Ron Block banjo DVD

Trailer from the new AcuTab Ron Block banjo DVD - A Fresh Look At Bluegrass Banjo. This five minute clip gives a taste of what is included in the full video, which runs to nearly four hours on two DVDs.
www.acutab.com/...
There arent many banjos players more widely heard, or who have performed before more people, than Ron Block. Working with Alison Krauss & Union Station since 1991, Rons distinctive banjo sound has become nearly as much a part of the group sound as Alisons voice. Ron has taught in a limited number of worshops, but this is his first instructional DVD of any kind, offering a detailed look at his unique approach to the banjo.
This 2 DVD release from AcuTab begins with Ron explaining how he learned, and what resources have been useful to him, plus how he looks at both left and right hand patterns. AcuTabs John Lawless leads him through a discussion of several topics, including tone production, Rons use of bends and chokes, how he arranges solos, and improvisation.
Ron goes into great detail about his practice routine, showing examples of exercises and drills he uses to stay in shape. He also describes a number of guitar techniques and concepts which have informed his banjo playing, such as working within boxes, or blocks of frets, and learning to visualize and play scales and patterns both vertically and horizontally.
The meat of the DVD is in the songs Ron teaches, which are played in a number of keys and tunings. Youll learn Cluck Old Hen, Tiny Broken Heart, Man Of Constant Sorrow, Ill Remember You Love In My Prayers, Everytime You Say Goodbye, Bright Sunny South, My Poor Old Heart and Smashville. Each song is played with a band before Ron breaks it down lick by lick, and then shown (medium and slow) in a split screen orientation.
One benefit of the DVD format is the ability to offer alternate angles of the same shot, which we use on the various split screen presentations. The viewer can select among three different screen orientations while the DVD is playing. Two audio mixes are also available during the brief band sections: normal and banjo-heavy.
More details at: www.acutab.com/...

[@JIMMYLEGS_]

Ron is so inspiring to me... He and the rest of union station is the reason I play the banjo today after playing the drums for 20 yrs. I just love bluegrass and every day I just wanna get better and better at the banjo. It's funny, but the banjo is very similar to the drums only difference is the tones, notes n' chords! I love it!

[@musicianforjesus]

One of the best players I've ever seen

[@Diegobanjo]

Ron Block is favourite banjo player and of course I'm gonna buy these DVDs!

[@adinkloetzel4982]

2:43...his back up is so freaking smooth and timed perfectly!!!

[@randallpatrickc]

I can't wait to get my hands on this - I thnk Ron's style is just so "driving" in a laid-back manner if that's possible! He's my favourite player of all time.

[@RagMama123]

Thanks so much for posting this clip. I just ordered the DVD. Rick

[@Mcphersongirl]

OK I'm sitting here watching Union Station on PBS and Ron is playing "Cluck old Hen" and I"m thinking, I've got to see if he has a video, I love his style, I play banjo in a bluegrass band, need to get this video.

[@MarkMaysey]

Great video and I believe a worthy DVD. I've been playing guitars for years, now only to discover I should have been maybe playing the banjo instead. I have a heavy Deering and wondering what should I use for a strap or could you advise or recommend a good supportive setup. Thanks for sharing! Mark

[@acutab]

It's just an improvisation over a vamp. Ron used it to demonstrate a concept he teaches on the video.

[@SwissBanjo]

Ron Block is teaching exactly what i want to know. Lerning the concepts behind is so important. BTW: can someone tell me the name of the kick-off song ?

[@djAbrasive]

I love the part at 1:39. I guess it's an improv?

[@yubazubee]

I like the way the music is playing in the background and he can't keep still...cute...totally cute.

[@boldeagle43]

The song is "Cluck Old Hen"

[@djAbrasive]

Can someone tell me the name of the song at 1:39, i love that style man.. It's really deep

[@jasobres]

Is that Sierra Hull on the mandolin?

[@vcp430]

@mahalie23 Or a metronome. It's a very economical approach.

[@vcp430]

@jasobres Nope, that's Alison Krauss. Here's your sign. No, that is Sierra.

[@indydrt]

My second cousin is Peter Shwimmer ever hear of him...??

[@loubich76]

tanks! for a lesson

[@MetalChickenStudios]

thats my cousin =D

[@boldeagle43]

The song is Cluck old hen

[@vcp430]

No, it's Alison Krauss. Here's your sign.