UPDATED 04/18/07

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Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 14:28:24 -0500 (EST)
Subject: tips?

Greetings,

i know its only my 3rd day of practice but.... i find i'm hitting the
head more than i want with the thumb pick before hitting the high g
string, is there some tip or is it just something you have to aquire
with time,

It could be your thumbpick itself...some are longer than others. This is an easy fix: simply sand the tip of it down while attempting to keep the same shape...after getting it down to a comfortable size, use an emory cloth to finish the polishing. This way it won't have a scratchy feel as you're playing a string...

doing my left hand practice on the frets with the d and G i
often hit the high g, just something that takes time to avoid hitting
these strings you dont intend to?

Yes, it does take time to gain the accuracy...you'll become more and more proficient the more you prcatice...

does the letter L on the thumbpick
stand for Large or does it mean its a Lefthand thumbpick,

It should stand for "Large"...most thumbpicks come in small, medium and large sizes...you might find a smaller size more to your liking...and less likely to scrape the head...

dah. as a
rule, will the two fingers only play the D and B strings and the thumb
only play the g d G strings in playing the banjo ...thanks.

As a general rule, yes...these fingers match up with the strings as you've specified...however, there are many instances where the thumb will play the B string...and the first finger will play the G string...and, then there's single string style which requires the thumb and index to play all strings....

ps. if my four left fingers dont quite have the spread to evenly cover
the first four frets is there a tip or clue here to learn?

Yes, if you're playing with your thumb on top of the neck, what happens is you limit the stretch of your fingers. You may or may not be doing this...if you are, try placing the thumb behind the neck...and then watch how much further you can stretch your fingers. If this isn't the problem, then you might try developmental exercises...scale studies and fretting exercises such as offered by our free lessons section can assist you in developing your dexterity and developing your ability to stretch your fingers...see: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

Hope this helps...Mickey

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Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 15:10:00 -0600
Subject: Question Re: Banjo lesson on web vs video.

Greetings Don,

HI, I recently purchased a Deering Goodtime from you and am trying to teach myself the basics (May or may not be a good idea).

I'm using both the Intro to 5 string banjo video and the web lessons.

There is a difference between the two regarding the forward roll - pattern or variation 1.

The web lesson ends the first 8 notes with the first finger on the B string. Mickey's video ends the first eight notes with the second finger on the D string.

Is one of the examples wrong or, are the just variations of the same thing?

Yes, there are many variations of the Forward Roll...most importantly, is learning the 8-note per measeure (or per four beat) process...eventually, you'll be coming up with your very own variations...When you start incorporating melodies with your forward rolls, you're going to find many different variations of this roll are required to get through even one meldoy.

I've been spending about an hour daily and am really enjoying it, but don't feel I'm progressing much. In your opinion is trying to teach myself a futile effort? I have no prior training, knowledge or experience with playing an instrument.

As long as you're following the proper positioning illustrated in my video, teaching yourself is a viable option (many have no other choice...I know I didn't)...upon gaining a foundation of rolls and chords, you might feel that you're ready for personal instruction...and, at this point, you'll want to look for a qualified local 5-string instructor...if you can't find one, your best source of instruction would be videos and books...

Hope this helps, Mickey


Thank You for your time ............. Don Hampton

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Subject: understanding chords and melody
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2003 19:27:03 +0100

Hi Mickey

I have been learning the banjo for ten months, I am very frustrated now as I
don't understand. I hope I can explain this properly. I know three chords
and the rolls, I can play goodnight ladies at performance speed. I am
learning Cripple creek, I'm alright with simple chords and rolls, slides and
hammer on's. My problem is this, I don't understand, Old time religion and
Silent night have notes in the four and fifth frets, so how do I use a chord
and a roll and a string on the fifth fret all at once. For example one bar
says D7 string 1 4 2 do I keep my fingers on the D7 chord in the first and
second fret and reach for the string in the fourth fret. If that's the case
I would never reach a fifth fret. In silent night it has this, C chord and a
5 5 0 5 I cant possibly use a c chord and reach the fifth fret. I don't
understand, I realise it must be a simple thing and I am missing the point.
I hope I have explained my problem properly as I am getting very desperate.
I'm asking if I have to let go of the chord to reach all the different
numbers on the tablature.

