Learn Clawhammer Banjo

Banjo Lessons for the Adult Beginner

  • About
    • Getting Started With Clawhammer Banjo – What You Need To Know
    • What is the Brainjo Method?
    • How To Play Clawhammer Banjo in 8 Essential Steps (free course)
  • Tabs
    • THE VAULT: The Ultimate Clawhammer TAB LIBRARY
      • The Vault Login
    • Clawhammer Tune and Tab of the Week
    • This Week’s SONG and TAB
    • The Clawhammer TOP 10 tunes
    • This Week’s TUNE and TAB
    • 9 Ways to Practice Smarter (FREE book)
  • Banjos!
    • The “BANJO PLAYER’S BANJO”
    • Brainjo SHIRTS!
  • Breakthrough Banjo
    • Login to Course
    • Breakthrough Banjo Course Tour
    • About the Course
    • SIGN UP
    • Course Home

Brainjo University – Play Better Banjo Today!

Welcome to Brainjo University. No matter where you are in your clawhammer banjo journey, you can find a course of instruction that’s right for you, and that will take you wherever you may want to go. Here you’ll find links to instructional videos, articles, and other materials all about clawhammer banjo.

All of the materials on this page incorporate the Brainjo Method of instruction, a teaching system that incorporates the science of learning and neuroplasticity and specifically targets the adult learner (read more on the Brainjo Method here). Additionally, all the tab arrangements included with any of the courses are rated according to the Brainjo level system to assist you in finding arrangements that are appropriate for your current ability level (as well as ones that push you to new levels).

All materials available for purchase come with a money back guarantee. If at any point you’re dissatisfied, just let me know and I’ll send a full refund, no questions asked.

The Breakthrough Banjo Course

 

Drawing upon on over 20 years of research, the Breakthrough Banjo course is the first complete, brain based system of instruction specifically targeted at the adult learner, designed to take anyone from total beginner to banjo master. Currently FREE for the first 30 days, the course includes all the materials you see on this page, plus much more. Read more about Breakthrough Banjo here.

Here’s what Breakthrough Banjo members say about the course:

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"Initially I WORRIED that an online course for learning banjo would not really work for me, but the Breakthrough Banjo course has been EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED! I can pick it up any time I want and am able to progress at the speed that works for me. The TUTORIALS ARE EXCELLENT AND VERY CLEAR, and multiple playing speeds mean you can go as fast or slow as you like. The guitar-backed tracks are a nice practice for becoming comfortable playing with other musicians. All of this, for A MUCH BETTER DEAL THAN I COULD EVER GET WITH PRIVATE LESSONS ! I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning clawhammer banjo."

-- Emily M., Breakthrough Banjo Member

October 1, 2020

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"This course has been a HUGE stepping stone for me to get back on track and to become confident in my playing. I CAN NOW JOIN IN AND PLAY ALONG with other musicians...I could NEVER HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOUR PROGRAM...I have made so much progress that I can't begin to thank you enough for all of your help!"

-- Jay W., Breakthrough Banjo Member

October 1, 2020

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"Thank you, thank you. I love this course. I am making lots of progress. I AM ADDICTED!!!"

-- Terry T., Breakthrough Banjo Member

October 1, 2020

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"I've learned more in the past 2 months in this course than I have in the past 3 years working with dozens of books and videos. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!"

-- Phil S., Breakthrough Banjo Member

October 1, 2020

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"Breakthrough Banjo has helped me IMPROVE MY PLAYING AND JUST AS IMPORTANTLY, KEEPS ME INSPIRED. The course format is brilliant and technically savvy, sequentially building one's skill level, musical understanding, and clawhammer repertoire in a surprisingly short amount of time. It's obvious Josh puts his heart and soul into the well thought out 'Brainjo Method' course he's developed. And it works. The BRAIN ON BANJO IS A BEAUTIFUL THING!"

-- Ellen L., Breakthrough Banjo Member

October 1, 2020

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"I have been playing banjo for years but found myself strictly relying on tablature.   I could memorize songs but they sounded clunky and jarring compared to when I had music in front of me.  BREAKTHROUGH BANJO HAS MADE THE DIFFERENCE. Now I CAN THINK A SONG IN MY HEAD AND MY HANDS MAKE THE MUSIC.  I am amazed at how easy it is.  I finally am pushing past that plateau."

