3 Levels of Cripple Creek Rolling Backup

Here's how to play rolling down-the-neck backup for Cripple Creek. It's centered around a 5-3-1 forward roll pattern and there is tab available for the basic level to get you started. Here's the breakdown:

1. Use the forward roll as your main pattern here over the G chord. There's a good amount of pauses in this simplified version and you don't need to play it exactly like this although it gives you a great foundation for phase 2. Notice that you wont finger the full C or D chords in this. It's usually just one note from the chord.

2. This builds on the forward roll foundation and you're adding in more filled out roll patterns and slides.

3. The pro version is even more fluid and incorporates some licks on the 3rd string to make the backup even more dynamic.

Figure out the backup patterns using the slowed down versions of the backup and download the audio to play along. Remember, you don't have to do it exactly like this but this is a very legitimate bluegrass sounding approach to playing rolling backup and if you've never done it before this is a great place to start.

Not ready for rolling backup? Check out 4 Levels of Cripple Creek Vamping Backup.