Got the index forward roll down but trying the middle finger first takes a little time to get it after getting used to the index finger first.
Discuss the Banjo lesson: Banjo Forward Roll Study
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It’s a brain and muscle memory activity. Spend a little time on it every day and you’ll soon have it licked (pun intended) 
When playing along with the mp3, I see boil them cabbage forward rolls which is the exercise we are doing. The other 3 of boil them cabbage down, do I still play the exercise we learn or is it something different? It sounds different.
Yes, you use them to practice the forward rolls with only the guitar playing, and they’re at different speeds to help you out.
Okay. Yeah, I have the tendency to listen to the guitar play and I end up messing up. lol.
I see that they are at different speeds but they aren’t matching up to the speed. The 170bpm doesn’t sound like it’s that fast when you’re counting down. Is there something I’m missing?
Ok. So I’ve been away from the beginner banjo track for a while, and I’m doing a review. Going back to the beginning.
While i can play along with the tutorial just fine and play unaccompanied at a faster tempo, im having trouble “feeling” where i fit in with the backing tracks. My ears and brain want to follow the other instruments AND my own at the same time. I’ve listened to the demo track and that helps somewhat. Any other suggestions from anyone?
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Hey Chad! Make a video of you playing and post it here! That’ll help me see what’s happening!
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Will do.
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This is a really good idea.
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i am having a hard time with finding the right string to pluck.
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Hi @Joan_K_Morningstar Joan 
to @BanjoBen 's Forum. Yeh I have the same problem trying to choose the right reading glasses.
All joking aside. Learning the Forward Roll is key to learning to play banjo and if your new to this let me just say it’s takes time to line up the ducks and get them to swim in a straight line 
The first thing I would say is learn to relax and don’t let this frustrate you. We have all been down this route and made the same mistakes your making now. Hey I still make mistakes even after 17 years so you are in good company here.
The goal here is not to train your fingers what to do it’s to train your brain to tell your fingers what to do without conscious thinking. If you drive a car you’ll know that if you have to conscious think about every action you have to make you’d never get out of the parking lot and onto the freeway.
So choose the roll pattern you want to play. Let’s say 531 TIM Thumb Index Middle. Start real slooow and just repeat the pattern over and over. I find watching TV helpful as I practice because I am focusing on the TV and leaving my brain to take care of my fingers.
Practice the roll pattern for short periods say 10 to 15 minutes then take a coffee break and try again. Over time (a week or so) the brain will get the message and you’ll start climbing the learning ladder.
The secret is to take it slow, speed will come through practice.
When you feel comfortable record yourself and post it here on the Forum and @BanjoBen help advise you with your progress.
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i have a hard time on the banjo to find the right string to play. Example: I am suppose to play the index finger on the B string but I play instead i play the G string.
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Howdy @Joan_K_Morningstar! That’s ok, it’s something we all deal with and it gets better with time! You’ll get it!
There could be several reasons why this is happening, and it’s tough for me to tell what the issue may be by your statement alone. If you’re able, I’d love for you to upload a video of your right hand as you play so I can see what’s going on.
It could be:
- How you wear your picks
- Hand position
- Your anchor point (part of hand position)
- Or simply just working out some kinks as you learn the banjo
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Hi @Joan_K_Morningstar Joan. I had that exact same problem when I started out. It took a while to resolve but I got there through patience, practice and perseverance. Believe you can do it and you will find that you can.
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