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A calming friendly approach to learning clawhammer banjo for adults

Banjo Adventures is an online banjo apprenticeship for new banjo players. It’s created especially for adults who consider themselves non-musical and are looking for a fresh start.

No complex theory.
No confusion.

Just a proven path that I've walked myself to help you play music — with real 1-2-1 guidance whenever you need it most.

⬇ Scroll down to see how it works

  • This is what I love about being part of Ben school - The mutual support! Given my short attention span it’s highly likely I would have given up by now

    Taff - 22/01/2026

    U.K

  • Posting my progress and people’s encouraging words is what keeps me going on this. If it wasn’t for this community I’m not sure I’d have the motivation.

    Jules — 12/02/2026

    U.K

  • Close-up of a young woman with short brown hair, wearing a pink hoodie and smiling at the camera.

    So excited to be in the Hiker tier. Just started Cripple Creek, first lesson. Really enjoying it despite the look on my face 🤣

    Wren - echtraseeker - 05/09/2025

    U.S.A

  • Discord logo featuring a smiling game controller character with headphones.

    Thank you Ben! Really enjoy your outdoors presentation, All that plus the fun to be introduced to double thumbing is a real treat!!

    Charles - 12/07/2025

    U.S.A

  • Discord logo on a blue background.

    I’m absolutely thrilled 🤩 thanks a million-first musical sound I’ve ever made 🙂

    Gerry T - 24/09/2025

    Ireland

  • Discord logo with a headset icon

    I have tried a couple of other courses on patreon but this has been the best one for me personally!! Keep up the good work 👊🏻

    Jay Dee - 29/08/2025

    U.K

  • Person climbing on rocks in a forest with a small waterfall

    Your lessons are exactly what I have been missing! I feel like I've improved more in the 2 weeks than I have in the last 2 years.

    Greg G - 16/09/2025

    U.S.A

  • Four men standing together in front of a dark background, with one woman also included, all dressed in colorful, patterned jackets and hats, posing for the photo.

    Banjo Adventures is a fantastic place to learn. Clear lessons, step by step progress with friendly help and support along the way, and an amazing community to share the journey with too.

    Jilly V — 16/09/2025

    U.K

  • Cartoon character of a cat wearing a gold headset and a red and white striped shirt, using a microphone and holding a gray steering wheel.

    I love what you're doing here with Banjo Adventures; keeping engagement going and pouring energy in is... whew, it's a lot of work.

    Chiara — 22/05/2025

    U.K

  • Icon of a white gaming controller inside an orange circle, with a black border, on an orange background.

    I am really enjoying my practice time and hope to have an audio clip for you on my progress soon 🤞thanks again

    Lee-nm — 22/05/2025

    U.K

  • A man wearing a camouflage baseball cap and headphones, smiling.

    Really enjoying what you’ve put together! I’ve picked up the banjo ever day since getting. Can’t say the same for the guitar on the wall!

    karlloss - 30/05/2025

    U.K

  • Only been here a couple of months but feel I have made so much progress. You are awesome at explaining stuff and your casual style and outdoor wanderings really resonate with me.

    schmike - 11/02/2026

    Finland

Banjo Adventures is created and taught by Ben Dorning

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Hear it for yourself

Curious how new starters turn into confident banjo players? Some of our awesome members have shared their tunes here.
Some even started from scratch, and now they’re picking out melodies with pride.

Take a listen and imagine what you could achieve!

Text message reading: 'Enjoying the Saw Mill tuning' with emojis of a chicken playing a banjo and a saw.
Screenshot of a messaging app showing a message from Carl that reads, "Sorry I’ve been away for a while but I’m back and raring to go. Please let me know what you think."

Start Playing Banjo Today

Join Banjo Adventures free for 7 days and experience what structured, calm, real progress feels like.

Try Banjo Adventures Free For 7 Days

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Three Steps To Success

A man sitting by a pond playing a banjo, with trees and a fence in the background, and text that reads 'Banjo Lesson One'.

Step 1 - LEARN

Beginner-friendly lessons in inspiring outdoor settings to keep learning casual and fun.

Beginner Clawhammer banjo exercise with highlighted notes for a G chord and chord diagrams showing D7 and G chords.

Step 2 - PRACTICE

Build real skills with fun play-along exercises with clear on-screen guidance to help you grow

Step 3 - PLAY

Explore a growing library of full banjo song tutorials that go beyond just reading tablature.

Track Your

Own Progress

All new members begin at Hobo Tier 1. From there, you follow clear video lessons and focused practice. As your confidence builds, you move up through the tiers, earning badges along the way until you reach Banjo Adventurer.

My system gives you clear guidance, keeps you motivated, and shows you exactly how far you’ve come — and what to work on next.

With steady practice, you’ll build real skill and start enjoying the banjo the way it’s meant to be played.

Failure is impossible when you have the rest of the world cheering you on

Learning banjo alone is the fastest way to stall — or quit. And let’s be honest… most online forums can feel intimidating, dismissive, or downright unhelpful for beginners.

Banjo Adventures is different.

You’re not just buying lessons — you’re joining the friendliest, most supportive clawhammer banjo community online, with direct access to me whenever you need guidance, clarity, or a nudge forward.

Ask questions. Share wins. Get real feedback. Stay motivated.

Here, beginners are welcomed, progress is celebrated, and no one is left figuring things out alone.

If you want support, structure, and people who genuinely have your back — this is where your banjo journey belongs. 🪕

Community

A man wearing glasses and a plaid shirt playing a banjo outdoors among trees in a wooded area.

A Word from the Creator of Banjo Adventures
Ben Dorning

When I was 18, I was just a railway track apprentice who’d always been surrounded by music but never really clicked with the guitar or drums like my friends did. I had this longing for the banjo’s joyful sound. So I saved up two months of my apprentice wages, bought my first banjo, and started out with nothing but a DVD and a couple of books in my mum’s living room.

At first, I tried to learn Scruggs style for over a year, but it felt like I was just following instructions without making real music. I actually gave up for a while. Then one day, I stumbled onto clawhammer banjo, and that was my breakthrough. Suddenly, I could feel the rhythm, play those 'bum-ditty' patterns, and actually hear real music coming through.

From there, it was just a journey of self-discovery. I kept teaching myself, unlocking new skills, and realised that I’d found my own path. And that’s why I created Banjo Adventures—to help others skip the struggle and jump straight into making music with a guide who’s been there.

Ben Dorning

Founder Of Banjo Adventures