__BanjoJim's Pickin' Parlor__

Tablature is an easy to read and understand system of notation that gives a picture of what you are picking. Listed on this page are an explanation of tablature, some examples and simple songs to help get you started. Enjoy!

Each line in tablature represents a string. With the banjo in your lap and looking down with the neck pointed to your left, the bottom string is the first string, the next one up is the second and so forth until the top string is the fifth. On tablature the top line is the first string and the next one down is the second until finally the bottom is the fifth. Then there are a series of numbers on each line. You would pick each note in order from left to right. The different numbers represent frets on the neck. A 1 would be the first fret and a 2 would be the second fret and so forth. Of course, a 0 would mean to play the string open (or not fretted). The letters on the bottom stand for T=Thumb I=Index M=Middle for the finger you would use to pick with the right hand. Here is an example of a simple roll:

It should sound like this:(you should turn off the background music at the bottom of this page before you click play)

In this example you would slide your middle finger from the 2nd fret to the 3rd fret while picking the 3rd string. All of these notes should be played smoothly together so that the slide blends in with the next note. This is what it should sound like:

The Hammer-on is just like the slide except instead of sliding to the next fret, you would hammer a finger onto the fret shown on the tablature. In this example, you would pick the 4th string open, and then as you pick the 2nd string you would hammer your middle finger onto the 4th string, 2nd fret. Again, this should be done smoothly to make the notes blend into each other. Here's what I mean:

The pull-off is a tricky technique that takes some practice. Essentially, you would put one finger down on one fret and another finger on a fret behind the first finger and "pluck" the string by pushing or pulling the string with you lead finger. In this example you would put your middle finger on the 3rd string, 3rd fret and your index finger on the 3rd string 2nd fret and pick the 3rd string and then push the middle finger off of the string as you pick the next note. Once again, try to make all of the notes blend. Here's what I mean: