Fingerstyle Banjo by Brainjo

Learn how to fingerpick the banjo!

  • TABS
    • 10 EASY but AWESOME banjo tabs (free)
    • The Best Songs for Banjo (free)
    • Banjo Song and Tab of the Week
    • 9 Ways to Practice Smarter (FREE book & video)
    • THE VAULT: The Ultimate Tab Library
  • Breakthrough Banjo Course
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    • About the Course
    • Course Home
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CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL! 

Get the entire first month of Breakthrough Banjo FREE, and get the Banjo Player’s Songbook as a free bonus.

click to learn more about the Banjo Player’s Songbook

Banjo Player's Songbook

ABOUT THE COURSE: Breakthrough Banjo is a complete, beginner-to-advanced course for fingerstyle banjo. It is based on Brainjo Method, a neuroscience based system of instruction designed so that anyone can learn to play, regardless of age or prior musical experience.

On this page you’ll find a video tour inside the course, along with descriptions of the various content areas. 

Tour the BREAKTHROUGH BANJO Course...

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More About the Course and the Brainjo Method

VIDEO: About the Brainjo Method

VIDEO: Goals of the Course

VIDEO: What Styles Will You Learn?

VIDEO: Course Overview

Course Content Areas

As you can see from the video, the course is divided into multiple sections, all of which can be accessed from the main course menu. Below is a listing of the major sections of the course, along with the kinds of content they contain. ​

BANJO BASICS. This section includes the essential things you need to know before getting started picking your first string. 

Banjo Basics

Topics of the Banjo Basics Modules Include:

  • Holding the Banjo
  • All About Fingerpicks
  • Banjo Strings
  • Banjo Types 
  • Proper Picking Hand Position
  • Tuning the Banjo,
  • Fearless Fretting
  • Anatomy of Fingerstyle Banjo
  • The Brainjo Tune Learnin’ System
  • and more…

PRIMARY LEARNING MODULES. This is where you’ll learn the fundamental skills and knowledge of fingerstyle banjo. You’ll do so in a carefully chosen, step-by-step sequence. 

Primary learning modules

Topics of the Primary Learning Modules Include:

  • Essential Picking Hand Techniques
  • Essential Fretting Hand Technique
  • Thumb Lead Banjo
  • 3 Finger Banjo (old time, bluegrass / Scruggs)
  • Essential Chords Shapes
  • “Stupid Simple” Backup
  • How to Hear Chord Changes (playing by ear, part 1)
  • How to Find the Melody (playing by ear, part 2)
  • How to Build a Complete Arrangement from Scratch (playing by ear, part 3)
  • and more!

THE VAULT. Arguably the most popular part of the Breakthrough Banjo course, “The Vault” is the ultimate (and always expanding) library of clawhammer banjo tabs and tune tutorials.  Click here for the list of songs and tunes currently in The Vault. 

The Vault

SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING MODULES.This is where you’ll find lessons on other essential topics in fingerstyle banjo. Unlike the Primary Learning Modules, the order in which these are consumed is not as important.

Topics here include brain-based practice techniques, how to play and sing in 2 and 3 finger style, and the essentials of music theory for the banjo.  

The Jam Dojo

THE JAM DOJO. Containing the ultimate banjo backup tracks for songs in The Vault, the “dojo” is where you can work on your entire gamut of developing skills (playing solos, changing chords, playing backup, jamming, improvising, and so on).

Supplemental Learning Modules

SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING MODULES.This is where you’ll find lessons on other essential topics in fingerstyle banjo. Unlike the Primary Learning Modules, the order in which these are consumed is not as important.

Topics here include brain-based practice techniques, how to play and sing in 2 and 3 finger style, and the essentials of music theory for the banjo.  

The Lick Library

THE LICK LIBRARY. “Licks” are an essential part of the Scruggs banjo sound. In the “Lick Library,” you’ll learn what licks are, how and when to use them, and review in detail the classic lead-in, fill, backup, and tag licks.

THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM. The Virtual Classroom is where live workshops are held, including tune and song tutorials, along with topics that are underrepresented in traditional instruction. Workshops include a supplementary PDF book, and are archived for future viewing. 

The Ear Lab

THE “EAR LAB”. Anyone can learn to play by ear. All it takes is practice. 

Intended as an extension of the 3 part series on how to play by ear in the Primary Learning Modules, the Ear Lab contains workshops and tools for continuing to develop your ability to play by ear, jam, and improvise. 

Also includes the How to Sing & Play series of workshops, where we walk step by step through the process of how to play and sing a song. 

Beats for Banjo

BEATS FOR BANJO. Also known as “the metronome killer,” Beats for Banjo are rhythm tracks designed specifically for banjo practice. They are enormously helpful for working on rhythm and timing, and have multiple uses.  

I personally use these tracks all the time – they’re loads of fun to play with and hugely helpful. 

SIGN UP FOR BREAKTHROUGH BANJO

Still have questions? Click here for our FAQ page.

Words from BREAKTHROUGH BANJO MEMBERS…

Ryne Muller“I’m already “successful” after only 8 months!

I’ve been able to consistently sit with my banjo an hour a day for several months. Bonaparte crossing the Rhine is up to speed. Soldiers Joy & Liberty are 2 songs, if I could play them, I could call it a career, Ha! But theres so much more the course makes accessible. I’m not retiring anytime soon!”

Ryne M., Breakthrough Banjo Member

“I feel like I’ve made an INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF PROGRESS in the year that I’ve been a subscriber, especially compared to the previous year of working with a local instructor.”

Steve D., Breakthrough Banjo member

Firstly, thank you so much for helping me on my journey towards becoming an accomplished banjo player…The Brainjo Method fits perfectly with the way I learn as I’m sure it would for anyone willing to pay attention to what you teach and do the practice time required. The results so far have been stunning.

I was pretty well blown away by what I have learned in such a short time. As I now begin to read your articles I am learning why your method of learning works.

Carol, Breakthrough Banjo Member

Dan Bilitz“I previously thought learning to play was not possible for me. I love the teaching style and logical step-by-step instructions. I really appreciate the way Josh explains the lessons in a logical way that builds my skills, and makes the process fun. I look forward to daily practices.”

Dan B., Breakthrough Banjo Member

Alex Cacciarelli“At 72, I had some anxieties. First, will I live long enough to get to be good at the banjo. Second, I’ll have to study a lot harder than a younger person. The Breakthrough Course and it’s philosophy has eliminated these two anxieties. I can learn at my own pace and practice is not a chore but an enjoyment.

I’d advise the Course for any other ” oldsters” who might be interested in the banjo.”

Alex C., Breakthrough Banjo Member

Screen Shot 2016-06-08 at 10.47.48 AM“I’m so loving your course. Haven’t been this excited about something in a long time. I’m naturally a slow learner, but I have stubbornness, and now your course on my side. “

Kurosh S., Breakthrough Banjo Member

“Thanks for a simply beautiful learning resource and an elegant method. You’ve made an embarrassment of riches available…”

John H., Breakthrough Banjo Member

Henry Neimark“The course has given me the courage to tackle tunes and techniques that I would have thought were beyond me.”

Henry N.

“Prior to Breakthrough, I always dug a hole in my home practice sessions and then fell into it. Boredom prevailed and then my banjo would end up in the closet again. Breakthrough should be called Breakaway…. that’s what happened….

A goal of mine was to play in front of somebody one year ago… but by mid summer, I was leading an open play group. Scary progress….”

Jay W., Breakthrough Banjo Member

“Thank you, thank you. I love this course. I am making lots of progress. I AM ADDICTED!!!”

Terry T., Breakthrough Banjo member

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