Carol

Greetings Carol,

I'm sorry I haven't been able to answer you as speedily as I normally do...

Notwithstanding, I'm glad to assist if I can:

You're referring to knowing three chords and some rolls. This, of course, is what 5-string banjo is based on: chords and rolls. The three chords you're referring to more than likely are the open-position chord positions. These are the first chords that are taught on 5-string: the G, C and D chords in the open position (open position meaning within the first few frets and some open strings making up these chords).

These open-position chords serve well when the melody falls in within the first four frets...however, as you've described, when the melody is out of reach, they no longer work well when plugging in your combination of rolls and melody....hence, we have what is called inversions where a chord has the capability to repeat itself up and down the neck. For instance, the C chord, that you currently know, can be repeated at the fifth fret of your banjo neck simply by laying down your index finger (barring) across all four strings. With this inversion, as you've described in your e-mail for "5 5 0 5", you'll be able to reach the fifth fret for the melody notes. As an overview of this principle, my suggestion would be to purchase a Banjo chord book for the tuning of your choice; try memorizing most of the more common chords that repeat themselves up the neck. This way, you'll be prepared for future tablature challenges that tie in the melody notes with chord inversions.

Hope this helps, Mickey

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Subject: Banjo lessons
Date: Fri, 30 May 2003 11:01:40 +0000

Hi Mickey;
I have enjoyed looking over your web site! I am trying to learn to play the
banjo and having difficulty hearing the melody! I play fiddle, piano,guitar,
bass, etc. I read music and do pretty well on Tab. I have a Musedit program
and I put the tab of yours in it and played it back (wildwood flower) but
I still am missing something.

I have a book arranged by Mike Bailey and have put several songs in Musedit
and played them but there isn't any melody. I have a book by Scruggs and
some of his I hear the melody notes.

Am I expecting to much from a Banjo? Are there certain songs that you just
don't play the melody notes?

In G tunning I don't have any trouble with the chords and can make the var-
ious rolls fair. I have no trouble changing chords while making the rolls.
I can pick about any song I know note at a time in G tunning as I have play-
ed the guitar that way with a steel.
Is there a certain patern that banjo players follow to add the rolls to the
melody? Any help would be appreciated. I am simi-retired and have a lot
of time on my hands and enjoy music, and trying to learn something new!

respectfully
Charlie

Greetings Charlie,

I'm not too sure about Musedit...and how it works with tab.

The problem you're encountering is what is called "accents"...an accent is where a note is emphasized above all other notes within the framework, or measure, of harmony or supporting notes. This essentially will establish the melody and separate it from the barrage of notes that a banjo normally projects. Bluegrass banjo has many fill-in notes that work around the melody...the melody falls within spaces and cannot be detected if played at the exact same volume as the rest of the fill-in notes. Therefore, by adding emphasis, to these accent notes, they are audibly separated from the harmony notes. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if there's an option to add this accent within the Musedit program.

All banjo songs, at least the ones I've heard, do have a discernable melody...and again, these are normally accented within a framework of melody and harmony notes.

Yes, there are patterns used as melodies are played...however, the melodies are usually randomly placed within each roll. Thus, there isn't any single one pattern that can be formulized for all melodies.

Hope this helps...Mickey

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Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2002 10:26:35 -0800
Subject: Doesn't sound like the song

Hello Mickey,
I have learned a few songs on the banjo, Do Lord, Wild Wood Flower, Foggy Mountain Breakdown,... over the last few months. I practice a fair bit, 2 hours a day or so. The songs I have learned sound good on their own ,..."But",,.... they do not sound like the song should. I can memorize and play the tab music but I can not "hear the song" I am playing , I am lost in the individual notes and can't pick out the way the song sounds on recordings I have heard of the songs. Can you help?? Is it timing? If so how can I fix it??

Thanks and Take Care
Peter

Greetings Peter,

Glad to assist if I can:

It may not be the timing...and, it may not necessarily mean you're not playing the correct notes.

