New Lessons for November 2024
By: Dan Gabel
November 5, 2024
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons from Peghead Nation instructors!
Bill Evans’ American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame Induction
By: Dan Gabel
October 24, 2024
Peghead Nation banjo ambassador is recognized by America's venerable banjo organization.
Tags: Banjo, Bill Evans
Peghead Nation’s 10th Anniversary Party and Showcase!
By: Dan Gabel
October 17, 2024
We're celebrating our first decade of teaching the world to play on Wednesday, November 13 in downtown San Rafael, California. Email to get on the RSVP list.
Charlie Torch: “Red Rocking Chair”
By: Dan Gabel
October 12, 2024
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor Chad Manning plays a traditional song with his band that includes siblings Jasper and Jayda Manning, Tyler Stengall, and Mark Schatz.
Mike’s Banjo Mute
By: Teja Gerken
October 9, 2024
Evie Ladin demonstrates a great tool for quiet banjo practice.
New Lessons for October 2024
By: Dan Gabel
October 2, 2024
Great new tunes, techniques, and exercises from Peghead Nation instructors.
Peghead Nation’s 10th Anniversary | We Want to Hear from You
By: Dan Gabel
September 18, 2024
We’d love to hear what you’ve learned on Peghead Nation. Record a video of your playing and share it with us on our social media channels to help celebrate our 10th!
Will Seeders 11-inch Dobson Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
September 4, 2024
Evie Ladin demonstrates one of her own go-to banjos.
New Lessons September 2024!
By: Dan Gabel
September 1, 2024
Peghead Nation instructors have hours of new lessons, tunes, and techniques for you!
Welcome to Peghead Nation | Site Tour
By: Dan Gabel
August 13, 2024
How to find your courses, lessons, My Account page, Play-Along Tracks, and more.
Wes Corbett and Simon Chrisman: “St. Anne’s Reel”
By: Dan Gabel
August 3, 2024
Peghead Nation’s Contemporary Bluegrass Banjo instructor plays a traditional classic with his duet partner, hammer dulcimer virtuoso Simon Chrisman.
Tags: Banjo
August 2024 New Lessons!
By: Dan Gabel
August 1, 2024
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons from our Peghead Nation instructors.
Evie Ladin: “Give the Fiddler a Dram”
By: Dan Gabel
July 19, 2024
Our Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays an old-time favorite in the Peghead Nation studio.
Tags: Banjo, Clawhammer
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway: “Crooked Tree”
By: Dan Gabel
July 3, 2024
The flatpicker, songwriter, and singer performs the title track to her Grammy-winning album at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California.
New Lessons! July 2024
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2024
New tunes, techniques, and exercises from our Peghead Nation instructors!
Vega Vintage Star
By: Teja Gerken
June 12, 2024
Evie Ladin demonstrates the brand new cherry version of Deering’s open-back Vega Vintage Star banjo and compares it to the original maple instrument.
New Lessons! June 2024
By: Dan Gabel
June 3, 2024
New techniques, tunes, and lessons from Peghead Nation instructors
Watch Evie Ladin’s Clawhammer Banjo Live Workshop from May 2024!
By: Dan Gabel
May 15, 2024
Join our Clawhammer Banjo instructor for "Jam Essentials: Back-Up, Speed Tuning, and More"
Tags: Banjo, Clawhammer
New Lessons for May 2024
By: Dan Gabel
May 1, 2024
New Tunes, Lessons, and Techniques from Peghead Nation instructors.
Peghead Nation Presents Compton & Newberry | San Rafael, CA, Wednesday, May 8
By: Dan Gabel
April 28, 2024
An evening of great traditional and new acoustic music, powerful songwriting, and the best in mandolin, clawhammer banjo, and guitar picking.
Live Clawhammer Banjo Zoom workshop with Evie Ladin | Saturday, May 4
By: Dan Gabel
April 3, 2024
Join us for Jam Essentials: Back-Up, Speed Tuning, & More with Evie Ladin!
New Lessons for April 2024
By: Dan Gabel
April 1, 2024
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques from Peghead Nation's Master Teachers
Cathy Fink and Christylez Bacon: ”Soldier’s Joy”
By: Dan Gabel
March 25, 2024
Peghead Nation instructor teams up with beatboxer and progressive hip hop artist to create a cross-genre version of an old-time favorite.
Tags: Banjo, Clawhammer
New Lessons for March 2024
By: Dan Gabel
March 12, 2024
Peghead Nation instructors have new lessons, techniques, and tunes to keep your musical journey on track!
Join us at Wintergrass 2024
By: Dan Gabel
February 14, 2024
Peghead Nation will be on hand in Bellevue, Washington, February 22 - 25 for a weekend full of performances, workshops, jamming, and fun!
New Lessons | February 2024
By: Dan Gabel
February 3, 2024
New tunes, lessons, and techniques from Peghead Nation's talented instructors.
