Banjo Instruction By 5-String Quarterly's Eddie Collins

Eddie Collins, founder and managing editor of 5-String Quarterly, teaches 5-string banjo, flatpick and Travis-style guitar, and mandolin in workshops and private lessons.

THE KEY OF D FOR 5- STRING BANJO: This instruction book explores the many possible ways to play in the key of D without retuning your banjo. Over 100 examples of licks and patterns are provided. The material covers the entire neck; Scruggs, Keith, and Reno styles; licks; back-up; blues; chromatics; and arpeggios. Tunes written in D (i.e. Soldier's Joy, Whiskey Before Breakfast, etc.) are taught without the use of a capo. The CD demonstrates each song at slow and fast speeds with a separate guitar rhythm track. 64 page book, 22 songs, demo/play-along CD, $19.95 plus shipping. For a listing of topics and songs in this book, Click Here

THE KEY OF C FOR 5- STRING BANJO: This instruction book explores the many possible ways to play in the key of C without retuning your banjo. Includes 125 licks and examples; more than 15 Scruggs style arrangements; Keith and Reno styles; licks; back-up; playing in 3/4 and 6/8 time; and playing in the key of A minor. Tunes performed in C (i.e. Spinning Wheel, Back Up and Push, Silver Bell, etc.) are taught without the use of a capo. The CD demonstrates each song at slow and fast speeds with a separate guitar rhythm track. 64 page book, 22 songs, demo/play-along CD, $19.95 plus shipping. For a listing of topics and songs in this book, Click Here

COUNTRY BLUES FOR FINGERSTYLE GUITAR provides instruction in playing techniques similar to those of Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Mississippi John Hurt. The work is based on Eddie's own personal style with arrangements presented in tablature form. Most songs are first presented in a basic version, before adding embellishments and more difficult right-hand techniques. The accompanying CD demonstrates all of the tunes and breaks down many difficult phrases. 66 page book, 26 songs, demo/play-along CD, $19.95 plus shipping. For a listing of topics and songs in this book, Click Here

For ordering information, click here.

CUSTOM TABS: Eddie has hundreds of song titles that can be ordered as individual tabs for Banjo, Flatpick Guitar, and Mandolin. Each tab can be ordered with a practice CD that demonstrates each song at slow and fast speeds with a separate guitar rhythm track. Email Eddie to request an updated listing of titles and ordering information: tuneman@austin.rr.com

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS: If you are going to be in the Austin, TX area and would like to schedule a one-on-one music lesson with Eddie Collins, email or call Eddie for possible times and locations. 512-836-8255. tuneman@austin.rr.com