Summary
Although these are tabbed for 5-string (tuned g'dgbd'), much of the tab does not depend upon the 5th string and so are useful for 4-string as well, albeit using tuning dgbd'.
- Chord Clock tool
- Bebop Jazz Patterns.
- Fretboard fingering diagram for the modal scales, major and minor pentatonics; and some modal exercises based on "Forward Motion."
- Fretboard fingering diagram for the gDGCF tuning based on fourths.
- Miles Davis' rendition of Summertime, tabbed for 5-string.
- Charlie Parker's Summertime
- Basic exercises with tab, adapting a few "Forward Motion" exercises to 5-string banjo.
All tab is in TablEdit format, for double-D open-G tuning (g'dgbd').
To consult the source from which these exercises were derived see References below. If you discover some gross error please do let me know via email: pluto1 @ <removeThisFirst> gmail . com
These exercises have been posted at banjohangout.
For many more 5-string jazz resources and discussion forums go check out
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Chord Clock tool
Some common jazz patterns every Jazz banjoist should know.
Major Scale Jazz Patterns (TEF) -:- Midi file -:- Biab file*
Minor Scale Jazz Patterns (TEF) -:- Midi file -:- Biab file*
Dominant Scale Jazz Patterns (TEF) -:- Midi file -:- Biab file*
Source: many of these exercises are based on patterns gleaned from: http://www.jazzguitar.be/jazzguitar_patterns.html, and some are from my own transcriptions.
* I use the band-in-a-box version to play the riffs in call-and-response style, looping through the riffs 12 times, once for each key, using a circle-of-fifths progression. Band-in-a-box Preferences must be set to Transpose each chorus to the preferred interval (down seven semitones to traverse circle-of-fifths in flatted direction, or if you prefer to call it the circle-of-fourths, then equivalently move up five semitones). Refer to the BIAB user's manual.
Fretboard Fingering Diagrams and Scale Patterns
- Scale Patterns - gives fretboard diagrams for major scales, pentatonics, and how to transpose or convert via position shifts, and some abstract (moveable) fingering patterns.
- Pentatonics Scalar Patterns - fretboard diagrams and fingering patterns for major and minor pentatonics.
- Fingering Diagrams for Major Modes - Word Document with fingerings positions for the 7 Greek major and minor modes, and for the major and minor pentatonic scales. Gives some 4-note exercises for each mode. For basic background see Musical Modes.
Fingering Diagram for Tuning in Fourths
Gives fingering diagrams for an alternative tuning based on fourths that is used by Ryan Cavenaugh: gDGCF. Includes G major, C major, D major, G dominant, G major pentatonic, and G minor pentatonic.
For some background on tuning in fourths see this introduction to the tunings for 8-string touch guitars tuned in fourths. And here is a bit of history on all fourths tuning.
Basic Introduction to Forward Motion
- Forward Motion for Pentatonics Some exercises with applying forward motion to pentatonic scales with less emphasis on melody. Created by combining Hal Galper's notion of forward motion with Pat Cloud's closed positions for pentatonic scales. There are some additional notes in the tab file.
- Scalar Forward Motion Applying Galper's scalar forward motion to 5-string. There are some additional notes in the tab file.
- Basic Forward Motion Beginner level. Applying Galper's Guide Tone Melody technique to a melody drawn from a pentatonic scale. Inspired by Chapter 1 of Galper's "Forward Motion" book. There are some additional notes in the tab file. NOTE: switch over to the 2nd instrument to see the tab for the lead part.
- Chapter 1, Exercise 6 Beginner level. This just served as a starting point for generating exercises (which I never tabbed). A direct translation of Exercise 6 from Chapter 1 tabbed for 5-string. A few of the chords could be improved but if you're interested in just the sound files for this exercise you should refer to the book anyway; however, the book has no tab.
I found the basic principles of Galper's notion of forward motion useful for spicing up improvisation, as well as for guiding creation of strong melodic framework.
Arranged for banjo in open-G double-D tuning. TablEdit format.
Arranged for banjo in open-G double-D tuning. TablEdit format.
Basic melody in TablEdit format
Melody transcribed from Louis Armstrong performance plus three chord progressions, two of which are also converted into Nashville Numbering System.
REFERENCES:
"Pentatonic Scales with Forward Motion" by Hal Galper, Downbeat magazine, December 2003, pp. 98-99. Online copy made available by author.
Forward Motion: From Bach to Bebop. Hal Galper, 2003. Amenable Music.
Key to Five-String Banjo: Home Improvisation Workshop. Pat Cloud, 1999. Mel Bay Publications.
The five "important" scales and their uses
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