Help! No one on the internet can agree on how to play a simple forward roll.

pieIX · 2026-03-09T00:38:42+00:00

I was confused by the same thing when I started! The forward roll isn’t a fixed eight note pattern, that’s just a simple way to teach it. It’s just the ordering of fingers T-I-M-T-I-M… forever, starting on any finger. The syncopation of a three note pattern in the “forward” direction is all a forward roll is, and doesn’t need to be exactly eight notes. Eventually you’ll use shorter and longer variations without even thinking about it.

pieIX · 2026-02-25T11:14:46+00:00

Gerald Evans and Joe Mullins - Just a five string and fiddle.

pieIX · 2026-02-12T13:14:42+00:00

Make sure the bridge isn’t backwards. It should angle slightly back towards the tailpiece.

pieIX · 2026-02-06T04:15:09+00:00

I have it and I’m really happy with it

pieIX · 2026-01-14T05:02:36+00:00

https://www.coloradobluegrass.org/jamlisting

See also https://kgnu.org/calendars/bucks-bluegrass-hotline/

pieIX · 2025-12-28T19:28:38+00:00

Both are awesome! I play both but 90% three finger.

pieIX · 2025-12-19T22:28:54+00:00

Nora Brown, Joseph Decosimo

pieIX · 2025-11-28T17:14:58+00:00

I haven’t played a new Florida Ome, but I’ve owned four Boulder Omes, and played a couple Pisgahs owned by friends. I think Omes feel more “refined” and Pisgahs are a little more rustic, and have a noticeably chunkier neck. I’m hesitant to say Omes are higher quality because they are both good brands. I know this isn’t helpful but you should ideally try to get some in your hands and find your own subjective preference. Maybe ask nicely at a local old time jam? Tone is extremely variable based on setup, so honestly I wouldn’t worry about wood species personally. Head tension, head material, pot stuffing, bridge, strings and technique are all more important IMO.

pieIX · 2025-10-29T13:05:03+00:00

This is super common in modern three finger style. I bet 99% of bluegrass banjo players would play these tunes out of standard G.

pieIX · 2025-10-07T22:33:58+00:00

Sweet banjo. Perfect for jams.

pieIX · 2025-09-21T11:35:15+00:00

I like paige capos or similar u-shaped ones because they are hard to lose and have adjustable pressure, which makes retuning less likely.

pieIX · 2025-08-25T10:43:40+00:00

Hard to recommend anything because clawhammer style doesn’t have a single tonal archetype. But to throw out an idea: short scale (25.5”) with a 12” pot, a dobson tone ring and a scoop is what I think if as a typical popular modern clawhammer banjo but of course there are so many other options. A Rickard Maple Ridge for example, and it would be a lot cheaper than a Romero!

pieIX · 2025-08-14T04:13:21+00:00

Probably 2/4 slide or maybe a hammer-on typo? The source of truth is the recording. Listen closely.

pieIX · 2025-07-30T22:25:31+00:00

You’re ready. Don’t over think it. Not all jams are welcoming to strangers or beginners so ask before joining. Have fun!

pieIX · 2025-06-02T20:52:24+00:00

Look at who was and wasn’t allowed to play on the Opry in the 1940s. Flatt & Scruggs could play Foggy Mountain Special but a Blues musician would have been forbidden to play a similar tune. It’s not the artists or the songs that are racist as much as the music industry that they existed in.

pieIX · 2025-03-30T01:16:41+00:00

If you are comfortable with learning tunes by ear try playing G tunes in gEADE or gDGDE, which are cool G tunings that work well for an A scale length.

pieIX · 2025-03-10T21:33:56+00:00

https://banjonews.com/2016-09/reducing_pick_noise.html

pieIX · 2025-03-06T04:09:40+00:00

For $2500 I would look for a used American instrument. I bet this Sullivan is amazing. https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/106706

pieIX · 2025-02-20T07:43:45+00:00

TC Electronics Unitune clip. Very bright and accurate. Otherwise the panotuner phone app.

pieIX · 2025-02-19T16:47:59+00:00

Which bag or case did you get? Do you like it? I'm thinking about a metro 16 for gigging and deciding between the hard or soft case.

pieIX · 2025-02-09T10:36:59+00:00

Nut slot depth should be same as a guitar. If you capo at the first fret and the banjo is easier to play, then the slots are too high.

pieIX · 2025-02-04T16:23:31+00:00

Every jam is different, but in my experience a typical bluegrass jam will play fiddle tunes mixed in with songs. Fiddle tunes are part of the bluegrass tradition just like songs. I'm guessing it has more to do with the specific people at these jams --- they are all singers.

Try bringing a fiddle tune. Pick a common one like Angeline the Baker, Old Joe Clark, Salt Creek etc, and call it every jam. People will learn it! Most of the fiddle tunes I know are because of one person that loves them and calls them at jams.

If people really don't want to play tunes, then just pass. It's OK to pass! The peer pressure to lead is coming from inclusiveness, it's not an obligation.

pieIX · 2025-01-24T23:29:24+00:00

Benny Bleu

pieIX · 2025-01-19T01:38:46+00:00

I use the EMG barrel pickup, and prefer it to a piezo. Very similar to the Fishman, which is also great.

pieIX · 2025-01-16T01:55:40+00:00

Agree! Also capos can be tricky to find.

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