ISBN 9781610655842. Believed to be the first banjo book of its kind, consisting entirely of Renaissance music, Renaissance and Early Music for Banjo provides the banjo player with "growing material"- the opportunity to play in a number of different keys besides G major, thus expanding their horizon by using unusual chords. The player will utilize different tempos that banjoists are not usually familiar with. Provides material for "Classical Banjo" enthusiasts who want to expand their playing, it also allows the player to deal with what was perhaps the earliest type of music theory known, that of the modal scales. It will teach the student the different types of form structures, and to get away from relying on the 5th string too much. This type of music would be extremely difficult to learn by ear, and so a book of tablatures would prove to be invaluable. Every piece is presented first in a vertical chordal arrangement, which was the way it was originally intended, and then arranged in a more linear horizontal style, using perpetual motion which is much more familiar with toda's player. Thus they are great for finger limbering exercises. Every tune is provided with analytical commentaries and the book has a glossary of terms. In tablature only. Includes access to online audio.

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 9781513455723. 8.75 x 11.75 inches.

This book contains the 50 late 19th century tunes in Albert Baurs 1883 anthology, The Banjoists Budget. The collection has roots in four main sources: minstrel songs, Irish popular and folk traditions, clog dancing tunes, and Gilbert and Sullivan favorites- all expertly played by Rob MacKillop on the accompanying online audio recording. The music is clearly typeset in standard notation and tablature for the 5-string banjo in Baurs original eAEG#B tuning; observing the tablature, however, this music can be played in modern-day concert C tuning, gCGBD. While Baur provided no technique instructions, the music can be played in the old minstrel stroke technique, the modern melodic clawhammer style, or fingerstyle. By contrast, MacKillop provides ample performance notes and a few tips within the notation. These melodies constitute an authentic audio window to a past century, when the five-string banjo was a classical instrument studied and played by serious students and expert musicians who read standard notation rather than tablature. In any case, here they are in notation and modern banjo tablature, together with a delightful online recording. Includes access to online audio.

ISBN 9781610659963. Here is the Forgotten Heritage: Great Banjo Music! Discover the birth of the American fingerstyle banjo in this collection of 28 of the finest tunes culled from banjo publications between 1860 and 1887. Learn amazing banjo music by some of the early leading players, James Buckley, Albert Baur, and the great Frank B. Converse, the greatest virtuoso of his day. From folk-style dances to parlor dances such as the Polka, Mazurka and Schottische, to advanced Romantic-period classical-style solos. Can be played on modern banjos or period-style instruments. The audio recording by Rob MacKillop features a gut-strung banjo, and is played with the flesh of the fingertips, in the old American tuning. For modern instrument players, Rob has provided TAB and a Standard Notation stave at modern banjo pitch. Clawhammer players will find many of the pieces in the book suitable for their technique, and bluegrass/fingerstyle players will be able to play all the pieces. Rob MacKillop provides a fascinating introductory essay, placing the music in its historical context, while his audio of performances can be viewed as a stand-alone recording by a leading player in the revival of this great American banjo heritage. Online audio available for download.

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.