We're re-issuing one of Chris's most popular lessons with re-mastered video and updated loop points. From Chris: 

There is a great crosspicking variation called a backward roll that I stole from my dad, Ben Eldridge, who plays banjo. Banjo typically is played using a forward roll, where you use thumb, index, middle, thumb, index, middle, etc with the notes going low to high. The backward roll just flips the forward roll around to middle, index, thumb, middle, index, thumb, etc.

The backward roll has a great sound, that pitch-wise tends to move from high to low. A great example can be heard in the Earl Scruggs tune Home Sweet Home. Of course, we're using a flatpick but the basic high to low pattern of the backward roll stays intact.

We're going to use it this week to play a variation on the melody of Banks of the Ohio. I think this is a very pretty variation and I hope you enjoy playing it!

Chris

 

Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
standards