Question:
I’m a beginner and trying to get the basic rolls down. Can you send me the string numbers for the forward, reverse, and forward/reverse and alternating rolls?
I’ve heard alot about not trying to get the left hand involved/playing tunes too early as that can lead to bad habits.
Also, I have really small hands and am having a hard time keeping both fingers down. Is it really ok to just plant the ring finger?
Any tips/tricks on how to keep your hand arched like a tennis ball most appreciated. Someone suggested rolling up a sock and putting it under my forearm just in front of the arm rest to get my hand used to approaching the strings from that angle but I’m afraid I’d get dependent on it.
Thanks Ryan,
Tam
Answer:
1. I would start with practicing these roll patterns.
Forward Roll: 3,1,5,3,1,5,3,1 repeat
Reverse Roll: 1,3,5,1,3,5,1,3 repeat
Forward / Reverse 3,2,1,5,1,2,3,1 repeat
Alternating Roll 3,2,5,1,4,2,5,1 repeat
Notice that all of these patterns have 8 notes. This would complete one whole measure in 4/4 time.
2. Here’s the deal with the left hand. Get it involved as soon as you start. If you don’t it will get boring real quick and you might be tempted to quit all together. Use both hands when you play the banjo. It’s a whole lot more fun.
There are times when you can focus on your rolls with your right hand but I would encourage you to spice it up with your left hand as well.
3. It doesn’t matter which finger you plant with your right hand as long as you plant something and keep it off of the bridge. The whole point is to anchor your hand. Use one or two fingers, it doesn’t matter.
4. Play with your right hand how it’s most comfortable to you. You’ll probably move it around and change it several times in the first few months. It’s good to experiment. Most importantly watch other pickers and try to imitate what they’re doing. This will give you some good ideas on what works best for you. There is no right or wrong way to hold your right hand.
These are great questions. I’m encouraged to hear that you really thinking this through. You going to go a long way on the banjo with such a positive and inquisitive attitude. Hope to see you at a festival this year.
Thanks,
Ryan
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been reading alot about the anchoring of the finger/fingers. My problem is that i had my right hand injured and they put pins in the broken bones to heal. My ring finger and 4th finger move together. I have tried to plant two fingers and get this clicking up in the hand. So I have been planting one finger for over 35+ years of playing. My problem is my fourth finger taps on the banjo head. I don’t want to shorten my 4th. Any ideas?
I also play with my fourth finger on the head of the banjo for the same reason, my ring finger follows it very closely. I would advise you to not worry about trying to plant both fingers. It’s simply not needed. I would probably try leaning a bit more onto your fourth finger and the tapping part should go away. It’s probably happening because there is not enough pressure on it. It’s a fine line between too much pressure and not enough where your hand tends to float. Keep experimenting and I’m sure it will start working much better for you.
Thanks,
Ryan
Thanks for the quick reply about an old man trying the 5-string. In your reply you offered a lesson on line if I had a web cam.
I do on my Aspire netbook. But.I’ve never used a cam. When I learn I’ll get back to you.
In the mean time.in picking, do the fingers just rake across the strings or do you kinda try to lift or “pluck” ‘em? And how much of the finger picks extend past your finger tips?
Thanks for your time
Say , have you ever heard of a local boy by the name of Jeff Guernsey?
I have been playing guitar for several years and have just recently taken up the banjo. My problem is which rolls to learn and get good at first? I am not having problems with chords. I usually play regular with others and I find that the only banjo rolls I know are not always in time with the folks I play with. I can play these songs by myself and they sound great with the rolls I know but I would like to know what rolls you think a beginner should learn first? Thanks…Jim
Jim, the forward rolls are the most critical! 5,3,1 and 3,2,1. Timing can be very tricky on the banjo. Try to focus on listening to the beat and groove of the music. Don’t focus on your patterns matching up every time. Just get in the groove and try to feel the music. It’s not and exact science, that’s what makes it so intriguing. Keep playing with others. This will improve your timing tremendously.
pickin anduh grinnin