Learn to Play the Banjo in the Banjo Academy

I'll Fly Away

Please allow the video 5-10 seconds to fully load.

I’ll Fly Away is a wonderful old song that was featured in the film ‘Brother where art thou.’ In this free video lesson I show you how to play the verse on the five-string banjo in G.

I’ll Fly Away is a wonderful old song that was featured in the film ‘Brother where art thou.’ In this free video lesson I show you how to play the verse on the five-string banjo in G.

This part of the song can be played on only the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings and you will need to fret the strings with the left hand in the easy left hand fingering positions shown in the diagram.

This entire section can be picked out using only the Thumb of the right hand. Purchase the teaching package for this song and you will learn how to play this section in Thumb Lead style, which is one of the oldest and simplest ways to get an authentic banjo sound. On top of the basic melody you learn free on this page, you will be adding extra notes in with the Index and Middle fingers of the right hand to give your sound an extra sparkle! Most of those extra notes will be played on open strings, so you wont need to add any extra complicated left hand fingerings, although you will be learning a simple C major chord and a D7 chord. You can use these chords to play many other songs as well.

In addition to developing your Thumb Lead banjo style, you also get the opportunity to play higher on the chorus, using a different banjo roll. The Snuffy Roll is a great way to expand your playing and it’s similar to the high part of Cripple Creek. If you can play Cripple Creek (learn it free on this website) you can play I’ll Fly Away!

GET THIS SONG & MORE IN MY STRUCTURED LEARNING PROGRAMS

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE IN THE BANJO ACADEMY

You can get this song in my Banjo Academy program. Each full song within these learning programs includes slow-motion, close ups, and I'll break it down for you so you learn the music basics, which, if applied give you the keys to the banjo one song at a time.

Are you a beginner?

If you are, and you're new to the site, take a look at the beginner's page.

It's packed full of the most fundamental steps you need to take to start playing banjo songs.

Click here to view the beginner's page.

“Thousands of beginners & musicians alike now play who never thought they could.”

Discover my revived 3—finger banjo technique. If you practice daily, you can play any banjo song you want.

It’s not just possible—it’s easy using these simple hand positions.

Most banjo books try to make you run before you can walk. That can often put people off. I’ll tell you now if you practice using what I show you in the academy—you’ll be able to play almost any song you want. Click below to see what you can get.