Bill Evans and the Foggy Mountain Banjo Band: “Foggy Mountain Breakdown”
By: Dan Gabel
January 11, 2024
Bill Evans and friends pay tribute to Earl Scruggs's 100th Birthday with an encore of epic banjo proportions.
Tags: Banjo
New Lessons for January 2024
By: Dan Gabel
January 5, 2024
Peghead Nation instructors kick off the year with great lessons, tunes, and techniques for you to learn.
Bill and Babi Evans | “My Favorite Things”
By: Dan Gabel
December 20, 2023
A wonderful banjo duet on a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic from banjo ambassadors Bill and Babi Evans.
Tags: Banjo, Bill Evans
New Lessons for December 2023
By: Dan Gabel
December 6, 2023
New lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation instructors!
Bill Evans, John Resichman, Todd Phillips, Hayes Griffin: “Big Spike Hammer”
By: Dan Gabel
November 27, 2023
Peghead Nation banjo and mandolin instructors play an Osborne Brothers classic at Great Lakes Music Camp.
Watch Evie Ladin’s Workshop, Jam Essentials: Back-up, Speed Tuning, and More!
By: Dan Gabel
November 27, 2023
Learn skills you need to join jams in many different styles on clawhammer banjo, with tips on playing accompaniment, getting into tune quickly, and more.
Tags: Banjo, Clawhammer
Evie Ladin: “Jump the Fire”
By: Dan Gabel
November 2, 2023
Peghead Nation Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays one of her original songs during the Great Lakes Music Camp instructor concert.
Tags: Banjo, Clawhammer
New Lessons for November 2023
By: Dan Gabel
November 2, 2023
New lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation instructors!
John Reischman, Bill Evans, and Friends: “Suzanne’s Journey”
By: Dan Gabel
October 20, 2023
John Reischman plays his tune “Suzanne’s Journey” at Great Lakes Music Camp 2023 with Bill Evans, Ethan Setiawan Jeremy Kittel, Hayes Griffin, and Todd Phillips.
New Lessons, October 2023
By: Dan Gabel
October 5, 2023
Peghead Nation instructors release great new lessons and tunes.
New Lessons for September 2023
By: Dan Gabel
September 12, 2023
Check out new lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation instructors.
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for August 2023
By: Dan Gabel
August 1, 2023
Peghead Nation instructors release hours of new material for you to dig into this month!
The Banjo Style of J.D. Crowe with Bill Evans | Now Available for Subscription
By: Dan Gabel
July 13, 2023
Subscribe now to this deep look at the influential style of one of the icons of bluegrass banjo.
Tags: Banjo
New Lessons Released for July 2023
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2023
New lessons, tunes, and techniques to propel your summer playing!
Evie Ladin: Forky Deer/Forked Deer
By: Dan Gabel
June 20, 2023
Peghead Nation’s Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays a mashup of two versions of a great old-time tune.
Tags: Banjo, Clawhammer
New Lessons and Courses for June 2023
By: Dan Gabel
June 9, 2023
New Tunes and Techniques from our instructors, available now!
New Lessons for April 2023
By: Dan Gabel
April 3, 2023
Peghead Nation instructors have released hours of new lessons with great tunes and helpful techniques!
Watch Evie Ladin‘s Clawhammer Banjo Workshop: Practicing Syncopations for Songs and Tunes in D
By: Dan Gabel
March 20, 2023
Practice new rhythmic techniques, variations on melodies, and more, in the context of familiar old-time tunes.
Tags: Banjo
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for March 2023
By: Dan Gabel
March 3, 2023
Great new material from the Peghead Nation instructors available now!
Join Us at Wintergrass 2023
By: Dan Gabel
February 9, 2023
Peghead Nation will be on hand in Bellevue, Washington, February 23 - 26 for a weekend full of performances, workshops, jamming, and fun!
Now Available for Subscription! Creative Jam Skills with Lauren Rioux and Brittany Haas
By: Dan Gabel
February 6, 2023
Up your game as a melody player, backup player, and improviser, exploring new tunes, embellishment ideas, accompaniment techniques and more!
New Lessons for February 2023
By: Dan Gabel
February 2, 2023
Great new tunes, techniques, and lessons from Peghead Nation instructors.
California Bluegrass Reunion: “Petersburg Gal”
By: Dan Gabel
December 21, 2022
A powerhouse band packed with Peghead Nation instructors plays an original tune from Bill Evans.
Register for The Banjo Style of J.D. Crowe With Bill Evans | 8-Session Zoom Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
December 18, 2022
Learn the tunes and techniques of one of the most influential bluegrass banjo players, with Bill Evans and special guests Ron Block and Ron Stewart.
Tags: Banjo
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for December 2022
By: Dan Gabel
December 13, 2022
Great new lessons from the talented Peghead Nation instructors. Join us!
Sam Bush: “In Tall Buildings”
By: Dan Gabel
November 18, 2022
Peghead Nation's Contemporary Bluegrass Banjo instructor Wes Corbett joins Sam Bush on a classic John Hartford song.