What you may be missing are the accents on the notes. When playing 5-string banjo, there are many fill notes being played within a roll. Many beginners learn these tunes by rote...and, in the process, find themselves mechanically playing an arrangement note by note without being properly taught the importance of feeling the accents.

Accents are the notes with emphasis...in other words, as you're playing the piece, not all the notes will have the same volume (or emphasis). The melody notes should have somewhat of an accent...which will then separate the melody from the fill notes (or harmony roll notes). My suggestion would be to play only the melody notes of the piece in single note fashion...and after isolating the melody notes, then add the roll patterns remembering to emphasize only the melody notes...this may take time...so take it slowly and enjoy the journey.

Let me know how it goes...Mickey

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Subject: rolls
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 21:56:26 -0600

I am trying to learn to play the banjo. I have learned most of the rolls, i know the C, D7 and the G, I am having trouble fitting the rolls to a song when I try to play along with a song. Is there any way that you can tell what roll goes with a song or how to tell which one sounds best?

That is what I need a teacher. I have a Banjo, I have read all of your information and printed it out, but I need a one on one teacher. I have a hard time fitting the rolls to a song. They don't sound right to me.

Glad to assist if I can:

Banjo rolls can be relatively infinite...however, there are only 4 that are essential and seem to be the basis for most of the other variations:

1. The Forward Roll
2. The Backward Roll
3. The Forward/Reverse Roll
4. The Thumb In and Out Roll

And, it sounds like you've learned these well...now, to plug these into songs becomes the biggest challenge. The best way to start it to establish a rhythm with other songs playing in the background. Try to find slower pieces to start out with...

The next best thing to having a personal instructor would be to use a video...there are many banjo videos that will help you through the process of adding rolls to songs. This is where books fall short...

Let me know how I might assist further...Mickey

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Subject: Lesson Question
Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 22:53:38 -0400

Greetings Nick,

Glad to assist if I can:


First of all I want to tell you that I have a Deering Goodtime Open Back. Can a resonater be purchased and attached to this model?

I suspect this could be done...it may not be cost effective...since you'll have to purchase the flange to go with it...you might try contacting Deering on this directly; we do not carry any of these types of parts. An even better step-up would be the Goodtime Special...this model includes a tone ring and sounds very loud and resonant...

Lesson Question: Since I am a true beginner there are things that I do not understand. I am learning the rolls right now and learning to read the tablature. My question is: When playing solo and reading the music, I am seeing melody and rolls. Does the accomplished player play both the melody and the rolls at the same time when performing solo's. 

Sure...an accomplished 3-finger banjoist would be adding the melody in between the roll patterns...The roll patterns will sometimes change slightly to fit the melody...the ultimate goal, within playing rolls in combination with melodies, would be to gain a complete independence...and be able to fit in any type of roll depending on what the melody and rhythm dictates.

As a beginner, your main concern would be to first learn the roll patterns and chordal combinations...adding the melody to the rolls would come later...try learning chord progressions with your rolls first...

Hope this helps...Mickey


Thanks so much,
Nick

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Subject: Info and lessons
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2002 16:00:54 -0400

I have a Deerring Goodtime. I am learning from your lessons on line. Question: When using my left hand on the frets I don't know which finger goes to each string. Can you help me? Nick

Greetings Nick,

Sure...

When playing in the open position (first position) on your banjo, simply match up your fretting fingers as follows:

1. Index (first finger) on the first fret...
2. Middle on the second fret...
3. Ring Finger on the third fret...
4. Fourth (little finger) on the fourth fret...

A good exercise is to play each string one fret at a time with the above positions...Mickey

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Date: Sat, 13 Apr 2002 19:10:27 -0400

Hi Mickey,

Thanks for your answers to my questions. As I pin things down, I have one differentiating question. Why did you recommend the Gold Tone CC-100R or CC-100OB over their MC-150R or MC-150OB models? (As a factor, both are within my price range, so I'm looking for performance issues and I realize weight may be one of the issues.) 

Also, what technique(s)/guidance can you recommend for memorizing songs (hardest part for me)?

Thanks again for your help. As soon as I hear from you, I'll be ready to order.

Steve

Greetings Steve,

The CC-100R would be the best value for the dollar...however, if you're looking for a gloss finish, as opposed to a matte finish, you might prefer one of the MC-150 models...they both perform well and both have relative weight factors...

