FORT WORTH & DALLAS–FORT WORTH

In-home 5-string banjo lessons
in Fort Worth.

Bring on the twang with clawhammer and Scruggs-style picking.

Five-string banjo lessons introduce clawhammer, Scruggs-style picking patterns, chords, and tunes. Students work on timing and coordination to bring the sound of this American instrument to life.

$50 / 45-minute lesson · Once a week

Mr. Garrett teaching a student with a banjo

What the first month looks like.

Students learn to hold the banjo, tune to open G, and play their first rolls or clawhammer strokes along with simple chords. Early lessons focus on a smooth, even right hand, because that steady pattern gives the banjo its drive.

Skills your student builds.

  • Scruggs-style three-finger rolls
  • Clawhammer strokes
  • Chords and clean chord changes
  • Reading banjo tab
  • Bluegrass and old-time tunes

Choosing a 5-string banjo.

Students should have their own five-string banjo. Open-back banjos are often preferred for clawhammer; resonator banjos are louder and common in bluegrass. Either works for a beginner. Ask Mr. Garrett about a comfortable beginner setup.

When to start 5-string banjo lessons.

Five-string banjo suits students from upper elementary through adult who love bluegrass, old-time, folk or country music. Students who already play guitar often find the chord shapes familiar.

Younger students are considered individually; share your student’s age when you inquire.

A music teacher who comes to you.

Garrett McNutt is an award-winning music educator based in Fort Worth, a Texas-certified teacher with 10 years in the classroom. He has cleared a fingerprint background check and is insured. In-home lessons are open to families across the Dallas–Fort Worth area; availability depends on travel and scheduling.

Meet Mr. Garrett

Start with a free trial.

Your first trial lesson is free and lasts 30 minutes. If it’s a good fit, regular lessons last 45 minutes, once a week, for $50 per lesson. No binding contract is required; lessons have a 24-hour cancellation policy.

Request your free trial

Or call (432) 288-8826. Mr. Garrett will confirm your location and lesson time.

GOOD QUESTIONS

5-string banjo lessons: common questions.

Should my student learn clawhammer or Scruggs style?

It depends on the music they love. Scruggs-style rolls drive bluegrass; clawhammer has the rhythmic, old-time sound. Mr. Garrett teaches both and can help you decide at the trial.

Are fingerpicks required?

Scruggs style usually uses a thumb pick and finger picks. Clawhammer is played with the bare hand.

How is 5-string different from tenor banjo?

The 5-string has a short fifth drone string and is fingerpicked or played clawhammer. The tenor banjo has four strings and a pick. See our tenor banjo lessons.

Request your free trial