First Lessons on Banjo is an ultra-easy instruction manual for beginning five-string banjo played in the three finger style in G tuning. It can be used by those with no previous experience with the banjo or music of any sort. It is so basic it can be used even by small children. The book features very detailed descriptions of even the most basic aspects such as wearing the picks properly, the correct picking motion, and noting the strings properly. These are aspects that are so basic most manuals skip over them. There are many detailed photos, several from the player's point of view, not from in front of the banjo. First Lessons on Banjo covers the most basic rolls, the Alternating Thumb Roll and two Forward Rolls, plus the three basic chords plus the relative minor chord. All musical examples are presented in tablature, with the melody notes in boldface type so the student knows which notes to emphasize. All arrangements include lyrics, which is very important to the novice who is trying to train the ear to hear the melody among the fill notes. Several tips and suggestions about the proper mental approach are included that will lead to playing by ear and arranging at an earlier stage in the student's development. There are also suggestions about developing the proper mental approach and about speed reading of tablature. These suggestions are not found in any other banjo instruction book. The 'finale' arrangement is Cripple Creek, a popular banjo standard that when mastered, should give the novice a great sense of accomplishment. The accompanying recording includes all tabbed examples, with the rhythm instruments and lead banjo in separate channels. The songs are played at three tempos, the first tempo VERY slow, then a medium tempo version, and finally at performing speed with guitar, mandolin and bass accompaniment. The up-
Jack Hatfield started his career in the technology field where he boasts of some incredible success, not withstanding his unyielding customer support. He has always went above and beyond to help his fellow man and his new path after the birth of his daughter will help him reach millions more.
Some of his achievements in the technology field include: Engineered one of South Carolina's largest gigabit backbone network; Developed, built, and marketed six lines of computers, selling 9,000 of these computers nationwide and established three branches over course of six years; Created and grew global ISP business to $2 Million profit center in 21 months to become the largest and first all digital internet company based in South Carolina; Built $100 million organization's network by designing, developing, configuring, and installing new features.
Couple all of the above with a dedication to hard work and his years of sweat equity and you have a powerful mentor.
