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Whiskey Before Breakfast

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This is an older video that I've made free, along with the rhythm tracks and tabs. A very common instrumental with a melody a little sweeter than the title, this one is quite a challenge to play on the banjo. It's traditionally played in "D," which offers a challenge in itself, and I've made it a totally melodic version to boot. I wanted a version of this song that I could play in exact unison with a fiddle...and here it is. It's a finger twister, but you'll learn the neck faster than a moonshiner's mustang when you take a sip of this one.

Key of D Melodic Banjo Single-string technique

Lesson Discussion

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  1. Ben Clark Leader ·

    https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/whiskey-before-breakfast-banjo This is an older video that I’ve made free, along with the rhythm tracks and tabs. A very common instrumental with a melody a little sweeter than the title, this one is quite a challenge to play on the banjo. It’s traditionally played in “D,” which offers a challenge in itself, and I’ve made it a totally melodic version to boot. I wanted a version of this song that I could play in exact unison with a fiddle…and here it is. It’s a finger twister, but you’ll learn the neck faster than a moonshiner’s mustang when you take a sip of this one.

  2. John (Lifetime Member) ·

    I’m starting this one soon. For backing up this tune on banjo, other than basic vamp, how do you tackle the quick changes. Do you have a favourite picking pattern that seems to work best. Seems like exercise, so many changes.

  3. Emilie Dunn ·

    What’s the best way to attack some backup for this. Not super fancy just nice.

  4. Ben Clark Leader ·

    Check these lessons out first and let me know what you think, then I can help from there: https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/how-to-play-in-d-banjo https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/how-to-play-rolling-backup-for-fiddle-tunes-more-banjo-intermediate

  5. Emilie Dunn ·

    This is great thank you! I’ve watched both of these lessons before but hadn’t made the connection. I might have to play this tune in the near future and this definitely helps a lot.

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