Available May 24, 2013

Book with Instructional Audio CD $24.95

Bluegrass Jamming on Banjo teaches the tools, tricks and tunes to jam in bluegrass style. Its simple and fun method will teach you to play 31 bluegrass jam standards, what to do at your first jam, how to improvise and play tunes different each time you play them. You'll also learn to make up your own tasteful licks and fills and everything you'll need to march fearlessly into your first bluegrass jam. This FUN book is fully illustrated with almost 200 vintage photos, 112 pages, spiral binding, 9" x 12." Includes an audio instructional CD with 197 MP3 tracks to play on your computer. (NOTE: If you would prefer a format that will play on your stereo or boombox, let us know and we'll send you two audio disks with your book). Send Wayne your email address and he will personally notify you when this book becomes available. banjo[at]nativeground.com.

You WILL learn how to play and jam on: Back Up and Push, Black-Eyed Susie, Bury Me Beneath the Willow, Columbus Stockade, Colleen Malone, Dark Hollow, Deep Elem Blues, East Virginia, Footprints in the Snow, Katie Dear, Katy Cline, Hand Me Down My Walking Cane, High on a Mountain, I Am a Pilgrim, I've Just Seen the Rock of Ages, John Henry, Just Over in the Gloryland, Little Birdie, Lonesome Road Blues, Love of the Mountains, Mama Don't Allow, Pig in a Pen, Pretty Polly, Red Rocking Chair, Rocky Road Blues, Roll on Buddy, Run and Hide, Sittin' on Top of the World, Take This Hammer, Wandering Boy, Working on a Building.

Customer Comments:

"I need this book now." Darrell D.

"Your books are wonderful and you are a great educator. Rest assured that you will have at least one copy of your new book sold ( to me!). All the best." Tom in Florida

"Great Idea! I'll be the first to buy one." Danie in South Africa

Watch for Jamming on Clawhammer Banjo and Bluegrass Jamming on Guitar . Please email Wayne to be notified when these books are available at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

by Wayne Erbsen

Book with Instructional CD $19.95

At Last! A bluegrass banjo book for the true and absolute beginner that won't confuse the heck out of you!!! This FUN book is guaranteed to help you learn to play bluegrass banjo. (How many books come with a personal guarantee by the author?)

Peek Inside Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus!

· Teaches the plain, naked melody to 23 easy bluegrass favorites without the rolls already incorporated into the tune.
· Wayne shows simple ways to embellish each melody using easy rolls.
· With Wayne’s unique method, you’ll learn to think for yourself!
· Learn how to play a song in different ways, rather than memorizing ONE way.
· Includes an audio instructional CD with 99 tracks!
· 9" x 12", 64 pages.

You WILL learn to play:  Bile ‘Em Cabbage Down, Blue Ridge Mountain Blues, Columbus Stockade Blues, Down the Road, Groundhog, Little Maggie, Long Journey Home, Lynchburg Town, Man of Constant Sorrow, My Home’s Across the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nine Pound Hammer, Palms of Victory, Pass Me Not, Poor Ellen Smith, Pretty Polly, Put My Little Shoes Away, Red River Valley, Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms, Shall We Gather at the River, Wabash Cannonball, When I Lay My Burden Down, When the Saints Go Marching In.

Dear Banjo Picker: I'm currently working on my newest book, Bluegrass Jamming on Banjo. This will be the perfect follow up to Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus. If you would like me to contact you when this book becomes available, email  me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Thanks, Wayne Erbsen

We're proud to say that Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus! is the #2 best-selling banjo book in America. Still not convinced this is the book for you? Give Wayne a call at (828) 299-7031 and talk with Wayne personally!

Note: We have some copies of Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus with covers that are slightly dog-eared or may have a small scratch on the cover. Otherwise, they're perfect. We're selling these copies for $17.95. If you would like one of these, please call us - (828) 299-7031. Thanks, Wayne Erbsen

Customer Reviews:

"Best damn banjo book I've ever read!" Ryan Costello

"I purchased Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus, and I can't begin to tell you how awesome it has been! Thanks so much for such a fun and EFFECTIVE teaching method!" A. Adams

"I have a few beginner banjo books and yours is BY FAR my favorite!!!" Allen M.

