Welcome to the new addition to my plectrum banjo technical studies series! This is being published in support of my current series of technique articles in BMG magazine. I have made no attempt to post these in order of difficulty; I just post them as I finish them. This will be a continually evolving collection; I’m just getting started! Anyway, please enjoy! Click on the highlighted title and it will lead you to a PDF of the music.
Essential Theory
Scale Patterns
Circle of 5ths Patterns
The circle of 5ths is such an important music theory subject. These patterns are examples of how you can move from one Dominant 7th chord to another, following the circle all the way around in repeating patterns. Hint: Start the physical pattern on the 17th fret C (for pattern #1) and continue, thereby reversing the pattern order; this of course works for all of them. These make great speed drills as well; start slow and work up the speed, always with down-up-down-up picking.
Modal Patterns
Here is another pattern concept; this time using sequential modal chord patterns. Each 2-bar section is the same pattern, just adjusted to each of the Modal Chords as you ascend; this concept works for any pattern that you can do with the I chord (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii, I).
Modal Exercises