Banjo · Chapter 9 of 23

Backward, Alternating-Thumb and Forward-Reverse Rolls

The forward roll has three cousins. Together, the four rolls give you nearly every right-hand pattern in Scruggs-style banjo.

Each roll is eight eighth notes, one bar of 4/4, and each has its own feel. Learn them one at a time over an open G chord, then mix them.

The backward roll

The forward roll turned around: M I T, from the 1st string down toward the thumb. On G: strings 1, 2, 3, then again.

The alternating-thumb roll

The thumb plays every other note, moving between strings: T I T M T I T M. The thumb notes fall on the beats, which makes this roll steady and easy to put a melody into. Many players learn it first.

The forward-reverse roll

Half a forward roll, then back again: T I M T M I T M. It turns around in the middle of the bar, like a wave going out and coming back.

Mixing them

This piece uses one roll per bar over the chords of a typical tune. The letters under the tab tell you which roll you’re in.

Try it. Pick one roll a day and play it over G, C, D7 and G, a bar on each chord, for a few minutes. On the fourth day, play the mixed piece above. If one roll feels clumsy, slow it down and say the letters out loud as you play.

Remember

  • Forward: T I M T I M T M. Backward: M I T M I T M I.
  • Alternating thumb: T I T M T I T M, with the thumb on every beat.
  • Forward-reverse: T I M T M I T M.

Songs that use this

@teddyrookbook GitHub