Rolf, That's exactly right. Say you're holding a simple first position D chord. You'd pick down on the third string, down on the second string and up on the first string. Then you'd repeat those three notes and follow up with a down stroke on the third string and an up stroke on the first string; all in the rhythm you described.

As you point out there are as many variations as there are banjo rolls and one must always be ready to vary the pattern to accomodate notes, slides, etc.

Just as in banjo playing, over time, one gains a muscle memory for the technique and the concentration on patterns begins to fade.

J.P., Noodling around, yeah... that's the ticket. <g>

      - Mark