Why Earl Scruggs Didn't Use Banjo Rolls (And Why I Think You Should) // Bluegrass Banjo Lesson

[@bradleybrooks1067]

I have been playing banjo a little over a year now

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Nice!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Congrats Bradley! You’re the winner of this week’s string giveaway! Get in touch with me on email, instagram, or facebook and we’ll get you some strings!

[@johnmillington6700]

I've been planning 1day, I hope to improve soon thank you for your help

[@erlethepearl]

I started in 1965 but gave it up when my teacher switched to guitar. I picked it up 6 months ago & I'm enjoying your videos lessons. Thanks.

[@charlesshepherd2004]

Every time I listen to Flatt & Scruggs, I learn something new. I just got some records, the banjo just comes across so clear and precise, even on a scratchy old vinyl. Earl was the man

[@fivestring4653]

Earl says in his book he was picking one day around the house and his Mother told him " Earl, if you're going to play that thing , play it so I know what song it is " . He said from then on he started making the banjo say the words to the song . Roll patterns don't do that . Thanks for sharing this video , right on!

[@roycepgrimesjr.5109]

83-year-old starting to play again after playing for 15years in the '80s and '90s.

[@lenniemaynor772]

replace rutn single switch on a 3600 2006 dodge ram

[@josephconrad426]

A week ago for my 69th birthday my kids gave me a banjo, so I've been playing for 7 days now. I am up to day 5 of your 30 Days series. Slowly working my way through (as you suggest) and enjoying every minute. Thanks for all the videos, they are really helpful.

[@paulbock1867]

I started playing as a teenager in 1956 and was mostly self-taught for the first 25 years, but later got good instruction and expanded my ability quite a lot. Unfortunately, an accident to my right hand curtailed my playing for a couple of decades and now, at almost 80, I am "re-learning" and loving it! Some right-hand degradation due to the accident makes it tough at times, but it CAN be done! Using a metronome is a huge help because it's really the timing that makes banjo playing "click" (no pun intended, ha-ha!). Really enjoy your lessons and commentary - and your playing! You're quite an inspiration!

[@mrjoeyman]

I don't even have my banjo with me because I am at work, but I swear that watching and listening to you seems to be actually helping me learn without it. Like it's in my mind and hands. Can't wait to get home to put it to use. I have never heard such concepts and descriptions as you have. Thanks man.

[@dmcmillan1968]

I've been playing the Banjo for 2 days & have never played any kind of instrument before so I'm finding it very difficult but it's something I've always wanted to try & I've learnt how to play a very basic Boil them Cabbage Down by following the first day of your excellent 30 days of Bango tutorials which will probably be more like 120 days for me, i even understood the basic tablature!

[@TomKnorrisbiker]

Hi Eli, I am 73 years old. I am from Tennessee and listened to bluegrass music at places like Dollywood for over 40 years. I have recently retired and one of my goals for retirement was to learn how to play the banjo to the best of my ability today. I have been searching KZbin for an online teacher and found your channel. This particular video of yours was so informative. I had found no other across KZbin that explained in simple terms why learning these rolls are important. Now I know. I hope to be at the beginning of something rewarding I want to do as a personal achievement. I have never played any instrument so this will be a challenge with my somewhat arthritic hands. But you have given me that inspiration and I am determined. My 30 days, which may turn into a few more, begins here today. Thank you

[@cathywade9242]

just started and its complicated but i am learning something and i am bound and determined. My 200.00 (cheap) banjo came new but with 2 strings crossed. So right the the beginning i had to learn to restring and tune. I am 60 and have never played before. thx for the videos.

[@arnoldiles2936]

I've been playing for about four months now. I became fascinated by the banjo playing of Bob Shane in the Kingston Trio back in the late 50s. So I bought a banjo, took one lesson and bailed out. Ten years later I tried again, this time with a lesson book, same result, bailed again. Now I'm in my third try with a new banjo and your lessons, Eli, and I'm actually making music and loving it! My mother would be so proud (heh)!! I'm 82 years old.

[@LAUptegrove]

I'm a lead guitarist for 58+ years. Started playing the clubs at age 15 and went on the road at age 20. Many times I tried (unsuccessfully) to learn the banjo on my own. My biggest problem was figuring out where and when to use which roll. You're the first person to indicate the info on rolls in the way you have presented them. NOW IT ALL MAKES SENSE. I was getting too bogged down with stuff that didn't really matter. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Now I can't wait to get back at it and see what kind of progress I can make using your advice.