For memorizing banjo songs, I'd recommend that you memorize the piece phrase by phrase. In other words, learn the first few measures of the piece, practice them over and over until you feel comfortable, and in the process, you'll also be memorizing the phrases.

Additionally, always consider the structure of the song first...in other words, memorize the chord progression first...try to learn more about what elements make up the song. This is almost like viewing an outline of a book before reading it. With this process, you'll become more familiar with the skeletal frame of a piece, and you will be more capable of improvising on it at a later date.

One way to look at banjo pieces is to view them as a long phrase made up of short phrases...each one of these phrases can be plugged into other pieces and memorized as licks for your future repertoire...most all of these phrases usually coincide with a particular chord making it even easier to plug them into other songs at a future date.

Hope the above helps...Mickey

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Subject: Help with the left hand?
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 12:01:11 -0500

I'm a woodwind player, but on a lark, I dragged hubby's crummy student banjo
out of the basement (after 20+ years), tuned it up, and started running
through your lessons to see if it would be fun to learn.

My right hand is comfortable with the rolls, and I can see that with
practice & picks (rather than just my fingernails), I'll be fine there.
However... when you get to lesson #4 and the chords... my left-hand fingers
do not 'get it'. I think I need even more basics on 'chords'. Is there a
'standard practice' for which left-hand finger goes on which string, or does
it change with every chord? With woodwinds, each finger has a place, and
they just stay there. It seems like my left hand is going to have to get a
lot more coordinated to work on a stringed instrument.

Also... do you basically need to have zero fingernails on the left hand? It
seems like the fingers have to be pretty much perpendicular to the neck to
avoid snagging neighboring strings...

While I wait for a response, I'm gonna drive my dog nuts and keep practicing
those rolls...

Steph Weiss

Greetings Steph,

Sounds like you're off to a great start...banjo, for me, was the most fun to learn period. I believe you'll find this to be true too...

Now, regarding the left-hand technique:
1. You'll first want to develop exercises to gain the comfort and facility necessary to tackle songs at a later date...to do this, you can come up with your own, or look into the vast selection of videos and books currently available for 5-string banjo. Look for a video, or a book, that focuses on chordal and scalar exercises as opposed to just songs.

2. When first learning chords on a banjo, try building the chord slowly. In other words, instead of fretting the complete chord, try fretting only two notes, using only two fingers, until you're completely comfortable...these are called partial chords...upon feeling comfortable fretting two of the notes, then start adding the rest of your fingers to complete the chord.

3. Be aware, for the most part, each finger does have its place. For instance, on the scalar side, and in the first position, the first fret would be designated for the first finger, the second fret for the second, the third fret for the third, and the fourth fret for the fourth finger. For chord positions, this varies depending on the chord. Even so, once you learn a chord, that position, and the choice of fingers used, doesn't change.

4. Fingernails on the left hand: Keep them short...the only player I've seen that can play with long fingernails is Dolly Parton. You're right in estimating that the left hand fingers need to be perpendicular to the neck. You'll want to use the very tip of your fingers and fret directly behind the fret (not centered between two frets)...this will also eliminate your inadvertently touching adjacent strings (which will of course deaden the tone of the chord).

5. One very important item to consider when focusing on left-hand technique:
Try your best to play with your thumb behind the neck...do not ride the thumb on the top of the neck. This will limit your stretch and dexterity. Check out our FAQ database on our website for many other technique ideas...

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page142.htm

Mickey

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Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 19:59:33 -0800 (PST)
Subject: confused please help

I am trying very hard to learn the banjo but i get all
messed up at times, for instance, in the cord book it
shows a 4 fingered f cord a 3 fingered c cord, but in
the online lesson it shows a 3 fingered f cord instead
of 4 finger and a 2 finger c instead of 3 finger c
whats the difference, i really got a lot from your
lesson but im really puzzeled please help and also
send me the address to get more lessons on the net i
dont know how i found your site the first time, thanks
very much jim

Greetings Jim,

The reason you're seeing two different chord positions, is that one would be the full chord while the other would be what we call a partial chord. Think about this: if you're playing a forward/reverse roll while playing a C chord, you won't be picking the low D string. Therefore, when written in tablature, the D string doesn't show up on the tablature lines. Therefore, you're essentially picking a partial C chord with only two fingers showing up. You may optionally fret the entire C chord, even though you're not picking the low D string, or you may omit fretting the low D string simply because you're not using it for the particular passage you are playing. I find myself playing quite a few partial chords; the advantage is that it will free up your fingers to play other melodic notes while partially fretting the essential notes of a chord.

