Kitchen Girl - old time clawhammer banjo

[southcoastsounds]

Very fine playing indeed. And a great video recording too

[mrclawhammer2011]

That's a wonderful sound. Love the way you have done it. :-) Rhythm is perfect ! Just love it!

[apollo1064]

i play guitar, badly. gonna get me a banjo..,.well done

[bjograsshopper]

Man.. how llong did it take you to get that drop thumb down??? I am really having trouble with it.

I like your style. You got it!

[Shivas4659]

I really enjoy your style of clawhammer. You make it look easy though I know it is not. I really am drawn to old time stringband tunes. In fact, I'm been looking for my first banjo and plan to learn how to play in the clawhammer style. I have narrowed my choices to the Gold Tone CC-OT or the Gold Tone CB-100. Not sure if the CB-100 is worth the extra bucks, but I digress. Anyway, thanks for sharing your playing. I hope you will post some more clawhammer tunes.

[PicklesMusic1]

How big is the pot?

[onion456]

really great, loved the tune and your playing of it was outstanding. really relaxed, great tempo control, hats off to you and thanks for posting!

[lsamoa]

Love it!

[humanboy1221]

i'm going to assume that took a lot of practice! that tune alone must have taken a long time master. i decided to pick up playing banjo a few months ago and can finally play a semi decent rendition of cripple creek, however i'm having a killer time implementing the various embellishments. do you have any tips on playing clean sounding hammer downs, and slides? mine always sound a little off.

[73scamp]

Great tune, i just picked up my first open back, hope i can get just half as good as you..........great job

[mijnoco]

Great Stuff!!! love the tone you have here.

[itsumonihon]

that was damn outstanding. a real gem on youtube. thanks for uploading

[peteparker0720]

Great song i just started playing banjo (picking) because i cant find any books on claw hammer and have no one to teach but i think i listen to you play once a day keep up the great music

[atown5792]

@peteparker0720 try "the how and the tao of old time banjo" I started off learning scruggs and it just wasn't my thing. SOmeone recommended this book and it's great. The guy who writes it also does all kinds of videos on youtube with lessons his username is Dobro33H

[rpashoukos]

Outstanding!



[endascahill]

Lovely touch and tone

[gazmaxj]

I've heard some great clawhammer players and you're certainly up there with the best of them. Excellent rendition of one of my favourite pieces. Thank you.

[shinboxer72]

I love this version. Is there tab on this anywhere? Thanks for posting the tune!

[TheMarkedham]

I was thinking of buying a banjo....is there any specific kind thats better for beginners or just better all together?

[WornGlobe]

@TheMarkedham

Largely depends on what style you want to play, clawhammer or bluegrass. Open backed banjo for Clawhammer and the ones with the large resonators are typical for bluegrass. As for a beginner banjo, you should be able to get a decent sounding one for under £300.

[FallbrookGuy]

Nicely done man! I could listen to you play all day, thanks for sharing!

[FlopsyDiggins]

what's the difference between clawhammer music and bluegrass music?

[PicklesMusic1]

Diggity

[fessofesso]

Absolutely great playing and wonderful sounding banjo! i listen to this often and you inspired me to learn Kitchen Girl. i have the tab for a different version but i really like your arrangement... any chance you have a tab for yours?

Again, thanks for posting it!

Jeff/Fesso

[viktorleboss]

Greetings from France !

[goreri]

wow nice tone!

[theothernickc]

seriously good clawhammer!

[MrClawhammer2010]

Well said FrostyMorn. Brilliant playing! One of my favorites.

[captgraham2]

Outstanding. I note that you have the capo on the second fret. What tuning are you using?

[sessy4paws]

Awesome really enjoyed listening to you :)

[electricslipper]

Fantastic technique and outstanding banjo. I would like to see a couple of old folks clogging in the background.

[FlatfootJohnny]

Do you have the action set quite high in order to play over the neck without a frailing scoop? whenever i try i cant get my thumb to strike because it feels like my action is too low. BTW love your playing... your vids inspired me to take up clawhammer banjo 2 years ago and now i cant put it down.

[yougooddog]

Great song.

