Fiddle Tunes for Banjo Made Easy: A Beginner's Guide to Fiddle-Style Banjo Playing

The banjo is a versatile instrument that can be used to play a wide variety of musical genres, from bluegrass to folk to rock. But one of the most popular styles of banjo playing is fiddle-style banjo, which involves playing fiddle tunes on the banjo.

Fiddle Tunes for Banjo Made Easy

by Ross Nickerson

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15114 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	33 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	34 pages
Item Weight	:	3.68 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.08 x 11 inches

FREE

Fiddle-style banjo playing can be a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging for beginners. The good news is that there are a number of resources available to help you get started, including this beginner's guide.

Getting Started

The first step to learning how to play fiddle tunes on the banjo is to get the right equipment. You'll need a banjo that is specifically designed for fiddle-style playing. These banjos typically have a shorter neck and a higher action than bluegrass banjos. You'll also need a good set of picks. A 1mm medium flex pick is used by most banjo players but if you start with a lighter 0.8mm pick you will get used to pick direction quicker.

Once you have the right equipment, you can start learning some basic fiddle tunes. There are a number of beginner-friendly fiddle tunes that you can learn, such as "Cripple Creek" and "Sally Goodin'." You can find these tunes online or in a beginner's banjo book.

Basic Techniques

Once you've learned a few basic fiddle tunes, you can start learning some basic fiddle-style banjo techniques. These techniques include:

• Double-thumbing: This is a technique that involves using your thumb to play two strings at the same time. Double-thumbing is a common technique in fiddle-style banjo playing and it can be used to create a variety of different sounds.
• Hammer-ons and pull-offs: These are techniques that involve using your fretting hand to hammer on or pull off notes. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create a variety of different articulations and they can be used to add some extra flair to your playing.
• Slides: Slides are a technique that involves sliding your finger up or down the neck of the banjo. Slides can be used to create a variety of different effects, such as glissandos and string bends.

Advanced Ornamentation

Once you've mastered the basic fiddle-style banjo techniques, you can start learning some more advanced ornamentation. These techniques include:

• Rolls: Rolls are a type of ornamentation that involves playing a rapid series of notes on the banjo. Rolls can be used to create a variety of different effects, such as tremolo and arpeggios.
• Triplets: Triplets are a type of ornamentation that involves playing three notes in the space of two beats. Triplets can be used to add some extra rhythm and interest to your playing.
• Grace notes: Grace notes are a type of ornamentation that involves playing a small, quick note before the main note. Grace notes can be used to add some extra embellishment to your playing.

Playing with Others

Once you've learned some basic fiddle-style banjo techniques, you can start playing with others. One of the best ways to learn how to play fiddle tunes is to find a group of other musicians to play with. You can find these groups online or at your local music store.

Playing with others can be a great way to improve your skills and learn new tunes. It can also be a lot of fun!

Learning how to play fiddle tunes on the banjo can be a lot of fun, but it can also be challenging. With the right equipment and resources, you can learn how to play fiddle tunes in no time. So what are you waiting for? Grab your banjo and get started today!

Fiddle Tunes for Banjo Made Easy

by Ross Nickerson

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15114 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	33 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	34 pages
Item Weight	:	3.68 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.08 x 11 inches

FREE