Mel Bay Publications

First Lessons on Banjo is an ultra-easy instruction manual for beginning five-string banjo played in the three finger style in G tuning. It can be used by those with no previous experience with the banjo or music of any sort.
First Lessons on Banjo covers the most basic rolls, the Alternating Thumb Roll and two Forward Rolls, plus the three basic chords plus the relative minor chord. All musical examples are presented in tablature, with the melody notes in boldface type so the student knows which notes to emphasize. All arrangements include lyrics.

Tuning the Banjo
Holding the Banjo
Left Hand Position
Right Hand Position
How to Read Tablature, an Overview
Practice Guidelines
Lesson 1 Playing A Simple Melody From Tablature
Using a Metronome, Left-Hand Finger Placement, GO TELL AUNT RHODY
Lesson 2 Counting Time
Lesson 3 The Pinch, GO TELL AUNT RHODY (with Pinches)
Lesson 4 The Eighth Note, TOM DOOLEY
Lesson 5 The Roll, The Alternating Thumb Roll
Lesson 6 Playing a Song with the Alternating Thumb Roll
Melody Notes and Fill Notes, TOM DOOLEY (with rolls)
Lesson 7 The Three Basic Chords
GOOD NIGHT LADIES, Proper Position Checklist
Lesson 8 The Slide
Rests, Pickup Notes, OLD TIME RELIGION
Lesson 9 The Forward Roll, Recognizing Rolls by Shape
Licks, COTTON-EYED JOE
Lesson 10 The Hammer-On
The E Minor Chord, Caution Marks, Repeat Marks, CUMBERLAND GAP
Lesson 11 Forward Roll #2, The Tag Lick
WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN
Lesson 12 The Pull-Off
CRIPPLE CREEK