From the Actor
Banjo Newsletter Review June ’96 by Jim Pankey "Video Two, Expanding Stylistic Variety". Offers challenges for the advancing banjoist. Greg discusses tunes that include the use of Keith Tuners, D-tuning, tunes in keys and timings alien to the banjo. Helpful to any picker interested in developing new licks and ideas, & eliminating the lack of confidence in unfamiliar keys. Includes at the end of the tape, each tune played with guitar accompaniment. I found this very helpful. Each tune is presented as a particular "problem" in banjo playing (i.e. key, timing, or tuning). Two great examples are Greg’s originals Iola, played melodically in D-tuning, and Lone Star, played in A-minor from G-tuning. I like that approach to teaching—give an example to help the student meet their own particular challenges. Each tune stands well on its own but the possibilities seem endless with with the principles Greg endeavors to convey with the tunes. I suppose my only disappointment was with Jerry’s Breakdown; they said the tune was in E, and it was, but capoed at the second fret and played from the D position. Tunes include Fisher’s Hornpipe and Margarita Breakdown. Beginner players, get Blazing Bluegrass Banjo 1 and practice practice practice. I really recommend Video 2 for the intermediate and advanced crowd, just as the box suggests; you’ll find many good ideas here. Greg Cahill fans, you’ll love this video; you get a great deal of insight into Greg’s approach to playing and working out his original tunes.
Product Description
Expanding Stylistic Variety Learn how to play tunes in different keys, positions, and timings. Margarita Breakdown-Scruggs Style breakdown using Keith/Scruggs tuners. Danny’s Dance In-6/8 time, this Irish Jig will broaden your banjo horizons. Iola-Explores the "Melodic Banjo Style (D-tuning) key- D. Fisher’s Hornpipe- Banjo players hated this one, until now! (G-tuning) Key of D. Lone Star-(G-tuning) Key of A-minor, this will help with all your minor chords, keys, and licks. One For The Road- uses a "Diminished Chord" which is easier than you may think! Jerry’s Breakdown- this Jerry Reed tune is interesting for banjo in the key of E! (Intermediate-Advanced) (80 Min.) (Video & Tablature) *The Allen Banjo Company of Houston, Tx is so impressed by these Greg Cahill videos that they put one in the case with every banjo they sell!
