Complete Tenor Banjo Method (Complete Book Series)

Mel Bay books are good for getting started, no question. And this book does a pretty good job, just like for editions for other instruments. Besides tenor banjo, it's also good for a tenor guitar or a mandola, as they all use the same CGDA tuning, like a cello. There is no companion CD, so you may have to try recording the two-part pieces yourself. That's not a bad thing itself, just makes for more practice.However, this is -not- at all for someone wanting to learn the plectrum banjo (different tuning), and the style presented is more for learning a more classical style playing, like you might expect for a violin or trumpet. Despite being shown chords and chord patterns, there really isn't much for playing the tenor banjo as an accompanying instrument. More of a melodic style is presented. The book is good for a beginning, but you'll hunger for more when done, and unfortunately there really isn't much more.Four stars only because I kind of wanted a meatier presentation of this instrument.

Excellent book that has been selling for years because it is uh... excellent. My first copy vanished and I bought a second because the tunes are good and they are fun.

Tenor banjo methods are not easy to find, because the tenor banjo does not seem to have the popularity it did in, say, the 1920's. (Not to be confused with Irish Tenor Banjo, which is tuned differently). I inherited a 1928 tenor banjo in cherry condition when my father passed away. It seemed such a shame to have such a beautiful instrument, and not be doing anything with it. This Mel Bay method is perfect particularly for anyone who has some musical experience on another instrument. Published in 1968... so, no CD included, but this method takes you through basic chords as well as scales, both major and minor, in every key. It covers both tablature and chord shapes, as well as some nomenclature that is specific to banjo playing. I would highly recommend this method for anyone who has a tenor banjo.

Great book for an adult beginner. Although the earliest copyright is 1968, it has been around much longer...withstood the test of time...the best things usually do. My father used this method book in the 1950s.If you like your guitar and want to try something that always sounds happy, highly recommend a 4-string tenor banjo and Mel Bay's method books. This complete method book starts at the beginning with simple melodies and string introductions...then on through to much more advanced chord progressions and exercises. I also have (and recommend) Mel Bay's guitar and ukulele method books. Some come with CDs and DVDs. Have fun...happy strumming!!

a nice book on tenor banjo, lots of great information, tuning, chords, songs. a nice reference.

Mel Bay Tenor Banjo I and II combined. Working through this book with due diligence should give the practitioner a good fundamental knowledge of the Tenor Banjo. From there it's up to learner how far they wish to take it. Solid foundational instruction.

The book is described as "the finest tenor banjo method available," and it may be, since there are not many (non-Irish) tenor methods in print right now. However, I was hoping for something that included more information on chords beyond major, minor, dominant and diminished. Would also like to see more information on right-hand technique. This is probably not a bad book for beginners, but you will need to look further if you want to get into jazz accompaniment and chord melody playing.

the old cgda treatment but it forces you to read the staff and learn your notes-exactly what I wanted!

I'll be seeking a refund/return - the book only caters for 5 string banjo and, in my view, this isn't nearly clear enough from the description. There's, bafflingly, no discussion on tuning at the start of the book either and no acknowledgement of whether it's possible for the content to be adjusted for tenor banjo players. Disappointing purchase, as the content is otherwise what I was looking for.

This book is for the "jazz" - CGDA - tuned tenor (NOT the Irish "octave" tuning -GDAE ) and has virtually no "folk" content other than a few American cliched tunes. Very much for the beginner who wants to play "Big Ben Banjo Band" types of light music... Not MY cup of tea at all

OK but no dim/aug chords or inversions....a bit too basic and theoretical...

Great thanks good costumer service!!!

No Tab :(