This morning, bluegrass icon and ArtistWorks banjo instructor, Tony Trischka, released his brand-new, long-anticipated album, Earl Jam: A Tribute to Earl Scruggs. To accompany this exciting album release, Tony has published a handful of new lessons on his online banjo course here at ArtistWorks teaching tunes and arrangements directly from the Earl Jam record.

These new intermediate lessons highlight the Earl Jam renditions of two tunes specifically—the bluegrass classic, “Cripple Creek,” and the iconic Beatles hit, “Lady Madonna.” In addition to learning how to play these tunes, students will gain insight into the fundamental techniques that make both Tony and Earl’s banjo styles so unique and revered.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play bluegrass banjo from a master musician like Tony Trischka? Try some free online banjo lessons now! 

These lessons walk students step-by-step through the necessary methods and techniques utilized to perform these fantastic pieces. Through detailed multi-angle lesson videos and performance isolation videos from 3 different vantage points, students will learn the ins and outs of these two iconic tunes and master the techniques that make Earl and Tony’s approach to them so special. Alongside Tony’s video instruction, these new lessons include fresh learning materials to supplement Tony’s teaching—including tablature and notation.

About Earl Jam: A Tribue to Earl Scruggs

The inception of Tony Trischka's album Earl Jam is rooted in his deep admiration for Earl Scruggs, whose revolutionary three-finger banjo-picking style fundamentally transformed bluegrass music. Tony, a trailblazing banjoist himself, conceived the idea for this album as a way to honor Earl’s immense legacy and to share the profound impact Earl had on his own musical journey. The project emerged from Tony’s desire to not only pay homage to Earl but also to bring together a community of musicians who have been similarly influenced by the bluegrass legend.

Earl Jam features an impressive lineup of guest artists, each contributing their unique talents to the album. Notable collaborators include Béla Fleck, a fellow banjo virtuoso known for his genre-defying contributions to music, and Vince Gill, the celebrated singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Other esteemed musicians featured on the album include prominent modern flatpick guitar players and vocalists, Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle, as well as internationally-renowned mandolin virtuoso, Sam Bush. The ensemble also includes fellow ArtistWorks instructors Brittany Haas and Darol Anger (both on fiddle), as well as mandolinists Dominick Leslie and Ronnie McCoury, and fiddlers Stuart Duncan and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, among others. Together, these artists create a rich tapestry of sound that both celebrates Earl Scruggs’ influence and showcases the dynamic evolution of bluegrass music.

If you’re a current student of Tony’s, dive in now and enjoy learning these brand-new tunes from Tony’s album, Earl Jam. If you’re just joining Tony’s amazing online banjo community, welcome! There’s never been a better time to roll up your sleeves and start playing… SIGN UP FOR TONY’S COURSE HERE!

LEARN MORE:

Have you always wanted to learn how to play bluegrass banjo? Through our comprehensive banjo lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Tony Trischka, and get personal feedback on your playing.

Tony’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner banjo to advanced performance techniques, improvisation, and classic bluegrass tunes. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as banjo players and musicians.

Sample some free music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

READ MORE:

The Banjo Player’s Roadmap to Mastering Traditional Bluegrass Rhythms

Banjo Innovations: Blending Bluegrass with Other Musical Styles

Beginner Banjo Lesson: Learn to Play "Blackberry Blossom" Using Barre Positions with Tony Trischka