Ben’s Banjo Blog
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7 Reasons Why Most Adult Beginners Quit the Banjo (and How You Can Avoid Them)
Most adults don’t quit the banjo because they lack talent — they quit because they misunderstand what learning banjo is supposed to feel like. In this article, I share the seven most common reasons adult beginners give up, along with practical, reassuring ways to avoid them and keep making steady progress.
The Galax Lick – A Challenging Clawhammer Banjo Technique Explained For The Complete Ignoramus
Learn the Galax Lick in clawhammer banjo with this fun beginner-friendly breakdown. In this video I share how I first discovered the Galax Lick, why I avoided it for years, and how I finally mastered it while arranging Let It Be by The Beatles.
How I Made Learning The Banjo Easier Than Ever For Non-Musical Adults Just Like You
Discover how Banjo Adventures was born from one musician’s dream to make learning clawhammer banjo simple, inspiring, and accessible for beginners everywhere.
How To Play Auld Lang Syne On Clawhammer Banjo For Beginners
A beginners guide to playing Auld Lang Syne on clawhammer banjo
A Psychedelic Adventure Hunting Liberty Cap Mushrooms In The North Of England
Come with me as we go on a search for the psilocybin mushroom in the UK hillside
Clawhammer vs Bluegrass: Which Banjo Style Should You Learn First?
Discover the difference between Clawhammer and Bluegrass banjo, and find out why the soulful rhythm of Clawhammer might just be the perfect way to begin your banjo journey.
Learn How To Play Silent Night On The Banjo Clawhammer Style (FREE Lesson With Tabs)
Learn how to play this classic Christmas song on the banjo clawhammer style
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 The Banjo Player In Your Life
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.
Finally A Book That EVERY Creative Banjo Player Will Use Daily
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.
I Went From Railway Apprentice to Building An Online Banjo Apprenticeship For Non-Musical Adults
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.
Can Someone Explain What An Alternate String Pull Off Is On The Banjo
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!
I Want To Learn Banjo - One Price With EVERYTHING Included
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 as a Beginner?
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.
