Wabash Cannonball
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "Wabash Cannonball"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
From Roy Acuff to Johnny Cash, and everyone in between, this song has become a standard "train song" in country and bluegrass. This first year piece is a good choice for those who have mastered the basics of banjo playing. The lesson starts with a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a step-by-step "by ear" lesson in two- to four-measure sections. Finally, you are given the back-up tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
Train 45
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo and Accompaniment of "Train 45"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This arrangement is loaded with not only a banjo solo of the song but sections where you play accompaniment. This gives you an opportunity to learn a useful rhythm pattern and a moveable chord shape to take you up and down the neck. It is a level two arrangement so it is suggested for second year banjo students. In this lesson you are given a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a detailed "by ear" lesson over every lick of the arrangement. At the end of the lesson there are backing tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
When the Saints Go Marching In
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "When the Saints Go Marching In"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This first year New Orleans classic is a great choice for banjo players who have mastered the basics of banjo playing. The lesson starts with a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a step-by-step "by ear" lesson in two- to four-measure sections. Finally, you are given the back-up tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
Old Joe Clark
A Lesson on the Banjo Solo "Old Joe Clark"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
Learn to play "Old Joe Clark" without music or tab! In this lesson you will get a full demonstration of the song followed by a detailed measure-by-measure lesson of the song. Once the lesson is complete you get backing tracks to practice and perform with.
The Star Spangled Banner
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo Version of "The Star Spangled Banner"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
In this Banjo By Ear lesson you will learn a banjo solo version of "The Star Spangled Banner" completely "by ear." The lesson starts with a full demonstration of the solo followed by a detailed "by ear" lesson of every note and phase.
Dixie Hoedown
A Lesson on the Banjo Solo "Dixie Hoedown"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
You will be up around frets seven, eight, and nine with this arrangement! This will be a good piece for you to learn if you are ready to venture out from the first few frets but aren't quite ready for a level two piece. In this lesson you are given a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a detailed "by ear" lesson over every lick of the arrangement. At the end of the lesson there are backing tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
Mountain Dew
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo Version of "Mountain Dew"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
In this Banjo By Ear lesson you will learn a banjo solo version of the bluegrass standard "Mountain Dew" completely "by ear!" The lesson also teaches a breakdown style second verse that is based upon a variation of the melody. A complete demonstration and backing tracks are included.
Wreck of the Old 97
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "Wreck of the Old 97"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This is another good first year piece for beginner banjo players. It has a good dose of the standard rolls but stays within the first four frets which makes it easy to learn. The lesson starts off with demonstration tracks at two different speeds for you to listen to and practice along with. Next, you get the detailed "by ear" lesson that works you through the song without music or tab! Finally, there are backing tracks at two speeds for you to practice with and eventually perform with.
I Saw the Light
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "I Saw the Light"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
Hank Williams made this song famous and now you can learn to play it on the banjo without using music or tab! The song is played at two different speeds and then taught totally "by ear." At the end of the lesson you are given backing tracks at two speeds to practice and perform with. This arrangement is only rated at a beginner level so it is suitable for all of you who have just started learning to play the banjo.
Redwing
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "Redwing"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
"Redwing" is an old bluegrass standard and now you can learn to play it completely "by ear." The song is demonstrated and then taught in two- to four-measure sections without music or tab. At the end of the lesson you are given backing tracks with no banjo on them for you to practice and perform with.
Whiskey Before Breakfast
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "Whiskey Before Breakfast"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
You will learn double C tuning in this lesson which allows you to play in the key of C with a nice, rich low-C on the fourth string. In this lesson you will have a full demonstration at two speeds of the arrangement with drums, bass, and guitar accompaniment. Then, after you are taught the lesson in small phases, you are given the backing tracks without the banjo on it for you to use for your own live performance!
Eastbound and Down
A Lesson on a Solo and Accompaniment for "Eastbound and Down"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
It's time to put the hammer down and learn this Smokey and the Bandit theme song! In this Banjo By Ear lesson you learn both the accompaniment and a banjo solo version of the song. This lesson includes a full demonstration of the song and backing tracks to perform with once you have learned this piece completely "by ear!"
Red Rubber Ball Accompaniment
A Lesson on the Accompaniment for "Red Rubber Ball"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
While there is officially no banjo on any well-know version of "Red Rubber Ball" the song actually lends itself quite nicely to a bluegrass groove. This lesson starts off with a full demonstration of the song with the banjo part and then proceeds with a "by ear" lesson of the entire banjo part. At the end of the lesson you are given backing tracks to practice with and perform what you have learned.
