The Banjo Encyclopedia: Bluegrass Banjo from A to Z

Rating:
Summary: A welcome and thorough study of the instrument
Review: In the old days, banjo techniques were passed down orally from generation to generation as part of regional and familial folklore. Today, aspiring 5-string pickers have a multitude of high quality instructional materials readily available. Ross Nickerson has an impressive resume as a performer, recording artist and teacher. One of his primary goals is to help avoid having to learn everything the hard way. He provides time saving, practical lessons and advice. The Banjo Encyclopedia is very comprehensive, covers many topics, and is a tool that should be referenced regularly.

He starts at square one with the basics of holding the banjo, using picks, reading tab, tuning, positioning hands, and overcoming difficulties. Rolls and exercises are then covered. Chapters are dedicated to right hand technique, as well as that for the left hand. By the end of Chapter 3, one is learning "Banks of the Ohio" and "Bury Me Beneath the Willow." An important lesson that many books fail to present is practice habits and practicing priorities. Nickerson does a fine job emphasizing the importance of a good practicing routine. Basic Scrugg's picking is then addressed and related to the songs, "Sitting on Top of the World" and "Nine Pound Hammer." Melodic and single-string styles of playing introduce some fiddle tunes, and then the author has us put it all together along with rhythm and chordal backup. Chapter ten broaches the subject of improvisation, before we get into kickoffs, turnarounds, and endings. Playing at slower tempos and in waltz time are covered. Finally a chapter on banjo maintenance by Mike Munford addresses all the parts. Advanced songs taught include John Henry and Train 45. The accompanying CD is 78 minutes long, and clear references to the disc tracks are given throughout the book. Nickerson teaches in a very straightforward style, although I might have slightly changed the sequence of some of the instructional material. The Banjo Encyclopedia is a welcome and thorough study of the instrument, most appropriate for beginning and intermediate players. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)


Rating:
Summary: The way to learn banjo!
Review: This is a great way to begin your banjo journey. I have taken lessons with Ross and he is a fantastic teacher. He has an easy way about him that draws you into the instrument instead of scaring you off it.

The book is written in that very same style. It is very comprehensive but it is broken up into sections that allow you to progress naturally. You will find yourself going back to chapters well after your "beginner" stage. He shows you many different styles of playing and even how to mix them together! I think it's better than the Scruggs book. (but you should own that as well - just because)

If you play banjo or are thinking about it, buy this book. Trust me.