Phil Rice's Method For The Banjo - 1858: is this $10 stack worth it for Music & Sound Design?
If you have ever stared at a 19th-century banjo method book and felt a pang of FOMO because the notation was in standard staff notation, you are not alone. The banjo is a re-entrant instrument, meaning its strings do not follow the standard low-to-high pitch order found on a guitar. This specific tuning quirk makes translating those old-timey tunes to modern instruments tricky, but it also makes them a perfect fit for the ukulele. Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858 (ukulele tablature) solves this exact problem by taking the complete set of 64 instrumental solos from the 1858 original and meticulously transcribing every single note for re-entrant ukuleles. It is not a “learn the basics” book; it is a full archive of 19th-century repertoire, finally accessible to players who prefer reading tabs over deciphering 150-year-old staff notation.
Quick answer
| Best for | Ukulele players who want to explore 19th-century banjo repertoire without learning standard notation. |
| Skip if | You are looking for modern pop/rock covers, or you require a video-based lesson with a human instructor. |
| Price | $10 |
| Format | 72-page PDF + 64 MP3 audio files |
| One-line take | A rare, complete transcription of 1858 banjo solos adapted specifically for the ukulele’s re-entrant tuning. |
What you’re actually buying
At $10, you are getting a substantial archive of historical music, not just a few pages of tips. The core of the package is a 72-page PDF that contains the complete tablature for all 64 instrumental solos from Phil Rice’s original 1858 method. This is a significant volume of material; you are not getting a sampler pack with five or six famous tunes. Instead, you get the full breadth of the original collection, ranging from jig dances like Juba and Buckley’s Banjo Jig to slower, more melodic pieces like Darling Nelly Gray and The Old Gander. (Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858)
The real value here lies in the adaptation. Kyle Gray Young has transcribed these pieces specifically for re-entrant ukuleles (soprano, concert, or tenor). This means you do not need to buy special low-G strings to play these songs in their intended tuning. The tabs are written to match the standard factory setup of most ukuleles, making them immediately playable. If you have ever tried to play a banjo tune on a ukulele using a generic online converter, you know how messy the results can be. This dedicated ukulele arrangement saves you that trial-and-error phase by providing a clean, verified transcription for every note.
To help you learn the phrasing and rhythm of these 19th-century tunes, the package includes 64 MP3 files. One audio file is provided for each of the 64 solos. This is a crucial inclusion because old-timey banjo music often relies on specific rhythmic drives and ornamentations that are hard to capture in static text. Having a reference track for every single piece allows you to match your timing and feel, ensuring you are playing the character of the song, not just the notes. For the price of a coffee and a pastry, you get a full library of historical repertoire with audio support. (Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858)
Why it’s on our radar
This product stands out because it bridges a specific gap in the ukulele market: historical repertoire in a modern, accessible format. Most ukulele sheet music focuses on contemporary hits, Hawaiian standards, or simplified classical pieces. Finding a complete, transcribed set of 19th-century banjo solos is rare. The job-to-be-done here is for players who want to expand their musical vocabulary into old-timey, folk, and early American styles without having to learn to read standard staff notation. (Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858)
The specificity of the listing is also a strong signal. The seller has explicitly addressed the re-entrant tuning issue, which is a common pain point for ukulele players trying to play banjo music. By confirming that these arrangements work on standard ukulele strings, the product removes a major barrier to entry. It is not a generic “banjo to ukulele” conversion; it is a curated set of 64 solos, each with its own audio file, designed to be played on the instrument you already have in your hand. (Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858)
What actually matters
When evaluating a transcription pack like this, the first thing to check is the tuning compatibility. Since this product is designed for re-entrant ukuleles, verify that your ukulele is in standard tuning (G-C-E-A). If you have a low-G ukulele, you may need to detune it to match the re-entrant setup described in the Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858 (ukulele tablature) to ensure the intervals and feel are correct.
Second, consider your comfort level with reading tablature. While tabs are generally easier than staff notation, 72 pages of dense music can be intimidating if you are a beginner. If you are new to tabs, start with the shorter, more rhythmic jigs like Rattlesnake Jig or Jump Into The Wagon to build confidence before tackling the longer, more complex reels. (Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858)
Finally, use the MP3 files actively. Do not just listen to them once. Loop the audio for each song while you practice the tab. The 19th-century style often involves specific rolls and strums that are not always obvious from the written notes. The audio files are your guide to the authentic performance style, so treat them as a teacher, not just a reference. (Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858)
Mid-check
If you are ready to dive into 19th-century repertoire, See current options to grab the full 72-page PDF and 64 MP3s.
FAQ
Do I need a low-G ukulele to play these songs? No, that is the beauty of this arrangement. The tabs are written for standard re-entrant ukulele tuning (G-C-E-A), which is how most soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles come out of the box. You do not need to buy special strings. (Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858)
Are the MP3s included in the download? Yes, the package includes 64 MP3 files, one for each of the 64 instrumental solos. This allows you to hear the intended rhythm and phrasing for every piece in the Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858 (ukulele tablature).
Is this suitable for beginners? It depends on your experience with tablature. The songs themselves are from a 19th-century method book, so they may have a different rhythmic feel than modern pop songs. If you are comfortable reading basic tabs, you can start with the shorter jigs. If you are brand new to ukulele, you might want to build up your general tab-reading skills first. (Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858)
Bottom line
For $10, getting 64 complete, historically significant solos with audio references is an incredible value. This is not just a few pages of tips; it is a full library of 19th-century music, meticulously adapted for the ukulele. If you want to explore old-timey styles without learning standard notation, this is a rare and well-executed resource. The combination of the complete transcription and the individual audio files makes it a practical tool for serious players and curious beginners alike. (Phil Rice’s Method For The Banjo - 1858)