Ring of Fire For Banjo - Intro - Up The Neck

Watch this educational video to learn how to play the intro for Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" - up the neck! You'll learn the simple melody notes first. Bit by bit, layers of complexity are added. There's something for every one in this step-by-step lesson, from the complete beginner to the experienced or eager to learn Scruggs style banjo player.

Rely on listening to and watching the video to understand the complexities in timing and technique. Watch and rewatch as much as needed. After memorizing the notes and getting some practice playing the right ones in the right order, begin to work on your timing. Try to play what you learn in the video along with the playthrough as you get comfortable playing the right notes, in the right order and clearly.

Some elements, like the roll patterns, how to count the basic timing, and a few other things that are incorporated, are not taught in detail. To get more help and advice on those, check out this blog post and video Ring of Fire Intro: Down the Neck

I'd love to teach more of this song - it's so unique. If you'd like to learn some basic rolling backup for the whole song, or if you have other requests on a tune or technique you'd like to know more about, then please send us a message, comment on the Tunefox youtube channel or send us an email.