Banjo Song Book

[tnyankee]

Folks,
Can anyone recommend a good CW song book for banjo? I've finally taken up the instrument that I've always wanted to try! Thanks!

[Silas]

Re: Banjo Song Book

Tony,

This is the place to go : http://minstrelbanjo.ning.com/ Under the "resources" tab, you'd eventually find this : http://www.milfordmusic.com/Banjo%20Audio.htm Many period tutors found here with videos of the music.

These are great if you can read music. If not, you want to purchse the books Joe Weidlich tabbed. One is "the red book" which is the Briggs Banjo Instructor (1855), another is "the blue book" which is the Converse's 's Banjo Without a Master (1865). The originals of these two books - meaning with notes and lyrics - can be found above. These are basic beginning books for the minstrel stroke style which was THE STYLE of the day. The final Weidlich book is "the tan book" which is about technique and repertoire. The last book takes samples of the various banjo instructors up to 1865 or so. It's a great book. All three books have technique.

Welcome to the banjo group. Sorry it will ruin you as a soldier.

[Silas]

Re: Banjo Song Book

Here's a link to a vendor who has the red, blue and tan books from Weidlich : http://www.banjofactory.com/books__accessories.htm

[tnyankee]

Re: Banjo Song Book

Hey Silas! Hope all is well out there with you?! Thanks for the info, that is exactly what I am looking for. I've been looking for an alternate way to enjoy the hobby and the banjo has always intrigued me. Thanks again!

[Boucher42]

Re: Banjo Song Book

Sorry it will ruin you as a soldier.

Welcome to the disease. There is a link on the banjo clubhouse somewhere that has Briggs (1855) in standard notation and TAB.