How to Play Foggy Mountain Breakdown

Foggy Mountain Breakdown is one of the classic banjo pieces, and seems to mark a stage at which a prospective banjo player can say, "I've arrived." It can certainly be a source of pride when you master this particular song.

Instructions

1. Hold the banjo comfortably for you, and pluck the second string in an upward motion, making sure to get a crisp, clear sound. This is the first note of this beginning roll to Foggy Mountain Breakdown. Pluck it again for the second note.

2. Pluck the first string once with your middle finger, again producing as crisp and clear a sound as you can. Practice that three-note sequence until it becomes smooth. It can help to have a metal finger pick if you so choose.

3. Produce the fourth note by plucking the fifth string with your thumb. Again, the sound can come out clearer if you have a pick on each finger and the thumb, though you can do the song without them if you like.

4. Repeat the sequence, in part, by plucking the second string with your index finger, the first string with your middle finger, and the fifth string again with your thumb.

5. Speed up the motions now, and try to put that seven-note sequence together into a smooth-flowing melody. Practice it slowly, first, then build up your speed as you become familiar with the progression.

6. Add a "hammer on" by bringing the index finger of your right hand down on the first fret of the banjo just after you play the first note. Listen to examples of the song to hear how that "hammer on" approach sounds in practice. It adds a great "country lilt" to the melody.