How to Teach Beginner Banjo: Simple Method for First 5 Lessons

Beginner Banjo Teaching Method: A Progressive 5-6 Lesson Plan

In this instructional video, Geoff Hohwald from Banjo Warehouse shares his proven method for teaching complete beginners how to play banjo. This approach focuses on getting students playing music quickly without overwhelming them with theory.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:02 - The Seven-Note Roll (First Technique)
1:30 - Beginning Banjo Warm-Up Series
2:15 - Single-Note Chop for Rhythm Backup
3:45 - Starting with "Boiling Cabbage Down"
5:20 - Forward and Backward Rolls
6:30 - The Hammer-On Lick from "Cripple Creek"
8:15 - Teaching Philosophy: Limiting Information
9:40 - Progress After 3-4 Lessons
11:20 - Learning the Slide Technique
13:00 - Complete Technique Overview
14:30 - Summary: What Students Achieve in 5-6 Lessons

What This Method Covers:

Lesson 1-2: Building the Foundation

The seven-note roll (works with any chord in the key of G)
Single-note chop for rhythm backup
Introduction to "Boiling Cabbage Down"
Forward and backward rolls

Lesson 3-4: Adding Techniques

Hammer-on lick from "Cripple Creek"
Slide techniques
Playing with accompaniment

Lesson 5-6: Bringing It Together

Complete performance of songs
All essential right-hand techniques (forward roll, backward roll, alternating thumb)
Key left-hand techniques (hammer-on, pull-off, slide)

Key Philosophy:

"Monkey see, monkey do" - students learn by doing, not through excessive theory. The goal is to give students a "default position" for jam sessions and the confidence to play with others from the very beginning.

Perfect for: Banjo teachers, music instructors, or anyone teaching a complete beginner

Resources mentioned: Beginning Banjo Warm-Up Series, Banjo Primer book

https://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Banj...

https://www.amazon.com/Banjo-Primer-B...