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:
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
Designed 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
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