Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Virtual Mandolin Cabin Camp: January 27, 2026!

#1

Now available! Gold Pick members received a coupon code for a $25 discount via email on December 30. BECOME A MORE COMPLETE MANDOLIN PLAYER, SESSION 2! Session 1 camp is NOT a prerequisite for this camp.

This time around, we’re going to “ring scales out for all they’re worth!” You will emerge from this evening more confident in your instrument, and more excited to pursue it! Check out Michael Mark’s post in the comments below for the links to resources that will help you prepare!

Click HERE for all the details on the sessions and to register!

Not available for the live camp on January 27th? No worries! The event will be recorded, and we’ll send you the link after the event is over.

-Banjo Ben

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#2

How would you suggest one prepare for the camp, to get the most out of it? For the in-person camps, there was a jamming-tune list, which I know would not be of use here. However, are the instructors planning to work through tunes that it would be good for us to have in our heads, or are there (for instance) lessons that Gold-Pick members might find useful to review beforehand? Thanks very much. I want to use January to do the work to get as much out of the virtual camp as I can. Margaret

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#3

Hi Margaret! Wayne mentioned that it’d be great to at least review the G major scale in 1st position, since all three instructors will be discussing tunes that are based on the notes of that scale.

Check out any lessons centered around the G Major Scale. Here are a few:

G Major Scale Study
Jamming In G
All About Scales

Ben will be using the tune Golden Slippers in G as his example. David will be using Clinch Mountain Backstep in A, and Wayne will be using God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen in Em.

I’ll PM you Wayne’s tab for God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen as well.

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#4

So excited! I got so much out of this last year!

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#5

@BanjoBen
Just purchased this virtual camp for my daughter Hali for her 16th birthday (Jan 15). She is actually taking lessons with your sister Penny:) I know she will be thrilled to take part in this! Are you fine with a parent listening in during the evening?

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#6

You bet! Gonna be a fun night, @amber.micahbowman!

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#7

I did, too - was great fun, learned a ton, and very much appreciated having Ben, David and Wayne all in one “location”! Wouldn’t miss it.:+1:t2::+1:t2:

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#8

To prepare for the session, begin listening to the following songs (in various contexts) so that you’re really familiar with the melodies.

  • Golden Slippers (key of G is preferable)
  • Clinch Mountain Backstep (almost always in A)
  • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Also, be familiar with the G major chord up and down the neck…here are some to help:
G Major Scale Study
Jamming In G
All About Scales

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