Lessons

In this video Tim May introduces how to approach playing scales on the five string banjo. He first demonstrates an “open” scale pattern, then a closed scale pattern, and then finishes by discussing how to play a scale with a “melodic” pattern.

In this video Tim May demonstrates how to think about using dynamics and intervals in your playing. He demonstrates on the guitar, but these principles would apply to any instrument.

In this video fiddle instructor Mike Mitchell teaches the classic Kenny Baker arrangement of “Back Up and Push.”

In this video, Jordan Riehm of Tunefox teaches you how to vary your note articulation (note duration – letting some notes ring while cutting off others) using “Turkey In The Straw” as the demonstration tune. Jordan and Tunefox were featured in the March 2023 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited. After Jordan teaches his lesson he takes…

In this video, Tim May discusses what he calls the “Bluegrass Harmonic Minor” scale and how it can be used to improvise over the dominant III7 chord. He uses a progression similar to that found in the bluegrass tune “The Old Home Place” as an example.

In this video Tim May teaches the scale options available to you when improvising over the flat 7 chord. He uses the song “Salt Creek” to demonstrate.