-hand notes with right-hand patterns so as to perform bluegrass style solos and back-up. You will also have the foundation needed to explore other styles of music, such as blues and jazz. No prior knowledge of music or any musical instrument is needed to learn from this method. Enough detail is given to allow the beginner to fully grasp each concept. In addition, exercises are designed to facilitate a gradual increase in the student's understanding and dexterity. When a new concept is presented for the right hand, the left hand performs previously learned tasks. Likewise, a new left-hand technique is demonstrated with familiar right-hand patterns. This instructional technique is used throughout the text. Includes access to online audio.

ISBN 9781513459851. 8.75x11.75 inches.

For plectrum or five-string banjo (C tuning), this text is the famed Mel Bay system for melody chord performance. In standard notation and tablature.

ISBN 9781513459837. 8.75x11.75 inches.

This book contains twenty well-known classical melodies arranged for 5-string banjo in G tuning. The selections span from the Baroque era to the beginning of the 20th century. All are set in standard notation and tablature in easy melody/chord arrangements that rarely use the 5th string. This collection will provide beautiful additions to your solo banjo repertoire and improve your note-reading ability.

ISBN 9781610657716.

The world of melodic jazz banjo soloing is revealed in this comprehensive method which leads a student from basic intervals to advanced theoretical concepts and finally to a firm foundation in jazz fundamentals. Included are over 90 exercises and examples written in both tablature fingerings and standard music notation which show how scales and arpeggios are used and how they apply to real playing situations. Every five-string banjoist can benefit from the information contained in this breakthrough volume whether they aspire to jazz or just want to find out more about the possibilities and structure of the banjo. Includes access to online audio.Starting with basic intervals, Straight-Ahead Jazz for Banjo shows the structure of all basic chord types and qualities and matches these to the scales that generate them. The book's basic concept model is to treat the five-string banjo's potential in an inclusive technical context so that the student can make use of open and fifth strings to create a smooth legato style. Each of the 90+ exercises are recorded with a metronome and progress to 16 additional examples of original jazz phrases in a variety of keys. Topics include functional major and minor key harmony, diminished and augmented scales and how they are used, and the integration of altered scale substitutes in the art of jazz improvisation. It stresses listening and learning in a logical structured manner with an example of a daily practice plan. The unique emphasis of the book is on the fingerings which make the instrument work for you technically and thus open up added possibilities for the development of a student's personal style. This long-awaited volume will surely bring new focus and perspective to any banjo style and will be a classic reference for many new generations of banjoists. Includes access to online audio.

ISBN 9781619117747.

The definitive text on playing harmonics (chimes) on the 5-string banjo in G tuning! In addition to traditional chiming methods, the authoras new T3N technique for creating banjo harmonics will add new dimensions to your playing. While particularly useful in the three-finger style, T3N can be used in other banjo styles and on other stringed instruments. Most banjo players are familiar with playing open-string harmonics on the 5-string banjo over the 12th, 7th and 5th frets, or perhaps the 4th and 9th frets, so that in typical G-tuning, the open G-chord, D-chord, octave G-chord, and B-chord notes are chimed. With the T3N technique presented in this book, entire scales can be chimed, with other harmonic effects including choking and sliding possibilities! The first part of this book provides a review of traditional banjo harmonic chiming techniques, while the second part explores the exciting new T3Napproach. Written in tablature only, for 5-string banjo in GDGBD tuning.