ISBN 9781610652445.

The non-jazz improvisation series is a concept that germinated in Dick Weissman's mind while he was attending music school. He wrote a 15-piece arrangement of the old square dance tune, Cripple Creek, and wanted the trombone to take a solo as part of the arrangement. When the trombonist kept playing a bebop solo that was totally unsuitable for the chart, Dick realized that - in addition to the many musicians who do not improvise - there are even jazz musicians who don't know how to improvise outside the limits of their own stylistic backgrounds.This book approaches the five-string banjo as a musical instrument freed from the prison of specific musical genres. Old-time music, clawhammer, bluegrass and many eclectic adaptations of the banjo are utilized to demonstrate a variety of musical styles. A number of the selections are in different tunings. All examples are written out in traditional and tablature notation.

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.

ISBN 9781619111974.

Counterpoint is a collection of banjo duets, where Miles has taken traditional melodies and created a second banjo part in counterpoint harmony. Counterpoint harmony (vs parallel harmony) has a rhythm and melody of its own, distinct from the main melody. The result is an exquisite sound that enriches these ancient melodies and breathes a revitalized life into them. When Pete Seeger heard it he said, this is one of the most beautiful recordings I have heard in all my 70 years....it's enough to make me want to learn the banjo all over again.

8.75 x 11.75 inches.

This book together with the 21 online video lessons will give you everything you need to get started. You will learn about tuning the banjo, right and left-hand techniques, reading tablature, the basic banjo rolls, playing with solid timing, embellishments that add life to your playing, a little bit of music theory, how to play backup and jam with other musicians, and 10 excellent beginning level songs. Rick has taught hundreds of banjo students over the past several decades, and he knows how to get you playing quickly.