This book and two CD combo is like having a friend show you all your favorite bluegrass songs. Bluegrass virtuoso Dennis Caplinger teaches you the techniques and concepts you need to start playing hot bluegrass banjo right away---all in the context of 16 classic bluegrass standards. The included CDs feature full explanations of all techniques and songs, and demonstrations of all the music examples. For each song there is a slow tempo demonstration, a complete demo track featuring a world-class bluegrass band, and a complete band track without banjo for you to play along with. Plus, with the included TNT software, you can slow tracks down, loop sections, and even change keys for ultimate usability. We've even included a short refresher course on music theory, and a banjo chord dictionary in the back of the book. 'With just a little guidance, you can be playing great bluegrass without spending years on boring exercises and scales.'- Making Music magazine / Banjo

Beginning with basic left- and right-hand techniques, Dennis Caplinger guides you through developing great backup parts and playing all over the neck. You'll learn the classic Scruggs style of picking along with the melodic style. Plus you'll study over 20 classic bluegrass standards, and you'll learn how to play them in several different styles. All books in the Ultimate Beginner Bluegrass Basics series are fully correlated to work together. This is the ideal method for the family that wants to play music together!