By Jay Buckey
 

"Virtual Band" is a product of many years of teaching and input from my students. For a long time, I've seen a need for a method that would teach beginners how to play with others in a band.
The heart of the program is the recording; a high quality mix of rhythm guitar, mandolin, bass, lead guitar, Dobro, mandolin, fiddle and banjo. The CD makes it easy to repeat a particular song over and over at the same speed, to make your practicing more productive. By providing a variety of tempos, (100, 150, and 200 beats per minute), you can pick the one that you feel most comfortable with.
More than one solo is provided as you progress in technique. The first solo, or break, is the easiest, (beginner), and is generally the basic melody. After playing it, another instrument will take the solo on the recording and you will need to take the back-up, followed by another solo, that's a little more difficult, (advanced). Thereby, you'll be taking turns with the other musicians; just like a real playing situation. Included are the endings. The music is written LARGER than is found in most music books, with the words included, so it is easier to see.
Scales and fingering studies, although dry to play by themselves, are presented with a full bluegrass band back-up. This helps you keep even timing and hear the texture of the harmonies that fit each note.
Included are additional sections that cover other important topics:
How to count and keep good timing.
The use of vibrato (fiddle), to make your playing sound warmer. 
Learning to sight read better. 
Understanding music theory, so that you can begin to develop your own individual style. 
Picking direction and Bass runs.
Separate recordings and books are available for the banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, Dobro, and bass fiddle all working together with matching arrangements, so that the whole family can play the same tunes together.
By practicing diligently and regularly, you will find a lot of enjoyment playing with "Virtual Band", and will soon be able to join others in a hot bluegrass jam session.

Guitar available in volumes one, two, three, and four NEW!
Mandolin available in volumes one, two and three
Fiddle available in volumes one, two and three 
Banjo available in volumes one, two and three
Dobro available in volumes one and two
Bass available in volumes one and two

Coming soon! Volume four for Guitar, Mandolin, and Fiddle

Also Bluegrass Gospel Volume Five

Take a look a some of these sample sheet music