New Lessons for November 2022
By: Dan Gabel
November 10, 2022
New tunes, techniques, and exercises from Peghead Nation instructors!
Bill Evans Wins the 2022 Steve Martin Banjo Prize
By: Dan Gabel
November 10, 2022
Peghead Nation banjo instructor receives the prestigious award recognizing masters of the banjo for their contributions to the instrument and the community.
Evie Ladin Banjo Workshop: Clawhammer Play Party, Double-C Tuning
By: Dan Gabel
November 1, 2022
Discover and practice various rhythmic techniques, chord voicings, and more in the context of familiar old-time tunes.
Tags: Banjo, Clawhammer
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for October 2022
By: Dan Gabel
October 5, 2022
Check out hours of new lesson material in select courses on Peghead Nation.
Peghead Nation Receives a 2022 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award
By: Dan Gabel
September 26, 2022
We’re honored to be recognized by bluegrass music’s leading industry organization and our community!
New Lessons Released for September 2022!
By: Dan Gabel
September 9, 2022
Explore new lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation’s expert instructors.
Lauren Rioux and Brittany Haas: Piney Woods and House On Hadley
By: Dan Gabel
August 18, 2022
Fiddling gurus and hosts of the Peghead Nation live workshop series, Creative Jam Skills, play two great old-time tunes.
Bill Evans “The Banjo in America” New CD and DVD
By: Dan Gabel
July 12, 2022
Peghead Nation banjo instructor explores 250 years of the banjo on beautiful new DVD/CD set from Tiki Parlour Recordings.
Tags: Banjo
Hours of New Lessons Released for July 2022!
By: Dan Gabel
July 10, 2022
Explore new lessons, tunes, and techniques from Peghead Nation’s expert instructors.
New Lessons, Tunes, and Techniques for June 2022!
By: Dan Gabel
June 6, 2022
Explore Hours of New Lessons from Peghead Nation's Expert Instructors!
Melodic and Single-String Banjo Workshop with Bill Evans | Now Available for Subscription
By: Dan Gabel
June 1, 2022
Join Bill Evans for a deep dive into the two bluegrass banjo techniques that were added to Scruggs-style to create exciting bluegrass music.
Watch Evie Ladin’s “Beyond the Bum Ditty, Part 2: Practicing Syncopations” Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
May 18, 2022
Evie covered all kinds of clawhammer banjo patterns, rolls, and licks in her latest Peghead Nation workshop, and you can watch the full session here.
New Lessons Released for May 2022
By: Dan Gabel
May 2, 2022
New tunes, techniques, and exercises just released in Peghead Nation courses.
New Lessons Released for April 2022
By: Dan Gabel
April 9, 2022
New tunes, techniques, and exercises just released in Peghead Nation courses.
Learning by Ear with Lissa Schneckenburger Now Available!
By: Dan Gabel
April 1, 2022
Learn to pick up tunes on the fly and increase your ability to interact with your fellow musicians with fun ear-training exercises and practice, applicable to all instruments.
How To Measure a Banjo Head | Elderly Instruments
March 17, 2022
Elderly's Mike Hoenerhoff shows how to determine the correct size of a replacement banjo head.
New Lessons Released for March 2022
By: Dan Gabel
March 11, 2022
Hours of new tunes, techniques, and exercises just released in Peghead Nation courses.
Evie Ladin: “John Brown’s Dream”
By: Dan Gabel
February 19, 2022
Peghead Nation Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays a great old-time tune.
New Lessons Added for February 2022
By: Dan Gabel
February 2, 2022
Hours of new tunes, techniques, and exercises just released in Peghead Nation courses.
California Bluegrass Reunion: “Suzanne’s Journey”
By: Dan Gabel
December 17, 2021
All-star band of Peghead Nation instructors Bill Evans, Chad Manning, Sharon Gilchrist, and John Reischman, along with Darol Anger and Jim Nunally, play one of John’s new original tunes.
Sign Up for Melodic and Single-String Banjo with Bill Evans
By: Dan Gabel
December 13, 2021
Join us for an 8-session live Zoom workshop exploring melodic and single-string banjo styles and repertoire. Starts January 22, 2022.
Gold Tone “Bluegrass Heart” Béla Fleck
By: Teja Gerken
December 13, 2021
Peghead Nation banjo instructor Wes Corbett demonstrates Béla Fleck’s new signature model.
Hours of New Lessons for December 2021
By: Dan Gabel
December 1, 2021
Watch video examples from some of the latest lessons from Peghead Nation’s Instructrors!
California Bluegrass Reunion: “Roll On Buddy, Roll On”
By: Dan Gabel
November 18, 2021
Powerhouse band of Peghead Nation instructors Bill Evans, Chad Manning, Sharon Gilchrist, and John Reischman, along with Darol Anger and Jim Nunally, play a bluegrass classic.
1907 Vega Whyte Laydie # 7
By: Teja Gerken
November 15, 2021
Peghead Nation instructor Bill Evans demonstrates an iconic vintage banjo.
