Ron teaches and explains his second break from "Foggy Mountain Special" from the Earl Scruggs Tribute record. Tab included. Once you buy, you'll receive the tablature via email and a password to access the video. If you've bought the four-session banjo course, this video is included.
Ron teaches and explains his Man of Constant Sorrow solo from the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack. Tab included. Once you buy, you'll receive the tablature via email and a password to access the video. If you've bought the four-session banjo course, this video is included.
Greetings, fellow banjo pickers!
Have you had moments where you've wanted your playing to move along more quickly? Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to go to the next level?
I've struggled with all those things. At nearly every level, I've plateaued and thought, "Is this it? Am I stuck here?" Since the age of thirteen I've been obsessed with learning how to play the banjo well, because going to the next level is always such a thrill.
As a result I've had to develop some tried-and-true ways of doing things through experimentation and study. I've used these ideas for my 26 years with Alison Krauss & Union Station, for the O Brother soundtrack, and for everything else I've ever played on - and I'd love to share them with you.
Just got this in an email: “I’ve just got to say, this workshop has been so much more than I expected….The effort you’ve put into this and the ground you’ve covered like a fog will keep me busy for years….Again, thanks so much. I call that a bargain, the best I ever had!” David W.
TOPICS: Just a few of the things I've covered:
Releasing tension (the thing that puts a lid on our dexterity).
How I work on timing and feel.
Dynamics.
Tone.
Backup.
The trick to learning the neck well.
String bending, vibrato, and working it all into rolls.
Single-string playing.
Slow playing.
Clinch Mountain Backstep.
Mollie Catherine Carter.
Learning from recordings.
How to practice effectively.
Oh, I almost forgot the extras. By signing up for the workshop you'll receive free downloads of my banjo-oriented bluegrass record Hogan's House of Music, my Christmas Collection (18 holiday favorites), and a pdf of my long out-of-print The Traditional Banjo Workbook.
I look forward to seeing you there.
LESSONS WITH A PRO: 26 Years With Alison Krauss & Union Station, banjoist on the O Brother Soundtrack’s “Man of Constant Sorrow,” and on sessions with Dolly Parton, Kate Rusby, Dan Tyminski, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, and many more.
LEVEL: Broadly Intermediate - lots of material for not-so-beginners all through early advanced players.
SUBJECTS: Playing without tension, improving timing and feel, dynamics, tone, string bending, vibrato, scales, single-string playing, transcribing, and more.
BONUS MATERIALS: Each participant will receive free downloads of Ron’s banjo-oriented bluegrass cd, Hogan’s House of Music, his Christmas Collection of 18 holiday favorites, and a free download of the long out-of-print Traditional Bluegrass Banjo Workbook – a total of $49 in free extras.
WORKSHOP REVIEWS: "As a guy who's been participating in this clinic I promise you the value you'll receive is worth FAR more than the price. I've done banjo camps, clinics, and lessons with the best in the business. The wisdom Ron imparts is second to none. You WILL be a better player, and you'll enjoy every second. You'll have a hard time putting your banjo down after the first session, and you'll be thinking about it all day at work after the second. And it only gets better from there."
"Great class. Ron knows how to communicate; he 'teaches ideas' and is well prepared. No wasted time. The overall class experience is like having a one on one lesson with good friend."
In an unusual but fruitful pairing, bluegrass notable Ron Block teamed up with teacher/poet Rebecca Reynolds to craft the tunes on Walking Song. Block (best known as the banjo player with Alison Krauss’ Union Station) met Reynolds through an online spirituality forum; their discussions led to a songwriting partnership. Walking Song reflects their shared sense of creative freedom both lyrically and musically. Tunes like the Celtic-tinged “Let There Be Beauty,” the country-slanted “Ivy," and the poignant “Colors” match Reynolds’ rich, vivid lyrics with Block’s fine-etched melodies to entrancing effect. “Nickel Tree Line” is a particular standout, updating the Appalachian ballad tradition with haunting imagery and high, keening vocal harmonies. There’s an old-fashioned sense of romance to these tunes, evident in the dreamily waltzing “Summer’s Lullaby” and the delicate, fairytale–like “Chase Me to the Ocean.” Block’s honeyed, plaintive tenor and fluent touch on banjo and guitar are backed by Krauss and the rest of Union Station, as well as mandolinist Sierra Hull, singer Kate Rusby, and other top talents.
