Lesson 14 5-String Banjo: Advanced Studies
E Scale Exercises & Studies Low Octave

by Mickey Cochran

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Following are studies in the Key of E...these can be fairly advanced...so take your time in your efforts to learn these patterns. With these scale studies, you will be developing both your left and right hand dexterity. You will become far more proficient at learning new material or taking on any musical setting challenge.

Notes: Used an alternating picking pattern between the thumb and index fingers. Down with the thumbpick and up with the fingerpick.

The Key of E is rare for 5-String Banjo...by learning these patterns you will find yourself becoming more proficient with scale positions and more knowledgeable of the possibilities when needing to play unichordal positions. For instance, when a song is played in the common Key of A, many times the E chord will be played where these E scales can be applied. However, on a 5-String, most players will use a capo for the Key of A...even so, you never know when you may not have a capo readily available...and the idea behind learning these scales is to become a more complete banjoist.

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