STUDIES

Ex.1

Spread-out chords (arpeggios) are frequently used with excellent effect in banjo music. This exercise is given as an example.

Ex.2

Illustrating the effective use of a bass melody with simple accompaniment.

Ex.3

Showing the advantage of the Octave string for rapid shifting.

 

 

Ex.4

The left-hand fingers should hold down the melody notes where possible, in order to give them their proper sounding length.

 

Ex.5

In this exercise, whenever the second finger of the left hand passes from D to F, the finger should retain its pressure against the fingerboard so as to produce a singing effect.

 

 

 

Ex.6

Illustrating the use of alternate right-hand fingering for the easier playing of rapidly repeated notes.

 

 

Ex.7

It should be noted in this, and similar exercises, that wherever bars contain both melody and accompaniment, melody notes are written with their stems in one direction and accompanying notes with stems in the opposite direction.

 

 

 

Ex.8

When playing the following exercise, it should be remembered that the dotted quavers are three times the length of the semiquavers.

 

 

Ex.9

This exercise should be played brightly with a strong accent on the first note in each bar.

Three studies in this video:
50, 54 and 9

 

 

Ex.10

A simple exercise in the key of C minor - the most popular of all minor keys for the banjo.

 

 

Ex.11

C minor exercise with the melody in the bass.

Ex.12

An exercise in thirds. All single notes on the third and fourth strings must be played with the thumb of the right hand.

Ex.15

Exercise in the key of Bb major.

Ex.16

Exercise in the key of D major

Ex.17

Exercise introducing triplets.