Progressions in E — Chicago Tuning Banjo

E major harmonises to E – F#m – G#m – A – B – C#m – D#°; E minor to Em – F#° – G – Am – Bm – C – D. Each chord links to its Chicago Tuning Banjo voicings, so a tune in E becomes a short list of shapes before the first repeat.

Then run the changes as a rhythm part before you play a note of melody. Backup is the job this instrument does most of the night, and it is almost entirely a right-hand skill.