The world of melodic jazz banjo soloing is revealed in this comprehensive method, which leads a student from basic intervals to advanced theoretical concepts and a firm foundation in jazz fundamentals. Included are over 90 exercises and examples written in both tablature fingerings and standard music notation, which show how scales and arpeggios are used and how they apply to real playing situations. Every five-string banjoist can benefit from the information contained in this breakthrough volume, whether they aspire to jazz or want to find out more about the possibilities and structure of the banjo.

Starting with basic intervals, Straight-Ahead Jazz for Banjo shows the structure of all basic chord types and qualities and matches these to the scales that generate them. The book's basic concept model is to treat the five-string banjo's potential in an inclusive technical context so that the student can make use of open and fifth strings to create a smooth legato style. Each of the 90+ exercises is recorded with a metronome and progresses to 16 additional examples of original jazz phrases in a variety of keys. Topics include functional major and minor key harmony, diminished and augmented scales and how they are used, and the integration of altered scale substitutes in the art of jazz improvisation. It stresses listening and learning in a logical, structured manner with an example of a daily practice plan. The unique emphasis is on fingerings, which make the instrument work for you technically and thus open up possibilities for the development of a student's style. This long-awaited volume will surely bring new focus and perspective to any banjo style and will be a classic reference for many new generations of banjoists. Includes access to online audio.

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Intervals
Intervals to Triads
Suggested Daily Practice Routine
Ten Day Practice Plan
Interval Studies
The Cycle
Root Cycle Study
Major Chord Cycle Study
Major Triad Cycle Study
Closed Position Major Scales
Major Scale Cycle Studies
Major Scale Arpa Studies
Scale Fragment Cycle Exercises
Major Key Harmony
Diatonic Triad Exercises
Diatonic Seventh Chords
Diatonic Mode Exercise
Scale Modes
Saturation Practice
Extended Harmony
Minor Key Harmony
Minor Scale Modes
The Melodic Minor Scales
Auxiliary Scales
Diminished Scale Exercises
The Whole-Tone Scale
Whole-Tone Scale Exercises
Diatonic Order to Natural Order
Natural Order Triplet Exercise
Natural Order Scale Exercise
Dominant Progression
Functional Harmony
Diatonic Chord Substitution
The IIm7-V7-IMaj. Progression
Movable Chord Forms
IIm7 Mode Practice
IIm7-V7-IMaj.7 Studies
Non-Scale Tones
Altered V7 Chord Resolutions
II-V-I Practice in Two Cycles
Jazz Phrases
Jazz Blues Study in G
Major Scale Fingerings
About the Author