Melodic Banjo [Paperback]

Tony Trischka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1992 | Series: Banjo

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Music Sales America (January 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825601711
• ISBN-13: 978-0825601712
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Advanced Technique For The Earl Scruggs Style., October 24, 2001

By 

Ann (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Melodic Banjo (Paperback)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless Instruction Book, August 28, 2000

By 

"bertneville" (San Antonio, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Melodic Banjo (Paperback)

When I began playing banjo 25 years ago I got two books: The Scruggs Book, and this one. The Scruggs Book taught me 3-finger Scruggs-style play, and this one taught me melodic style. Combining the two creates a great style. This book forces you to "get control" of your left hand, as well as teaches you a huge amount about navigating the fingerboard. And it's all fun because you're playing fiddle tunes that sound nice. It's a must if you're serious about banjo pickin'. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! P.S.: I also lost mine over the years and just replaced it through Amazon.com. Didn't think I'd ever see it again!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for expanding your traditional banjo style, June 2, 2000

By 

Chris Stoneking (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Melodic Banjo (Paperback)

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.