Melodic Banjo Book/Online Audio [With CD]

By Tony Trischka

(Music Sales America). Tony Trischka presents his groundbreaking guide to the melodic (chromatic) banjo style, made famous by the great Bill Keith. The technique allows the banjo player to create complex note-for-note renditions of bluegrass fiddle tunes, as well as ornamenting solos with melodic fragments and motives. Along with a full step-by-step guide to developing the skills of the melodic style, this book also features Bill Keith's personal explanation of how he developed his formidable technique, in his own words and music. It also includes 37 tunes in tablature, with a section of fiddle tunes. Interviews with the stars of the melodic style including Bobby Thompson, Eric Weissberg, Ben Eldridge and Alan Munde are also presented. Includes a CD featuring Trischka himself with backing band, demonstrating many of the fiddle tunes presented in the book.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B005IJO61W
• ISBN13: 9780825601712
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 9.0" x 12.0"

Customer Reviews

Advanced Technique For The Earl Scruggs Style.

If you are graduating from the "Set in stone" three (3) fingered Scruggs style picking this is THE book to have! Worth its weight in gold, Trischka gives an in depth view of the melodic/chromatic technique. Integrated with the straight forward approach of Earl Scruggs picking adds a dash of spice that is enjoyable and easy to listen to. Alan Munde is a MASTER of combining the two techniques. If you are ready to "Kick it up another notch" Tony Trischka's "Melodic Banjo" will surely take you there! I bought my copy in 1976 and it remains a constant reference to this intriguing style of my banjo playing.

Great book for expanding your traditional banjo style

I had a copy of this book when I first picked up the banjo many years ago. I lost it somewhere in a series of moves. I am now looking to replace the original copy. As far as content goes, the book has a lot of examples of melodic/chromatic licks and how to work them into songs as well as some fully fleshed out songs in tablature. I found the book very helpful in giving me some groundwork for expanding my playing style and sound. It interjected a new element of fun into my playing.