"Your style of teaching is the greatest thing I've seen in the way of promoting improvisation. The good vibes and expert advice you give is top notch." Dan B.

by Wayne Erbsen

NEW!!!

Book with Instructional CD $22.95

The Ignoramus book is 40 years old! Originally written in 1973, this book has taught more people to play clawhammer banjo than any other book ever has! This brand new 40th Anniversary Edition is newly updated and improved. It now has spiral binding to make it even easier to learn. It contains the same friendly, clear and simple instruction as the original book. It's been said that "Wayne can even teach a frog to play! Give this fun book a try and you'll see why Wayne personally GUARANTEES it will teach you to play! (How many books come with a personal guarantee by the author?) 64 pages, 9" x 12", includes instructional audio CD with 85 selections!

If you have a question about whether Clawhammer Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus would be helpful to you, please give Wayne a call at (828) 299-7031. He'll be happy to talk with you and answer all your questions.

NOTE: Wayne is working on a new book: Clawhammer Banjo Jamming. Let him know via email if you'd like to be notified when it is available (banjo[at]nativeground.com)

Peek Inside Clawhammer Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus!

You WILL learn to play: Buffalo Gals, Cluck Old Hen, Cotton-Eyed Joe, Cripple Creek, The Cuckoo, Cumberland Mountain Deer Chase, Darlin' Cory, Down in the Willow Gardens, East Virginia, Groundhog, Handsome Molly, Little Birdie, Little Sadie, Lynchburg Town, Muley's Daughter, New River Train, Old Holly Hare, Old Blue, Old Joe Clark, Polly Put the Kettle On, Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Rain and Snow, Red Rocking Chair, Shady Grove, Shortening Bread, Sugar Hill, Swannanoa Tunnel, Sweet Sunny South, Wild Bill Jones.

Customer Reviews:

"I just love your clawhammer for the ignoramus book! It is fantastic." Joel P.

"You couldn't have made the Ignoramus any simpler." --Martin Lieschner

"I bought your book and I'm no longer an ignoramus. You'll get a rave review from me." Bruce Burr

“Let me tell you that your book is the absolute best.” Joe Salomone

"I have learned more from your banjo books than all of the other instructional material I have purchased." Steve Blake

by Wayne Erbsen

Book with Instructional CD $19.95

Wayne's friendly and FUN approach to learning to play the mandolin has taught thousands of total beginners to play bluegrass music. Join the club! In this, his 26th book, Wayne cuts through the clutter and confusion of learning to play with his SIMPLE approach to playing the melody on the mandolin. He leads the beginner down the path of being able to IMPROVISE by adding simple rhythms to easy bluegrass mandolin songs. With Wayne’s help, you’ll soon be jamming up a storm. Guaranteed! Includes instructional CD, plus complete lyrics to all 28 songs. 9"x 12", 80 pages. This book is guaranteed to help the beginner learn to play the mandolin. (How many books come with a personal guarantee by the author?) Don't yet have an instrument? Let Wayne help you pick out the perfect mandolin for you. Contact him at banjo[at]nativeground.com

If you have a question about whether Bluegrass Mandolin for the Complete Ignoramus would be helpful to you, please give Wayne a call at (828) 299-7031. He'll be happy to talk with you and answer all your questions.

Peek Inside Bluegrass Mandolin for the Complete Ignoramus!

by Wayne Erbsen

New!

Book with Instructional CD $22.95 

Bluegrass Jamming on Fiddle will teach the tools, tricks and tunes to jam in bluegrass style. It covers: 31 bluegrass jam standards, how to jam with others, how to improvise and make up your own tasteful licks and fills, almost painless music theory, how to play harmony, how to transpose and play in different keys, and everything you'll need to march fearlessly into your next jam or picking session! This FUN book is fully illustrated with almost 200 vintage photos. Coming soon: Bluegrass Jamming on Banjo (available Winter, 2012) and Bluegrass Jamming on Guitar (available Spring, 2013). All the books in the series are 96 pages, 9" x 12" and teach the same 31 tunes. Each book includes an audio instructional CD. Price: $22.95 (a steal!)

