Comments on: Banjo Roll Patterns – Question from Tam

By: kevin gibson

kevin gibson — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:45:16 +0000

pickin anduh grinnin

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:12:30 +0000

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.

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:52:44 +0000

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

By: Bob Davenport

Bob Davenport — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:27:27 +0000

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?

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:07:52 +0000

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

By: berne

berne — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:02:11 +0000

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?