D Tuning and “Reuben,” Part 2

This lesson is part of the course Beginning Banjo with Bill Evans.

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The driving sound of the banjo is at the heart of many styles of roots music. Get started with basic chords, strums, and fingerings, along with simple bluegrass rolls, accompaniment patterns, clawhammer style, and more.

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Earl Scruggs’ Reuben

D Tuning and “Reuben,” Part 1

D Tuning and “Reuben,” Part 2

Now that you’re in D tuning, you’re ready to learn “Reuben,” which uses combinations of pinch patterns and alternating thumb rolls, along with an occasional forward reverse roll. Bill reminds you how to play all those rolls, and then plays the first variation of “Reuben” through, before taking it apart measure by measure. You’ll also learn two more of Earl’s variations: in the second variation you play the slide with the alternating thumb roll over and over, and the third variation has a nice bluesy sound. Bill plays each one slowly and finishes by playing all three variations with guitarist Scott Nygaard.

"Reuben" (Available to subscribers)

"Rueben" MP3 Download (Available to subscribers)

Previous Lesson

← D Tuning and “Reuben,” Part 1

Next Lesson

The G Major Scale and “Dueling Banjos,” Part 1 →

Previous Lesson

← D Tuning and “Reuben,” Part 1

Next Lesson

The G Major Scale and “Dueling Banjos,” Part 1 →

Previous Lesson

← D Tuning and “Reuben,” Part 1

Next Lesson

The G Major Scale and “Dueling Banjos,” Part 1 →

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