Wild and Restless Foam
A Lesson on a Solo and Accompaniment for "Wild and Restless Foam"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
In this lesson the student learns not only the banjo accompaniment to this Mickey Spain/Makem Brothers hit but a specially created banjo solo by Bill Brown. The song is demonstrated in its entirety and then taught completely "by ear" using no music, tab, notation, or video. By learning the song in this "by ear" fashion the student will learn faster and will memorize as they go. Backing tracks are included to play along with.
American Pie Accompaniment
A Lesson On the Accompaniment For "American Pie"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
Now you can play your banjo along with this great American classic by Don McLean! In this lesson you will get a demonstration track, a "by ear" lesson, and a backing track for one low price. No more excuses for not singing and picking along with "Bye, bye, Miss American Pie …"
Oh, Susanna!
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "Oh, Susanna!"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This first year piece is great for those who have mastered some of the basics of the banjo. This lesson starts with a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a step-by-step "by ear" lesson in two- to four-measure sections. Finally, you are given the back-up tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
This Land Is Your Land
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "This Land is Your Land"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
If you have just learned the basics of the banjo then you should definitely start working on this Woody Guthrie classic! In this lesson you are given a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a detailed "by ear" lesson over every lick of the arrangement. At the end of the lesson there are backing tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
Jingle Bells
A Lesson on a Solo and Accompaniment for "Jingle Bells"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This lesson starts with a full demonstration of the banjo arrangement with backing tracks. After that you will learn the accompaniment and solo of this Christmas standard completely "by ear." Backing tracks are included at the end of the lesson for your own live performance. This solo is rated at a late beginner level.
Mrs. Robinson Accompaniment
A Lesson on the Accompaniment for "Mrs. Robinson"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
If you have always wanted to know how to play the chords to "Mrs. Robinson" on the banjo then this is the lesson for you! The lesson starts off with a full demonstration of the song with backing tracks followed by our now famous "by ear" lesson teaching you every lick and phrase using no print, tab, or video. When you learn the song "by ear" you memorize it as you go so you can have the whole song ready to perform in under an hour if you are the average late-beginner student. The lesson ends with a version of the backing tracks with no banjo for you to use for your own performance of the song.
Ashokan Farewell
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo Version of "Ashokan Farewell"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
In this Banjo By Ear lesson you will learn a banjo solo version of "Ashokan Farewell" from the PBS series The Civil War. The lesson starts with a full demonstration of the solo followed by a detailed "by ear" lesson of every note and phrase. A guitar accompaniment track is included for you to perform with.
Home Sweet Home
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "Home Sweet Home"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This Intermediate level arrangement takes you to the tenth fret while giving you plenty of hammer-ons and slides to make a great sounding banjo solo. Also, it is in Drop C tuning! The lesson kicks off with a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a detailed "by ear" lesson over every lick of the arrangement. At the end of the lesson there are backing tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
Little Darling Pal of Mine
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "Little Darling Pal of Mine"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
If you are just learning to play the banjo then this standard is a good "next piece" for you. In this lesson you are given a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a detailed "by ear" lesson over every lick of the arrangement. At the end of the lesson there are backing tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
Bury Me Beneath the Willow
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "Bury Me Beneath the Willow"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
Because this arrangement is only a level one you can start working on it as soon as you have the basics of playing the banjo down. In this lesson you get a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds. Then, you get a detailed "by ear" lesson of the song in two- to four-measure sections using no music or tab. Once you have finished the lesson there are backing tracks at two speeds for you to practice and perform with.
Pike County Breakdown
A Lesson on the Banjo Solo "Pike County Breakdown"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This is a rather simple arrangement but gives you plenty of variations each time through the two sections. This makes it a great lesson for not only learning the song but in learning variations of a lot of standard banjo phasing including accompaniment. A full demonstration at two speeds is included as well as backing tracks at two speeds.
Old Dangerfield
A Lesson on the Banjo Solo "Old Dangerfield"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This intermediate level arrangement takes you all the way up to the seventeenth fret with nice passage stops on frets seven through ten. The lesson starts with full demonstrations at two different speeds for you to listen and play along with. Then you have the detailed "by ear" lesson where you learn the song in two- to four-measure phases using no music or tab. Finally you will have backing tracks at two different speeds to practice with and to eventually perform with.
