5 Must-Know Bluegrass Banjo Licks for Every Player
Improve and refine your banjo playing with these FREE pro-level licks.
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What You Get:
"THE Scruggs Lick" - created by pioneer banjoist Earl Scruggs, this lick is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless tunes.
"Syncopated Earl Scruggs Slide Lick" - spice up your playing with this intermediate level slide lick. It works great in G tunes like Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Hand Me Down My Walking Cane.
"Courtney Johnson: Bluesy V Chord Lick" - This lick was played by Courtney Johnson and can be used as a variation over V chords in G position.
"The Taters Kick-Off for Fiddle Tunes" - You gotta know some good kick-offs for the jam session! This is one of the most commonly heard kicks to set the tone and tempo for fiddle tunes like Cripple Creek and Salt Creek and many more.
"J.D. Crowe: Vamping Pattern for Medium Slow Songs" - Playing tasteful backup is key for a fun time at the jam! This pattern works well for slow to medium tempo songs like I Am A Pilgrim.
Banjo Licks has to be one of the most intuitive and perfect ways to improve and sharpen up banjo playing skills.
Dennis W.
BL Member
Each Lick Comes With...
Our high-definition video lessons will give you the tools to enhance your timing and achieve a clear, confident, and creative sound for your next jam session or show.
Multiple Tempos
Our video player grants you control over the recording speed, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience. Master each lick at your own pace, making your banjo journey both accessible and enjoyable.
Song & Style Variety
Discover the versatility of each banjo lick as we guide you through its application in various songs. Gain valuable insights with song suggestions and real-life examples provided alongside each lick, making it easier than ever to integrate new techniques into your playing.
Tablature
Equip yourself with a visual aid for those challenging moments with dedicated tabs accompanying each banjo lick.
Practice Anytime, Anywhere
Elevate your practice routine with the convenience of downloadable guitar backing tracks. Now you can refine your skills anytime, anywhere.
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Whether you're just getting started or are just looking for a boost, these 5 licks will become an essential part of your repertoire.
Get my licks!
Bennett Sullivan has shared the stage with Steve Martin, Martin Short, Billy Strings, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Tony Trisckha, Ben Sollee, Woody Platt, Shannon Whitworth, Weird Al Yankovic, Elle King, Balsam Range, Darren Nicholson, The Falco Brothers, John Sebastian, Maria Muldaur, Geoff Muldaur, Jim Kweskin and many more!
You can hear his banjo playing on the hit series Poker Face, in the Greatest Showman and Bright Star on Broadway.
His YouTube channel has reached over 11,000 students and he's taught 100s through his online lessons and workshops.
Why Licks?
Licks are the building blocks of bluegrass music and not only do they make you sound like a pro, they help you become a more versatile and better improviser.
What People Are Saying About Banjo Licks...
Daily Banjo Licks has to be one of the most intuitive and perfect ways to improve and sharpen up banjo playing skills.
Instead of spending hours chasing down songs, Youtube performances and searching for possible tab for a specific lick, BAM- I get an email with a short tab and suggestions of how & where to use. I can use the licks in whatever songs I choose and whatever speed.
Dennis W.
I found BL on Instagram and love the fact that each lick is a small bite. It helps me understand what is being done without getting overwhelmed.
I was having difficulty finding these licks a 2nd or 3rd time on social media platforms so I could revisit and practice on them. Having all of these licks in one place has high value for me.
The real deal maker is the simplicity of the site. NO circuitous hunting around!!! Great Stuff.
Bill K.
I think BL is awesome! The concept is great for someone like me who takes small breaks at work to play a little.
I like learning licks in the context of a tune and I like how you sometimes use the lick in 2 tunes or put the lick in 2 places in the same song. That helps me internalize it more as a piece of vocabulary that I can use when I'm at the local jam.
I also like the categories. It's a kick-butt idea and website!
Mike F.
I’m so excited to actually have an idea of how to play Rocky Top. The content is so clean and focused on learning by ear/watching as opposed to only relying on tab.
The “Learn Songs” section with melody and increasing levels of complexity is such a nice way to get a song that I’ve never attempted under my fingers.
Scott S.
Every day I look forward to what you come up with :-).
Zbynek R.
Really enjoying Banjo Licks and I look forward to each day’s new lick! I’m a longtime woodwind player and a relative newcomer to the banjo (only 1 yr), so the advanced licks tend to be pretty tough for me, but I always download the tab for future reference.
Keep up the good work.
Fred C.