-- Joshua B., Breakthrough Banjo Member

October 1, 2020

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"I am amazed how quickly I have learnt using your techniques!" 

-- Erhan L., Breakthrough Banjo Member

January 7, 2016

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"I feel like I've made an INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF PROGRESS in the year that I've been a subscriber, especially compared to the previous year of working with a local instructor."

-- Steve D., Breakthrough Banjo Member

January 7, 2016

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Zach close up"The Breakthrough Banjo Course has finally allowed me to progress in a clear and linear fashion, which has, in my honest opinion, helped me more as a musician than any other of the resources I've come across and tried in almost 3 years of playing banjo.

I've learned more, and in a fraction of the time that it used to take me to learn far less. The backing tracks have also been extremely helpful in learning the true timing of songs and in learning to play without being completely reliant on tablature."

-- Zachary Taylor, Breakthrough Banjo Member

March 15, 2016

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Zach close up"I cannot stress how many times I had tried and failed at Drop Thumbing until I went through the Breakthrough Banjo Course and had it both explained to me and shown to me in depth alongside the exercises. Now it actually feels natural and I can hardly believe it.

"I only wish I had heard of this course sooner because clearly it can take anyone at any skill level and effectively teach them.. Not just to play songs, or tunes, but to create music and really grow."

-- Zachary Taylor, Breakthrough Banjo Member

March 15, 2016

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Alex Cacciarelli"At 72, I had some anxieties. First, will I live long enough to get to be good at the banjo. Second, I'll have to study a lot harder than a younger person. The Breakthrough Course and it's philosophy has eliminated these two anxieties. I can learn at my own pace and practice is not a chore but an enjoyment.

I'd advise the Course for any other " oldsters" who might be interested in the banjo."

-- Alexander Cacciarelli, Breakthrough Banjo Member

March 15, 2016

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Tom Eaton"It is helping me learn to play clawhammer banjo faster than I expected I would. I have reach the point where I can participate in local old time jam sessions, and I am having a great time.

I'm having fun and I'm learning. Thank you!"

-- Tom Eaton, Breakthrough Banjo Member

 

March 15, 2016

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"Prior to Breakthrough, I always dug a hole in my home practice sessions and then fell into it. Boredom prevailed and then my banjo would end up in the closet again. Breakthrough should be called Breakaway.... that's what happened....

A goal of mine was to play in front of somebody one year ago... but by mid summer, I was leading an open play group. Scary progress...."

-- Jay W., Breakthrough Banjo Member

March 15, 2016

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Dan Bilitz"I previously thought learning to play was not possible for me. I love the teaching style and logical step-by-step instructions. I really appreciate the way Josh explains the lessons in a logical way that builds my skills, and makes the process fun. I look forward to daily practices."

Dan Bilitz, Breakthrough Banjo Member

March 15, 2016

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Ryne Muller"I'm already "successful" after only 8 months!

I've been able to consistently sit with my banjo an hour a day for several months. Bonaparte crossing the Rhine is up to speed. Soldiers Joy & Liberty are 2 songs, if I could play them, I could call it a career, Ha! But theres so much more the course makes accessible. I'm not retiring anytime soon!"

-- Ryne Muller, Breakthrough Banjo Member

March 15, 2016

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Henry Neimark"The course has given me the courage to tackle tunes and techniques that I would have thought were beyond me."

-- Henry Neimark

March 15, 2016

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Screen Shot 2016-06-08 at 10.47.48 AM"I'm so loving your course. Haven't been this excited about something in a long time. I'm naturally a slow learner, but I have stubbornness, and now your course on my side. "

-- Kurosh S., Breakthrough Banjo Member

June 8, 2016

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Firstly, thank you so much for helping me on my journey towards becoming an accomplished banjo player...The Brainjo Method fits perfectly with the way I learn as I’m sure it would for anyone willing to pay attention to what you teach and do the practice time required. The results so far have been stunning.

I was pretty well blown away by what I have learned in such a short time. As I now begin to read your articles I am learning why your method of learning works.

