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Intermediate Dobro Rolls

In this lesson Mark teaches an intermediate roll, similar to a banjo roll, that uses a drone: the second string at the third fret against the open first string. He explains the finger pattern starting on the index and how to angle the bar and use your third finger so only that string is fretted.

Intermediate Rolls: the full lesson, free in the Dobro Starter Kit

What you'll learn

• What intermediate rolls are: combinations of strings with slides and different frets
• A drone roll with the second string at the third fret, the same note as the open first string
• The finger pattern: a forward roll starting on the index
• How to angle and tilt the bar up so it only frets the second string
• Using your third finger to root the bar to the string without touching the first and third strings
• Playing the roll slowly and then a little faster

Step by step

1. Put your bar on the third fret of the second string, angled and tilted up rather than flat.
2. Rest your third finger on the second string to root the bar there, without touching the first or third strings.
3. Play the roll starting with the index: index, middle, thumb, index, middle, thumb, index, middle.
4. Repeat for a few measures, then play it a little faster.

In Mark's words

“These are rolls that combine combinations of strings with slides and different frets.”

“Notice how it's angled and tilted up. It's not flat, because then I would be pushing down on the strings.”

“You've got to just be mindful of the space that's taken up on that string.”

Questions

What is an intermediate roll on dobro?

Mark describes intermediate rolls as rolls that combine strings with slides and different frets. The one in this lesson is very similar to a banjo roll and uses a drone.

What is the finger pattern for this dobro roll?

It's a forward roll that starts with the index: index, middle, thumb, index, middle, thumb, index, middle.

How do I fret just one string with the bar on dobro?

Mark angles the bar and tilts it up so it isn't flat, and rests his third finger on the second string to root the bar there. Make sure that finger doesn't touch the adjacent first and third strings, or you'll get muted notes.

What makes this roll a drone roll?

The second string at the third fret is the same note as the open first string, which gives the roll its drone.

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