Amazing Grace
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo Version of "Amazing Grace"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
If you are just starting to play the banjo then this old hymn is a good piece to start working on. In this lesson you are given a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a detailed "by ear" lesson over every lick of the arrangement. At the end of the lesson there are backing tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
Blackberry Blossom
A Lesson on the Banjo Solo of "Blackberry Blossom"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This bluegrass favorite is easy to learn when it is taught "by ear." In this lesson you will have a full demonstration of the arrangement with drums, bass, and guitar accompaniment. Then, after you are taught the lesson in small phases, you are given the backing tracks without the banjo on it for you to use for your own live performance!
Banjo By Ear: Box Set 1
by Bill Brown
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This “Banjo by Ear” box set is designed for the beginner banjo player who wants to learn the standard bluegrass tunes while progressing in proficiency. Here you will find song lessons at a beginner level as well as those at an intermediate level that will take the student into alternate tunings and positions up the neck. Included in this box set is the lesson "Banjo Basics," designed to bring the absolute beginner up to speed on banjo terminology and techniques. At the other end of the spectrum is the lesson "Rhythms and Changes," which builds the student's knowledge of moveable chord shapes, tonal chords, and accompanying rhythm patterns.
Lessons include:
Banjo Basics
Rhythms and Changes
Songs:
"Amazing Grace"
"American Pie"
"Accompaniment"
"Ashokan Farewell"
"Blackberry Blossom"
"Bury Me Beneath the Willow"
"Cumberland Gap"
"Dixie Hoedown"
"Eastbound and Down"
"Home Sweet Home"
"I Saw the Light"
"Jingle Bells"
"Kentucky Mandolin"
"Little Darling Pal of Mine"
"Mountain Dew"
"Mrs. Robinson"
"Oh, Susanna!"
"Old Dangerfield"
"Old Joe Clark"
"Pike County Breakdown"
"Red Rubber Ball"
"Redwing"
"Star Spangled Banner"
"The Ballad of Jed Clampett" (Earl Scruggs)
"The Banks of the Ohio"
"This Land Is Your Land"
"Train 45"
"Wabash Cannonball"
"When the Saints Go Marching In"
"Whiskey Before Breakfast"
"Wild and Restless Foam"
"Wreck of the Old 97"
The Ballad of Jed Clampett
A Lesson on the Earl Scruggs Version of "The Ballad of Jed Clampett"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
Learn the Beverly Hillbillies theme song exactly the way that Earl Scruggs performed it without using music or tab. The lesson breaks down every phase describing fingering, strings, and techniques completely "by ear." A full demonstration and backing tracks are included with this lesson.
Cumberland Gap
A Lesson on the Banjo Solo "Cumberland Gap"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
"Cumberland Gap" is a bluegrass standard and it is easy to learn "by ear" in this lesson. First, you will have a full demonstration of the arrangement with drums, bass, and guitar accompaniment. Then, after you are taught the lesson in small phases, you are given the backing tracks without the banjo on it for you to use for your own live performance!
Banjo Basics
A Banjo Lesson on the Basics of the Banjo
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
In this quarter hour lesson you will learn the basic techniques and terminology of banjo playing that will allow you to jump right in to the Banjo By Ear lessons. This all-audio tutorial covers things like strings, frets, tuning, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and more. Completing this lesson will make it easier for you move through the other Banjo By Ear lessons since you will have most of the foundational techniques already "under your belt." This lesson is taught completely "by ear" using no tab, music, or video.
The Banks of the Ohio
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "The Banks of the Ohio"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
This is a level one arrangement of an old bluegrass standard. There are just enough hammer-ons and pull-offs to keep it interesting without making it too difficult. In this lesson you are given a full demonstration of the song at two different speeds followed by a detailed "by ear" lesson over every lick of the arrangement. At the end of the lesson there are backing tracks at two different speeds for you to practice and perform with.
Kentucky Mandolin
A Lesson on a Banjo Solo of "Kentucky Mandolin"
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
Now you can learn the Bill Monroe hit "Kentucky Mandolin" on the banjo without using music or tab! First, you will have a full demonstration of the arrangement with drums, bass, and guitar accompaniment. Then, after you are taught the lesson in small phases, you are given the backing tracks without the banjo on it for you to use for your own live performance!
Rhythms and Changes
A Lesson on Rhythm Patterns and Moveable Chords on the Banjo
by Bill Brown Jr.
read by Bill Brown Jr.
Part of the Banjo by Ear series
In this methodical and fun lesson the student learns the most common rhythm patterns for the banjo and the tonal chords for the keys of C, G, D, A, E, and F. The student moves through several demonstration chord progressions adding to their knowledge and skill level as they progress. The course teaches, among other things, the one, four, and five chord; the six minor chord, the two chord, circle progressions, and the flatted seven chord. A basic understanding of the banjo is recommended before attempting this lesson.