Please stay tuned at our website for future banjo lesson updates...

Mickey

Subject: Banjo Tablature & Partial Chords
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2002 09:36:47 -0600

Mr. Cochran,
While looking at your 'Tablatue Basics, How to read and understand tablature for 5-string banjo' in the third measure it reads '"forward roll over a C chord". However, in the book I have this looks like a forward-reverse roll. Please explain
Also, the C cord in the book I have shows a C cord being 5 th string open, 4 th string 1st fret (2 finger) 3 rd string open, 2 nd string 1st fret (1 finger) and 1 st string 2 nd  fret (3 finger) is this correct?


Greetings!

You're correct...it's a forward/reverse roll. Sorry about the typo...

The C chord played can be positioned as you've described...or, it can also be positioned partially to ensure that the notes fretted are the exact same being played in the forward/reverse roll...as you can see, the fourth "D" string is not even being played in the tablature...most of the time, you will want to still fret the complete chord as you've described above.

Hope this helps...Mickey

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Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2002 13:55:53 -0800
Subject: Right hand, 3rd finger...

Hi there, Mickey!

I've been hard at playing the banjo for about 18 months now, and have
made many gains in my playing. I have, however, had lots of troubles
with my 3rd finger on the right hand. I can't seem to play consistently
once I reach a medium-high speed, and so my playing fluctuates day by
day. I think I've narrowed the problem down to my 3rd finger, in that I
notice that my whole hand tries to move up just a little bit (toward the
5th string) whenever I play the 3rd finger during, for example, a
forward/backward roll pattern. So, my question is, how should I be
trying to use the 3rd finger? Should I be trying to pluck upward (toward
the palm of my hand), or should I pluck the string by pulling the finger
toward the 5th string? Since I still consider myself as "new" to the
instrument, and I plan on playing for many years to come, I want to work
on developing the best habits I can. If it takes 3 months to re-learn
this 3rd finger, that's what I'll do!
Roman

Hi Roman...

Accolades to you for your dedication.

Most everyone's hands are different...When I used to teach privately, I noticed that the biggest restriction is anchoring the hand with two fingers. I, personally, anchor only the little finger; if I anchor both fingers, I notice the same problems you've described. Again, this is subjective to the player...if you want to emulate Earl, you'll want to anchor both fingers.

I keep my picks relatively straight which means that as I pick with the 3rd finger, it's picking towards the 5th string as opposed to the palm.

My suggestion would be to regroup and pull out a metronome while you practice. Start off with the rolls very slowly as you play along with the metronome. Try to isolate the problem as you gradually speed up...focus on how you anchor your right hand...and, experiment with bending your fingerpicks further out so that you can get a direct picking direction...

Let me know what other questions you may encounter...

Mickey

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Subject: banjo
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 10:42:43 +1100

Can you help in banjo techniques in the right hand? i need info on puting penatonic scales into rolls
ron unicomb

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Greetings Ron,

We would be glad to assist...banjo techniques of the right hand as applied to pentatonic scales:

1. On a 5-note scale (pentatonic), your rolls would not be a standard pattern that can be easily repeated. To play pentatonic scales you can use either a single string pattern or a melodic pattern.

A. Single String Pentatonic Scales: the right hand would be alternating the thumb with the index finger. For instance when playing a G pentatonic scale you'll be playing the G open string with the thumb...then the B on the 4th fret (if skipping the A note on the 2nd fret...if not, simply play the A note using the index finger then the B note with the thumb) of the G string with the index...then the D on the B string with the thumb...then the E on the second fret of the D string with the index...then the G with the thumb and so on...
B. Melodic Pentatonic Scales: this is developed by playing the scale without repeating the same string (alternating from string to string without picking the same string twice)...the roll pattern would vary depending on the position of the neck you decide to start the scale.

