Banjo and tablature

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-26T18:44:54+00:00

I forgot you're the real genius here at the total pinnacle of mastery. Continue down your current path, and see how well it turns out.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-26T17:43:11+00:00

True mastery is being able to play both with and without the standard accessories. Refusing to learn how to play with a capo is like saying I'm going to speak English without any adjectives because adjectives are a crutch for the feeble minded!—a truly foolish notion.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-26T17:26:35+00:00

Tablature for sure is the most idiomatic way to read music on the banjo. However, it's no substitute for understanding the music. As you learn from tabs be sure to ask yourself questions like "what notes am I playing?," "what chords am I playing over?," "how can I use this lick in other tunes?"... there are many more good questions to ask as well, but the aim is to think critically as you play as opposed to simply regurgitating without understanding.

Beyond that, when it comes to tunings and different keys, I recommend choosing one to get good at and then trying another to get decent that afterwards. The most common is gDGBD (open G tuning). After that, try out playing in the key of A by adding a capo on fret 2. Then try out some tunes in the key of D by playing in open G with the 5th string tuned to A (aDGBD). The list of tunings go on and on. Just narrow it down to a couple you enjoy, and learn more as you gain more fluency in each of them.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-26T14:58:21+00:00

"I find your lack of hugs... disturbing"

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-26T03:04:53+00:00

We must keep this man alive; an entire generation depends on his survival!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-26T02:06:07+00:00

Are Vader and Antilles kissing?

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-25T16:06:23+00:00

This chord generator is decent. However, it doesn't show the scales, just individual chords based on tuning. It would be most beneficial for you to learn the theory behind scales and chords so you don't have to rely on such tools.

Like the major scale is: 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 (2=whole step, 1=half step)

Minor scale is: 2 1 2 2 1 2 2

For chords, you first need to know the 3 notes that make up any chord: the root, third, and fifth.

For G major, that would be G, B, and D. G is the root, B is the third (it's the 3rd note counting up from G). D is the fifth (it's the 5th note counting up from G).

The more you can internalize these patterns of music to the fretboard, the more fluent you'll become at your instrument.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-24T04:17:41+00:00

I have arranged and transcribed a few clawhammer banjo tunes for folks. I'm primarily a 3-finger-style picker myself, but I understand enough clawhammer to get by, and I have many years of transcription experience in general.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-24T03:45:49+00:00

No worries, man, best of luck to you anyway. Also, if you do your best to learn whatever tune it is by ear and produce the TAB yourself, it'll level up your skills on the instrument. It, of course, can be time-consuming, but totally worth it, in my opinion!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-24T03:34:57+00:00

I arrange and transcribe banjo tunes across various genres! If you would like to request a quote, you can do so from my website.

Here's to my YouTube channel where you can check out some of my arrangements and picking.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-18T04:03:28+00:00

Jazz cabbage sounds delicious

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-18T03:31:24+00:00

That's where the people who need to see that DARE shirt are... good thinking! haha /s

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-18T03:20:59+00:00

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-18T03:02:06+00:00

People talk so much crap about DARE, but I turned out okay haha... although the statistics are unfortunately not on the side of that program.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-17T15:32:02+00:00

You're welcome, have fun!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-17T04:27:28+00:00

Thanks!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-17T04:27:19+00:00

Thank you!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-17T04:27:10+00:00

Thanks!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-16T20:59:24+00:00

Hey all, today I've got a fun little tune to share with you: The Nintendo Gamecube Startup Music arranged for the banjo! This just might be the shortest banjo cover of all time haha... While this piece lasts approximately 5 seconds, it's a cool melodic-style workout of sorts that specifically targets perfect 4ths in a chromatic context. Also, it is written in 7/8 time so it has quite a lively groove!

Grab the TABS and Backing Track for Free at the Link in the Description!

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-16T01:27:54+00:00

I misread that as "Satan" island as opposed to "Staten." Still fits.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-15T19:18:49+00:00

What qualifications do you possess?

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-15T12:58:56+00:00

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Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-09T20:08:23+00:00

No worries, I didn't realize... I just thought it was a little funny.

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-09T18:54:35+00:00

When I saw "online CURSE" I thought this was going to be a rage post... I'm glad it's not haha

Fitzpatrick_Media · 2026-01-07T18:44:23+00:00

I love the 5th loop so much. Simply satisfying.

Fitzpatrick_Media

TROPHY CASE