Listening + Foundation = Creativity
Why learn banjo by ear? In time, it'll give you the tools and confidence to express yourself on your instrument.
What People Say About Banjo Licks
Step-by-Step Courses
"Hey, Bennett I have thoroughly enjoyed your lessons on “Closed Rolling Backup”. So much so it’s difficult for me to want to practice anything else. Ha! Seriously, I’ve been weak with my backup banjo and your lessons have turned the page for me. Also, I’m learning by ear better now thanks to you. You’re a great teacher! Thanks so much; you’ve helped create a happy picker!" -Bob P.
"Hey, Bennett I have thoroughly enjoyed your lessons on “Closed Rolling Backup”. So much so it’s difficult for me to want to practice anything else. Ha! Seriously, I’ve been weak with my backup banjo and your lessons have turned the page for me. Also, I’m learning by ear better now thanks to you. You’re a great teacher! Thanks so much; you’ve helped create a happy picker!" -Bob P.
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What you get with a Banjo Licks subscription:
Insights from a Pro
Lessons are posted monthly directly from professional musician Bennett Sullivan, who’s shared the stage Steve Martin, Billy Strings, and Del McCoury.
Lessons are posted monthly directly from professional musician Bennett Sullivan, who’s shared the stage Steve Martin, Billy Strings, and Del McCoury.
Melody, Backup, & Licks
Explore a growing library of melodies, licks, backup, and more, all designed to challenge you and inspire growth.
Explore a growing library of melodies, licks, backup, and more, all designed to challenge you and inspire growth.
Foundations: 31 Days to Solid Timing
A step-by-step series that transforms your timing, rhythm, and accuracy in just 10 minutes a day.
A step-by-step series that transforms your timing, rhythm, and accuracy in just 10 minutes a day.
Bluegrass & Beyond
Learn bluegrass as your foundation, then use that to go beyond to craft your own style.
Learn bluegrass as your foundation, then use that to go beyond to craft your own style.
Ear-focused approach
Use your ears every day. It'll get you connected to your instrument and the music to let you feel more freedom and creativity.
Use your ears every day. It'll get you connected to your instrument and the music to let you feel more freedom and creativity.
Backing Tracks + Community
Download backing tracks and comment on videos for feedback and conversation with Bennett and other members.
Download backing tracks and comment on videos for feedback and conversation with Bennett and other members.
Meet Bennett Sullivan: Pro Picker & Educator
Bennett Sullivan is a highly sought-after banjo player and session musician based in North Carolina. He’s shared the stage with Steve Martin, Martin Short, Billy Strings, and Del McCoury — plus many more artists of bluegrass and beyond.
His banjo playing can be heard on hit shows and films including Poker Face, The Greatest Showman, and Bright Star on Broadway.
As the founder of Banjo Licks, Bennett has taught 11,000+ students worldwide through YouTube, online lessons, and workshops.
His passion is to help students discover their creative voice through by-ear learning approaches, which include playing with recordings and consistent metronome work.
The Banjo Licks Guarantee
I'm confident you’ll feel the shift learning with Banjo Licks.
But if you've given the programs and lessons a good run and don't feel your playing improving within the first 30 days of your membership, I'll give you a full refund.
-Bennett
p.s. check out one of my favorite licks on the site, inspired by guitarist Tony Rice 👉
Lick Packs
Let's not forget about the licks! Once you get your repertoire down, you'll want to spice it up with some epic licks. The Lick Packs will give you an endless well of inspiration for your own sound.
Let's not forget about the licks! Once you get your repertoire down, you'll want to spice it up with some epic licks. The Lick Packs will give you an endless well of inspiration for your own sound.
Pricing
Monthly Membership $19/month
Foundations programs (Backup & Timing)
New lessons every month
Song Experiences (learn melody, backup, and improvisation by ear)
Backing tracks & audio files
Includes Foundations: 31 Days to Solid Timing
Annual Membership (Save $48)
Just $15/month when billed annually
Foundations programs (Backup & Timing)
New lessons every month
Song Experiences (learn melody, backup, and improvisation by ear)
Backing tracks & audio files
Includes Foundations: 31 Days to Solid Timing
Build Rock-Solid Timing in Just 31 Days
Timing is the one skill that makes or breaks your playing—and now you have a step-by-step path to improve it.
Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned picker, this program will stretch you in new ways and give you the confidence to stay locked in every time you play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Banjo Licks?
Banjo Licks is an online lesson platform created to help bluegrass banjo players become more confident, versatile, and musical through learning fundamentals, ear-training, rhythm, and vocabulary.
Is Banjo Licks for beginners?
Yes! There are many beginner licks available in the library and with the Song Experiences you can learn popular bluegrass jam tunes from the basic melody up to advanced licks. Don't miss out on our free 20-part beginner series!
Are there any licks for advanced players?
Absolutely. You can sort the licks by difficulty and there are many licks that will challenge even the most advanced student.
Do you store my credit card information?
No, we do not store your credit card information. Payments are handled by Stripe, one of the leading payment processors. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Zoom use Stripe.
Can I use my mobile phone?
Yes, simply navigate to banjolicks.com on your mobile device's browser and log into the platform there. With a strong internet connection, you will have complete access to the lessons.
Can I cancel any time?
Yes, just go to your dashboard by clicking the button in the top right corner with your initials or photo. Or, you can email support@banjolicks.com and we will help you out.
Hear from Members About Their Banjo Licks Experience
From breaking free of tab to becoming confident improvisers, hear how real players are building skills, creativity, and joy through Banjo Licks.
From breaking free of tab to becoming confident improvisers, hear how real players are building skills, creativity, and joy through Banjo Licks.
