You can do it, @dianshaw07! Let me and the others here know how we can help and support you!
Discuss the Banjo lesson: Banjo Backward Roll Study
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Just want to clarify. After playing the final note in a Reverse Roll, the next motion is actually a forward motion
to begin the Reverse Roll again.
For example, in measure 17 (Boil Dem Cabbage), the final note of the Reverse Roll is played with index(1).
The next note in measure 18 is played with middle (2) which briefly breaks the reverse motion as it moves forward or the beginning of the Reverse Roll again. Is this correct ??
Hope this makes sense ??!!
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Yep, this is because we need to “reset” to play consistent melody notes in Boil Dem Cabbage Down – we’re stopping the roll in the middle of it and starting at the beginning of the roll pattern again. This happens in the forward roll version of the song too. This doesn’t make up the roll itself; the definition of the reverse roll is always index following middle, thumb following index, middle following thumb, etc.
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Mike did you mean the definition of the forward roll is index, middle, thumb etc. ?
Thanks for clarifying my question. I think the problem might be that I’m not sure what the melody notes
are in Boil Dem Cabbage Down. Is there a tab with the indicated red squares (melody) available?
Thanks again.
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Nope, I mean that in the reverse roll the index follows the middle, the thumb follows the index, and the middle follows the thumb. I say “follows” because you can really start the roll on any finger (so I don’t like always saying “middle, index, thumb” or a particular order for a roll). The forward roll would have the middle following the index, the thumb following the middle, the index following the thumb, and so on and so forth.
I don’t believe there is one; I could make one for you, but I’m not sure how helpful it would be— the “melody” notes on the second string get very pushed around with each of the three variations (based on which finger you start the roll with), to the point where you almost can’t hear a clear melody anymore. It’s more an example to train you to recognize the feel of the roll and having the fingers land in different places in the measure based on which finger you start the roll with.
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Do I need to have both forward and backward roll patterns memorize before moving on? Also, do I need to stay in order with the lessons or can I jump around?
Hi @chaddlee1978 Chad
It’s your membership you are free to do what you like. 
That said.
There are approximately six roll patterns that you need to learn as a beginner. You’ll learn more as you gain experience. I would encourage you to spend some time every day practicing rolls. The reason being you need to be able to play rolls on autopilot. Once you have learned one Roll Pattern it’s ok to move on but keep practicing that roll.
I would say whilst you are still in the beginners learning path learning the fundamentals are key to your development. @BanjoBen has spent a lot of time creating these lessons to help you learn and develop your skills. If you are jumping around chances are you are going to miss something important. That said once you get through the beginners section I would encourage you to jump around in the Intermediate and Advanced sections because by then you should be knowledgeable and skilled enough to tackle any lesson in those sections.
Okay. Yeah, I’ll go in order. I was just curious because I saw some songs farther down below. The rolls, im doing good I believe for most part but I do occasionally hit the wrong string when not looking at my fingers. I just have a little harder time memorizing how the end of each roll pattern ends. lol. I started using the metronome for each roll pattern. This makes it more fun trying to stay on time. Thank y’all for your help.
You are welcome Chad. The secret is not to “TRY” to memorise the roll pattern just roll and over time your brain will take control. Eventually you’ll be able to play all six roll patterns and mix them up in any order without thinking. As you gain experience this is a skill level you’ll need later on. We all hit a bum notes that is all part of the learning curve.
The main point is to get fluent with the roll and be mostly accurate without looking at your hand. If that’s the case, move ahead!