Melodic Banjo Basics

[@cattleprods911]

In the late 90s I got a book from Steve Kaufman to learn my banjo, 4-hour bluegrass jam for banjo. I learned the songs and went to a jam. During a break, another banjo player asked me how long I've been playing the melodic style. I told him I didn't know what that is (melodic style). He said play blackberry blossom or whatever, and I did. He said you just did it. I was so surprised this was a separate style to Scruggs (etc.), I had no idea. As I learned later, Bill Keith did it different, and in the beginning days of my banjo playing, I had no idea there was any difference. I thought it was all Scruggs. I'm glad I was clueless, melodic is no harder than anything else, it isn't anything special, it isn't any harder or any easier.

[@banjo-beard]

I loved the trumpet example as a recovering trumpet player who is now a banjo player.

[@shineoncoffee4772]

Dang son. You pack a punch in 7:41. Perfect instructional videos

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

That means a lot to me, thank you!

[@shineoncoffee4772]

@@EliGilbertBanjo Perfection!!!!

[@frettedfun]

Every one of your posts reflects a lot of thought and effort going into making the concept complete, yet understandable. I, for one, appreciate your hard work and dedication to making us better banjo players.

[@doesleapfarm]

You have the best banjo channel out there. Thanks for all the great info!

[@tobypritchard6095]

Thank you, loving the transition from Scruggs to Melodic. This lessons makes for a perfect intro.

[@rodneyyarbrough6524]

Good stuff Eli. I’m left handed so everything is a challenge for me. I have a new Stelling Redfox coming in about two weeks and I’ll be watching you religiously! Thanks

[@itsgabbycameron]

I learned my first melodic tune, Red Haired Boy, a couple of years ago. Melodic banjo still breaks my brain!!

[@stephenrivera4382]

Very clear and straightforward instruction. Thanks!

[@craniifer]

Great info. I'm more than a begginer at melodic, but still some new info for me. Heck, never thought about using a capo for Devil's Dream.

[@ferrolblackmon4637]

2:41 Love: "One day, you're going to wake up and it's going to feel like it makes sense. And I don't think it does make sense. But it's going to feel like it makes sense and that's really all we're looking for."

[@paulfoytack5267]

What a great explanation Eli.

[@slestage5725]

Thank you🙌🏻

[@elisabethemory]

3:33 This is just a bookmark. Thanks for the video!!!

[@elisabethemory]

3:34

[@dobietoms1463]

Great job

[@PoetProphesied]

Quality video .....deserves tons more followers

[@mabuhaymom]

So much to learn!

[@williamgrey6360]

Very nicely done Eli.Thank you

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks William!

[@josefdetzer8717]

May you please give a tuturiel for drowsy maggi melodic?Thanke you.

[@andreystepanov7597]

Хорошее объяснение. Ваша настройка является: G DBGD?

[@RickyMier]

I loved this lecture at the beginning. Up in pitch but down a string? WTF

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Haha it’s messed up bro!

[@kimstewart9152]

@@EliGilbertBanjo I have been pickin' a long time, guitar being my first instrument, my mind struggled with the high 5th string on top for awhile; On a side note. I have developed a number of bad habits over the years, & since I started watching your video's I am slowly trying to work these out, I really appreciate how you approach things, it has really helped clarify a number of things for me! Thanks so much!

[@thelifeandtimesoflesleyrob2407]

Cool

[@dcorrette]

I am very interested in this. says Judy Corrette

[@dannytriplett8625]

Great video sir. It seems soo un natural to to pick up and hear a lower pitched sound. I've been trying to visualize the fretboard in a linear fashion and it's hard.

[@josephmichelotti6230]

you made me sign up for your Paetron Thanks

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Joseph!

[@josephmichelotti6230]

@@EliGilbertBanjo do you do skype lessons?

[@Isaiah_46_4-5]

Do you know by chance a book that might help getting started along with your videos?

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

I don't have any specific book recommendations, but you might like this beginner series: kzbin.info/aero/PLE248-wQeZu8QaJYOzjxG5VLGN6zlIRGM

[@charlesbryant9995]

Thank you Eli for doing these videos! Would you advise to go note to note with the exact same right hand thumb/finger sequence that you're using here? Initially I was going back and forth, thumb to finger, on every note, but now I've just noticed that you're not doing that. In some spots, you're using your non-thumb fingers sequentially. The reason I ask this, is I don't want to play what feels best while I'm learning these scales now, if it means that the speed and accuracy might suffer down the road. Thanks again!

[@charlesbryant9995]

And after further thought, I suppose the follow-up question would be, "should the fretting fingers of the left hand also follow exactly as you've demonstrated here"? 🙏

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

In general, yes, follow my fingerings. But if you find something that works better for you that's okay too!

[@daveduncan8004]

More melodic licks it was easier for me to pick like Earl Scruggs and it was Bala fleck