Banjo Licks — Learn Bluegrass Banjo by Ear

Build Real Musical Confidence

Learn Bluegrass Banjo by Ear.

Step-by-step courses that build your timing, backup skills, and improvisation — so you can play with confidence in any jam.

  • Train Your Ear
  • Build Timing
  • Play With Confidence
Bennett Sullivan playing a five-string bluegrass banjo on stage
Built For Real Players.
Real Music.
Acoustic guitar resting in low light

Coming Soon

Guitar Licks launching September 1, 2026.

The same proven method. A new instrument. Get full access to Banjo Licks now, and Guitar Licks will be added to your membership on launch day.

Learn More
Banjo Licks — Most Players Get Stuck Here
Most Players Get Stuck Here

Most banjo players spend years memorizing tabs, practicing isolated licks, and trying to play faster…

…but still struggle when it's time to actually make music.

They freeze during jam sessions.

They can't hear chord changes.

They rely on tabs for everything.

Improvisation feels completely out of reach.

Timing falls apart without a recording.

They know licks but don't know when to use them.

The problem usually isn't effort.
It's the method.

That's why Banjo Licks focuses on ear training first — helping you understand music instead of just copying it.

Close-up of a musician playing a bluegrass banjo
Banjo Licks — The Method
The Banjo Licks Method

Learn music the same way musicians do.

Most courses teach songs. We teach the skills behind them.

  1. 1
    Hear

    Train your ear to recognize melody, rhythm, and chord movement.

  2. 2
    Understand

    Learn why the music works — not just where to put your fingers.

  3. 3
    Apply

    Use those skills in songs, backup, and real recordings.

  4. 4
    Create

    Improvise, play by ear, and contribute confidently in jams.

Banjo Licks — The Learning Ecosystem
One Method. Three Ways to Learn.

The Banjo Licks Learning Ecosystem

Everything inside Banjo Licks is designed around one goal:helping you hear, understand, and play bluegrass naturally.

Five-string bluegrass banjo

PROGRAMS

Build the foundation.

Structured, step-by-step systems that develop your timing, backup, ear training, improvisation, and confidence.

Day-by-day instruction
Focused practice plans
Track progress
Real results

Examples

  • 31 Days to Solid Timing
  • Backup Foundations
  • Ear Training Foundations

Outcome

Progress you can feel.

Acoustic bluegrass guitar

SONG EXPERIENCES

Apply it in real music.

Learn complete bluegrass songs by ear — melody, backup, improvisation, and musical context — so you can truly understand and play them.

Melody
Backup
Improv
Playthrough

Examples

  • Big Sciota
  • Salt Creek
  • Old Home Place

Outcome

Real musical understanding.

Bluegrass mandolin

LICK PACKS

Expand your vocabulary.

Learn essential bluegrass licks, phrases, and ideas — and discover how they fit into songs and solos.

Essential licks
How they fit
Jam-ready application
Growing library

Examples

  • G Licks
  • Ending Licks
  • Up-the-Neck Vocabulary

Outcome

Improvise without guessing.

Learn

Build skills and understanding.

Apply

Use those skills in real bluegrass songs.

Expand

Grow your vocabulary and creative freedom.

Three paths. One system.Endless bluegrass possibilities.

Explore Membership

A Library Built for Musicians

Every lesson inside Banjo Licks serves a purpose—whether that's building your foundation, applying skills in real songs, or expanding your musical vocabulary.


Learn with intention. Progress with confidence.

Banjo Licks — What Happens When You Learn By Ear
Real Students. Real Musical Progress.

What Happens When You Learn By Ear

Don Victor T., a professional musician, playing banjo on stage

"Banjo finally became fun."

I made 3 records and did 3 world tours with Rod Stewart playing fiddle, mandolin, dobro, and guitar. I recently added banjo — it was always elusive and difficult for me, but Banjo Licks makes this endeavor fun. I highly recommend it.

D
Don Victor T. Professional Musician Touring Multi-Instrumentalist
"

"I'm turning heads every week at the local jam."

Learning licks in the context of a couple different tunes really helps me add them to my vocabulary. So many licks to learn I'll never run out of material.

M
Michael F.Longtime FollowerBanjo Licks Member
"

"The key to breaking free from tab."

I picked up the banjo 20 years ago and struggled to progress beyond tablature. Banjo Licks has been key to breaking free and learning licks by ear in a variety of styles.

M
Mike T.Intermediate Player20 Years Playing
"

"Improved my ear a lot in just one month."

Such a great way to get freedom in building new licks and deconstructing old ones. Hearing licks in context and imitating without tab has improved my ear fast.

M
Matt S.New MemberJoined After LickFest
"

"The fun stuff that lets me improvise and enjoy."

I've used other online banjo apps to get my fundamentals down. Banjo Licks gave me what the others didn't — the fun stuff in between that lets me improvise, impress, and enjoy.

M
Marty C.Advanced BeginnerCanada
Banjo Licks — Meet Bennett Sullivan

Learn from a Working Professional

Meet Bennett Sullivan:
Pro Picker & Educator

Bennett Sullivan with Steve Martin and Billy Strings
Performed With
Steve Martin
Martin Short
Billy Strings
Del McCoury
Featured In
Bright Star
The Greatest Showman
Poker Face
And More
Helped
11,000+
students worldwide improve timing, backup, and improvisation

Bennett Sullivan is a highly sought-after banjo player, educator, and session musician based in North Carolina.

