A Better Way to Capo Your 5th String Banjo – No Drilling Needed!
Ben Dorning Ben Dorning

A Better Way to Capo Your 5th String Banjo – No Drilling Needed!

Tuning your 5th string up to A doesn’t have to mean drilling holes into your banjo neck. In this post, I share a clever 3D-printed capo sent from the Isle of Skye that solves the problem without spikes or damage. Watch the demo, grab my Skyeboat Song notes, and discover a simple, non-invasive way to make your banjo more versatile.

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The Ultimate Beginner Clawhammer Banjo Bundle £250
Ben Dorning Ben Dorning

The Ultimate Beginner Clawhammer Banjo Bundle £250

Project Pathfinder is a new crowdfunded initiative from Banjo Adventures, offering a complete beginner clawhammer banjo bundle—including a custom instrument, full course book, and lifetime membership. With only 4 bundles available, this is a rare chance to join the adventure and help launch the first official Banjo Adventures banjos.

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How Long Does It Really Take to Learn Banjo? (Honest Beginner Guide)
learn banjo for beginners advice Ben Dorning learn banjo for beginners advice Ben Dorning

How Long Does It Really Take to Learn Banjo? (Honest Beginner Guide)

Most beginners are fearful that they will never truly learn how to play the banjo. This blog post outlines our expectations and what to expect from going from zero to learning to play your first tune from memory. We have coined the term BANJO HOURS to represent a unit of time spent with our banjos learning this skill.

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Life After D7 YouTube Video
Ben Dorning Ben Dorning

Life After D7 YouTube Video

You’ve nailed Skip to My Lou, but now you're wondering what comes next. In this follow-up to my Life After D7 video, I’ll show you how a simple finger stretch (hello, F6!) can open up a whole new sound. Plus, grab your free Old Joe Clark Tab Pack with three levels — from basic to fancy — and start building real banjo momentum.

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What is the Easiest Beginner Banjo Tune to Learn First?
Ben Dorning Ben Dorning

What is the Easiest Beginner Banjo Tune to Learn First?

Just picked up a banjo and wondering what your first tune should be? In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll show you why Skip to My Lou is the perfect starting point for clawhammer banjo players. We’ll explore how rhythm, chords, and melody come together to form the heart of every tune—and by the end, you’ll be playing your first full song with confidence. Includes free TAB, a full playalong video, and a printable PDF to keep you strumming long after the lesson ends.

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What’s the Best Irish Tune to Play on Banjo?
Ben Dorning Ben Dorning

What’s the Best Irish Tune to Play on Banjo?

Looking for the perfect Irish tune to play on 5-string banjo? Most traditional Irish banjo tunes are played on tenor banjo—but clawhammer players, don’t feel left out! In this post, I share my personal pick for the best Irish song to play on clawhammer banjo: the lively classic “I’ll Tell Me Ma.” Complete with a full play-along video, clawhammer tab, and tips for making Irish music your own, this is a fun and rewarding tune for beginners and seasoned players alike. Sláinte!

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Things to Know Before Buying Your First Used Banjo Online
Ben Dorning Ben Dorning

Things to Know Before Buying Your First Used Banjo Online

Thinking about buying your first banjo online? Don’t get stuck with a dud! This no-nonsense guide breaks down everything a beginner needs to know — from spotting real damage vs. harmless wear, to avoiding the wrong type of banjo entirely. Whether you’re hunting on eBay, Marketplace, or Reverb, here are the 10 essential things to check before you buy your first used banjo.

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DON’T Pay For Banjo Lessons Online! READ THIS FIRST!
Ben Dorning Ben Dorning

DON’T Pay For Banjo Lessons Online! READ THIS FIRST!

Back in 2006, I learned banjo with nothing but free YouTube videos, confusing tab sheets, and all the free time a 19-year-old living at his mam’s house could ask for. Fast forward to now — I’ve got two kids, a business to run, and a calendar that looks like a game of Tetris. These days, if I wanted to learn banjo, I wouldn’t waste a second digging through internet chaos. I’d pay for someone to tell me exactly what to do, step by step. This blog dives into why paying for online music lessons isn’t just smart — it might be the only way forward for anyone juggling real life and real learning.

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 The Best Way to Learn How to Play a Musical Instrument Online
Ben Dorning Ben Dorning

The Best Way to Learn How to Play a Musical Instrument Online

Thinking of learning a musical instrument from home? Whether you’re over 40 and rediscovering your creative side or just looking for a rewarding new hobby, this guide breaks down the best way to learn music online—with flexibility, fun, and zero pressure. From YouTube rabbit holes to structured banjo lessons, find out what really works (and why the 5-string banjo might just steal your heart).

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