How to Play Earl Scruggs Songs on the Banjo

Earl Scruggs' trademark three-fingered picking style and forward roll were featured in all his songs, whether with Bill Monroe or with the Foggy Mountain Boys. Here is how to play a simple banjo song in Earl Scruggs' style, incorporating the open "G" chord, the "C" chord and the "D7" chord.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Banjo
• Thumb pick
• Finger picks
• Banjo strap (for playing standing up)

Picking the Scruggs Way

1. Strum the top three strings (the third, fourth and fifth strings) with your right thumb.

2. Pick the second string (the next one up from the bottom) with your right index finger.

3. Pluck the bottom (bass, low "D") string with your right middle finger.

Playing the Song

4. Play the Earl Scruggs roll at a slow, trotting pace, leaving your left hand off the frets. (See "How to Play the Earl Scruggs Banjo Roll" under Related eHows.) This is the open "G" chord. Repeat this several times.

5. Place your left middle finger on the fourth string (topmost long string, high "D" string) at the second fret and play the Scruggs roll twice. This is the "C" chord.

6. Repeat the Scruggs roll several times with an open "G" chord.

7. Put your left middle finger on the third (middle, "G") string at the second fret and play the Scruggs roll twice more. This is the "D7" chord.

8. Lift your finger and play the Scruggs roll several more times with the open "G" chord. Repeat Steps 2 through 4, sliding your left middle finger on the "G" string from the second to the third fret as you play the "D7" chord.

9. Finish by gently strumming the banjo strings.

Resources

• Watch a video on playing Earl Scruggs songs at Expert Village.
• Get online lessons on specific banjo topics at Folk of the Wood.
• Buy a banjo method instructional book.