[ZiGGyMaidEN]

Is there a tab for this tune somewhere? I would totally like to learn this song

[williamwarren17]

Your sense of time is amazing. After playing banjo for half a year and watching all these youtube videos, you're one of the best ones by far on here. I also like the plunky sound you get from playing above the fret board.

[VonnyM]

very nice!

[d2majzoub]

Just Amazing! How long have you been playing? You played that so beautifully. I'm just learning clawhammer and am having trouble deciding which finger to use for the down pick. I"m leaning toward my index finger. Is there any advantage between using the index or middle finger to get the melody? You're in my favorites, and a thumbs up to you.

[FrostyMorn]

@d2majzoub Clawhammer banjo is a wonderful thing. I had been playing guitar since I was a kid, but picked up banjo and old-time music about 10 of 12 years ago. Changed my life!

I happen to use my middle finger, some folks use the index. It's subjective, so see what works best for you.

Thanks for listening!

[edwindrood1]

@FrostyMorn 

[thespenceman]

@d2majzoub i alternate depending on the song - there's a different feel that comes with each finger - sometimes i use my ring finger for a light brush/touch - sometimes you'll want to use both fore- and second finger in the same song to strike higher vs. lower strings - have fun!

[journeyer58]

Frosty Morn, what an accomplishment to play like this. It sounds like the old timey string band music that I grew up with.

Please keep posting videos with the same banjo, it has a wonderful sound and tone.

[jasonhalliday72]

Wonderful! Is this your own arrangement, or do you have tabs for this? :) I'd love to learn this arrangement, but I'm still learning so I can't do it by ear yet..

[namtsewhsit]

You have an amazingly haunting rhythm on this tune. I learn so much about playing my banjo from watching you and others play. Post more please.....

[haolegolucky]

Beautiful! I just started playing clawhammer style two weeks ago so this is pretty inspirational!

I was wondering why you are playing so high up on the neck though?

[FrostyMorn]

On this tune, I play over the neck simply because I like the way it sounds! Try the experiment yourself, see if you can hear a difference on your banjo.

[hellion83]

I picked up clawhammer about two months ago. Your videos make my day. Legend.

[madelinelpots]

Very beautiful playing. Inspring, really.

[captgraham2]

As usual, you nailed it. I like your clean, clear style. What tuning is this? You have the capo on the second fret.

[eht12369]

This is awesome! You have such an authentic sounding style, and you get such a rich tone from your instrument. Sweet upload.

[cmezak]

Great performance. I'm just starting on clawhammer, and this version of kitchen girl is one of the milestone goals I've set for myself. I'm wondering about the tone you're getting here, though. Very clean without a lot of harmonics. I see that you're playing up on the neck, but even doing that I don't quite get the same result. Is it something about your hardware? The moon bridge perhaps? My banjo is a cheap aluminum washburn b9, so who knows what I'm missing. Thanks for the inspiration!

[FrostyMorn]

The tone a player gets from a banjo is the sum of a number of things, as you have guessed. You can adjust the head tension and try different bridges and tail pieces. I do use a heavy Moon bridge, yes, and I have a small piece of fabric rolled up and placed between the head and dowel stick. The length, shape and thickness of your fingernail has a significant influence on tone - something else to experiment with. A banjo is a simple thing, you don't need an expensive one to sound good!

[cmezak]

@FrostyMorn Thanks for taking the time to respond. I'll keep fiddling around with my banjo to see what I can accomplish. I'm not looking to duplicate your tone for its own sake, but I'm trying to understand the range that's available to me through various adjustments. Thanks again, and keep posting videos!

[LawdyMissClaudy]

Just beautiful...

[MrDaveGunter]

Nice playin', friend!

I have right hand nails for guitar, too, and don't seem to have a problem with them playing clawhammer.

By the way -- great drop-thumbing in this piece. Any tips on same?

[cswvmi]

very clean!

[hjwinzinger]

Oh my golly. That was so nice. I have been trying to learn to play but it has been a frustrating process. I think my longer fingernails on my right hand (for guitar picking) seem to get in the way.

[FrostyMorn]

Thanks very much for the kind words.

Some nail on the finger used for downstroke is a good thing. I also shape my finger nails (right hand) for playing the guitar - so you can do both!