[@Timber1262]

I have been playing for two months. I played the guitar for 42 years. Love it and your lessons!!

[@chrishedlund3196]

I wish people would say if you like “ after” listening please like and subscribe, I miss old non commercial KZbin, now it’s like and subscribe before you hear anything.

[@davidwagner3669]

Been playing guitar for most of my life, now the banjo thanks for the lesson. My Dad played guitar ,banjo, and fiddle.Of couse my hero wish I had have learned in his hat day

[@kacywilliams1]

I'm 47 years old and I have been playing banjo for just 1 month and watching your videos every day. For a beginner like me, these videos have been very helpful and informative. Then again, I'm 30 days into your "30 days of banjo" and still on Day 12 or something 😅. Seriously though, I'm learning a lot and happy with my progress. Thanks for posting these lessons. Liking and subscribing was a small price to pay for the quality of the content.

[@kennymartin3416]

Good video commentary, guitar picker for 50 years.banjo for three months., Driving the neighborhood crazy..my neighbor is a bagpipe player.

[@derricksheppard2020]

My parents gifted me a banjo when I was in the 9th grade. That was over 40 years ago. I made the mistake of only picking it up a few times each years. I recently purchased a banjola, which is much lighter and softer, so I will be practicing much more now. I own 3 banjos, the favourite being the Deering Sierra! Thanks, Eli, for this video! After 30 years as a K-12 educator I can recognize a great teacher when I see one, and you certainly are one, my friend! Thanks again!!

[@ThePepperdawg]

Thanks to all the extra time my wife and I are both learning! Going on 4 months now... great fun!

[@sixstringsaway7642]

Your so lucky!!!

[@williammyers3388]

two weeks ... after looking at several beginning banjo lesson series, your '30 days' series seems to make the most logical sense to me.

[@calicheyatsar]

Been playing for nine months and found this video to be extremely helpful. Thank you so much.

[@johncraven4539]

I had Scruggs' book back in high school (50 years ago) and seem to remember him talking about forward and backward rolls, that the backward roll was harder, and how he would practice this roll against his leg while sitting in a waiting room, bus or whatever. Anyway, thanks for these videos!

[@edwardcolborne9441]

I've heard that Ain't practice these things but my problem is I'm missing top joints of my picking fingers it's certainly harder any advise would be great folks thanks

[@kentuckyrex]

32, been playing for 14 years. I love just going back to this kind of stuff and brushing up fundamentals. Like every instrument, the more time you spend with it, the more needlessly complicated you can make playing or practicing in your head.

[@picknngrinn]

WOW!!! What a fantastic lesson! I've been fingerpicking guitar for nearly 50 years and frail a bit on banjo but have always been mystified by bluegrass pickin'. ...actually never really put any effort into figuring it out. Your intelligent and ultra-clear explanations have made it so accessible and inviting and answered many questions that I didn't even know to ask! Been clawhammering on full moons for the past 30 years or so and scratching away at bluegrass style for just about a week now. Thank you Eli!

[@pamgevelinger2997]

I played years ago , for I while I taught banjo. Now I'm back at it and need to be refreshed. I was at the Cripple Creek, Jed Clampet theam, and the start of Foggy Mountain Breakdown in my playing.

[@moniquekuipers522]

I am 59 years old and I play the banjo since March this year, so let’s say for 5 months. It is hard but I love it!,🥰

[@MrMusic32150]

Hey there Eli. Firstly, I want to say this is the most informative video on banjo playing I've watched so far. Secondly, I laughed when you suggested that the listener mention how long they've been playing banjo. I'm on day 2. I think your video has demonstrated best how to perform the banjo rolls and the prospective uses of each with your examples. I'm not convinced I'll be a banjo player, but I believe if I can "master" the various rolls, I will indeed be well on my way. I've been playing guitar (mostly rhythm) for over 50 years and I think I'm pretty brave to just pick up a banjo at 72, but I'm hungry and eager for a new beginning and adventure, so here I go. Thanks for your informative lesson on banjo rolls and I look forward to viewing more content from you. God Bless.

[@lmgpharm]

Larry Guffey .. started learning banjo with Earl's 5 String Banjo instruction book while in college in 1972. On- going self taught with Tony Trischka and Bela on Homespun Tapes. Also Steve Martin books from his albums. I need to practice more consistently... I'm now 72 and still love the banjo!

