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Improvising on Banjo
Banjo Improvising
Improvising on Banjo in bluegrass 3 finger Scruggs' Style
Here s a list of practical suggestions that may help
1. Learn at least ten Earls Scruggs' classics correctly.
2. Use one song as an example and alter each measure slightly. Start with small changes.
3. Learn how to transpose down the neck solos to up the neck solos.
4. Learn the chords in each different position on the neck. Next, learn where the notes are in each chord. In particular the root notes of the chord.
5. Practice altering your rolls by keeping the roll pattern the same but changing the strings you pick.
6. Memorize as many solid technique Scruggs' licks as you can and play without tablature.7. Improvise around the chord positions and the melody. That is what Earl did often.
8. Build a solid foundation of technique in both your right and left hand.
9. Learn backup licks and then begin to alter them slightly in both the right and left hand. Be sure to double check that your technique is staying solid.
10. Using a metronome, play one and two measure phrases or parts of songs and begin making small changes. Then try not to play each phrase the same way twice.
Check out this sound byte of Foggy Mountain Breakdown as played by Ross Nickerson 
SCRUGGS' STYLE INSTRUCTION FOR 5 STRING BANJO
by Ross Nickerson Book and two CD's 19.95 details
Songs Included: Lonesome Road Blues, Little Darlin' Pal of Mine, Fireball Mail, Groundspeed, Sally Goodwin, and Foggy Mountain Breakdown.
Includes up the neck solos and breaks for Foggy Mountain Breakdown, Little Darlin' Pal of Mine, Fireball Mail, a solid low break for Lonesome Road Blues, and some other tasteful innovations in solid bluegrass Scruggs Style. Hear soundbytes, get more information and testmonials
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The Banjo Cruise
The Banjo Cruise Workshop is held in a large private conference room that is essentially sound proof and separate from all other passengers. The workshop takes place during the days we are at sea so you can visit all ports and still have plenty of time for fun with your spouse, family or friends while on the cruise. The class sizes are small ensuring that each student receives the assistance and encouragement they need.ST Pete Banjo Camp
Annual Banjo Workshop weekend in Sunny St Pete Beach Florida!
The Academy of Performance Arts with Ross Nickerson
Banjo camp seminar and group banjo lesson workshop in the USA for bluegrass 5-string banjo in Florida at sunny St Pete Beach. This is an annual Florida banjo event and held during the winter months for locals,winter residents and students who want to escape the cold while improving their banjo playing, and having fun doing it.The Banjo Safari
The Banjo Safari
Join me for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience traveling to Africa for an African Photo Safari. I am to be teaming up with our professional Safari guides Kevin and Tricia Dooley on an adventure that none of us will forget. We'll spend our mornings and late afternoons exploring the wildlife of South Africa, and the mid day will be filled with a banjo workshop that should be fun and rewarding. - Resources