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How to Play the 5-String Banjo: Third Edition | Banjo Instructional Songbook for Beginners | Learn Banjo Accompaniment, Solos, and Techniques Sheet Music | Includes Tablature and Lyrics

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At a glance

Condition
New
Model
HL14015486
Dimensions
8.5 x 0.21 x 11 in
Weight
7.2 oz
Publisher
Music Sales America
Publication date
January 1, 1992
Edition
3rd

Description

Master the 5-String Banjo with Pete Seeger’s Iconic Instructional Guide The How to Play the 5-String Banjo book, Third Edition, offers a comprehensive and accessible approach to learning the 5-string banjo. Written by Pete Seeger, a legendary figure in American folk music, this banjo songbook covers all the essential techniques, from basic strums to more advanced skills like hammer- ons, pull-offs, and double thumbing. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your skills, this book provides clear, step-by-step guidance. Perfect for Beginners and Enthusiasts With over 72 pages of instruction, this book offers easy-to-follow banjo tablature and standard notation, perfect for those just starting their banjo journey. It includes melody lines, lyrics, and banjo accompaniment for all the songs, ensuring you can play along while learning. Pete Seeger’s straightforward approach makes mastering the banjo simple and enjoyable. Comprehensive Banjo Techniques and Tunes From the fifth string to hammering on and pulling off, this guide covers banjo fundamentals and advanced techniques. You'll also learn classic folk songs and banjo solos that are staples in traditional and modern bluegrass music. This is not just a beginner’s guide; it is an all-encompassing resource for mastering 5-string banjo techniques and songs. Great Gift for Banjo Players and Music Teachers This is an ideal gift for banjo players, music teachers, or anyone interested in folk music. The clear instructions and comprehensive songlist make it an invaluable tool for music teachers and beginner banjoists alike. Whether you’re just starting or want to hone your skills, Pete Seeger’s How to Play the 5-String Banjo offers everything you need to become proficient and confident on your instrument. Read more

Specs 9

Publisher Music Sales America
Publication date January 1, 1992
Edition 3rd
Language English
Print length 72 pages
ISBN-10 1597731641
ISBN-13 45
Item Weight 7.2 ounces

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Top Amazon Reviews


Love this book
Format: Paperback
Love this book
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2026 by Jessica harger

Great Book!
Format: Paperback
Pete Seeger has contributed a great amount to banjo playing and folk music throughout his life. This book is definitely one of those contributions. As Pete admits in the note written on the inside covers of this latest edition, there are changes that could be made to make this a more convenient instructional book. However, I would still highly suggest it. It's full of interesting tidbits on everything from the history of the banjo to instructions on how to make your own gig bag. But the thing I appreciate most about this book is the "big picture" perspective that it offers. Mr. Seeger doesn't spend the whole book on how to master specific riffs. He emphasizes an inventive and curious attitude toward banjo playing an music in general, which I think is invaluable to an aspiring musician. I believe that, more so than with almost any other artist, Pete Seeger is about sharing the joy of music with others. It is that sincerity which makes this book a wonderful resource. It may not be the only resource you will need to learn (he does give lists of others in the book,) but it will certainly be helpful. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2011 by Kevin

A great old-fashioned book
Format: Paperback
Wonderful book for anyone who plays or tinker with a banjo; I had a copy of an earlier audition 50 years ago, bought this for a friend; great reminder of all times black-and-white photos, and drawn sketches, all kinds of knowledge about how to fix repair your banjo.
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2025 by CARL

Nice book.
Format: Paperback
Looks nice . haven't used it yet.
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2026 by Dave Erwin

Tops for beginners
Format: Paperback
Pete was a brilliant musician, a true patriot and a great music teacher. I first ran into this book back in 1967, and used it to get started playing banjo. After not playing for forty years, I got a cheap banjo a few months ago. I bought this book right away to refresh my memory. It was amazing how much his learning and lore had stuck with me. I was plucking along instantly. If you want a good book for beginner banjo look no further. Pete will tell you what you need to know. Quite a bargain, thanks Amazon Prime! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2019 by Mcgregor R. Pearce

From Pete Seeger
Format: Paperback
This is an interesting book, in part because it was one (if not the 1st) book about playing the banjo, and was written by Pete Seeger many years ago. Though you may have many good and more recent books on how to play the banjo, this is a good one to add to your collection if for nothing else than its historical significance. And, it might also teach you a few things that the other books never mentioned. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025 by Hartford

Helpful but odd.
Format: Paperback
The good: I have flipped through the whole book and read the first parts of it, and I have already learned a lot. This book is very useful for learning basic things such as strumming, rolls, etc. It's got a nice little dose of history mixed in which allows the reader to delve into the world of the banjo rather than just music itself. The bad: My 5-string banjo came with instructions for tuning it to GBGBD, and that is how I began to learn it. That is also how most of the internet thinks it should be tuned. This banjo book talks about tuning it to GCGBD. This means that the chords in the back index do not match GBGBD tuning and are, for that tuning, useless. I have been able, however, to learn the songs in the book by looking up the chords elsewhere and by adjusting the tabs to match my banjo's tuning. If I had this purchase to do over, I'd select a different book due to this, but it has certainly been a learning experience. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2012 by Rachel Oranger

Brilliant book
Format: Paperback
As helpful as YouTube is, this book has been even more so
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025 by TD
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