The How and the Tao of Old Time Banjo

by Patrick Costello

The groundbreaking book that has people around the world playing the five-string banjo! In a book that has redefined how traditional music is taught Patrick Costello shares the basic skills of old time "frailing" banjo and much more. Starting with a simple picking pattern and a handful of chord forms (as the author points out, "if you know three chords you can play thousands of songs!") the book continues to build on those basic skills covering everything from complex fiddle tunes to working up chord melody arrangements of Dixieland songs and beyond. Each chapter of The How and the Tao of Old Time Banjo is filled with the authors warm "down-home" sense of humor. Throughout the book readers are encouraged to get out and make music, have adventures and celebrate this wonderful thing called music. Patrick isn't bashful about relating some of his own misadventures from his days as a beginner to encourage you to go out and and make music with other people. The How and the Tao of Old Time Banjo is a treasure trove of information and encouragement for anyone who wants to start playing the banjo. Don't wait. Order your copy today and start making music for and with your friends and family.

Genres: Music

Paperback

First published September 10, 2003

About the author

Hailed The Merry God of Banjo by The Washington Post, Patrick Costello lost most of his hearing to childhood ear infections. He learned to sing, play the banjo, guitar, harmonica, ukulele, fiddle, dulcimer, autoharp, and other instruments through a combination of family support, his indomitable will, and the kindness of musicians he met along the way.

Patrick is the author of The How and the Tao of Old Time Banjo and many other books. He lives in Crisfield, Maryland.

Reviews

[Jim Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good for beginners, but you should definitely move on to the things Patrick discourages, such as: drop thumbing, alternate tunings, even tab. Just don't use tab as a crutch but as an occasional means to pick up new licks.

[Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!!! Also their is one on old time music by him as well.