Blog search
Blog categories
More Resources
Blog archives
Latest Comments
Martha Butler
on Fixing Banjo Timing - Banjo Tab Exercises
George Hicks
on How Hard is it to Play the Banjo?
Thomas Holder
on Banjo Capo Advice - How and When to Use a Banjo...
Bryan Cook
on Banjo Capo Advice - How and When to Use a Banjo...
Banjo Help with the Forward Roll
Banjo Lesson Instructor
Student Questions / Answers from Ross Nickerson
Banjo Help with the Forward Roll
Student question
I have a question about the fingering of the forward roll as tabbed on pg 16 of "Beginning The 5-String Banjo" book. (The roll referred to is an eight note one measure forward roll starting on the 3rd string, TMTIMTIM)
Is it one of the hard fast rules that the roll start with the thumb on the 3rd string? I've found myself automatically using my index finger, mainly on the repeats of the roll.
Is it one of those habits I should really be enforcing on my fingers and ensure it starts on the thumb?
My answer
To answer your question, you should practice it with the thumb, and good reason in your case may be the simple reason that it's harder for you, you will need to do it with both, so work on your weakness. The way I suggest it is to use the thumb when its available, the index needs to be used when you are coming off a eighth note just played by the thumb and the thumb is not available. Some players will use the index more than I may but Earl used the thumb like this, it adds punch, control and tone. Also I think it's best to play the melody note with the thumb when you can and this roll is used often when the first note of the roll is a melody note, but again, it's not the only way, just the way I recommend.
Thanks again,
Sincerely,
Ross Nickerson
( )==='==~
Related products
Leave a CommentLeave a Reply
- About Us - Contact
- Books, CDs, DVDs
- Supplies
- Banjos
- Learn Now
- Reviews
- Lesson Site
- Workshops
The Banjo Cruise
The Banjo Cruise
The Banjo Cruise Workshop is held in a large private conference room that is essentially sound proof and separate from all other passengers. The workshop takes place during the days we are at sea so you can visit all ports and still have plenty of time for fun with your spouse, family or friends while on the cruise. The class sizes are small ensuring that each student receives the assistance and encouragement they need.ST Pete Banjo Camp
Annual Banjo Workshop weekend in Sunny St Pete Beach Florida!
The Academy of Performance Arts with Ross Nickerson
Banjo camp seminar and group banjo lesson workshop in the USA for bluegrass 5-string banjo in Florida at sunny St Pete Beach. This is an annual Florida banjo event and held during the winter months for locals,winter residents and students who want to escape the cold while improving their banjo playing, and having fun doing it.The Banjo Safari
The Banjo Safari
Join me for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience traveling to Africa for an African Photo Safari. I am to be teaming up with our professional Safari guides Kevin and Tricia Dooley on an adventure that none of us will forget. We'll spend our mornings and late afternoons exploring the wildlife of South Africa, and the mid day will be filled with a banjo workshop that should be fun and rewarding. - Resources