If you have a question about whether Bluegrass Jamming on Fiddle would be helpful to you, please give Wayne a call at (828) 299-7031. He'll be happy to talk with you and answer all your questions.

Peek Inside Bluegrass Jamming on Fiddle!

A review of Bluegrass Jamming on Fiddle from Bluegrass Today.

You WILL learn how to play and jam on: All the Good Times Are Past & Gone, Back Up and Push, Black-Eyed Susie, Cherokee Shuffle, Columbus Stockade, Colleen Malone, Dark Hollow, Deep Elem Blues, East Virginia, Footprints in the Snow, Katie Dear, Hand Me Down My Walking Cane, High on a Mountain, I Am a Pilgrim, I've Just Seen the Rock of Ages, John Henry, Just Over in the Gloryland, Little Birdie, Lonesome Road Blues, Love of the Mountains, Mama Don't Allow, Man of Constant Sorrow, More Pretty Girls Than One, Pig in a Pen, Pretty Polly, Red Rocking Chair, Rocky Road Blues, Roll on Buddy, Run and Hide, Sittin' on Top of the World, Working on a Building.

Customer Reviews: "Fiddle players will want to take a look at this book. Erbsen does a terrific job of presenting learning material in clear, practical, and entertaining ways. No matter how experienced you are, chances are Erbsen will help you become better than you already are." The Blabber, Inland Northwest Bluegrass Association.

Watch for Bluegrass Jamming on Banjo - Winter, 2012 and Bluegrass Jamming on Guitar - Spring, 2013. Please email Wayne to be notified when these books are available at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

by Wayne Erbsen

NEW!!!

Book with Instructional CD $22.95 

Bluegrass Jamming on Mandolin will teach the tools, tricks and tunes to jam in bluegrass style. It covers: how to jam with others, how to improvise and make up your own tasteful licks and fills, almost painless music theory, how to play harmony, how to transpose and play in different keys, and everything you'll need to march fearlessly into your next jam or picking session! This FUN book is fully illustrated with almost 200 vintage photos. Coming soon: Bluegrass Jamming on Banjo (available May 24, 2013). All the books in the series teach the same 31 tunes, 96 pages, 9" x 12" and include an audio instructional CD. Price: $22.95 (a steal!)

If you have a question about whether Bluegrass Jamming on Mandolin would be helpful to you, please give Wayne a call at (828) 299-7031. He'll be happy to talk with you and answer all your questions.

Peek Inside Bluegrass Jamming on Mandolin!

Read this review of Bluegrass Jamming on Mandolin in Bluegrass Today.

You WILL learn how to play and jam on: All the Good Times Are Past & Gone, Back Up and Push, Black-Eyed Susie, Cherokee Shuffle, Columbus Stockade, Colleen Malone, Dark Hollow, Deep Elem Blues, East Virginia, Footprints in the Snow, Katie Dear, Hand Me Down My Walking Cane, High on a Mountain, I Am a Pilgrim, I've Just Seen the Rock of Ages, John Henry, Just Over in the Gloryland, Little Birdie, Lonesome Road Blues, Love of the Mountains, Mama Don't Allow, Man of Constant Sorrow, More Pretty Girls Than One, Pig in a Pen, Pretty Polly, Red Rocking Chair, Rocky Road Blues, Roll on Buddy, Run and Hide, Sittin' on Top of the World, Working on a Building.

Customer Reviews: "Mandolin players will want to take a look at this book. Erbsen does a terrific job of presenting learning material in clear, practical, and entertaining ways. No matter how experienced you are, chances are Erbsen will help you become better than you already are." The Blabber, Inland Northwest Bluegrass Association.

Watch for Bluegrass Jamming on Banjo Spring, 2013! Please email Wayne to be notified when these books are available at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

by Wayne Erbsen
Book with Instructional CD $19.95

We're proud to say this is the #1 selling fiddle book in America!

