Here is a book of tunes from the Elizabethan era - the great period of English song - set in tablature for the clawhammer banjo. At first glance, it is true, the songs of Shakespeare's day and the mountain banjo seem to be worlds apart. But the musical traditions are, in fact, related, as Elizabethan songs are the old world cousins of mountain tunes. As a result, Elizabethan tunes are a natural way to extend the mountain banjo repertoire for intermediate and advanced players. Their pedigree, their modal feel, the lilting rhythms, and the ease with which they can be adapted to the banjo argue the case. At the same time, they open the possibility for new sounds - in particular new rhythms - for the old instrument, pushing the banjo beyond unnatural limitations and giving it a new voice. Each section of the book is organized around a traditional mountain tuning, with a mountain song serving as a model of that tuning, illuminating the relationship between the two musical worlds. 'The Bard's Banjo? is the first banjo instruction book devoted to the repertoire of Elizabethan song. Free audio downloads are available for use with this title. / Banjo (5 Cordes) / 36 pages / niveau : Intermédiaire/Avancé / Partition - Format: 11 X 8,5

Alfred's Basic 5-String Banjo continues the Alfred Music tradition of easy-to-use, thorough, and enjoyable instruction for the absolute beginner. The basics of left- and right-hand picking are covered, including pinches, different kinds of rolls, and backup patterns. Basic left-hand techniques are introduced, including hammer-ons and slides, and chord diagrams are provided for both G-tuning and C-tuning. Important topics such as setting up the banjo, tuning, banjo heads, fingerpicks, strings, and capos are taught as well. Illustrations, diagrams, and photographs throughout the book make learning easy and fun. The accompanying CD includes 60 minutes of recordings performed by Dick Weissman that demonstrate all the exercises and songs in the book. Learning to play has never been more fun than with Alfred-s Basic 5-String Banjo -- the best choice for today's beginning banjo students. / Banjo