[@Blainewjones]

Great instruction! I’ve been playing for about a month now. I’m a harmonica player that decided to try something new! This is so challenging, but very fun. I’m on day 14 of your 30-day banjo course and look forward to practicing every day!

[@stevejansen2124]

Only been playing for 8 days. . . going through your 30 days of Banjo, it's excellent, thank you!

[@garvebabe001]

Hi Eli, thanks for all the great content. I started playing 5string about 10 years ago - bought myself an Ashbury AB65, I,ve since progressed to a Deering 'Terry Baucom' signature model. Best GJ

[@plucknpick4244]

I appreciate your review and breaking down the reason for the rolls...as a beginning point. A good review! Been playing 30 + years...

[@hans-rs9uj]

I live in the uk But retired now so. The banjo is your best friend I love it and practice every day Thanks to bluegrass music

[@erikeisenberg469]

Have wanted to play the Banjo for years. Finally got up the courage to pick it up and try it. I love the sound. And I have been following the 30 days lessons and finding them very helpful. Just starting out but thanks for really breaking it down for old guys like me to learn.

[@kevinleach1074]

Thanks for your video. I have been learning 5 string for 3 weeks now. I love it, after spending months learn the 4 string banjo. I look forward to your videos

[@martybeach6704]

Picked up a banjo about 5 years ago and started learning to play, got distracted and haven't picked it up for long long time, decided to get back at it! Been playing country and bluegrass guitar for many years

[@lightpower58]

Just started to play the banjo at 62, no teacher whitin an hour drive so your videos a great sollution in the netherlands, thanks for posting them.

[@randystracener8326]

Thank you for all the great lessons here on KZbin, Eli. I just bought my first banjo yesterday and the right hand is what I am really concentrating on. I've played mandolin up to now, and want to venture into banjo. Thank you for all the great advice.

[@brucelee4492]

I have HAD a banjo for about 10 years and over that time it has served many purposes... mostly decorative and none musical. I just recently happened upon your 30 day banjo tutorials. I printed out the tab "book" that you provided and thought that I would take a shot. I am now on day 22 and while I am not ready to go on tour just yet :), I think that I have developed enough of a foundation and appreciation to be able to eventually turn that dust collector into an actual musical instrument. Thank-you for all of the effort that you put into that program .

[@tommilazzo8758]

Literally been playing off and on for 40 years but only recently gotten serious about REALLY learning Thanks ELi

[@peterscheffler3043]

As always, very clear explanation of something most of us "know", but without really thinking much about why it matters. I've been playing on and off for about 20 years, and it helps to revisit the basics. Fortunately, it stays fun even if I don't get really good.

[@jayburchett5018]

Off and on for 30 years. I just started back into it late last year with the purchase of a 1980 Gibson RB250!! Love your channel!!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Jay!

[@changant]

I was gifted a banjo last week and found your videos the same day. I'm on day 7 of your Absolute Beginners series and watched this video to better understand rolls. The series has been really helpful. Thanks!

[@dwlaChance]

I started about 2 weeks ago, just trying to pick out some sounds I like, not knowing what I was doing at all. Very glad I found your vid, Eli. - Noel LaChance

[@matthewrobson8099]

Guitar player with some banjo experience picking it up again. Always played it like a guitar. Trying to learn to play it like a banjo this time.

[@craigkidd6774]

Had my banjo over a year ... picked it up to learn on Sunday 4th July 2021 ... Currently on Day 17 on your 30 Day Banjo Course!!!

[@Kinglymarker8988]

i have been playing for over 8 years on and off. Started with clawhammer, now trying Scruggs style. Your comments on roll patterns really got to me, all this time I thought that you HAD to play in that order throughout the entire song! I learned a lot today. Thank you.

[@martindoran515]

Great video on roll patterns . I’m about 4 months into my banjo and loving it

[@donnabyrd6368]

I started playing in 1980 but just for a few months. I am picking it up again now in 2021. Looking forward to more of your great videos. Thanks

[@jenniferbigelow5794]

Started banjo 4 days ago. Practicing slowly and patiently. Appreciate your lessons

[@HankSteel2]

I played for about three or four months with the teacher back in the early 80s, then the banjo went in the closet till about four months ago. Then I found your 30 days of banjo and follow that and since, I have learned about five or six songs of tablature from KZbin. Your teachings are the easiest to follow. I am not musically inclined so it’s still a struggle.But have to say it’s one that I am really starting to enjoy :-) thank you

[@shaunmoran]

10 years, and I feel like I’m just now starting to get OK at it!! Love the videos keep it up

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks will do!

[@thomasgriffin8755]

I know exactly what your saying I'm the same way lol.

[@philross1016]

67 year old starting for the first time. I purchased a mandolin and had the most frustrating time of my life. The frets are so small and the arthritis in my fingers won't allow me to hit the chords properly. I ditched the mando and picked up a banjo. I'm having much more enjoyment learning the banjo. It's still tough but with lots of practice and finger stretching exercices I believe I got this. Eli keep those banjo lessons coming. I love them.

[@fredsmith3889]

Always enjoy your videos. Been playing for 40 years.

[@marcsirkin8398]

Been playing clawhammer for about three years, 2-finger for one year and now starting 3-finger. Love, love, love learning this.

[@troysmith6908]

Just started playing banjo. I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you

[@lynnoliver9549]

I got my first banjo 15 years ago. This lesson answered along time puzzle for me.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Glad to hear it!

[@barrywebber]

I've had a banjo for 6 years but I've only really been playing 6 months. Now I'm obsessed with it! Thanks for the video Eli. I always look forward to your posts.

[@blackwood711]

i like your teaching method, been playing about a week, however have a strong background in guitar, fiddle and steel guitar, all of which lends itself well to learning banjo.

[@I_love_my_cat_sox88]

Thanks for the lessons.... Been playing (well received my Gold Tone) a whole two weeks..... well learning the rolls and watching videos! 65 years old and starting something new!

[@paulfoytack5267]

Been playing for a few years and am enjoying how you verbalize various methods and techniques. It is a lot different explaining how or why you do something than doing it. Appreciate your info.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Glad you like them Paul!

[@broskinater]

nice videos! i like that you give more than just the tabs, u give some interesting background info, ive been picking about 8 months.

[@deborahburton2683]

I am a beginner banjo player. Thank you for the helpful tips. I have a cousin 1 state away so we both plan on learning together with encouragement. I have forwarded your videos on to her as o find your videos are easy to learn from. I would be happy to receive a set of strings.i have a 5 string banjo. Thank you again for your helpful tips.

[@kmiller4549]

Started 3 months ago .. your lessons are very helpful

[@thombanjo3]

playing since 2008...writing original music by ear..NEED to get back to basics,,,love your approach

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks!

[@larrylehman751]

I have been playing a week I have guitar experience I ordered a glarry banjo got it a week later ona Saturday played around on it till Monday morning then put it in the shop to have it set up and better strings put on I am missing it’s only been in the shop 24 hours but I will sign up for your tablature I like your lesson style and strategy

[@cpbarringer3811]

In 2014 I inherited my mother’s fathers 3 banjos from 1930s and passed one to each of my 3 kids. When I retired in April 2021 I asked for them back, restored the best one to playable condition and been practicing 3 months now about 2 hrs every other day.

[@robinerickson6404]

I've been playing banjo for a little over a year. I love it!

[@bentonkesler5439]

Just started with your 30 days lessons. Now on day three and working hard to get better. Wish I had started in my youth. Always loved the banjo and finally got my first one a couple of years ago, but didn't start really trying it until I retired

[@astro781]

Thanks, Eli. I have been playing for roughly 3 years. Your videos have helped a lot.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Glad to hear it!

[@reikilovesyou6455]

Nice, thank you! I'm awesome at some rolls but could never figure out how to incorporate them into total songs.

[@chrislandstrom1110]

I’ve been playing for 19 years. I really enjoyed your videos and well stated discussion about rolls.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Chris!

[@nancieclisby7247]

Thanks Eli for a great lesson on how to make Banjo Rolls sound like Bluegrass

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Nancie!

[@swingmaster02]

You are correct about Earl not using rolls. I've been picking for over 40 years now and I never thought of playing rolls when I was figuring out how to play. I just picked out what sounded good to my ears. I'm pretty much self taught by trial and error. There are times someone will ask me what roll I play for this or that and I have to reply that I don't know because I never learned the rolls and their names. Just my different perspective on it. :)

[@jaydub5728]

Hi Eli, Love your videos, thank you very much! I've had my banjo for over a year, but have learned more and made more progress in the last 6 days with your online series! Huge Thank You!!

[@dcthim]

Been playing clawhammer on & off for 2 years. Just started bluegrass style a few weeks ago.

