Events
Free Weekly Banjo Lessons from Geoff Hohwald
Mar
I’ve been playing and teaching banjo since 1963. I’ve filmed close to 2,000 instructional videos over the years and I still make new ones almost every week. Starting today, I’m going to put one in your inbox every Tuesday — free, no obligation, no catch.
If you’re already on the Banjo Warehouse email list, you’re already enrolled. The first lesson arrived this morning. If you’re not on the list yet, you can sign up below and start receiving lessons immediately.
What the Weekly Lesson Series Is
Every Tuesday I’ll send one banjo video lesson straight to your inbox. Some weeks it’ll be something from the archive — a technique video, a song breakdown, a concept I’ve covered in my teaching over the years. Some weeks it’ll be a brand new one. The goal is simple: keep you moving forward on the instrument, one lesson at a time.
The lessons draw on the same material I’ve covered in my books, including The Banjo Primer, which has sold over 200,000 copies, and my Banjo Songs and Classic Banjo Songbook. But the video format lets me show you things that are hard to put on a page.
The First Lesson: Right Hand X-Y Position for Better Tone
Most players never think about where their right hand is sitting on the banjo head. They pick up the instrument and just start playing. But move your hand an eighth of an inch in any direction and your banjo will actually sound different. That’s what this first lesson is about — finding your sweet spot, and learning to listen for it the way Earl Scruggs did.
I learned this technique from Harry Sparks, one of the finest banjo collectors and players I ever knew. It’s one of those things that sounds simple but changes everything once you really start paying attention to it.
In this lesson you’ll learn:
- Why most players never listen to their own tone — and how to start
- How an eighth of an inch of hand position changes everything
- Finding the sweet spot between the bridge and neck
- How to adjust your position for lead playing vs. backup
- Playing up the neck — fret spacing and tone considerations
Who This Series Is For
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years, there’s something in the archive for you. I’ve taught players at every level — from complete beginners working through The Banjo Primer to advanced players refining their tone and technique. The weekly lessons will cover the full range.
If you’re a beginner, The Banjo Primer is still the best place to start. The weekly lessons will complement it and keep you moving forward between practice sessions.
The Geoff Hohwald YouTube Channel
The weekly lessons are drawn from the Geoff Hohwald YouTube channel, which we’ve recently updated with better thumbnails, descriptions, and chapter markers to make the content easier to find and navigate. Close to 2,000 videos are there — technique lessons, song tutorials, tone and setup tips, and more. If you want to browse the full archive between weekly emails, that’s the place to go.
Sign Up for Free Weekly Lessons
Every Tuesday. One lesson. Straight to your inbox. Free.
Join the Banjo Warehouse email list to receive weekly lessons: https://f02c7f60b02f11ef81a461960b153e18.eo.page/9n1z3
Geoff Hohwald has been playing and teaching banjo since 1963. He is the author of The Banjo Primer and owner of Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
