ISBN 9781609742409. In this book Mike Perlowin combines the practical experience of being a working musician in the fields of rock, blues, country, RandB, reggae, and bluegrass with the theoretical knowledge of an academic background to explain music theory in terms that any moderately accomplished musician can understand. Starting with the most basic of lessons, Perlowin clearly and concisely explains the tonal relationships between notes and how they form different types of scales and chords. Instead of using examples from unfamiliar classical music, this book uses well known tunes like Mary had a Little Lamb or Silent Night to illustrate theoretical principles. Rather than offering information on how to play a specific instrument, this book is designed for people who already play proficiently but don't understand music's underlying theoretical principles. Although the book is relatively short, it contains the equivalent of a year's worth of college level material, all made accessible to the average musician desiring a better understanding of music theory.

This book opens an entire new world for the clawhammer banjo player. In Mel Bay's Pawhammer Banjo, the banjoist will discover new realms in clawhammer play with the use of a technical extension called 'pawhammer' developed by Steve Kahn. With this extension in hand, a banjo player will be able to play notes on higher strings after playing the middle- or index-fingernail stroke. This removes a longtime drawback in clawhammer play and allows the playing of not only many new bluegrass and traditional tunes, but the entire field of ragtime. Through meticulous technical descriptions, photos, and arrangements of fourteen tunes from both the bluegrass/traditional and ragtime fields with seven favorites from Scott Joplin, including 'Maple Leaf Rag' and 'The Entertainer,' author Steve Kahn carefully teaches the new skills involved in 'pawhammer' banjo technique.

Arkansas Traveler
Casey Jones
Cripple Creek
Cumberland Gap
Twain Harte Tune
Deputy Dalton
The Easy Winners
The Entertainer
Gladiolus Rag
Maple Leaf Rag
Pineapple Rag
Ragtime Dance
Solace
Ragtime Fragment