The Foggy Mountain Breakdown Roll

Step 1: Getting the Roll Down

Here's another roll pattern to add to your musical toolkit and this one is used at the very beginning of the popular banjo song, "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."

This roll is a variation of the forward roll that you already know but it's leading with your index finger. Also, the timing is a little different. Watch the lesson video below or listen to the tab to hear how to play this roll. You'll start with your index finger on the 2nd string and then you'll drop your thumb down to the same string and that is where you'll start your forward roll pattern, which is strings 215215.

The Foggy Mountain Breakdown Roll Video Tutorial

In the tab below, you'll learn how to add a C chord into the mix when playing this roll pattern. This will help you better internalize the roll and how to switch chords while playing it.