Series: For the Complete Ignoramus!
Spiral-bound: 64 pages
Publisher: Native Ground Music, Inc. (November 1, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1883206448
ISBN-13: 978-1883206444
Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 9 x 11.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (218 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #5,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Instruments > Strings > Banjos #5 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Instruments > Guitar #68 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Instruction & Study
This book is just plain excellent. Do not let the title throw ya. it really is a good book. The problem I have found with many beginners books is that they just kinda throw tab at ya and expect you to play it like they do-with no rhyme or reason given. Not Wayne. He gives you the basic melody notes (and the words to the songs!-who knew they had words) then teaches you how and where to insert the other technics that you will use the rest of your playing life to make the tunes interesting. I have learned so much thru this book. The book is short as compared to many of the others out there, but that is because Wayne has compacted soooo much info into this book. It really is that good. Highly recommended and it is helping me to understand why I do what I do and how and where to change things so that I can truly make the tunes my own. He also give s the history and background to each tune he uses. Very interesting and well done Wayne!
Most people take up the banjo to play music. In contrast to other banjo training books, this book will get you playing a lot of different songs with a minimum amount of effort. The book then allows you to enhance on these same songs with other roll variations as you improve. In short order, this book will give you a sense of accomplishment and an interest in learning more. Wayne truely understands how to make learning the banjo enjoyable. I am now over half way thru his book "Starting Bluegrass Banjo". I highly recommend this second book after you have some level of competence in the Ignoramus book.
I finally caved into my insane desire to learn how to play the banjo a couple months ago. With my banjo came a how-to DVD, and I bought three books in addition: "The How and Tao of the Old-Time Banjo," "Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo" and of course "Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus."I managed through the first 10 minutes of the DVD before it became too advanced for me. And the other two books I bought were pretty much immediately too advanced. But Wayne Erbsen's book is not only accessable for an absolute beginner with no previous experience with a musical instrument, it's quite a bit of fun too.The writing is simple, light-hearted, and whole-heartedly enjoyable. It actually sometimes feels as if Wayne is right there with you teaching you how to play.In addition, each song is displayed in "tablature," which tells you which strings to flick and which strings to fret at the same time. In the long run it's definitely a good idea to learn how to play through standard music sheets, but for a true beginner like me, tablature is the only way to go.In addition to tablature, what really helped me is how Wayne describes the music. You begin with the "skeleton" of the song, which is always a short, basic melody. But each song has extra "licks" that you can play to "dress the skeleton." In other words, you begin with the basics of the song and after practicing until you're good, you can try the "warmer" licks by adding things like roll patterns to make the song sound more impressive and more distinctly bluegrass. And the best part is, the book comes with a CD so you can hear if you're playing correctly.I learned much more, and had much more fun with Wayne Erbsen's "Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus" than anything else I've tried so far. It won't make you a bluegrass master, but it's a great place to start.
If you have ever thought that learning to play the five string banjo was impossible then this is the book for you! When I first picked up the banjo several seasoned guitarists told me and my husband that it would be extremely difficult or almost impossible to learn; that they tried it themselves and failed!Well, I guess they failed only because they didn't have Wayne Erbsen's book! You can come in knowing absolutely NOTHING and come out on the other end a pickin' and a grinin'.With a folksy vocabulary and a casual approach to theory, Mark Erbsen takes all the intimidation out of learning to play the banjo. You don't have to know how to read notes or tabs to get use out of this book. Everything is well charted, well explained and perfect for well... the ignoramus.Each song is given as a bare-to-the-bones melody. The pages opposite provides licks and rolls that range from (in his terms) ice cold to red hot. He points out which fingers are supposed to do what, when you're supposed to tap your foot and gives suggestions on how to make the song your own.This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone trying to learn to play the banjo or are too intimidated to start.In a short time you're sure to be surprised how far you can get with your banjo and Wayne Erbsen's book at your side.
Written by contest-winning banjo player Wayne Erbsen, Bluegrass Banjo For The Complete Ignoramus! is a straightforward how-to instructional that uses simple instructions, drills, basic songs, and an accompanying music CD to teach the lay reader the basics of how to hold, use, and create music with the banjo. Direct, simple guidelines form the hallmark of this easy-to-follow guide, that makes learning to play the banjo fun. Bluegrass Banjo For The Complete Ignoramus! is strongly recommended for beginning to intermediate banjo players; especially those who are interested in learning from a professional and will benefit from the tips, tricks, techniques, and drills so deftly presented.
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