New Lessons Added for November 2021
By: Dan Gabel
November 5, 2021
Take a look at new the new lessons just released in Peghead Nation courses!
Watch Evie Ladin’s “Beyond the Bum Ditty: Practicing Syncopations” Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
November 5, 2021
Our Clawhammer Banjo instructor gave a Zoom workshop recently that covered all kinds of patterns, rolls, and licks. Watch the full session here.
Wes Corbett’s Performance Gear
By: Teja Gerken
November 1, 2021
Peghead Nation banjo instructor Wes Corbett discusses the pickup, amp, and pedals he uses when playing onstage with the Sam Bush Band.
John Reischman: ”Horses of Dorrigo”
By: Dan Gabel
September 27, 2021
Peghead Nation Melodic Mandolin Tunes instructor plays a new tune off of his latest album, “New Time and Old Acoustic.”
OME Tupelo
By: Teja Gerken
September 27, 2021
Peghead Nation instructor Steve Baughman demonstrates his go-to open-back banjo.
Banjolit Dr. Arm
By: Teja Gerken
August 30, 2021
Peghead Nation banjo instructor Wes Corbett demonstrates his favorite armrest.
The Legendary Shubb Capo, Now in Gold
By: Shubb Capos
August 29, 2021
The Shubb Capo Royale’s high-tech titanium finish has all the beauty of real gold, but is incredibly durable.
Evie Ladin: “Rock Andy”
By: Dan Gabel
August 29, 2021
Peghead Nation’s Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays a great old-time tune on a new Rickard banjo.
Hours of New Lessons and Tunes for August 2021
By: Dan Gabel
August 6, 2021
Take a look at new the new lessons just released in Peghead Nation courses!
Wes Corbett and George Jackson: “Gold Rush”
By: Dan Gabel
July 28, 2021
Our Contemporary Bluegrass Banjo instructor plays a bluegrass classic with fiddler George Jackson.
Win a Spot at Great Lakes Music Camp 2021
By: Dan Gabel
July 16, 2021
Enter to win a Weekend Camper package at this inspiring camp, with instructors including Peghead Nation’s Joe K. Walsh, Evie Ladin, Bill Evans, Bruce Molsky, Mike Compton, and Zoe Guigueno.
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters: “Across the Plains of Illinois”
By: Dan Gabel
July 16, 2021
Peghead Nation fiddle and banjo instructor plays and sings a great traditional song with his trio.
Will Seeders Dobson Special
By: Teja Gerken
July 5, 2021
Evie Ladin demonstrates a custom-made open-back banjo.
Subscribe Now to “Earl Scruggs: A Player’s Guide” with Bill Evans
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2021
Bill Evans hosts a deep-dive into Earl Scruggs’ singular style, influence, and life. Subscribe now!
Tags: Banjo
New Lessons Released for July 2021
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2021
Hours of new tunes and techniques to learn in Peghead Nation courses!
Wes Corbett: “Big Sciota”
By: Dan Gabel
June 11, 2021
Our Contemporary Bluegrass Banjo instructor plays a festival jam favorite.
Tags: Banjo
New Lessons Released for June 2021
By: Dan Gabel
June 11, 2021
Great new tunes and techniques to learn in Peghead Nation courses.
Register for Evie Ladin’s Live Clawhammer Banjo Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
June 10, 2021
Join us on June 12 on Zoom for Evie’s workshop on how to demystify the banjo neck.
Tags: Banjo
Join the Porch Pride Beginner-Friendly Jam-Along with Luisa Lopez | Sunday, June 13
By: Dan Gabel
June 9, 2021
Peghead Nation is sponsoring Porch Pride 2021 and a special all-levels virtual jam.
Rickard Maple Ridge
By: Teja Gerken
June 1, 2021
Evie Ladin demonstrates a great mid-price open-back banjo.
Sam Bush and Wes Corbett: “Tennessee Wagoner”
By: Dan Gabel
May 4, 2021
Peghead Nation banjo instructor plays a fiddle tune on “Jammin’ With Sam,” with bluegrass and mandolin legend Sam Bush.
New Lessons Just Released For May
By: Dan Gabel
May 3, 2021
Peghead Nation instructors have added new tunes and techniques for you to learn.
Danny Barnes: “Coal Mine”
By: Dan Gabel
April 8, 2021
Peghead Nation banjo instructor Danny Barnes plays and sings one of his original songs, with Scott Nygaard on guitar.
Tags: Banjo, Danny Barnes
New Lessons Released for April 2021
By: Dan Gabel
April 7, 2021
Great new tunes and techniques to learn, plus a brand new Octave Mandolin course.
New Lessons in Old-Time Banjo with Bruce Molsky
By: Dan Gabel
March 31, 2021
Learn the tunes and techniques of some of the legends of old-time banjo, taught by one of the icons of contemporary old-time music.
