Banjonics, Part 1: Exercises

from: The Banjo According to Danny Barnes with Danny Barnes

This lesson is part of the course The Banjo According to Danny Barnes with Danny Barnes.

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Roots music iconoclast Danny Barnes reveals his systematic approach to the banjo, with one-of-a-kind insights on improvisation, reading music, getting a good sound out of the banjo, rhythm and timing, and more.

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The Right-Hand Stuff

Danny talks about the other roll he thinks is important to practice and have in your repertoire, the 1 2 1 5 roll. The 1 2 1 5 roll allows you to move a melody up and down the banjo neck on the first string. Danny shows you how to do that on a tune like Alan Munde’s “Deputy Dalton” and how to practice the 1 2 1 5 roll with a metronome. He also shows you a variation that moves the middle-index finger alternation to the second and third strings (2 3 2 5) and third and second strings (3 4 3 5).

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Banjonics

Banjonics, Part 1: Exercises

Banjonics, Part 2: Exercise Routine

Banjonics, Part 1: Exercises

Holding a heavy banjo for an extended period of time can be taxing and even, as you get older, debilitating. In this lesson, Danny shows you a set of physical exercises he’s developed, based on Tai Chi, yogo, and stretching exercises, to strengthen your body. The exercises are designed to be easy, and Danny explains the importance of making sure you never hurt yourself as you do them. There are eight parts and three foot positions. Before going through the exercises, he shows you the three foot positions. Then he explains each part in detail.

Banjonics (Available to subscribers)

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