-- Carol, Breakthrough Banjo Member

October 2, 2016

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Your course has helped me to no end!

-- Steve A., Breakthrough Banjo Member

February 1, 2017

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Thanks for a simply beautiful learning resource and an elegant method. You've made an embarrassment of riches available...

-- John H., Breakthrough Banjo member

February 1, 2020

JOIN TODAY AND YOU’LL GET THE LEARN PLAY CLAWHAMMER BANJO BY EAR COURSE (normally $97) AS A FREE BONUS…JUST FOR JOINING!

Level: Beginner to Expert

Cost: FREE for the first 30 days, then $21 per month thereafter

SIGN UP FOR BREAKTHROUGH BANJO



How to Play Clawhammer Banjo in 8 Essential Steps Video Series

With over two hours of video instruction, this is a comprehensive (and free!) set of videos that will get anyone, regardless of prior knowledge or experience, off on running with clawhammer banjo in no time. Complete this course, and you’ll have a rock solid technical foundation you can rely upon for the rest of your musical life.

Level: Introductory to Intermediate

Cost: Free



 

 “Great First Songs” Tabs and Video Tutorials

Great First Clawhammer SongsDesigned to function as an extension of the above mentioned “8 Essential Steps to Clawhammer” course, the “Great First Songs” consists of 16 arrangements (a Brainjo level 1 and 2 version for each) of 8 classic clawhammer banjo tunes.

You can purchase just the book of tabs along with mp3 audio files of all the arrangements, or the book of tabs, audio mp3 files, and video tutorials and backup tracks for each of the tunes – over 3 hours of video in all.

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Previously $17, the “Great First Songs” Course Is Now A Free Bonus When You Become A Breakthrough Banjo Member.

 



Masters of Clawhammer Banjo, Adam Hurt Edition

with Adam Hurt

One of the missions of Brainjo is to provide an indepth analysis of both the journey to mastery and the playing style of master musicians. Adam Hurt is one such master, and in this inaugural edition in the Masters of Clawhammer Banjo series, we journey through the mind of Adam Hurt. There’s a wealth of incredible content here: a 2 hour interview, concert, album, book of tabs, style and tune analysis videos, and more… Click here to learn more.

Level: Late Beginner to Advanced



 The 12 Days of Banjo tabs and tutorials

In December of 2014, I released 12 (well, 13) holiday tunes on the banjo on 12 consecutive days (see and hear them all on this page). I’ve since created the 12 Days of Banjo songbook – 26 arrangements (including the main arrangement and a slightly simplified Brainjo level 2 version for each song) of 13 different holiday classics. You can purchase just the book of tabs along with mp3 audio files of all the arrangements, or the tabs, audio files, and video tutorials for each of the arrangements.

Click here for a free sample of the video tutorials for “Angels We Have Heard on High”.

Level: Early Intermediate (Brainjo Level 2 arrangements) to Advanced (Brainjo Level 3-4 arrangements)

Previously $27, the “12 Days Of Banjo” Course (tabs, mp3s, video tutorials) Is Now A Free Bonus When You Become A Breakthrough Banjo Member.

 



Clawhammer Tune and Tab of the Week Series

Every Friday, I release a new video of one of my favorite clawhammer banjo tunes, along with tablature of the arrangement. Sign up for the tune of the week newsletter to get the tabs for all prior tunes, and to get an email each Friday with the latest one.

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Cost: Free



The Clawhammer Core Repertoire Series

This is a recurring monthly series I write in partnership with the Banjo Hangout. Each month I cover a new tune, and show the process for building up a clawhammer arrangement from start to finish.

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Cost: Free



 Articles and such

I also post new articles here often on any topic related to clawhammer banjo, learning, neuroplasticity, and the art and science of effective practice.

  • 7 Reasons Why Clawhammer Banjoists Should Know Their Chords
  • The Brainjo Tune Learnin’ System: Learn, Memorize, and Avoid Jam Failure!
  • The Brainjo Level System: How to Find the Right Music at the Right Time
  • A New Year’s Banjo Resolution that Actually Works
  • The Immutable Laws of Brainjo: Deconstructing the Art and Science of Practice

 

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