A great book to supplement Bluegrass Banjo Method Book One (above). For the banjoist who is tired of memorizing playing songs “by rote” and is ready to start arranging his own songs by ear, play in jam sessions, and instantly create a basic roll backup to any song.
Shows how to: figure out a progression by ear, “fake” a solo, expand the faked solo into a melody-oriented solo, and finally, add “hot licks” to the melody oriented solo for embellishment, or create an improvised solo using licks. The download audio features ear training, twelve sample progressions, and guides you through step-by-step procedure. 120 pages. Mel Bay Publications.
“Mr. Hatfield, I thought you might appreciate some positive feedback on the book you put out regarding learning to play the banjo by ear. It changed my approach to banjo and to my appreciation of the instrument. Since I started working with the book’s clear, concise and orderly instruction, I’ve written 35 different versions of several of my favorite bluegrass songs in just four months….what an eye-opening experience your book has been. Thanks, again” … Charles Holderby