2. Playing arpeggio chordal positions with partial or full pentatonic scales:

This would involve developing the right chord inversion to fit the scale combination roll. For instance, you can play the G chord which consists of the major triad: G, B & D notes...only two other notes would then be missing fromt the pentatonic scale: A & E...try adding these notes with any type of role combination...for instance, play a forward roll starting on the G string...after playing the D string with the middle finger at the end of the forward roll, then fret the D string on the 2nd fret for an E note and drop your right thumb all the way down to pick the D string...after this, reverse the roll by playing it backwards from the middle finger on the D string, the index on the B and the thumb back on the G string.

This is only a sampling of the many possibilities of playing pentatonic scales...

We'll try our best to include these scales in upcoming banjo lessons posted on our website.

Mickey

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Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 01:49:22 -0600
Subject: Learning banjo chords

i started playing the banjo in may, had a few lessons.but i ordered geoff
hohwald video tape and its VERY helpful.i have a problem with making the
cord changes on time.anythin i can do to help.there are so many diffrent
video tapes for beginners?i also found cord labels for the banjo?will
this work?
thanks, Laura

Greetings Laura,

What I've found to assist in learning to change chords in good time, is to first become comfortable with a few chords within one key structure.

Stay away from any labels...you really do not want to become dependent on labels since ultimately you'll want to be playing without looking at the neck...this will only impede your progress.

For instance, let's take the chords G, C and D in the open position...now, what you first want to do, is to play each chord with one strum. Play these chords repetitively until you no longer even have to look at the neck. What you're trying to achieve here is the ability to change from G to C to D comfortably and fast. Once you feel completely at ease with these chords, then attempt to play them within a rhythm so that there's no hesitation from chord to chord. This would be with 4 strums per chord while counting to 4 and tapping your foot with each downbeat/strum. After achieving this, you're ready to plug in your first right-hand roll to this progression. See our free online banjo lessons for further studies on this topic.

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

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From: "Rick Carney"
Subject: Attention Mickey Cochran
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2001 12:20:07 -0400

Dear Mr. Cochran:

I recently discovered your site and would like more information on the Banjo. I am greener than grass, so if you would be so kind as to help with some of your knowledge. I have had a few people tell me different techniques, but this only makes learning that much more difficult. I would like to learn the very basics of Banjo playing.

Your help is much appreciated. I like how you describe the banjo and the various chords in a simple, easy to understand way. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerly Yours
Ed Carney

Greetings Ed,

The learning process for banjo can be immense. First, you'll want to determine what you'd like to accomplish with the banjo. Are you looking to play bluegrass? Or, did you want to learn a variety of styles so that you can apply the instrument within any setting?

Then, there are a variety of banjos on the market such as 5-string, tenor and plectrum...the tenor and plectrums are 4-string banjos...the tenor is commonly used in Celtic settings; the plectrum is commonly used in New Orleans, ragtime and jazz.

I suspect you're most interested in the 5-string banjo...if so, be sure to start out with our beginning banjo lessons section on our website...this will get you started with chords and rolls. Chords and rolls are your basic techniques for playing most any style of music on the 5-string banjo. Once you feel comfortable with these basic techniques, email us any questions you may further have about the learning process.

Mickey

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Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 11:51:29 -0700
To: Folk of the Wood <FolkWood@Zianet.com>
From: Laura Bolli
Hi,
I have another question. I just recently purchased a book for playing celtic music on the 5 string banjo. In the book they mention single string method. The tablature shows a single string played 3 times first by the thumb, then index, then middle finger. I am a little confused on how this is done. Also how do you play further in say on the 3rd string?
Thanks!
Laura

Greetings Laura,

There are many approaches to playing 5-string in a single string manner:
1. The standard approach is to use an alternating thumb and first finger (index). I just saw Eddie Adcock at the NAMM show utilizing this exact technique for his single string work.
2. Or, you can alternate the thumbpick like a flatpick. I've seen this once or twice...not too often though...it works well if you're already a flatpicker.
3. You can also use a succession of fingers such as the one you heard about...thumb then index and then middle on a single string. I've found this to be more advantageous for triplets...for instance, you can be playing a 4/4 song with the alternating thumb index and as soon as a triplet is required, you can apply the three-finger pattern...this way, you land back on the down beat with your thumb.
4. One pattern that I've found, over the years, that works well for added speed is using the succession of fingers thumb then middle and then index...this really works well for 6/8 time (jigs).

