Bluegrass Banjo Lessons - Houston, Texas
(281) 807-6355
WELCOME TO BANJERTAB
ONLINE LESSONS!
Licks, Ideas, and Original Tunes
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Come put some lightning
in your fingertips! (sm)
OPENING SOON!
We will soon be accepting memberships in the BanjerTabsm Studio, which will offer various categories of short videos with the most effective bluegrass banjo instruction available on the web. Our immediate focus will be to enable you to play along with hundreds of songs, using the same licks you hear on the classic bluegrass recordings. Interested? Read on!
Many can play. Some can teach, and a very few can teach well. See the Testimonials page for evidence of how effective Tony's teaching is, and then come back here for your own online learning enjoyment.
Others can teach you to play the classic bluegrass tunes, and you can work your way through tablature to learn as well. Some people can, anyway. But if you'd just like to start playing along with almost anything, and be sure you're learning superb technique ... or you'd like to break free of some bad habits that are keeping you from playing faster and more cleanly ... you're in the right place.
For $29.95 per month (with discounts for quarterly or annual memberships) -- less than you'll spend to sit once a month, for less than an hour, with a world-class teacher! -- you'll have complete access to all of the teaching videos in the library. Watch them over and over, watch and learn from as many as you want! New material will continually be added, lessons for everyone - so whether you are just starting out, experienced, or performing regularly, you will find things that will improve your playing skill and your enjoyment of the banjo.
Above all -- have fun! After all, "it's just a banjo!"
In the online lessons we offer several display options for every lesson to give you every chance of having the best possible viewing experience no matter what kind of computer, which Internet browser, and what connection speed you're using. Just so you know!
Here's an introductions to each of the categories currently being offered (others will be added). You will learn and improve with Tony's careful, clear teaching style. When you're ready, use one of the "Sign me up" links to join us, and welcome.
The Classic Licks
Tony has brought together 13 classic licks -- and a few variations on them -- that are constantly used by the masters, and which you can put together to play along with many chord progressions. He will teach you licks that are appropriate for each of the common chords, and you'll soon be able to play backup for many popular songs -- just from recognizing the chord progression used by each song.
Melodic Backup Licks
These licks came down from the old fiddle tunes, and they just bring a smile to your face!
Slides, Push-offs, and Hammers
Here's your introduction to playing slides, push-offs and hammers, the basic building blocks of that classy bluegrass banjo sound. We'll do fifteen or so, showing you every detail of how to play them well.
Walking Bass
Here's your introduction to a style of backup that makes extensive use of walking bass notes and two movable chord formations. Using these techniques you can move up and down the fretboard and play along with any chord sequence needed.
Fancy Hammer / Pushoff Licks
We'll teach a good collection of those fancy hammer and push-off licks that add so much spice to bluegrass banjo tunes.
High Barre Backup
When you see a banjo player playing high up on the neck, perhaps adding some nice accent to a slower tune, we call that High Barre Backup.
Playing in the Key of C
Here's an introduction to our lessons on playing along with the "C, F, and G" chord family when you shift to the key of C.
Kick-offs
How do you start the song? Here are kick-off licks to lead into each type of opening you'll need.
Advanced Open Backup Technique
How do the masters pick it up to the next level when playing in the context of a C, D, or G chord? You'll learn how in this section of the Library!
Original Arrangements for Fiddle Tunes and Ballads
Tony has created original lead breaks for many popular tunes, and we'll teach you a few! Stay tuned.
Membership notes:
Your membership will automatically renew, whether you choose the monthly, quarterly, or annual membership. But you can end the subscription at any time you need to. And if you are less than halfway through a quarterly or annual term and need to step away, we'll refund the remaining half.
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