Ron Block is best known to bluegrass lovers as the banjo player with Union Station, Alison Krauss' backing band. But he's also an excellent singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and on his second solo album he expands his stylistic parameters to very winning effect. DoorWay is a gospel album, but with a difference: instead of the relatively uncomplicated songs of praise and spiritual victory that typify both the bluegrass and Southern gospel genres, Block chronicles actual struggles of faith and faithfulness on this album. The varied moods of that struggle are reflected in his arrangements, which veer from swinging midtempo bluegrass on "Along the Way" and "Be Assured" to the darker, moodier sound of "Flame" and "Love's Living Through Me When I Do" — an almost rockish song that features drums, electric piano, and effects-laden electric guitar. Clearly, this is not an album for rock-ribbed bluegrass purists (though few would expect it to be, given the stylistic departures of his recent recordings with Krauss). And because Block deals here with issues of doubt and temptation rather than simply celebrating spiritual certainty, it also may be one that gives pause to some members of the gospel music audience. But it's hard to imagine that anyone with a relatively open mind in musical terms and an appreciation for the real challenges and conflicts inherent in the process of choosing a life of faith will be able to listen to DoorWay and remain unmoved. Very highly recommended.
Bluegrass gospel recordings typically place a premium on the traditional sounds of close harmonies, tight arrangements, and churchly melodies. But longtime Union Station member Ron Block seems heaven bent on cutting a new gospel road. Blending together "newgrass" and adult contemporary folk, Block has fashioned a spiritual song cycle grounded very much in the present. "Higher Than Man" quotes John 8 and rocks like Whiskeytown unplugged, while "Searching..." reinterprets the metaphysics of The Matrix, and the gorgeous "Is It Any Wonder?" rewrites Les Miserables from a born-again perspective. The somber mood of these originals may put off a few listeners, but breakdowns like "Set Your Children Free," which features harmonies from Soggy Bottom Boy Dan Tyminski, and "In the Morning Light," with sizzling mandolin from Nickel Creek’s Chris Thile, let in a bit of radiant joy. --Roy Kasten
Back in stock! These double-DVD sets list for $50! Longtime guitarist with Alison Krauss & Union Station, Ron Block covers his approach to rhythm, flatpicking, finger picking and soloing in this 2-DVD set. The 3.5 hour program is available on disc or download, with a PDF booklet on the disc.
Not many musicians have had the sort of impact Ron Block has, on both the 5 string banjo and the acoustic guitar. His six string work with Alison Krauss & Union Station has been widely imitated, by flatpickers and fingerpickers alike, and his clear, melodic solos are a defining aspect of Krauss’ sound. Ron’s crosspicking rhythm on songs like When You Say Nothing At All is a distinctive part of the band sound, and a technique within the reach of even intermediate guitarists.
Songs taught include:
Now That I've Found You
When You Say Nothing At All
The Lucky One
Oh Atlanta
Secrets
Faraway Land
A Living Prayer
Restless
Double DVD set! Usually $50!
Ron discusses his distictive style, and teaches 7 of his recorded breaks. 3 hours and 45 minutes on 2 DVDs - with tab booklet.
There aren’t many banjo players more widely heard, or who have performed before more people, than Ron Block. Working with Alison Krauss & Union Station since 1991, Ron’s distinctive banjo sound has become nearly as much a part of the group sound as Alison’s voice. Ron has taught in a limited number of worshops, but this is his first instructional DVD of any kind, offering a detailed look at his unique approach to the banjo.
This new 2 DVD release from AcuTab features Ron explaining the concepts and techniques which make up his banjo style, carefully explained and demonstrated on camera. The stylistic elements are reinforced in both discussion and demonstration, and the 7 songs and solos Ron teaches in great detail.
Songs taught include:
Tiny Broken Heart
Cluck Old Hen
Remember You Love In My Prayers
Everytime You Say Goodbye
My Poor Old Heart
Bright Sunny South
Man Of Constant Sorrow
Smashville
