Finally Get the Opening of Foggy Mountain Breakdown Under Your Fingers
Most banjo players don't struggle with the notes.
They struggle with the timing.
In this free lesson, you'll learn the iconic opening phrase of Foggy Mountain Breakdown while building the timing and control that makes it actually sound like music.
✔ Free video lesson
✔ Downloadable tab
✔ Pick along with me at a comfortable pace
✔ Just 10 focused minutes
Send Me The Free Lesson →
Why This Phrase Feels So Hard
Everybody wants to play Foggy Mountain Breakdown.
Almost nobody nails the opening phrase on the first try.
Usually it's not the notes—it's the timing.
In this lesson, I'll show you the phrase by ear and help you lock in the timing that makes it sound right.
What You'll Get
Your Free Lesson Includes:
Video Walkthrough
The exercise video gives you the phrase played slowly so you can figure it out by ear. There's tab available if you need it.
Guided Play-Along
In the Practice video we'll play it together for 10 minutes so you can build confidence and lock in the timing.
A Better Practice Method
You'll see how just 10 focused minutes can create more progress than an hour of distracted practice.
Banjo Players Making Real Progress
See how students are building better timing, learning tunes faster, and enjoying practice more.
As a novice to music I have loved Banjo Licks. The content is so cleverly arranged to suit those just learning whilst also catering for more advanced players.
Tim H.
A big thanks to Bennett for creating an educational website that is different from the rest. Instead of learning tunes one tab at a time, I love the idea of really understanding the tunes and how to create my own breaks using this great resource.
Ted B.
Now I can't put my banjo down to stop practicing anymore because practicing now has great sense, structure and progress. It's helped me a lot in getting a deeper understanding of what the pro bluegrass banjo players are really playing in detail.
Matthias B.
Small Practice Sessions Add Up
This lesson comes from Day 19 of my Foundations: 31 Days to Solid Timing program, where players spend just 10 minutes a day developing:
Better timing
Cleaner picking
Stronger rhythm
More confidence when playing with others
Get the free lesson ->
Meet Bennett Sullivan:
Pro Picker & Educator
Hi, I'm Bennett,
I'm a banjo player, teacher, and session musician based in North Carolina. I've shared the stage with artists like Steve Martin, Billy Strings, and Del McCoury, and my playing has been featured in Poker Face, The Greatest Showman, and Bright Star on Broadway.
Through YouTube & Banjo Licks, I've helped more than 11,000 students improve their playing by developing stronger timing, better listening skills, and the confidence to create music by ear.
I'm glad you're here, and I hope these lessons help you enjoy the banjo even more.
How do I access the lesson?
We'll email you a link to the lesson as soon as you register.
To access it again later, click Sign In at the top of the site and enter your email address. You can sign in using a secure email link or your password.
What do I need to have or know already?
This lesson is best suited for beginner to intermediate banjo players who are comfortable reading tab and can play a few basic rolls.
You don't need to know Foggy Mountain Breakdown already—this lesson contains an exercise lesson for you to learn the phrase and then you'll practice along with me.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. If you're comfortable with basic rolls and reading tab, you should be able to follow along. The lesson breaks everything down step by step.
How long does the lesson take?
The lesson is designed to fit into a short practice session. Most players can work through it in about 10 minutes, then return to it whenever they'd like more practice.
Ready to Learn the Most Famous Banjo Opening Ever Written?
Stop rushing through the opening and start playing it with confidence.
Get the free lesson and discover why a few focused minutes of timing practice can change everything.
Get the free lesson ->