Hello, music enthusiasts!  My name is Jeff Belding, player of various stringed instruments.  Creating and making music as well as sharing it with audiences and students, has been my life’s work and passion.  In keeping with that sentiment, welcome to my website “Music Along the Way.”

My latest books!

Bluegrass Flatpick Guitar – Solos, Licks and Tricks – Volume 1 – Concepts and Tunes

Bluegrass Flatpick Guitar – Solos, Licks and Tricks Volume 2 – More Tunes and Neck Expansion

They are now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Just click on the titles above to order.

Why a Flatpick Guitar Book?

Back in 1980, I learned my first flatpicking guitar piece, “Beaumont Rag,” from a Homespun Tape taught by guitarist Russ Barenberg. I was hooked on this style of playing guitar from that moment to the present. Some forty years hence, I would like to bring you my own insights of how to go about soloing and improvising in this dynamic style—in two volumes of songs, exercises, fiddle tunes, and practical knowledge.

These Bluegrass Flatpick Guitar volumes are not beginner guitar books. Some knowledge of guitar technique is useful to get the most success out of them. This would include basic chord changing skills, an understanding of counting time, and some experience with alternate (“down-up”) picking.  The notation used is standard six-string guitar tablature. Some background of reading this kind of notation can prove to be helpful.  

You can read more about each book here.

It is my hope that the YouTube companion videos for this series will greatly enhance the learning process for you. All the pieces are played on video at a moderate tempo. Where necessary, trouble spots are called out, prior to the run-through.

The links below will take you to the video playlists for each Volume.

Here are my other books for sale on Amazon and in my store as book bundles:

New Techniques for 5 String Banjo – Volume One – Beginner

New Techniques for 5 String Banjo – Volume Two – Beyond Beginner – Journeyman/Journeywoman

New Techniques for 5 String Banjo – Volume Three – Pickin’ Power – Up From The Foundation

Here are direct links to the audio companions that go with each of my banjo books. More information about the audio is available here.

If you prefer not to use YouTube for the audio access, I also have MP-3s of the audio companion for all 3 Volumes on Google Drive. Just email me (jeff.belding@yahoo.com) and let me know if you would like to use this access instead.

and why not order a handy sketchbook while you’re at it?

Jeff Belding’s Banjo Tab Sketchbook

Jeff Belding’s Guitar Tab Sketchbook

I welcome any of your questions or comments about my books or blog.  I would like to think of this website as a sharing of ideas rather than a one-way street.  

If you purchased any of my books I’d greatly appreciate it if you would post a helpful, relevant review on Amazon based on your honest opinion and experience.

You can contact me at jeff.belding@yahoo.com. 

Follow me on Facebook at “Music along the Way” and on Twitter at JeffBelding@Jeffsintune.

Also please visit my YouTube channel “Jeff Belding” for a variety of videos including performances, tutorials and just plain good pickin’ fun.

Thanks for visiting, and let’s start talking!