Using the thumb, first finger, and second finger, we can play them separately and this combination is called a roll. The most basic is the forward roll. This move can be developed and controlled. You can apply the many variations to create licks. Below is a forward roll being played on three adjacent strings.

The forward roll can be varied by the finger that you start on. The changing of the starting finger gives you a different order of notes. The ability to start the roll on each finger is something that can be developed. Our next graphic shows the forward roll starting on the first finger.


The next shows us starting on the second finger. It may sound easy when you read what needs to happen, but putting it into action on your guitar will take a lot of practice.

Each of the rolls are shown at the first fret. Practice them on all adjacent strings. You can play them up the fretboard and get the left hand involved in the learning. Learn each roll as a separate move. Work on them one at a time. Make up exercises and drills that give your right hand a work out.

Remember, to see the rolls, as a combination of the smaller individual movements. You can learn to put these moves into your hands.

Most players use the forward roll in their playing, but until you get into the other variations, you’re holding yourself back. If you want to hear some examples, play a forward roll at any fret and listen to the three notes that are sounded. Then play each of the other variations at the same fret and with the exact strings that you used before. Each one will have its own characteristics. That alone should tell you how valuable each roll can be to your playing.

These rolls take a while to learn. You are trying to build up muscles that are needed and you can only do that by spending time on each movement that you use as you play. When you first start to learn them. Keep thinking of your right hand and exactly what it has to do to play the roll. Don’t worry about other things, such as the left hand or the pedals. You are only trying to train the thumb, and fingers of the right hand to play these rolls with ease. Adding a slide to these starts with studying Left Hand Logic.

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