If I learned anything at Summer NAMM this year, it’s that there are more types of picks in this world than I ever imagined. The expo offered a plethora of picks, ranging from your standard flat pick to intensely designed 3-D picks. I’m sure some people will always prefer the classic simplicity of a standard […]
Category: banjo
What goes into the creation of a music book?
Walk into any music store and you will almost certainly see, besides all the instruments and associated gear, a display of music books. Some might be instructional in nature while others may comprise collections of songs based upon a specific songwriter’s or band’s catalogue, or some other theme. Have you ever wondered what goes into […]
Ken Perlman — Clawhammer Pioneer
Ken Perlman is considered one of today’s top clawhammer players, known in particular for his skillful adaptations of Celtic, Appalachian, & Canadian fiddle tunes to the style. He has toured throughout most of the English-speaking world and in Western-Europe, both as a soloist and – for over…
Toe Tappin’ with a Nine-Piece Banjo Band
The Banjo Racketeers are a nine-piece band from the San Francisco Bay Area performing on various sizes of banjos. They are big fans of old 78 records and music from the ’20s and ’30s — and of Making Music magazine. “We’re a nine-piece banjo band from the San Francisco Bay Area, playing our fun hokey music […]
Modern Production—Recording Banjo with Mike Meiers
Mike Meiers brightens up a mix with a modern technique for recording banjo.
Banjoist Cynthia Sayer: Four Strings and the Truth
Multi-award-winning instrumentalist/vocalist/bandleader Cynthia Sayer is acclaimed by musicians, critics, and fans alike as the top 4-string banjoist in the world today. Praised for her “drive and virtuosity” by the New York Times, Cynthia enchants audiences with her electrifying, swing-based performances and captivating stage presence wherever she appears.
Playing Well with Dr. Kertz: Health for Banjo, Ukulele and Mandolin Players
Dr. Randall Kertz discusses better health practices for musicians.
Be sure to check on his videos discussing better health as it applies to other instruments.
The Most Famous Banjo Tune Ever — “Dueling Banjos”
Do you know the history of this song, made famous by the movie Deliverance? “Dueling banjos,” (the banjo tune from the movie Deliverance) is probably the most famous and definitely one of the most popular instrumental banjo tunes ever written. It is also the most requested banjo tune by students to learn how to play. […]