G Single String Scales banjo tabs & chords

For these three scale patterns you will start with your left hand pinky on the 5th fret, 4th string. This is a great first position to start with for closed scales (meaning no open strings).

• Key G
• 80 bpm
• Tuning gDGBD

For these scale patterns, you'll start with your fretting hand middle finger on the 5th fret, 4th string.

• Key G
• 80 bpm
• Tuning gDGBD

This is by far the most challenging scale position, mostly due to the position shifts required. Start with your index finger on the 5th fret 4th string and play 3 notes per string to start out. For this scale, you're going to go all the way up to the 12th fret.

• Key G
• 80 bpm
• Tuning gDGBD

Here's an opportunity to put your previously learnt open single string technique and scales into practice. It's more of an exercise piece than a performance solo because you're focusing on using your thumb for the downbeat notes, which requires you to drop it down to the first string right off of the bat. You may or may not want to do this as you get more comfortable with single string but it's a good thing to practice at the start. Enjoy!

• Key G
• 80 bpm
• Tuning gDGBD

Here's a quick tutorial on right hand technique and how to play your first open G single string scale. Generally, you'll alternate between your thumb and index finger to play single string, although there are some exceptions to that rule depending on the melody that you're learning.

• Key G
• 80 bpm
• Tuning gDGBD