The Banjo of Eddie Adcock
HOMESPUN
Taught By Eddie Adcock.
Level 4
75-min. video, Includes tab
With Martha Adcock, Guitar

Eddie Adcock has forged new pathways into traditional three-finger picking by developing a style that combines traditional Scruggs-style bluegrass with country, folk, jazz, blues, gospel and rockabilly sounds. On this fascinating lesson, Eddie takes some of his most requested instrumentals and breaks each down into "little bits and parts," analyzing the chord shapes and licks in a way that will open up new techniques and a myriad of ideas for learning pickers.
Eddie starts the lesson with "Eddie's Bounce," which, he says, "scares a lot of people, but it's not all that tricky." The unusual pedal steel-like sounds he gets from hammer-ons and double bends, along with interesting chord shapes and progressions, make this tune a real standout. "Turkey Knob," Eddie's show-stopping hit, has been recorded by many other players over the years. You'll learn how a basic Travis picking guitar style can be transferred to the banjo, complete with damped bass string and bluesy licks and chords. His single string method of playing allows you to play scales with a forward roll, and is invaluable in melodic playing.
Eddie's unique version of "Pallet on the Floor" ("Every musician has asked me about this tune") once again combines Travis-type picking with pedal steel licks and rolling single-string work. "Heartaches" and "Bluebell" from the classic Country Gentlemen repertoire highlights his approach to both bluegrass and jazz/pop tunes on the banjo.

Student Review:


"Terriffic...and what a challenge! It really is like learning a new language - at least I have my work cut out for the rest of the winter (and quite a few future winters also). It really is an excellent video. Good job!" - Scott Street, Richmond VA
"I really liked the video. I have always been fascinated by his style but also intimidated. Eddie makes it easy to learn and makes you want to learn it." - Richard Dress, Alexandria
About Eddie Adcock

Guitarist and five-string banjo virtuoso Eddie Adcock has been one of bluegrass music's best known and most revolutionary performers for over forty years. He cut his musical teeth with Bill Monroe and Mac Wiseman, and as one-third of the groundbreaking trio Country Gentlemen Eddie was the first internationally acclaimed five- string bluegrass banjo player to appear at Carnegie Hall. Since then, his work with his wife, Martha Adcock, has garnered three Grammy nominations and appearances at the Kennedy Center and on a host of syndicated and local TV and radio shows. Eddie has been named "Instrumentalist of the Year" (Major Independent Record Label Awards ceremony) and "Entertainer of the Year" (International Bluegrass Music Association). The original Country Gentlemen have recently been inducted into the IBMA's prestigious Hall of Honor.