The Best of Jack Hatfield

This book is an anthology of Jack Hatfield’s most successful teaching arrangements, jam session favorites, show tunes and original compositions. Although it is not a teaching method per se, there are many arranging concepts and general tips included in the performance notes. There are also a few drills. Sections One and Two are intended to be a supplement for beginner and intermediate students, especially those who have used Mel Bays First Lessons Banjo. Additional solos are presented for many of the songs in that book. Section Three is basically a lick and repertoire building resource for more advanced players. This entire section with the exception of two arrangements is previously unpublished material. Hallmarks of Jack’s teaching style include melody-oriented arrangements, the use of well-known songs for the beginner, teaching tunes essential to the bluegrass banjo player’s repertoire, the use of bold-faced melody notes, and an extremely graduated approach which builds on previously learned techniques and licks. The arrangements in this book adhere to these principles. 112 pages, complete with two audio CDs.