Rick-

I teach Scruggs style banjo, I have four or five good students that play at a high level.

I recommend reading TAB first as well as taping the lessons on a cassette tape. Reading TAB is easy and...anyone can do it in a very short time.

I don't emphasize theory unless some needs it or asks for it. You don't really need to know scales as much as you need to know rolls. My beginning students have to learn all the basic rolls and play them over and over for the first month.

I usually teach right hand technique first. I studied classical guitar with Aaron Shearer and have developed a system for teaching fingerpicking and playing banjo rolls. I have a new book coming out with MEL BAY next year called "Right Hand Arpeggios for Acoustic Guitar."

The main thing is to explain about resting the two small right hand fingers on the drum head by the bridge. I don't recommend that but I explain the advantages and disadvantages.

Holding the banjo and right hand technique (putting on the picks correctly positioning the right hand etc.) are important. Knowing what notes are in a chord or even the names of the strings doesn't mean diddly.

I don't do chords right away but usually do the open G, C, and D7 soon after starting.

The main thing is getting the right hand going and explaining how the fingers move (sympathetic movement or opposed movement) if necessary. Also getting the thumb to move right is very important.

Ear training is important but it is also difficult for a beginner. I don't work on that much at the start. I also try to get students understanding rhythm or at least tapping their foot on the beat.

Knowledge is good, too much info is bad.

-Richie