I’m not getting the MP3’s Ben. I can play along just fine with the video that is labeled slow, but when I go to the 110 bpm one, for whatever it’s worth I’m either not going fast enough or too fast with the guitar. It seems it changes chords at different places that I do. What am I doing wrong? I wish you had a video at medium speed.
Discuss the Banjo lesson: Banjo Forward Roll Study
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Hey John!
It’s hard to tell what you’re doing wrong without a recording of you playing along with the track. It’s possible that you just have a tendency to speed up or slow down at times, but it could also be that you’re adding or missing a note, etc. Can you post a video or audio recording of your issue?
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Thanks @Michael_Mark, I don’t have a way to record a video is the problem. I guess what I’m stuck with is when I head the lead in and I hear Ben count 1, 2, 3, 4 it is nice and slow, but the chord changes seem to happen so much faster than what I feel the beat should be. I know these are 8th notes, so that means 8 beats per his one beat, so maybe that is what is messing me up. I guess I’m just not able to keep up even with the 110BPM mp3.
I know there is a way to slow down the TEF file, but the only problem there is as soon as you hit play, BAM it starts… is there a way to get the TEF file to do four beats and then start? I think maybe if I start at 80bpm I would be okay, but not if the TEF starts playing immediately.
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I think one of our members with Tabledit can make a new TEF file with an extra measure or two at the beginning for you. @Mike_R?
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@Deacon_John As Michael suggested the TEF files are a great practice tool. I would be happy to add a couple of lead in measures with a beat to get the timing in your head. You can then speed up and slow down as you wish.
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@Deacon_John, this statement caught my attention: “I know these are 8th notes, so that means 8 beats per his one beat”. If Ben is counting a lead in of 1, 2, 3, 4, then there are actually only 2-8th notes per beat (assuming he’s counting in with quarter notes, which if he’s counting 1, 2, 3, 4 I’m sure he is…), not 8-8th notes per beat. Could this possibly be the issue?
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Good catch @rspillers
Also, here is a link to forward roll study with added lead in measure:
On second thought. I sent the link in a private message and removed from here. I looked to verify @Deacon_John is a gold pick member. I don’t want to post Ben’s property in an open message.
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Let me know if you need more help!
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Sure, I can add a couple measures to a tef, but this thread is long and I am not sure what needs the extra measures.
You are absolutely correct and thank you for correcting me. That was part of the issue.
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Love the lessons! Quick question. When playing background in jams, is it okay to play a forward role the whole time while playing the chords. How do you play background in jams.
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Hi @aacbugle Arron 
to @BanjoBen 's Forum
Great Question. Yes it’s OK to play forward rolls over a chord progression that’s how most beginners start out. But having a better understanding of what BackUp is and how to execute it is the goal of all great banjo players.
@BanjoBen has grouped a series of lessons that will introduce you to playing backup and help you as you progress to the next level. Here is a link to those lessons. Just work through them at you own pace.
https://banjobenclark.com/courses/basic-banjo-backup?from_track=beginner-banjo
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Hello,
I have been practising this for about a month now, and I have managed to get to the temp up to 75 on the tef file.
To me it just seems flat with no rhythm and sounds nothing like what is played at 110 bpm.
Should I keep going until I can get to 110 bpm with out any errors or move onto the next lesson?
Hi @keeleydickinson Keelye to @BanjoBen 's Forum
This is a lesson that introduces you to the fundamentals of playing banjo. Essentially an exercise for you to practice and develop your skills. The goal for now is not speed. It’s better that you practice this slowly and cleanly. We all make mistakes so the chances are your going to be making many more mistakes. Your goal is to avoid becoming frustrated and to keep it fun not a chore. Yes by all means move on to other lessons. But remember to come back to this one regularly to practice your forward rolls. Speed will come when the time is right
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Move onto the next lesson, and I encourage you to take a quick video of your playing and upload it here to the forum 
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Thank you very much for the advice. I was starting to get frustrated and was considering giving up.
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I have been trying to take a video all morning, but knowing i am being recorded makes me make more errors and frustrates me more LOL
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This is part of the process, press on.
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