An important anthology of Irish and Celtic solos for the 5-string banjo featuring a comprehensive, scholarly treatise on the history, techniques, and etiquette of playing the banjo in the Celtic tradition. Includes segments on tuning, pick preferences, and tablature reading followed by 101 jigs, slides, polkas, slip jigs, reels, hornpipes, strathspeys, O'Carolan tunes, plus a special section of North American Celtic tunes. A generous collection of photos of Irish folk musicians, street scenes, and archaeological sites further enhances this fabulous book. All of the solos included here are written in 5-string banjo tablature only with a few tunes set in unusual banjo tunings. the appendices provide a sizable glossary and a wealth of information regarding soloists and groups playing Celtic music, Irish festivals, music publications, on-line computer resources, cultural organizations, and more. If you are serious about playing Celtic music on the 5-string banjo, or if you don't play the banjo but simply want to expand your knowledge of the Celtic music tradition-you owe yourself this book. the first-ever CD collection of Irish and Celtic music for 5-string banjo provides 68 lovely melodies and demonstrates revolutionary techniques for playing highly ornamented tunes and rolling back-up. Recorded in stereo with virtuosos Gabriel Donohue (steel- and nylon-string guitar and piano) and Robbie Walsh (bodhran- frame drum played with a stick), the five-string banjo is out front and plays through each melody in real-life tempo with authentic Celtic chordal and rhythmic backing. the recording features the music of all Six Celtic Nations and includes jigs, reels, hornpipes, slides, polkas, marches, country dances, larides, andros, slipjigs, strathspeys, airs and O'Carolan tunes. 35 songs in the book are not on the CD.

A collection of over 100 Celtic tunes from Scotland and Ireland arranged for the 5-string banjo. This book contains reels, jigs, marches, stathspeys, hornpipes and waltzes, which are played for traditional dances throughout Scotland. All the tunes are played out of standard G tuning without the use of a capo. They will expand your repertoire and challenge your playing using a mixture of single string, melodic and Scruggs style that will give both of your hands a good workout.This collection takes the banjo back to the music where Bluegrass and Old Time music has its roots. Although many tunes in this collection are going to be challenging to the beginner, all levels of player will gain from studying these tunes and adding them to their collection, will enhance their ability and knowledge of the 5-string banjo. In tablature.•

Irish Pub Songs arranged for frailing and clawhammer banjo. Many songs are arranged in the Keys of G, C and D out of Open G Tuning on the 5-String Banjo.

The world of melodic jazz banjo soloing is revealed in this comprehensive method which leads a student from basic intervals to advanced theoretical concepts and finally to a firm foundation in jazz fundamentals. Included are over 90 exercises and examples written in both tablature fingerings and standard music notation which show how scales and arpeggios are used and how they apply to real playing situations. Every five-string banjoist can benefit from the information contained in this breakthrough volume whether they aspire to jazz or just want to find out more about the possibilities and structure of the banjo. Audio CD included.Starting with basic intervals, Straight-Ahead Jazz for Banjo shows the structure of all basic chord types and qualities and matches these to the scales that generate them. the book's basic concept model is to treat the five-string banjo's potential in an inclusive technical context so that the student can make use of open and fifth strings to create a smooth legato style. Each of the 90+ exercises are recorded with a metronome and progress to 16 additional examples of original jazz phrases in a variety of keys. Topics include functional major and minor key harmony, diminished and augmented scales and how they are used, and the integration of altered scale substitutes in the art of jazz improvisation. It stresses listening and learning in a logical structured manner with an example of a daily practice plan. the unique emphasis of the book is on the fingerings which make the instrument work for you technically and thus open up added possibilities for the development of a student's personal style. This long-awaited volume will surely bring new focus and perspective to any banjo style and will be a classic reference for many new generations of banjoists. Audio CD included.

A practical and inspiring guide to creating beautiful illuminated pictures and patterns, including spiral designs, knotwork interlacings, zoomorphic ornament and more. Courtney Davis illustrates his techniques, showing how to build up and decorate an inspiring selection of Celtic designs. Taking his inspiration from Celtic art and historical manuscripts he interprets the designs, creating his own spiral, knotwork, zoomorphic and key patterns with an infectious energy and enthusiasm. Using bright, bold colours, and strong lines, he takes you through all the stages from creating a rough to decoration and the finished design. An invaluable book for all those interested in Celtic art, the origins and the methods of construction.

This book and accompanying audio present Irish, Celtic and British Isles folk melodies for the 5-string banjo. The book demonstrates contemporary Celtic fingerstyle banjo in G tuning using modern techniques. 32 airs and song melodiesare presented, with chords written in standard notation and tablature. Play-along and up-to-speed tracks are included in the audio online. The tunes are suited for beginner and intermediate players, and include practice tempo suggestions. Advanced players will also benefit by learning subtle arrangements of traditional pieces. This is the companion work to Mel Bay's Easy Irish and Celtic Tunes for 5 -String Banjo: Best-Loved Jigs and Reels (2012), with 68 tunes, combining for a total of 100 Celtic melodies. The pieces can be played individually or combined for session playing. Audio available for download online

A complete, stroke-by-stroke guide to producing Celtic calligraphy. Learn how to create each leter of the alphabet in the age-old Celtic manner. Crystal clear instructions also cover pens, inks, work surface, paper and lines, how to hold the pen and more. 38 full-page plates plus 8 illustrations.