Question on Roger's Instructional CD

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Sprung Circle

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For fans and students of legendary banjo player and innovative teacher Roger Sprung

49 Members, Created 4/4/2011 -

Administrators: Rich Weill (owner)

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From BluegrassWarehouse on 7/15/2016 6:10:08 PM

I was asked if I knew of an audio only program for learning banjo; no video, no tab, purely audio. The only one I know of is Roger's, although I do know of some that contain tab and/or video that could be used without them, and just use the audio part.

I have a question about it before I tell them about it. On his website which talks about in person lessons as well as his CD, it mentions that he teaches 20 different rolls. Further down when it is talking specifically about his CD, it mentions his CD teaches 3 rolls.

It states that you will learn 3 rolls to play the melody to 6 different songs. So my confusion is over if you will learn 20 rolls or 3.

Thanks for you help, so I will know how to reply to this person!

Lance

5 Comments
	Rich Weill says: 7/21/2016 9:36:47 AM Roger's CD teaches 3 rolls: what he calls the "incomplete forward roll"; "rolling (or running) through the beat"; and the "thumb-in-and-out forward roll." While all 3 are forward roll variations, each produces a different sound. And while all 3 are excellent at incorporating melody notes, each incorporates the melody a little differently. As a result, playing a tune with each roll shows you different ways of playing the same melody, and thus enables you to make intelligent choices as to which roll you prefer to use where. If you take lessons from Roger, he will teach you 20 different rolls. [He considers the number 18, but it's really 20.] However, once you start playing songs for him, he wants you to play them only using the 3 rolls on his CD. In other words, the way he plays the 6 songs on his CD is the way he wants you to play songs in face-to-face lessons. The remaining rolls are immensely valuable when, on your own, you want to add variety to your playing. The basic principles are the same. You also incorporate melody notes into the other 17 rolls using the same approach you learned using only the core 3. But the 3 rolls on his CD are his primary "go to" rolls. Learning to play them correctly (using the proper "paired" rhythm he demands), and learning how to express a melody using these rolls, is a major, indispensable part of his teaching method -- whether you are learning from his CD or face to face.
	Rich Weill says: 7/21/2016 9:43:55 AM If you want a more complete description of Roger's CD, look here: banjohangout.org/blog/14376
	BluegrassWarehouse says: 7/21/2016 11:18:17 AM Thanks Rich for the clarification! I will tell him about it as well as Ritchie Mintz's and Fred Sokolow's material. Ritchie and Fred's aren't audio only, which he specifically requested, but they can be used that way without the supporting book or printouts. Thanks again! Lance
	Rich Weill says: 7/21/2016 1:47:27 PM Actually, Fred Sokolow has a series of 6 bluegrass banjo instructional CDs, all audio with "very little tab provided." Look on this page: sokolowmusic.com/instructional/banjo
	BluegrassWarehouse says: 7/21/2016 2:35:01 PM Yes, that's the one. He has a few pages of tab, but not much. That's one reason I will be recommending it as well. And it is very good material, too!
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