Danny Barnes: “Coal Mine”

Peghead Nation banjo instructor Danny Barnes plays and sings one of his original songs, with Scott Nygaard on guitar.

Danny Barnes is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and genre-bending artists in contemporary roots music. From his early days as the driving force behind the impressive Austin Texas–based Bad Livers, a band of pioneering Americana missionaries, through a prolific solo career, Danny has always listened to his proudly offbeat inner voice. Although he demonstrates an appreciation for the history of the bluegrass, country, and folk music from which the banjo’s reputation was born, his inventive take on the instrument is what truly separates him from his contemporaries.

We’re happy to have Danny join Peghead Nation’s banjo instructor lineup. When he was in the studio recording his first lessons for The Banjo According to Danny Barnes, he took a break to play one of his original songs, “Coal Mine,” with Peghead Nation co-founder and guitar instructor Scott Nygaard on guitar.

In this new course, Danny reveals his systematic approach to the banjo, with one-of-a-kind insights on improvisation, reading music, getting a good sound out of the banjo, rhythm and timing, and more.

Enroll in The Banjo According to Danny Barnes now and get your first month FREE (or $20 off an annual subscription)! Use Promo Code DannyLand at checkout.

Learn more about Danny Barnes at DannyBarnes.com

Related In The Studio Posts

Evie Ladin: “Alabama Waltz” Our Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays a great version of a Hank Williams song in the Peghead Nation studio. Read More

Wes Corbett and Simon Chrisman: “St. Anne’s Reel” Peghead Nation’s Contemporary Bluegrass Banjo instructor plays a traditional classic with his duet partner, hammer dulcimer virtuoso Simon Chrisman. Read More

Evie Ladin: “Give the Fiddler a Dram” Our Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays an old-time favorite in the Peghead Nation studio. Read More

Bill and Babi Evans | “My Favorite Things” A wonderful banjo duet on a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic from banjo ambassadors Bill and Babi Evans. Read More

Evie Ladin: Forky Deer/Forked Deer Peghead Nation’s Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays a mashup of two versions of a great old-time tune. Read More

Evie Ladin: “John Brown’s Dream” Peghead Nation Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays a great old-time tune. Read More

Evie Ladin: “Rock Andy” Peghead Nation’s Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays a great old-time tune on a new Rickard banjo. Read More

Molsky’s Mountain Drifters: “Across the Plains of Illinois” Peghead Nation fiddle and banjo instructor plays and sings a great traditional song with his trio. Read More

Wes Corbett: “Big Sciota” Our Contemporary Bluegrass Banjo instructor plays a festival jam favorite. Read More

Bruce Molsky: “Polly Put the Kettle On” Peghead Nation Old-Time Banjo and Old-Time Fiddle instructor plays a classic dance tune. Read More