Jim Pankey

Hi, I’m Jim Pankey. For nearly 20 years, I’ve helped thousands of people worldwide master the 5-string banjo.

My lessons aren’t fancy — no studio lights or expensive gear. It’s just me, a banjo, and a simple way of showing you how to play. Whether you're a total newbie or a 'mature' student starting a new hobby, think of this channel as sitting down with an old friend who’s happy to share a few tunes.

What you’ll find here:

Bluegrass Banjo (Scruggs Style): My 10-Lesson Beginner Series, licks, and backup.

Clawhammer & Old-Time: Step-by-step frailing and traditional tutorials.

Jam Survival: Practical techniques to help you play with others.

Banjo Care & Gear: Restringing guides, maintenance tips, and instrument demos.

I focus on the 'how' and 'why' of the music so you can truly understand what you're playing. While you can learn visually from my videos, I also provide detailed tabs for those who want to dive deeper.

Happy Picking!