You Can Teach Yourself Banjo

Janet Davis

Oct 2010 · Mel Bay Publications

About this ebook

This is the ideal beginner's book, presenting the basics of the 5-string banjo in a way that is both fun and easy. Janet Davis takes you on an extensive tour of this instrument's fundamental techniques, as well as some intermediate possibilities including rolls, chords, bluegrass banjo techniques, playing up the neck, licks, endings, and other basics needed to play bluegrass and melodic-style banjo. Thorough performance notes are provided from beginning to end, revealing the secrets of this versatile instrument. The companion stereo play-along audio features Janet Davis' teaching and lively banjo performance. On the online video, Janet explains the first 22 lessons from the book and demonstrates examples at both slow and regular speed. Includes access to online audio and video.

Ratings and reviews

Not a fan. First few chapters are great, but lessons just consist of obscure songs. The images in the ebook are very poor quality.

A complete book on Bluegrass Banjo.l use this book for all my pupils.They love it.

About the author

Janet Davis is mostly associated with the retail music business, but it is her role as a musical educator in which she has made her most lasting contributions to the banjo world. As a part of the tiny music instrument and accessory business that she began with her husband, Jim, in 1978, Davis began selling self-produced instructional publications as well. Since then, she has established herself as a respected clinician and author, appearing at hundreds of musical events around the country as well as regularly contributing to the Banjo Newsletter. Davis has evolved into one of the world's most prolific authors of banjo instructional publications, with over 100 titles published by Mel Bay alone. In 2019 she was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame.