Hi @ambergkeith Blackberry Blossom is a tough tune to learn so don’t go beating yourself up. I struggle with it too. My advice FWIW is to learn these quick phrases in short intervals then in put them together as you might create a sentence in a story. Hope this is helpful
Discuss the Banjo lesson: How to Play Rolling Backup for Fiddle Tunes & More!
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So, I went for one of the easier ones that I could find and I think I kind of got the hang of it. Sorry, I think I’m a bit out of tune on it, but please take a listen to a little bit and let me know what you (or anyone else thinks). I purposefully just used pinches (those are “peenches” Ben) as I wanted to keep the measures straight. https://youtu.be/CckiIjFgex4
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So, I made another clip, any suggestions would be appreciated. Seems like I’m just kind of rolling and not doing very interesting stuff. I’d like to make the backup a bit better. https://youtu.be/Inh6fFmcQZ8
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Hi @ambergkeith Keith, When playing backup the purpose is NOT playing fancy stuff. Your goal is to support the vocalist or soloist. What your playing sounds great to me.
That said if your ready to spice things up. try these lessons.
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/boogie-woogie-backup-1st-edition-banjo?from_track=advanced-banjo-checklist
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/boogie-woogie-backup-2nd-edition-banjo?from_track=advanced-banjo-checklist
Spicy enough for you?
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Also try playing backup to the melody this starts out in C and changes to G so it could be a challenge
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/bury-me-beneath-the-willow-build-a-break-banjo
Here is a great Backup Lesson in C with melody that will show you the importance of keeping things simple
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/rolling-backup-in-c-position-banjo-intermediate
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Pick 'n Fill Backup
Here are another couple of lessons to spice up your backup
In G
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/real-deal-pick-n-fill-in-g-banjo-intermediate
In C
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/real-deal-pick-n-fill-in-c-banjo-intermediate
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Keith, you’re doing phenomenal man!!
My favorite rolling backup lesson and the one that helped me the most was Utility Rolls. Check these out and let me know what you think:
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/backup-banjo-utility-rolls-banjo-intermediate
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Hey, thanks guys. I’m trying to run through a lesson every 2 weeks. So I’ll put these on my to do list.
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Hi Keith Yes there is a lot to take in. These lessons have taken @BanjoBen years to develop so you might want to leave the Boogie Woogie till you’ve worked your way through some of the other less challenging stuff.
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