Tony Trischka teaches eleven classic pieces that are prime examples of banjo playing at its best. You'll learn them, note-for-note, just as they were played by some of the greatest players in the history of the instrument. By learning these tunes you'll not only expand your repertoire, but in the process will also become more flexible in your ability to mix up various rolls, play in several keys without a capo and move more freely around the neck.

Tony, who is widely known as one of the world's top contemporary banjo players as well as a historian of banjo lore, performs each tune with the help of John McGann on guitar. He then slows it down, going over the tricky spots and explaining all the right and left hand techniques you'll need to play it.

Here are the great solos you'll learn: John Henry (Earl Scruggs), Sitting on Top of the World (Alan Shelton), Gold Rush (Vic Jordan), Bye Bye Blues (Alan Shelton), Dixie Breakdown (Don Reno), Old Home Place (J. D. Crowe), Salt Creek (Bill Keith), Casey Jones (Bobby Thompson), Clinch Mountain Backstep (Ralph Stanley), Little Maggie (Bill Emerson), Doug's Tune (Doug Dillard).