Tags: Banjo, Clawhammer
New Lessons and Tunes Added to Peghead Nation Courses | March 2021
By: Dan Gabel
March 1, 2021
Our instructors have added great new tunes and techniques that you can jump into right now.
Session Video and Materials | Earl Scruggs: A Player’s Guide with Bill Evans
By: Dan Gabel
February 17, 2021
Watch videos and download materials for sessions of Bill’s workshop on Earl Scruggs's playing.
Tags: Banjo
Register for Earl Scruggs: A Player’s Guide with Bill Evans | 8 Session Live Workshop
By: Dan Gabel
February 12, 2021
Learn tunes and techniques that will help you become a more complete Scruggs-style player. Video recordings available to students for all sessions.
Tags: Banjo
Bruce Molsky: “Polly Put the Kettle On”
By: Dan Gabel
January 29, 2021
Peghead Nation Old-Time Banjo and Old-Time Fiddle instructor plays a classic dance tune.
New Lessons in the String School for January
By: Dan Gabel
January 10, 2021
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Inside the Huss and Dalton Shop | Huss and Dalton Guitars
By: Huss and Dalton
January 7, 2021
A video tour of the guitar and banjo maker's Staunton, Virginia, shop.
Bruce Molsky Live | Elderly Instruments
December 23, 2020
Peghead Nation instructor and multi-instrumentalist performs for Elderly's Living Room Sessions.
Evie Ladin and Emily Mann: “Icy Mountain”
By: Scott Nygaard
December 22, 2020
Peghead Nation Clawhammer Banjo teacher plays an old-time favorite with one of the fiddlers who appears on Evie’s album of traditional tunes, “Riding the Rooster.”
Welcome, Peghead Nation Subscribers, to Your New Website!
By: Dan Gabel
December 1, 2020
Watch a walk-through video with information about how to log in, navigate through your courses, use the new features, and more.
California Banjo Extravaganza 2020
By: Scott Nygaard
November 19, 2020
Bill Evans, Catherine Bowness, Allison De Groot, and John Bullard celebrate the artistry of the five-string banjo with an online concert and workshops on November 14.
Watch Evie Ladin’s Workshop | Demystifying the Banjo Neck, Part 1: G Tuning
By: Dan Gabel
October 23, 2020
Our Clawhammer Banjo instructor gave a fun Zoom workshop recently, covering movable banjo chords in G tuning, playing up the neck, and more. Watch the full session here.
Martin Guitar Museum Tour with Chris Martin | Part 3
By: Martin Guitar
October 13, 2020
The Martin Guitar CEO talks about the development of the dovetail neck joint, the switch from fan-bracing to X-bracing, and more.
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons Added for October
By: Dan Gabel
October 1, 2020
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Watch Bill Evans’ Workshop | Taking Your Playing to the Next Level
By: Dan Gabel
September 29, 2020
Our Beginning Banjo and Bluegrass Banjo instructor gave an engaging and wide-ranging Zoom workshop recently, with tips on improving your playing no matter your level. Watch the video here.
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons Added for September
By: Dan Gabel
September 2, 2020
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Martin Guitar Museum Tour with Chris Martin | Part 2
By: Martin Guitar
August 25, 2020
The Martin Guitar CEO talks about his family's settlement in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and early Martin guitar designs.
Riley Baugus Round Peak–Style Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
August 10, 2020
Peghead Nation instructor Bill Evans demonstrates a special open-back banjo.
Bruce Molsky and Isa Burke: “Arkansas Traveler”
By: Dan Gabel
August 4, 2020
Peghead Nation old-time banjo and fiddle teacher plays an old-time favorite with the fiddler, singer, and songwriter from the band Lula Wiles.
New Tunes, Techniques, and Lessons Added for August
By: Dan Gabel
August 3, 2020
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Martin Guitar Museum Tour with Chris Martin | Part 1
By: Martin Guitar
July 29, 2020
The Martin Guitar CEO talks about the earliest days of the company and his family’s settling in the United States.
Evie Ladin: “Got No Honey Babe Now”
By: Dan Gabel
July 17, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Clawhammer Banjo teacher plays and sings an old-time song from North Carolina fiddler Frank Blevins.
New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation for July
By: Dan Gabel
July 1, 2020
Our instructors have released great new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Amythyst Kiah: “Firewater” | Martin Museum Sessions
By: Martin Guitar
July 1, 2020
The songwriter and multi-instrumentalist performs an original song live in the Martin Museum, on a 1942 Martin D-45.
Bob Thornburg Gourd Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
June 22, 2020
Peghead Nation instructor Steve Baughman demonstrates his fretless gourd banjo.
Tags: Banjo, Instrument Demo
Jonathan McReynolds: “People” | Martin Museum Sessions
By: Martin Guitar
June 17, 2020
The songwriter plays his original song, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Music chart.
New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation for June
By: Dan Gabel
June 5, 2020
Kick-off your summer with new lessons, tunes, and techniques in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Amythyst Kiah: “Black Myself” | Martin Museum Sessions
By: Martin Guitar
June 5, 2020
The songwriter and multi-instrumentalist performs her Grammy-nominated song live in the Martin Museum, on a 1942 Martin D-45.
