Learn Clawhammer Banjo the Easy Way | The Story Behind Banjo Adventures and a Better Way to Begin
When I first launched Banjo Adventures, it wasn’t just a website or a lesson platform—it was the start of a big dream. I wanted to create something special for new and beginner banjo players: a place where anyone, no matter where they’re starting from, could find clear guidance, genuine encouragement, and the joy of progress.
But to be honest, the journey hasn’t been easy.
💻 From Crashing Laptops to Creative Breakthroughs
For the first nine months, every video I produced was edited on a 12-year-old laptop that groaned and crashed every time I clicked. Six-second delays for every edit. Countless hours lost to frozen screens. My camera was an aging DSLR, my microphone had… character.
Yet I kept showing up. Because beginner banjo players deserve more—better sound, smoother lessons, and a teacher who genuinely cares about their success.
🎯 A Turning Point, Thanks to This Community
Here’s the part that still amazes me: I haven’t taken a single penny for myself. Every bit of support from the incredible Banjo Adventures community has gone straight back into improving the lessons—keeping the site running, upgrading equipment, and producing better videos for students everywhere.
This week, I reached a huge milestone: I finally invested in a new MacBook that can handle 4K video editing, along with a proper mic setup. For the first time, I have the tools to create the kind of high-quality lessons I’ve always envisioned—and you deserve.
It wasn’t just a tech upgrade. It was a moment of validation. A reminder that this dream of teaching banjo full-time, of helping new players truly succeed, is becoming real.
💛 Built on Love, Trust, and a Banjo
What makes Banjo Adventures special isn’t just the lessons—it’s the people.
The founding members who believed in me when my videos were still grainy and full of nervous stutters. The students who stuck with me through every improvement. The messages from players who write, “This finally makes sense.”
This isn’t just a project. It’s my life’s work. My calling. And I’m only just getting started.
🪕 An Invitation to New Players
If you’re new to banjo—or even just banjo-curious—I want you to know this: you’re not alone.
Banjo Adventures was built for you. Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or you’ve struggled through dry, confusing tutorials elsewhere, I’m here to make learning simple, musical, and fun.
Banjo Adventures isn’t just about learning chords or technique—it’s about building confidence, discovering joy, and joining a community that cheers you on.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your banjo journey—this is it.
👉 Join My Free Clawhammer Banjo Mini Course
Learn the basics of rhythm, tuning, and your first song in a friendly, step-by-step way. Start playing music that feels good from day one.
Come on in. Let’s make something beautiful together.
With gratitude,
Ben Dorning
Founder, Banjo Adventures 🎵
