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

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[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@winstonandjobrown5328]

Best teaching I’ve found

[@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.

[@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

[@Timber1262]

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

[@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

[@GGilbert]

I’m 72 and been playing Banjo for about 4 years now. I’ll never be great but am having a lot of fun.

[@fredsmith3889]

Always enjoy your videos. Been playing for 40 years.

[@kendylhoudyshell1399]

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

[@troysmith6908]

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

[@lalonswaney]

Great job teaching!!

[@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!!

[@calicheyatsar]

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

[@nancieclisby7247]

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

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Nancie!

[@janiceroberts6337]

I'm 68, . Iv had a banjo for 15 yrs but never learned to play it. Now iv decided to start. Wish me luck.

[@kmiller4549]

Started 3 months ago .. your lessons are very helpful

[@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

[@kennymartin3416]

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

[@martindoran515]

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

[@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.

[@robinerickson6404]

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

[@plucknpick4244]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@Gigitobanjo]

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

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@dianaorr53]

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

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Diana!

[@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.

[@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.

[@bruceplumley6638]

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

[@astro781]

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

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Glad to hear it!

[@aarongiddens8890]

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

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Awesome!

[@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

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Well presented!

[@thelordreigns2245]

So very helpful. Thank you!

[@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!

[@jenniferbigelow5794]

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

[@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!

[@surf10ten9999]

Just finished first week learning to play with my new banjo

[@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

[@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.

[@stevejansen2124]

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

[@Rbucks306]

Thanks for explaining well.

[@rkeithpyle8988]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@thomasmarron7092]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@henrygregor7336]

Well done, as always; thanks

[@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!

[@chrislandstrom1110]

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

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Chris!

[@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!

[@themoodyukuleleplayer.]

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

[@tommilazzo8758]

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

[@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 .

[@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!

[@marcdunn7716]

Thanks heaps Eli great info as always

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Marc!

[@marcsirkin8398]

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

[@kennethglenn8327]

I've been learning to play for a year & 3 months. I like the video you post they're very helpful.

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@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

[@drewan575]

I have only been playing banjo for a week! So your videos are great!

[@williammyers3388]

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

[@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.

[@dcthim]

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

[@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. :)

[@dickiesdiner3223]

I’m 70 years old been playing (or trying) for about seven months I follow all your videos I’m getting there slowly thanks keep up the good work I would recommend your videos (lessons) to all people new to banjo ps I found it easier to learn drums in my teens and I’m still learning but I’m loving the banjo

[@josephmichelotti6230]

I've been playing claw for about a year and a half. Your lessons are great!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Joseph!

[@lynndifilippo1830]

Hi from Pa, I’ve been playing for a year and a half now..just found your channel and it’s been very helpful! Thank you

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Glad to hear it!

[@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!

[@lynnoliver9549]

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

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Glad to hear it!

[@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!!!

[@edkozlowski2862]

Eli, I have been playing 4 months. I used your 30 days videos and am continuing on from there

[@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.

[@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.

[@DiegoLopez-zi1wl]

I LOVE your channel. Greetings from Spain!

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks Diego!

[@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.

[@thombanjo3]

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

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks!

[@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

[@tbirdage]

Been trying to play for a few years, I wish I put the time into it that I do listening to it. Love your videos. Thanks

[@EliGilbertBanjo]

Thanks! Listening is an important part of the process!