Evie Ladin: “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo”
By: Dan Gabel
June 2, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Clawhammer Banjo teacher plays and sings a Grateful Dead classic, which she also recorded for the Evie Ladin Band’s EP, “Playing Our Hand.”
California Banjo Extravaganza: “Chinquapin Hunting”
By: Dan Gabel
May 30, 2020
A performance from a Peghead-packed band of Bill Evans, Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation for May
By: Dan Gabel
May 6, 2020
New lessons to keep your momentum going! Check out the lessons, tunes, and techniques to learn in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Martin Guitar | The SC-13 Origin Story
By: Martin Guitar
April 16, 2020
The designers of Martin’s innovative new acoustic-electric guitar talk about how the new concept, body shape, and neck joint came to fruition.
Evie Ladin: “Lonesome John”
By: Dan Gabel
March 10, 2020
Peghead Nation’s Clawhammer Banjo teacher plays and sings an old-time song from Kentucky fiddler John Salyer.
New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation
By: Dan Gabel
March 5, 2020
What to do with all of that time? Check out the lessons, tunes, and techniques to learn in our guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass courses.
Hours of New Lessons Just Added to Peghead Nation
By: Dan Gabel
January 8, 2020
The new year brings new tunes and techniques to learn on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, dobro, ukulele, and bass.
Martin Guitar | Nick Offerman: “My Martin Story”
By: Martin Guitar
December 20, 2019
The guitarist known for his portrayal of Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation” talks about his love of Martin Guitars and his struggle with the B chord.
Martin Guitar | Zandy Fitzgerald: “What Makes the World”
By: Martin Guitar
November 29, 2019
The guitarist for the pop/rock/soul band The New Respects plays a solo version of an original song live at Martin HQ.
Hawthorn Top Tension Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
September 23, 2019
Peghead Nation instructor Wes Corbett demonstrates his main banjo.
New Course Available! Contemporary Bluegrass Banjo with Wes Corbett
By: Dan Gabel
September 19, 2019
Sign up now to learn single-string and melodic style banjo, with lessons on fingerboard theory, improvisation, and more.
Tags: Banjo
Martin Guitar X Bracing
By: Martin Guitar
September 17, 2019
Chris Martin and others talk about the creation of the X-braced guitar and the structural and tonal benefits of the historic bracing pattern.
Joy Kills Sorrow: “Such Great Heights”
By: Dan Gabel
August 29, 2019
Peghead Nation welcomes our two newest instructors, Zoe Guigueno and Wes Corbett, who played together in the influential stringband Joy Kills Sorrow.
Jerry Douglas & Tommy Emmanuel: “Halfway Home” | Ear Trumpet Labs
By: Ear Trumpet Labs
July 30, 2019
The dobro master and fingerstyle powerhouse play Tommy’s original tune in the Ear Trumpet Labs workshop.
Martin Vega® Banjo Strings
By: Martin Guitar
July 11, 2019
Martin’s new banjo strings use a long lasting nickel/steel alloy for its tonal qualities and smooth consistency, great for all styles of banjo playing.
1931 Gibson RB-1
By: Teja Gerken
June 17, 2019
Bill Evans demonstrates the vintage instrument known as the “Grace Attfield Banjo.”
Robert Earl Keen: “The Unknown Fighter” | LR Baggs
By: LR Baggs
April 22, 2019
The master songwriter plays an unreleased song live at Soundcheck in Nashville.
Evie Ladin and Emily Mann: “Merriweather”
By: Dan Gabel
April 3, 2019
Peghead Nation’s Clawhammer Banjo teacher plays a banjo and fiddle version of an old-time favorite with the fiddler and multi-instrumentalist from the folk duo Paper Wings.
Bishline Danny Barnes Amplified Woody
By: Teja Gerken
April 1, 2019
Danny Barnes demonstrates his signature model banjo.
Devil Makes Three: “Native Son” | LR Baggs
By: LR Baggs
March 25, 2019
The Americana trio plays an original song in the LR Baggs studio.
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters: “Grey Eagle”
By: Dan Gabel
March 22, 2019
Bruce Molsky, Stash Wyslouch and Allison de Groot play a traditional fiddle tune live at the Peghead Nation table at Wintergrass.
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters: “The Little Carpenter”
By: Dan Gabel
March 1, 2019
Peghead Nation fiddle and banjo instructor plays and sings a great traditional song with Stash Wyslouch and Allison de Groot, live at Wintergrass.
Huss and Dalton Singletree
By: Teja Gerken
February 28, 2019
San Francisco multi-instrumentalist Rik Elswit demonstrates his 11-inch open-back Huss and Dalton banjo.
Gold Star GF-100JD Bluegrass Album Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
February 11, 2019
Bill Evans demos a banjo inspired by a legendary RB-3.
