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.
The Perfect Gift for 5 String Banjo Players: A Creative Journal They’ll Treasure Forever
Looking for a thoughtful gift for the banjo player in your life? The Songsmith Scratch Pad is a creative journal designed to help musicians capture their song ideas, lyrics, and melodies before inspiration fades.
Learn “I’ll Tell Me Ma” – The Joy of Playing a Classic Irish Tune on Clawhammer Banjo
Discover how to play the classic Irish tune “I’ll Tell Me Ma” in this easy clawhammer banjo lesson. Learn the melody, rhythm, and groove that make this song so fun to play — perfect for beginners ready to bring some Irish energy to their banjo journey.
Is the Banjo Hard to Learn? Here’s What Every Beginner Should Know
Discover how fun and achievable learning the banjo can be with Ben Dorning’s free clawhammer mini course for beginners.
A Banjo Players Most Useful Book EVER! - The Songsmith Scratch Pad
Capture every tune, lyric, and lick before it fades. The Songsmith Scratch Pad is the ultimate creative notebook for banjo players — pocket-sized, tab-ready, and built to inspire.
From Apprentice Wages to Banjo Adventures: How I Turned My Struggle into a Clear Path for Banjo Beginners
When I started banjo in the UK, there were no Clawhammer teachers near me — only confusing DVDs and videos. That journey led me to create Banjo Adventures: a clear, supportive way for beginners to finally learn and enjoy the banjo.
Learn “Boil Them Cabbage Down” – A Beginner Clawhammer Banjo Lesson
Clawhammer Banjo Lesson for Beginners 🎵 | Play “Boil Them Cabbage Down” Step by Step
Alternate String Pull Off - Clawhammer Banjo Lesson For Beginners
Alternate string pull off is an embellishment technique that requires a little practice and understanding to perfect it. This play along video lesson and lead sheet should help you on your way!
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.
Most Beginner Banjo Players Make This Common Mistake. Are You One Of Them?
Struggling to master the basic frailing strum on clawhammer banjo?
You’re not alone and it’s usually because of one simple but common mistake. In this post you'll learn exactly what that mistake is, how to spot it in your own playing, and how to fix it before it becomes a bad habit.
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.
The Simple Way To Learn Banjo That NOBODY Wants To Talk About
Struggling to make real progress on the banjo? The secret isn't long, perfect practice sessions—it’s stacking short bursts of playtime. Discover the simple, overlooked method to build real banjo skill by stealing minutes, not hours.
Everything You Need To Know About Drop Thumbing (Clawhammer Banjo Lesson)
How to Drop Thumb When Playing Clawhammer Banjo (YouTube Video)
Lest take a deep dive into drop thumbing for banjo beginners. This awesome right hand technique is your next go-to frailing strumming pattern that adds another block to your Lego set!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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).