Jim Pankey Tells All!

Jim Pankey is a veteran bluegrass banjo player and educator from Chatsworth, Georgia, with nearly 50 years behind the instrument. His driving, tasteful style is rooted in the tradition of Earl Scruggs while shaped by decades of performing, teaching, and studying American roots music.

Since 1977, Jim has been helping thousands of students worldwide master the 5-string banjo. Often called "The Bob Ross of the Banjo," he brings the same encouraging, approachable spirit to his lessons—celebrating "happy accidents" and making the instrument accessible to players at every level. His YouTube channel and online lessons have built an international following, and he's been a contributor to The Banjo Newsletter as well as faculty at respected camps including Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp and the Maryland Banjo Academy.

As a performer, Jim is the banjo player for Barefoot Nellie & Company along with Bluetastic Fangrass, and he regularly performs in an old-time fiddle & banjo duo for contra-dances and other events. He's also shared the stage with many of today's finest acoustic musicians and earned numerous contest titles across the Southeast.

Whether leading a hard-driving breakdown, backing a heartfelt ballad, or guiding a beginner through their first roll, Jim brings experience, authenticity, and infectious enthusiasm to everything he does.