Jim Hartel Minstrel Banjos
By: Teja Gerken
February 1, 2019
Bill Evans demonstrates two reproductions of 19th-century banjos.
Tags: Banjo, Instrument Demo
Ned Luberecki: “Take Five” | California Banjo Extravaganza
By: Dan Gabel
December 19, 2018
A performance of the jazz classic by the 2018 IBMA Banjo Player of Year, with Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
Martin D-28CWB Clarence White Commemorative Edition (2002) | Elderly Instruments
December 5, 2018
A special edition copy of White's modified 1935 D-28, with an Adirondack spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, large soundhole, and more.
Deering Rustic Wreath
By: Teja Gerken
November 27, 2018
New five-string banjo combines vintage and contemporary features.
California Banjo Extravaganza: “Angeline the Baker”
By: Dan Gabel
November 14, 2018
A performance from Bill Evans, Chris Coole, and Ned Luberecki, with a Peghead-packed band of Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
Bruce Molsky: “Peachbottom Creek”
By: Scott Nygaard
October 17, 2018
Peghead Nation banjo and fiddle instructor plays one of his favorite clawhammer banjo tunes by Wade Ward.
Della Mae: “Peg Monster” | Ear Trumpet Labs & D’Addario
By: Ear Trumpet Labs
October 15, 2018
The Americana powerhouse plays an original song in the Ear Trumpet Labs yurt at the Grey Fox Festival.
Banana Stand Media Presents Ear Trumpet Labs
By: Ear Trumpet Labs
October 8, 2018
Founder Patrick Graham talks about the creation of the Ear Trumpet Labs company and his inspiration behind making the custom microphones.
1927 Gibson Style 5 Deluxe
By: Teja Gerken
September 27, 2018
Bill Evans demonstrates a classic Gibson banjo.
Deering Tony Trischka Silver Clipper
By: Teja Gerken
September 13, 2018
Bill Evans demos the contemporary banjo master’s signature model.
Bill Evans, Dan Crary, and Wally Barnick: “Long Journey Home”
By: Dan Gabel
September 5, 2018
The Peghead Nation banjo instructor plays the classic bluegrass song with flatpicking guru Dan Crary and singer/bass player Wally Barnick.
Evie Ladin: “Polly Put the Kettle On”
By: Dan Gabel
August 15, 2018
Peghead Nation Clawhammer Banjo instructor plays a great old-time tune.
S.S. Stewart Champion Presentation Banjo (1890s) | Elderly Instruments
August 14, 2018
Elderly Instruments owner Stan Werbin demonstrates a beautifully designed open-back banjo built in the 1890s.
5-String Banjo Round Robin | Elderly Instruments
July 22, 2018
Ken Perlman, Alan Munde, Greg Cahill and Michael J. Miles play tunes and talk about the history of the banjo, different styles, and more, live at Elderly Instruments.
Keep Going!
By: John Bartmann
July 6, 2018
Practical tips on how to find the motivation to keep practicing when life, schedules, and distractions pull at you.
New Course! The Banjo According to Danny Barnes
By: Dan Gabel
July 3, 2018
Start taking lessons now with the roots music iconoclast. Danny Barnes reveals his systematic approach to the banjo, with one-of-a-kind insights on improvisation, tone, rhythm, and more.
Tags: Banjo, Danny Barnes
Deering Artisan Goodtime Special Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
May 3, 2018
Bill Evans demos Deering’s newest Goodtime five-string banjo.
Elderly Instruments | 1930 Wm. C. Stahl Style 7
April 26, 2018
A look at a pre-war guitar built by the Larson Bros. in Chicago, with a 12-fret neck, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and abalone trim.
Shubb Capos | Jerry Garcia
By: Shubb Capos
March 13, 2018
Founder Rick Shubb talks about installing his first capo on Jerry Garcia’s banjo neck, and about his time living with the Grateful Dead guitarist.
Bill Evans, John Reischman, and Kenny Smith: “Studebaker”
By: Dan Gabel
March 7, 2018
Flatpicking master Kenny Smith plays one of his original tunes with Peghead Nation banjo and mandolin instructors, along with bassist Max Schwartz and fiddler Nate Lee.
Shubb Capos | Still the Best
By: Shubb Capos
February 3, 2018
Founder Rick Shubb talks about his passion for working with and for musicians, and about the history of Shubb Capos.
Deering Julia Belle Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
January 22, 2018
A unique low-tuned banjo inspired by John Hartford and co-designed by Alison Brown.
Elderly Instruments | Preston Thompson Guitars D-MA
January 9, 2018
A look at a powerful new sunburst dreadnought from Preston Thompson Guitars.
Raw Talent with the Gibson Brothers | D’Addario Nickel Bronze
By: DAddario
December 5, 2017
The bluegrass masters visit Raw Talent, the Improv Song Series where we give artists made-up song titles, ask them to write a song on the spot.
Evie Ladin: “Indian Ate a Woodchuck”
By: Scott Nygaard
November 7, 2017
Peghead Nation Clawhammer Banjo instructor rocks a great old-time dance tune.
