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I think every banjo player has heard the song “Foggy Mountain Breakdown”, this song defines bluegrass music to a lot of folks. The opening part of this song is one of the best known banjo licks in the world - bar none. The movie “Bonnie and Clyde”, released in 1967 brought this song to a wide audience when it was featured in the movie’s car chase scenes. Written by Earl Scruggs and recorded by Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys in 1949, this song catches the attention of a lot of potential banjo players
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If we are going to talk about Scruggs-style licks, the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” lick has to be at the top of the list. Here is that classic lick broken down for you; start by placing your index finger on the 2nd string - 2nd fret. The next step is two hammer-ons in a row on the 2nd string - 3rd fret - the second hammer-on has the 1st string played open with it. This ultra cool lick is finished with a forward roll and the thumb on the 5th string ready for the next measure. Watch out, the second hammer-on is picked by the thumb. This one is counted 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +, since we play every eighth note. Practice this one a lot - you’ll need it in many different songs.

Listen to this one here: This next lick is another one you’re going to need, so let’s get started on it. Start with your thumb on the 3rd string and follow the diagram carefully. The count for this one is the same as the last exercise: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 , but it ends on a quarter note in the second measure.

Listen carefully:

Make Earl Scruggs proud; learn to play these licks and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a bluegrass banjo player. Remember to listen to bluegrass music and try to find some of the licks you have learned - this will help you advance on the five string banjo.

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