Free Banjo Lesson 02
Exercise 2-1: The Slide
The slide is the technique of picking a string with the right hand then moving a left hand finger from one fret to another without releasing pressure. In tablature, the slide is usually indicated with a dash or a cuved line. In this example, use the 2nd finger to slide from fret 2 to fret 4 on the 3rd string.
Because of the way MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) records music, I have recorded the slide in both MIDI and .mp3 format. Listen to both. The .mp3 file is how a slide should actually sound, but it's difficult (with my current equipment) to get it right with MIDI.
Play MIDI.
Play mp3.
Now combine the slide with the basic forward roll. The double bar across the note stems on the 2 and 4 indicates sixteenth notes. The two notes making up the slide, therefore, take up the same time as one eight note. Thus, there is no difference in the right hand timing when the slide is added. Be sure to continue the roll without pausing for the slide.
Play it.
Exercise 2-2: Changing Chords With Slide To C
You already played this in lesson one. Now play it again with the 2-4 slide. Note that the 2nd finger can be poised and ready for the slide while you play the C chord. Remember, don't pause for the slide. Try to get it right 10 times in a row before moving on.
Play it.
Exercise 2-3: Changing Chords With Slide To D7
Notice that after playing the D7 chord, the 2nd finger is already in the right position for the slide.
Play it.
Exercise 2-4: Slide With Change to D7
This is a Forward-Reverse roll with a slide. Slide from 2 to 4 with the forward roll then back to D7 with the reverse roll.
Play it.
Exercise 2-5: Ending with Slide
This is Exercise 2-4 with the addition of a one measure forward roll. Notice that the final note has been left off the G roll. The last note now is called a quarter note. It's stem is not connected to the other notes with a bar. A quarter note gets the same time as 2 eight notes but is only picked once. Pick the 3rd string and let it ring for one entire beat.
Play it.
When you have mastered all of the exercises, you are ready to play Boil Them Cabbage.
Play it slow.
Play it medium.
Play it fast.
© Gary Shepherd -- 2003