If you are a total beginner,  here is the perfect book to learn how to play old-time fiddle. Absolutely no previous experience needed! Wayne's friendly writing style takes you through every step of adjusting, tuning, holding and yes, playing your fiddle. Appalachian, old-time, bluegrass and folk tunes are written out in Wayne's easy and unique tab system for those who don't read music, and in standard musical notation for those who do. Learning old-time fiddle has never been easier or more fun. Anyone can do it. Includes instructional audio CD, plus complete lyrics to all 37 tunes. 9" x 12",  80 pages. This book is guaranteed to help you learn to play old-time fiddle. (How many books come with a personal guarantee by the author?) Don't yet have an instrument? Let Wayne help you pick out the perfect fiddle and bow for you. Contact him at banjo[at]nativeground.com

If you have a question about whether Old-Time Fiddle for the Complete Ignoramus would be helpful to you, please give Wayne a call at (828) 299-7031. He'll be happy to talk with you and answer all your questions.

Peek Inside Old-Time Fiddle for the Complete Ignoramus!

by Wayne Erbsen        NEW!!!

Book with Instructional CD $22.95

This FUN instruction book will get you playing forty old-time and bluegrass guitar tunes in no time flat! Wayne's many years of teaching guitar are evident on each page of this book. The instruction audio CD is complete with a whopping 91 tracks and the complete lyrics to all 40 songs found in the book. 9"x 12", 80 pages, spiral binding! This book is guaranteed to help the beginning and intermediate guitarist. (How many books come with a personal guarantee by the author?)

If you have a question about whether Flatpicking Guitar for the Complete Ignoramus would be helpful to you, please give Wayne a call at (828) 299-7031. He'll be happy to talk with you and answer all your questions.

You WILL learn to play: Amazing Grace, Bill Monroe’s Shady Grove, Boogie Woogie, Down the Road, Flatpicker’s Blues, Goin’ Across the Sea, Little Maggie, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Black-Eyed Susie, Bury Me Beneath the Willow, Cotton-Eyed Joe, Darling Corey, Deer Lake Polka, Little Rosewood Casket, Keep on the Sunny Side of Life, On Top of Old Smoky, Red River Valley, Shortenin’ Bread, Where the Soul Never Dies, Wildwood Flower, Angelina Baker, Arkansas Traveler, Cluck Old Hen, Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down, In the Pines, Little Willie, Soldier’s Joy, Train 45, Whiskey Before Breakfast, House of the Rising Sun, Muley’s Daughter, Poor Wayfaring Stranger, Rain and Snow, Shady Grove, Little Sadie, Swannanoa Tunnel, The Cuckoo, Wild Bill Jones, Man of Constant Sorrow, Tater Patch

Peek Inside Flatpicking Guitar for the Complete Ignoramus!

by Wayne Erbsen

Book with Instructional CD $14.95 

Painless Mandolin Melodies (book)There's NEVER been a simpler mandolin method. Great for the TOTAL beginner. This book will get you to "first base" on the mandolin. Includes: Tuning Hints, Selecting and Holding a Pick, The Cure for Sore Fingers, How to Read Mandolin Tab, Fighting The Fear of Scales and More. Comes Complete with an Instructional CD.

This book is guaranteed to get you started to learn to play the mandolin. (How many books come with a personal guarantee by the author?)

Peek Inside Painless Mandolin Melodies!

by Wayne Erbsen

Book with Instructional CD $18.95

Starting Bluegrass Banjo From Scratch (book)This is a great intermediate banjo instruction book written in a friendly style. Originally published in 1974, this book has taught thousands to play bluegrass banjo. The book includes a history of the banjo, vintage photographs, many valuable tips. 80 pp. Instructional CD included.

You WILL learn to play: Skip to My Lou, Bury Me Beneath the Willow, Walking Cane, Ground Hog, Jesse James, Cripple Creek, Bile Em Cabbage Down, Cumberland Gap, Sourwood Mountain, When You And I Were Young Maggie, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Grandfather’s Clock, Pretty Polly, Little Maggie, Old Joe Clark, Lonesome Road Blues, Down in the Valley, Down in the Willow Garden, Wildwood Flower, John Hardy, Devil’s Dream, Banks of the Ohio.

"Wayne. I learned to play the banjo from you book "Starting Bluegrass Banjo From Scratch" ten years ago. And now I use your book to teach others. I just wanted to say thanks, thanks a lot." Dave Cannon

"I love this book. It was and is the best instruction book I have run across. Thanks for writing such an informative learning aid."

