Backward Roll

Now that we have a handle on the forward roll, the next step is to learn the backward roll. This one is done the same way as the forward roll, but done in reverse, or backward. When performing this roll we would start on the highest string, and work backward in a descending order, meaning highest pitch to the lowest. The string sequence would be 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2.

Once again I’ve shown each example using two different types of picking. In the first example I’ve shown economy picking, and in the second I’ve shown alternate picking. Just like the forward roll we can do a slight variation, and change the very last note of the sequence from the second to the third string. The new string sequence would be 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 3.

Now take the patterns and explore trying them on the different sets of strings, and even tunes. Now that we have these patterns it’s time to apply them to some tunes. Check out the next post Putting The Forward Roll To Use.

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