Also how do you play further in say on the 3rd string?
I believe you're referring to having to pick with the middle finger on the 3rd string. This is next to impossible if you're anchoring your little finger on the head. I've found that floating the hand does help facilitate more freedom with your picking hand...it really depends on the style of music being played...for bluegrass banjo, and to hold to tradition, you'll always want to anchor your little finger, and if possible, your ring finger too, on the head. When playing classical, celtic and other styles outside of bluegrass, I believe there are no rules that should apply to anchoring the picking hand.

Hope this helps...Mickey

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Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 11:25:21 -0600

Hi Mickey(?),

I found your banjo lesson on adding a melody to a
banjo roll on the internet and I had a few questions.
Hope you can spare a few minutes of your time and help
me out...

1. Is there a basic set of rules used when trying to
work rolls around a tune's melody? I've heard that the
first note of the roll should be a melody note - is
there more to it than that?

There really isn't a road map, or a set of parameters for adding a melody to the roll. In fact, what I've found over the years, is myself having a complete right-hand independence. After memorizing all the standard rolls, and playing them autonomously for years, I believe any player can gain right-hand independence. Upon achieving independence, you'll find that the choice of placing a melody within a roll will come naturally without any set of rules and establishing a facet of your own style and approach to the 5-string.


2. If you have a tune stuck in your head and you want
to work out a Scruggs style roll around that melody
what do you do?

Personally, I first establish where the melody will fall by playing it singularly note for note. Then, I determine the chord progression and I try to ensure that there's a chord position that each note will become a part of...I then fall back on the rhythm of the piece to determine the roll...this is where right-hand independence comes in...if you're just starting out, experiment with the standard rolls such as "forward", "reverse" or "thumb in-and-out"...then apply these rolls to the chord progression of the melody...followed by trying to find the melody within both the roll and the chord. Lots of fun really!


If you have a book/instructional video or know of one that can help me figure this stuff out I'd love to hear about it.

I'm currently working on a series of banjo instruction video/books that encompass an eclectic approach to the instrument. Instead of a video/book that covers strictly bluegrass banjo (there's already a tremendous selection available on this topic), my focus will be building technique on 5-String Banjo by learning the underlying principles of the 3-finger medium and how it can apply to most any style of music including: ragtime, bluegrass, jazz, classical and popular genres. Upon completion of this series, the player will be more than competent to play within any setting and develop sophisticated arrangements that will set him/her apart as a banjo stylist.

Please stay tuned...Mickey

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Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001 01:53:33 -0600

Hey Mickey!
I just bought a banjo, and I am having alot of fun playing, but just cannot
get used to using the metal fingerpicks and plastic thumbpick. I have been
using my fingers only, but do not want to develope bad habits. Are there any
famous players who do not use them? Miguel M.

Greetings Miguel,

I really believe banjo is one of the most intriguing instruments to learn...once you get over the plateau of combining chords with rolls/arpeggio patterns, it becomes more and more inspiring.

As far as famous players who play banjo without picks:
Clawhammer/frailing players will all play with the backside of their fingernails. Although, this is more of a strumming approach to the banjo...there are melodic clawhammer players who play note-for-note renditions.

As far as 3-finger picking goes, I only know of one (famous player) who plays with fingers: John McCuen (of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame). He plays with fingernails whenever he plays classical banjo...not when playing any bluegrass oriented tunes.

I, personally, play with both fingerpicks and fingernails depending on the style of banjo I'm playing. When I play classical, ragtime, or show-type tunes, I employ fingernails and have great success in achieving the tone I'm looking for...Keep in mind, bluegrass banjo requires the medium of utilizing 2 metal fingerpicks with 1 plastic thumbpick for that authentic banjo sound established first by Earl Scruggs himself.

Mickey

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