Ok, so I’m getting kinda sorta good at the rolls. But lost of times songs have half and quarter measures of chords. What’s the best way to practice to get these into my backup repotoire?
Discuss the Banjo lesson: Backup Banjo Utility Rolls
Pick a song that has those faster chord changes, slow it down, and play it over and over. And over. Might consider adding in a pinch rather than a roll for some of this, or perhaps make a partial chord shape and play root note (quarter note) then roll 5 1 as eight notes. Hope this helps a little. You can try a bunch of different stuff and you’ll find what works for you and maybe what doesn’t work so well.
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Often times you shouldn’t worry about chords that are passing that quickly. And if you do, you don’t worry about “making” the chord…just aim for a note that the chord contains. Remember that a roll or lick in the 1 chord sounds fine over just about any chord when it’s happening fast. For instance, if the song is in G and has a quick D chord, just about any G lick will work.
I’ve made a note to create a lesson on this subject…great questions, @ambergkeith
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