D’Addario Accessories | Instrument Care Kit
By: DAddario
November 6, 2017
Everything you need to keep your instrument playing, looking, and sounding its best, in one portable, handy kit.
Meet the Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
October 12, 2017
Peghead Nation banjo instructor Bill Evans on everything you need to know to get started with the banjo.
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters: “I Get My Whiskey from Rockingham”
By: Dan Gabel
October 10, 2017
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor plays a traditional favorite with his trio at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco.
Oddities and Rarities from the Elderly Collection
September 8, 2017
A look at some of the unique instruments in Elderly’s extensive collection including a Gibson harp guitar, a fretless upright bass made from a bass drum, and more.
Derk’s Discoveries: Flying Home
By: Derk Richardson
August 28, 2017
John Reischman and the Jaybirds soar through gospel, old-time, bluegrass, and Beatles songs on their latest recording.
Elderly | Martin OM-45GE Brazilian
August 3, 2017
Hiroya Tsukamoto plays “Another Great Day To Be Alive” on the Martin OM-45GE Golden Era Brazilian (2003) at Elderly Instruments.
Evie Ladin’s Open-Back Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
July 27, 2017
Peghead Nation Clawhammer Banjo instructor found her dream instrument by chance.
Soggy Bottom Boys: “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow”
By: Dan Gabel
July 12, 2017
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Mike Compton plays this iconic song with the original band that gave “O Brother, Where Art Thou” its authentic sound.
1980s Tokai Gakki Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
June 29, 2017
Multi-instrumentalist Gene Parsons demonstrates his go-to banjo.
Tags: Banjo, Instrument Demo
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters: “Rosa Lee McFall”
By: Dan Gabel
June 28, 2017
Peghead Nation fiddle instructor plays a Charlie Monroe song with his old-time trio at the Father's Day Festival in Grass Valley, California.
Elderly | Deering Custom Sierra Banjo
June 17, 2017
Jens Kruger demonstrates a special Deering Custom Sierra Banjo, the company's 100,000th instrument.
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters: “K.C. Moan”
By: Scott Nygaard
June 7, 2017
Peghead Nation old-time fiddle teacher and his trio play and sing the Memphis Jug Band’s old-time blues favorite.
Bill Evans: “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
By: Scott Nygaard
June 2, 2017
Peghead Nation banjo instructor celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”
Bill Evans, John Reischman, and Kenny Smith: “Petersburg Gal”
By: Dan Gabel
April 21, 2017
Peghead Nation banjo and mandolin instructors play Bill Evans’ original tune with flatpicking guru Kenny Smith, bassist Max Schwartz, and fiddler Nate Lee at the Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse.
Derk’s Discoveries: Playing It Straight for Stover
By: Derk Richardson
April 19, 2017
Famously eccentric banjo player Danny Barnes releases an earnest and stunning acoustic bluegrass album
Evie Ladin: “Trouble On My Mind”
By: Dan Gabel
March 7, 2017
Peghead Nation’s clawhammer banjo instructor plays a tune by Kentucky fiddler John Salyer.
Deering Goodtime Six
By: Teja Gerken
March 6, 2017
A great six-string guitar-banjo with an affordable price.
Ralph Stanley’s Gibson RB-5 Reissue
By: Teja Gerken
February 23, 2017
Bill Evans demonstrates a Greg Rich–built Gibson RB-5 reissue owned by the late Ralph Stanley.
Tags: Banjo, Instrument Demo
Kaia Kater, “Paradise Fell” | LR Baggs
By: LR Baggs
February 21, 2017
LR Baggs presents Canadian songwriter, singer, and banjo player Kaia Kater playing a song from her recent album, “Nine Pin.”
Kel Kroydon Bill Evans Signature Banjo
By: Teja Gerken
January 26, 2017
Bill Evans demonstrates his Kel Kroydon banjo, modeled after his 1930 Gibson Granada.
California Banjo Extravaganza: “The Train That Carried My Girl from Town”
By: Dan Gabel
January 12, 2017
Bill Evans, Joe Newberry, and Danny Barnes play a three-banjo version of the popular bluegrass song.
California Banjo Extravaganza: “Train 45 / Reuben’s Train”
By: Dan Gabel
December 23, 2016
A performance from Bill Evans, Joe Newberry, and Danny Barnes, with an all-star band of Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
Banjo Extravaganza: “The Train That Carried My Girl from Town”
By: Dan Gabel
November 22, 2016
A performance from the 2016 CA Banjo Extravaganza, with Bill Evans, Joe Newberry, and Danny Barnes, and an all-star band of Sharon Gilchrist, Chad Manning, John Reischman, and Jim Nunally.
Molly Tuttle: “Gentle on My Mind”
By: Dan Gabel
September 29, 2016
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe K. Walsh joins Molly Tuttle and an all-star band to play a John Hartford classic live at Augusta Heritage Bluegrass Week.
