This book is an anthology of Jack Hatfield's most successful teaching arrangements, jam session favorites, show tunes and original compositions. Although it is not a teaching method per se, there are many arranging concepts and general tips included in the performance notes. There are also a few drills. Sections One and Two are intended to be a supplement for beginner and intermediate students, especially those who have used Mel Bay's First Lessons Banjo. Additional solos are presented for many of the songs in that book. Section Three is basically a lick and repertoire building resource for more advanced players. This entire section with the exception of two arrangements is previously unpublished material. Hallmarks of Jack's teaching style include melody-oriented arrangements, the use of well-known songs for the beginner, teaching tunes essential to the bluegrass banjo player's repertoire, the use of bold-faced melody notes, and an extremely graduated approach which builds on previously learned techniques and licks. The arrangements in this book adhere to these principles. 112 pages, complete with audio available online.

The Best of Jack Hatfield

About the Author
How to Read Tablature
About this Book
Three-Finger Banjo Styles Defined
Section One-Solos to Vocal Songs
Performance Notes-Section One
Tom Dooley
Old Time Religion
Sourwood Mountain
In the Sweet By and By
Bury Me Beneath the Willow
When The Saints Go Marching In
Old Gospel Ship, The
Little Maggie
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Amazing Grace
Salty Dog Blues
Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
Keep on the Sunny Side
Section Two-Essential Jam Tunes
Performance Notes-Section Two
Black Mountain Rag
Sally Goodin'
Wildwood Flower
Cumberland Gap
Cripple Creek
Bugle on the Banjo
Pedal Point Drills, Part One
John Hardy
Old Joe Clark
Turkey in the Straw
Devil's Dream
Bill Cheatham
Salt Creek
Section Three-Performance Tunes
Performance Notes-Section Three
Hatfield Hornpipe
Carroll Best Backstep
Jerusalem Ridge
Chord Melody Drills
Greensleeves, 3/4 meter
Greensleeves, 4/4 meter
Chord Scale Drills, Part One
Dewdrops
Pedal Point Drills, Part Two
Dancer
40 West
Blackberry Blossom
Maiden's Prayer
Chord Scale Drills, Part Two
Somewhere, Over the Rainbow
Limehouse Blues
Twelve Blues Bars
Index of Songs