"I had tried several other books but yours was the one that really got me started on the right track. Thanks!" Rodney Thompson

"Great photos, very readable tabs and a friendly and fun approach to learning. A good bridge to the next level." Peggy Zeigler, banjo teacher

"An awesome book." Brian Bruggeman"

"Your book was my guidebook for learning to play banjo. Thank you for such informative information." M. Hill

by Wayne Erbsen

This handsome five-part series is based on Wayne Erbsen's recording, "Southern Mountain Classics." Each book has song histories, vintage photos, plus beginning, intermediate and advanced arrangements of the 16 tunes found on the recording. To get the most out of any of the Southern Mountain books, we strongly recommending getting the "Southern Mountain Classics" recording.

by Wayne Erbsen

Clawhammer banjo instruction for beginning & intermediate players. This book has beginning, intermediate and advanced arrangements for the 16 tunes found on the recording "Southern Mountain Classics." A great package!

Book $15.95

Southern Mountain Classics CD $14.95

by Wayne Erbsen

Old-time fiddle instruction for beginning, intermediate and advanced players. This book has beginning through advanced arrangements of the 16 tunes found on the recording "Southern Mountain Classics." Uses standard musical notation. A great package!

Book $12.95 

Southern Mountain Classics CD $14.95

You WILL learn to play:  Arkansas Traveler, Chicken Reel, Cluck Old Hen, Fishers’ Hornpipe, Hogeye, John Henry, Leather Britches, Little Rosewood Casket, Mississippi Sawyer, Old Spinning Wheel, Red Rocking Chair, Shady Grove, Soldier’s Joy, State of Arkansas, Uncle Joe, When You and I Were Young, Maggie.

by Wayne Erbsen

Old-time guitar instruction for beginning & intermediate players. This book has beginning, intermediate and advanced arrangements for the 16 tunes found on the recording "Southern Mountain Classics." Uses standard musical notation AND tab. A great package!

Book $17.95

Southern Mountain Classics CD $14.95

You WILL learn to play: Arkansas Traveler, Chicken Reel, Cluck Old Hen, Fishers’ Hornpipe, Hogeye, John Henry, Leather Britches, Little Rosewood Casket, Mississippi Sawyer, Old Spinning Wheel, Red Rocking Chair, Shady Grove, Soldier’s Joy, State of Arkansas, Uncle Joe, When You and I Were Young, Maggie.

by Wayne Erbsen

Old-time mandolin instruction for beginning,  intermediate and advanced players. This book has beginning through advanced arrangements of the 16 tunes found on the recording "Southern Mountain Classics." Uses standard musical notation AND tab. A great package!

Book $19.95

Southern Mountain Classics CD $14.95

You will learn to play: Arkansas Traveler, Chicken Reel, Cluck Old Hen, Fishers’ Hornpipe, Hogeye, John Henry, Leather Britches, Little Rosewood Casket, Mississippi Sawyer, Old Spinning Wheel, Red Rocking Chair, Shady Grove, Soldier’s Joy, State of Arkansas, Uncle Joe, When You and I Were Young, Maggie.

by Wayne Erbsen

Old-time dulcimer instruction for beginning & intermediate players. This book has beginning, intermediate and advanced arrangements for the 16 tunes found on the recording "Southern Mountain Classics." Uses standard musical notation AND tab. A great package!

Book $17.95 

Southern Mountain Classics CD $14.95

Includes: Arkansas Traveler, Chicken Reel, Cluck Old Hen, Fishers’ Hornpipe, Hogeye, John Henry, Leather Britches, Little Rosewood Casket, Mississippi Sawyer, Old Spinning Wheel, Red Rocking Chair, Shady Grove, Soldier’s Joy, State of Arkansas, Uncle Joe, When You and I Were Young, Maggie.

by Wayne Erbsen Back in Print for a Limited Time!

Book with Instructional CD $14.95

Book with Instructional Cassette  $9.95

"I wrote and published this book in 1985, and over the years it got several thousand pickers happily pickin' the banjo. I let this book go out of print when I published my book Bluegrass Banjo For the Complete Ignoramus! I recently realized that Bluegrass Banjo Simplified! could still be of benefit to struggling banjo players. So for a limited time, I'm making this book available again at a reduced price.