Basic Music Theory for Banjo Players: Illustrated with Playing Examples for the 5-String Banjo

by Rick McKeon

This book is a "hands-on" approach to music theory with lots of playing examples for the banjo. Music theory does not have to be mysterious or difficult. In fact, taken a little bit at a time, it’s easy and fun! Each of the approximately 50 lessons in this book has a limited scope, but by the time you complete them, you will have a thorough understanding of the basics of music theory as applied to the banjo. While a single book can't cover everything in so vast a subject, the author has tried to choose topics that will address the needs of most beginning banjo players. These scale theory, reading tablature and standard notation, key signatures, accidentals, transposition, time signatures and note values, intervals and chord construction, the three kinds of minor scales, pentatonic scales, and more. In addition, each chapter features playing examples and review questions to both test and clarify understanding of the materials presented. Rather than proceeding from chapter to chapter, as each individual banjo player is likely at a different point in their musical journey, the reader is encouraged to “jump around and spend more time in those areas that interest you most.” The important thing about the journey is to begin. Includes access to online audio and video.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2018

About the author

Hi, I'm Rick McKeon. I am currently living in beautiful Prescott, Arizona. Since retiring I have been spending time pursuing my passion for writing, playing music and teaching. I am currently producing a series of video lessons on playing the guitar and banjo, and am writing books encouraging people to appreciate nature at a deeper level.

Some of my other pursuits include hiking, backpacking, treasure hunting, exploring old ghost towns and mines, recreational mathematics, photography and experimenting with Microcontrollers.

For more about these activities check my website at rickmckeon.com

Your comments are always welcome. Send me an email at rmckeon4@cableone.net