Theo Parmakis - Music Lessons

15/08/2023

After several years of hunting around for my ideal set of nylon banjo strings, I decided to reach out to Clifford Essex Music Co. Ltd about putting together something that would fit my preferences. I am happy to announce this new custom set. As I primarily use gCGCD tuning, I wanted something that wasn't too heavy on the top, but had a decent amount of presence for the 4th string (with the possibility of tuning it up to D if I want to, which a lot of heavier sets wouldn't allow).

I'll definitely be keeping a few sets of these in stock, so if you're local to Sheffield and curious about nylon strings then why not bring your banjo to Instruments for string change and setup check.

CLASSICAL BANJO STRINGS Superb Banjo Strings Made to the Highest Standard. TUNED g C G B D or g D G B D PARMAKIS CUSTOM SET 1st - .024" Nylon Tie-On. 2nd - .026" Nylon Tie-On. 3rd - .032" Nylon Tie-On. 4th - .026" Silver Wound on Nylon Tie-On. 5th - .024" Nylon Tie-On. Even tension with a balanced t...

06/02/2023

08/05/2022

A couple of Sunday afternoon strathspeys: "Calum's Road" by Donald Shaw and "The Sweetness Of Mary" by Joan MacDonald Boes.

There are *definitely* a few mistakes and a bit of inconsistency in the A B repeats. I got this particular banjo back in December but I haven't really had a chance to really sit down and find my way around it as well as my others. However I'm looking forward to trying it with nylgut strings soon, which should hopefully be a good match for the clear and powerful tone.

24/04/2022

French 3/8 bourée. This one has a lot of drive! TAB link in the video description. I hope to feature a nice variety of different rhythms in my upcoming banjo book, so this may well make it in there.

French 3/8 bo***ée. aDADE tuning, D minor. Clawhammer banjo. TAB at http://clawhammerlessons.co.uk/tabs/Calarem,%20Calarem%20Pas.png

10/04/2022

TAB for "Barham Down". It's a bit of a work-in-progress because my tablature software doesn't really understand slurs.
For a 3/2 hornpipe you can think of it like a "bum-dit bum-dit" polka rhythm but with an extra bum-dit. Just assume that all minims are struck discretely, crotchets are struck as part of a regular bum-dit strike, and groups of quavers are slurred.

If you're required to hammer-on or pull-off to a note on a different string then it's not a mistake in the TAB (although the funky tied notes are!). Alternate-string slurs are a fairly standard part of many clawhammer styles, and it's something you get used to pretty quickly if you're not a massive fan of drop thumb but want to play melodically. (The only other option is to do weird closed position stuff up the neck, but I don't find that sounds explosive enough.)

Make sure your banjo is well-setup to let those notes pop - one reason I prefer a more crisp setup than the "p***y" sound that's been popular in the old-time circuit for the last couple of decades.

10/04/2022

It's been a bit quiet on the lessons front recently as I've been putting all my energy into my other business (Parmakis Instruments), however I've got an exciting new project on the horizon in collaboration with another fine banjo player.
Watch this space!!

In the meantime, here's a new video. "Barham Down", from Playford's English Dancing Master (1701 edition.)

11/07/2021

I've been restoring this vintage banjo for a customer at the Parmakis Instruments workshop. Pretty much done now, just finalising string heights. The tune is "Childgrove", from Playford's English Dancing Master c. 1653.

03/07/2021

Original tune by me. 1st part is in D Lydian, 2nd part is G mixolydian. f tuning.

27/06/2021

Irish polka. aDADE tuning.

16/06/2021

Irish slow air / waltz by Turlough O'Carolan. Interpretations of this tune vary between very slow and free-time, or more rhythmic and danceable. The latter...

15/06/2021

Irish jig in 4 parts. Played clawhammer banjo style, tuning aDADE. One of my favourites.

02/05/2021

"The Sweetness of Mary", Canadian strathspey by Joan MacDonald Boes.
It's fun trying to get the hang of the "scotch snap" clawhammer style - there's a couple of duff notes but I reckon it roles along OK.