Much More Than Just Clawhammer Banjo Lessons
Ben Dorning
Introducing the creator and leader of Banjo Adventures Discord.
I first picked up a banjo in 2006, spending my very first paycheck from my job on the railway to buy one from the local music shop. I’d wanted to learn for as long as I could remember, but back then, YouTube was still in its early days, and resources were scarce. Armed with a “Learn Banjo” DVD, I spent countless hours trying to master fingerpicking. After nearly two years of struggling, I finally admitted defeat—I thought banjo just wasn’t for me.
Then, in 2008, everything changed. I stumbled upon a YouTube video by the incredible Patrick Costello—Frailing Banjo Lesson 1. My mind was blown. Here was a completely different way to play—no finger picks, no complicated tabs—just raw, rhythmic, and deeply satisfying. At 20 years old, I came out of my short-lived banjo retirement, picked up my instrument again, started frailing and I haven’t stopped playing banjo since.
Now I want to share everything I have learned with you
What is Discord?
In this welcome video, I’ll give you a look at how I use Discord to help teach banjo. My lessons are casual and relaxed, often filmed in places like the wilderness or my car. I believe banjo playing should be fun and open to new ideas, so I keep my videos raw and unpolished—mistakes included—to highlight my natural playing style. During my own learning journey, I preferred a less formal approach, so I create content that’s easygoing and down-to-earth, without the “expert” vibe.
Learn at your own pace | In your own time
Access a range of detailed video tutorials, starting with the fundamentals and building up. In the Hobo level (Tier 1), you'll cover basics like posture, holding the banjo, and basic strumming. By the time you reach Tier 4 (Hiker), you'll be familiar with a few chords and able to play simple tunes. From there, we’ll progress to more advanced techniques and intermediate skills.
Banjo Adventures' first tier is designed for complete beginners, even if you have no musical background or experience with the banjo. If this sounds like you, you're in the perfect place to start your musical journey.
Track Your Progress With My Fun Adventure Themed Progression Ladder
My clawhammer banjo progression ladder guides you through your musical journey, from beginner to confident player, with structured paths and awards. Everyone starts as a Banjo Hobo, symbolizing the wandering musician who plays for love, freedom, and connection to traditional music, especially in clawhammer and old-time folk traditions.
Earn badges and promotional roles by sharing your progress with an audio clip of your playing and I will personally listen to and offer constructive feedback from what I hear.
Access An Ever Growing Library of Banjo Tabs
Play-Along Banjo Song Tutorials and Playthroughs
What's better than the exciting experience of learning to play a new tune on your instrument? In Banjo Adventures Discord, I have an ever-growing collection of engaging banjo song playthroughs, complete with the corresponding tablature to support and enhance your learning journey.
Learn how to read banjo tablature with my beginners guide to understanding clawhammer banjo tabs
The first tune we will learn in Banjo Adventures GOLD will be “Skip To My Lou”
At Banjo Adventures, learning is a shared experience. Our active chat community is the heart of the journey—where banjo enthusiasts come together to exchange ideas, celebrate eureka moments, and cheer on each other’s successes. The beauty of learning with others is that you never have to face the challenges alone.
Many banjo learners struggle with staying motivated or measuring their own progress. That’s where our community shines. By joining in, you’re not just learning to play the banjo; you’re becoming part of a supportive group that keeps you inspired and engaged every step of the way.
Don’t learn alone—share your journey, connect with new people, make friends, and immerse yourself in stories from fellow players. Together, we create an environment where everyone grows, learns, and enjoys the process of mastering the banjo. Come join us, and experience the power of learning in a community.
