You Can Play the LicketySplit Banjo

The LicketySplit Banjo is a three-stringed banjo that is very easy to play. The unusual fret spacing on the fingerboard makes just about any note you play sound good!

For the beginner, many songs can be played with one finger melodies, and most chords can be played with just one or two finger formations.

Experienced musicians enjoy exploring the unique possibilities of a modal-tuned instrument.

There are many different ways to approach playing a LicketySplit Banjo, including strumming, finger-picking, frailing and flat-picking.

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Specifications

• Open G tuning (G-D-G) standard. Many other tunings possible.
• Solid maple
• 8 inch pre-tuned head
• Over 2 1/2 octave range
• Approx 28 inches in length

Adaptable to a variety of music and playing techniques, the LicketySplit Banjo is enjoyable for both beginner and accomplished musicians, and fun for everyone in between!

(Purchase a LicketySplit Banjo.)

Playing Tips for the LicketySplit Banjo

Fingerpicking Basics

Playing the LicketySplit Banjo with fingerpicks can be a lot of fun, and can really bring out that bluegrass banjo flavor.

The basic fingerpicking pattern I use for most songs is the square roll. The square roll is a 4-count roll pattern that goes: Thumb-Index-Thumb-Middle.

To practice this roll, first pick the bass string with the thumb pick, then the middle string with the index finger, followed by the thumb on the bass string, and the middle finger on the treble string. (See part 1 of video below.)

When played at bluegrass speed, you will be playing 16th notes. You can count like this:



A variation of this pattern would be to alternate the string the thumb is playing: Thumb on the bass string, index finger on the middle string, thumb on the middle string, and middle finger on the treble string. (See part 2 of video below.)

Here is a demonstration of the two basic square rolls, followed by an example of Old Joe Clark:

LicketySplit Banjo™ is a trademark of The Cabinet Shop (TCS) of Knoxville TN. All rights reserved.