Super Charge Your Banjo Practice | Sign Post Technique

A question I get all the time is how I practice banjo tunes with an eye towards creating variations. I call this the sign post technique for clawhammer banjo: identify the cornerstone phrases of a tune, and loop them creatively to burn them in.
This video is a small part of what I do. If you enjoy this content, and would like to join the Banjo Quest to get access to hundreds of hours of exclusive content, please visit: / tomcollins

[@MrCbrown5000]

As someone who lives in a desert of local banjo knowledge, your videos are much appreciated sir!

[@FretlessFury]

My pleasure!

[@TinaJonesMusic]

As always, Tom, you've just knocked it out of the park! Thank you! Very useful info, woven in with some absolutely beautiful playing to keep the inspiration going. The best.

[@RandallJones]

Very strong point. I have to improvise songs constantly to include getting the vocal melody lines. Getting the root familiarity of a song makes all the difference

[@FretlessFury]

Well said, Randall!

[@anhenaffmalo9589]

Thank you for all this trick to improve my banjo. The last part from 10.30 was quite difficult to understand for and to play too...but i'll try to copy though ! Cheers

[@FretlessFury]

You're welcome! Take your time and just work on the first part of this video. It took me a long time to be able to improvise....enjoy the journey, and keep it simple, simple, simple!

[@deadmanswife3625]

Delightful

[@FretlessFury]

Thanks, Wendy!

[@justindockins9700]

Thanks for this great lesson Tom! I've already watched it a few times and it's given me something to work on for quite a while. Are you using a fuzz or distortion pedal on that beautiful banjo at the end of the video? If so, do you mind sharing what kind?

[@FretlessFury]

Hey Justin...glad the lesson was helpful! Yes, I'm using a Beetronics Fatbee overdrive pedal into a Top Hat Super Deluxe 2 amp. It's a wicked combo! Best, Tom

[@oldfarm609]

Can you clarify what the "A Modal" tuning is? I cannot find it anywhere on the web. Thank you.

[@FretlessFury]

"A Modal" is G Modal capoed up a whole step (don't forget the 5th string). Think of it as sawmill but tuned up a whole step.

[@oldfarm609]

Thank you@@FretlessFury

[@folmervanderveer1742]

Where to start with your videos???

[@FretlessFury]

Oh boy....I would recommend starting with the "Banjo Blitz" series on my channel. I also have the "Blueprints of Clawhammer Banjo" series that is great for beginners. Check the playlists on my channel for more info!

[@mermaid10x]

What tuning do mainly play in ?

[@FretlessFury]

All of them!