Rider - Scruggs Style - Basic - Key of C

This basic Scruggs style version of Rider for the banjo uses repeating roll patterns mixed in with the melody to provide a solid arrangement that sounds great and isn't too tough to play. In the A section, the melody is on the 2nd and 3rd strings. When it's on the second string the Foggy Mountain roll is being used. When the melody is on the G string(3rd string) an alternating thumb roll or Forward Backward roll works great. For the Bb chord you are playing a piece of a B suspended chord. It sounds great and makes for an easier transition to the F chord shape you'll use here. There's also a simple but really nice pentatonic walk to help fill space while providing a nice variety of sound over the C chord.

In the B section the rolls are temporarily abandoned in favor of the double stops. This helps avoid tough shifts and rolls. However, the melody here is being played on the second string. Do you remember what roll works great when the melody is on the second string?

The Grateful Dead, and other artists, played this in the key of D. You can play in the key of D on banjo with these "C shapes". Capo at the second fret and spike, capo or retune your 5th string to an A note. Boom, you're in the key of D now when you play with these C shapes. For more info on how to use a capo and how it works check out the learning path for Banjo Capo Use.

Check out the licks to substitute alternate roll patterns or more authentic Scruggs style banjo vocabulary. Use the focus feature to master an individual lick before trying to play it with the whole song.