[@Ever8eliever]

Don't even own a banjo, Eli. But I will very soon. And YOU were the inspiration that drove this classical pianist into it. Bravo !!!

[@dankintner51]

I've been playing about 35 years, stuck on intermediate. Your videos are definitely helping me progress. The combo of tab and video is a big help for me. Thanks

[@themoodyukuleleplayer.]

Just brought my first banjo. This is seriously useful. Big thanks.

[@MorganEnglundMusic]

Thanks for the great info, Earl. I started playing about six years ago, had to sell my banjo and just bought a new one. so I'm starting again. Peace:)

[@rickmartin7125]

I began learning banjo 3 years ago in group classes. During pandemic, i learned more on my own via youtube, and free tabs.

[@pastorstevensimpson]

I got my first banjo while studying in London nearly 37 years ago, but I've been focused on playing banjo only for the past 6 years now. The short version of this lesson posted on Instagram jumped right in with 2 samples of rolls you WOULDN"T hear Earl do. Blew my mind! Those are exactly the rolls I first learned out of Earl's book 36 years ago and THOUGHT I was playing Bluegrass, but wondered why it didn't really sound like it. FINALLY you explain it in a way I don't remember EVER having it explained to me before. Thank you, Eli!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

So glad to hear that Steven!

[@peterpearce9296]

I have been playing for 4 days. I say playing but at the moment im just making a horrible noise. Im working on your 30 days of beginner banjo tuition and im only on day 2. I play violin and guitar but having arthritis (im 67) i think its going to be a long hard road. However, Im grateful that you put the time and effort into helping to educate numb skulls like me so we can give it a go. Well done.

[@drear45]

I am back at banjo after a 12 year break as I tried guitar and hammered dulcimer and now I'm back to banjo. I got my 1st banjo when I was 30 and now I'm 67 but I'll keep plugging away.

[@bruceplumley6638]

Just started playing , i found this helpful. Thanks for shearing

[@ThePaytorRyan]

I’ve been playing for 4 and a half years, your vids definitely help me tighten up my game and clarify things in a super succinct way! Appreciate the effort bruv.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Glad to hear it!

[@Gigitobanjo]

this video is perfect! I've never seen any other channel talking about it, and it's so true!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thank you!

[@Vilkages-Mike]

I have had my banjo about 36 years. I would say I have been playing about 10 years. Went many years with little time to practice. Still don’t play like a ten year player. But I keep enjoying it especially in retirement. Love your posts.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks!

[@tammyhyde7704]

I’ve been playing about a month and stumbled across your videos. I’m on day 5, taking it slowly. Thanks for these, they’ve been so helpful.

[@winstonandjobrown5328]

Best teaching I’ve found

[@aarongiddens8890]

I’ve been playing for about 5 months and I’m loving every minute of it!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Awesome!

[@surf10ten9999]

Just finished first week learning to play with my new banjo

[@ptrivilino]

Brand new to banjo - been wanting to learn and play with others around a campfire when we travel in our motorhome. Thanks for all your work in these lessons. I am about to start your 30 Days of Banjo lessons.

[@clairewagner4416]

Great explanation… Clear and succinct. I found it very helpful and describes what I’ve been trying to explain to others the last several years. I’ve been playing actually since I was 16 or 17, and that’s been a few decades now… Good grief. Love the sound of the Banjo and there’s always so much that I find I have not learned. It’s just fun to keep at it. Thanks for a great video!

[@JonathanThrift]

I've been playing for 19 years. I appreciate your videos and what you are doing for the banjo community. I loved your lesson on Ron Stewart playing in D. I would love to see more Ron Stewart techniques and licks if possible. Thanks Eli!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Jonathan!

[@dianaorr53]

Thanks, Eli! I’ve been playing almost four years. I enjoy your channel.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Diana!

[@kendylhoudyshell1399]

Great lesson Eli!!! Thanks for presenting this in such an easy to follow method 👍

[@bluegrassboy2448]

SUBSCRIBED! What a great teacher! I've been playing ( more like struggling) with my 5-string and have more or less been self taught with basic rolls, chords, and licks and have improvised the rest, knowing it may not be the proper way, therefore avoiding challenging techniques because my lack of confidence. So, I have slowly transitioned into enjoying claw hammer/frailing these days. But, these AWESOME tools have inspired me to try the three finger patterns once more!

[@thomasmarron7092]

I'm amazed at the clear explanation! Now i feel I have a rationale for practicing the roll patterns.