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, it includes many arranging concepts and general tips in the performance notes, along with a few drills.

Sections One and Two serve as supplements for beginner and intermediate students, particularly those who have used Mel Bay's First Lessons Banjo, as they provide additional solos for many of that book's songs. Section Three contains licks and repertoire-building resources for advanced players, except for two arrangements. This section consists entirely of previously unpublished material.

The hallmarks of Jack’s teaching style are characterized by melody-oriented arrangements, the use of well-known songs for beginners, and a focus on essential bluegrass repertoire. His method utilizes bold-faced melody notes and a graduated approach that builds on previously learned techniques. This 112-page book adheres to these principles and includes online audio access.

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