Over the years, he's shared the stage with artists including Steve Martin, Martin Short, Billy Strings, and Del McCoury — along with many more voices from the worlds of bluegrass, folk, and beyond.

His playing can be heard in major productions including Poker Face, The Greatest Showman, and Bright Star on Broadway.

But beyond performance, Bennett is deeply passionate about helping musicians develop real musical confidence through ear training, timing, backup playing, and improvisation.

Through Banjo Licks, he's helped more than 11,000 students worldwide move beyond memorization and start truly hearing and understanding bluegrass music.

Banjo Licks — Simple Pricing. Serious Progress.
Join thousands of players on the path to real musical growth

Simple Pricing. Serious Progress.

Two straightforward options. Full access to everything.
Choose the plan that fits your journey.

Monthly
$19/month

Great for getting started.

  • Full access to all 70+ courses
  • Step-by-step learning paths
  • New lessons added every month
  • Backing tracks & jam tracks
  • Tabs & downloadable resources
  • Private community access
  • Watch on any device
  • Cancel anytime
Get Started

Cancel anytime. No long-term commitment.

Banjo player enjoying playing
"

Banjo finally became fun. I made 3 records and toured with Rod Stewart playing fiddle, mandolin, dobro, and guitar. Banjo was always elusive for me — but Banjo Licks makes this endeavor fun.

— Don Victor T. Professional Musician · Florida, USA
Step-by-Step Paths

Follow clear learning paths designed to help you progress with confidence.

Real Bluegrass Focus

Everything is designed around playing by ear, backing up others, and improvising.

Supportive Community

Join thousands of bluegrass players who share, learn, and grow together.

Learn Anywhere

Stream or download lessons and resources on any device, anytime, anywhere.

New Content Monthly

Fresh lessons, licks, and tracks added every month to keep your skills growing.

30-Day 100% Guarantee

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Try Banjo Licks risk-free for 30 days.
If it's not the right fit, just let us know and we'll make it right.

Your journey is risk-free.

Just real support and real results.

Banjo Licks — Choose Your Pathway
One Method. Two Instruments.

Choose Your Pathway

Five-string bluegrass banjo

Banjo Licks

The Complete Banjo Pathway

5 phases to take you from hearing music to playing with confidence.

  • Melody & Ear Training
  • Backup & Rhythm
  • Licks & Improvisation
  • Song Experiences
  • Jam-Ready Skills
Explore Banjo
Acoustic bluegrass guitar

Guitar Licks

Coming September 1, 2026

The same proven system. A new instrument.

  • Flatpicking & Rhythm
  • Chords & Voicings
  • Songs, Backup & Improvisation
  • Ear Training & Groove
  • Jam-Ready Skills
Get Launch Updates
Banjo Licks — FAQ
Still Have Questions?

Common Questions From Players Like You

Straight answers to help you feel confident about joining Banjo Licks.

Do I need to know music theory?

No. Banjo Licks is designed to help you develop musical understanding naturally through listening, repetition, timing, and real-world application. You'll build the skills you need without getting bogged down in complicated theory.

Is this beginner friendly?

Yes. Whether you're just starting out or trying to break through a plateau, the learning paths are designed to guide you step by step at your own pace.

How much time should I practice?

Even 10–20 focused minutes a day can create meaningful progress when practiced consistently. The goal is steady growth, not endless practice hours.

What if I've always struggled to play by ear?

That's exactly why Banjo Licks exists. Most players were never taught how to actually hear music. The system helps you gradually develop that skill through practical, musical exercises and real songs.

Will this help with jam sessions?

Absolutely. Timing, backup playing, chord movement, listening, and improvisation are all built around real musical situations so you can play with more confidence in jams and with other musicians.

What's included in the membership?

You'll get full access to the complete course library, step-by-step learning paths, backing tracks, tabs, jam resources, community features, and all new lessons added during your membership.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. Both monthly and annual memberships can be canceled anytime directly through your account settings. No hassle, no penalties.

Can I watch on any device?

Yes. Banjo Licks works on desktop, tablet, and mobile so you can learn wherever and whenever it's convenient for you.

What makes Banjo Licks different?

Most banjo instruction focuses on memorization. Banjo Licks focuses on helping you actually hear and understand the music so you can build timing, improvise naturally, and play with real confidence.

What if I get stuck or have questions?

You're not learning alone. The community and member resources are there to help you stay motivated, ask questions, and keep progressing.

Still need help?

We're here for you. Reach out anytime.

Contact Support
Banjo Licks — Start Your Journey
Banjo player overlooking mountains at sunset
Your Journey Starts Now

Start Hearing
The Music

Differently.

Whether you're picking up the banjo for the first time or trying to finally break through years of frustration, Banjo Licks gives you a clear path toward confident, musical playing.

Join thousands of players building real timing, improvisation, backup skills, and musical freedom — one step at a time.

Start Your Journey Today
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Cancel Anytime
11,000+ Students Trust Banjo Licks

Join a growing community of dedicated players.

Real Skills. Real Confidence.

Build timing, ear skills, backup playing & improv — for good.

Learn Anytime, Anywhere

Stream lessons on any device and learn at your own pace.

Play the Music You Love

Feel confident in jams, on stage, and everywhere.