[dasilvaec]

I actually find it more difficult to play clawhammer when my frailing finger nail is shorter.

[Labrabob]

Thanks, good stuff.

[bjunt4prez]

Damn good!!

[SeveralHobos]

Man that has to be some of the cleanest clawhammering I have seen. I look forward to the day I am able to play something that isn't Cripple Creek that perfectly.

[Mahjira]

Very nice! Loved it!!

[kirktorf]

FM has one of the cleanest right hands I've seen. I wish he'd tell us which finger he uses to pluck with...

[pit032]

Middle Id say..Id almost bet you a hundred buckaroos~ " P

[FrostyMorn]

Safe bet, middle finger it is! Thanks for listening.

[CageyKYT]

69 thousand views in 2 hyears!! That's awesome--like 100 views per day on average.

Well-played old-time clawhammer banjo is alive and well!!!

Congrats and thanks.

[dp11issosweet]

good job. i played along on guitar because i wanted to learn this tune so thanks. i love the melody and the major/minor thing.

[mollykaplanoflos]

your my hero

[agrlfmtx]

Great song, great rhythm, great sound!! Loved it! Fav.....t:)

[mullerheinrich]

Beautiful

[babcockc]

Wow.

[checkraisedbywolves]

wonderful

[TERIPOTTER]

very Very nice. have to drag out the book and learn a new tune. looking at the tabs tho its a little different from what you play, and my book does have it in the modal section. Very nice stuff you strut!

[seventhwhistler]

Beautiful playing.

[Linuxrat]

Excellent playing there!

[dbanther22]

Is that a moonbridge on there? How do you like it?

[FrostyMorn]

Good eyesight! Yes, a heavy Moon bridge recommended to me by Donald Zepp, of Zepp Country Music. I've been using it for years, and like the tone it helps create.

[banjoboymcgee]

Are you sure that you aren't playing in modal tuning? I thought the tuning for this song would be aEADE being A modal tuning.

[FrostyMorn]

Yes, I am sure about how I have tuned my banjo. It is possible to play these old tunes in different banjo tunings, of course!

[chazzer13]

Thanks SAchopstics,I'm much obliged for the information,You're a gentleman. Cheers!

[ciluffo321]

I wish I could learn old time mountain style aka clawhammer. I try but It sounds horrible. I admire your talent good sir.

[amerikanerMarinen]

It's a hard thing to get good at! Not easy at all. With time, you'll get really good. One day you'll just be able to do it and it'll be like second nature.

[chazzer13]

I know I'm a dumb old (very old ) Brit, but why is it called a clawhammer banjo?

[SAchopsticks]

the banjo itself is not a "clawhammer", clawhammer is the name of the picking style displayed in the video.

[simianvector]

Great, great tune. Makes me want to dive into clawhammering. How do you capo the 5th string?

[amerikanerMarinen]

Some banjos come with a railroad spike in which you push the string under or you can buy a fifth string capo.

[sillykidssong]

wonderful timing, style and overall sound. Great job!

[chessfun]

nice playing

[eastkybanjo91]

i can barly play cripple creek clawhammer but ill git it one day by hell

[SqeakyCat]

Do you have this out on a CD?

[colindominy]

That banjer is way old-time .. and so is the unique old-time sound that you so expertly extract from it. If Bascome Lamar Lunsford was still with us, I'm sure he'd want to feature you and that instrument. Well done.

[kleiboff]

Great tune. Thanks....

[Annie0913]

Brilliant playing!

[mabroussardii]

that was excellent. looked kinda easy, so it must be difficult...

[02x9]

Exactly Right

[donnasnb60]

Im lovin it!! 5 stars!!

[FingerLakes585]

this is awesome and I am sending a link to my son in Carrolton, TX. the fingers are so smooth - you actually look like you are dancing with the banjo...

nice.

[jdebrou]

ELLECELENT!!

[kykybunny11]

hell yea cant git no bettern that keep pickin

[lukeemersonG]

Skills:)

[Fishmonger1966]

You brightened my day!

[boswelj3]

XALAM

NICE JOB MUTHA!!!

[777rivers]

FrostyMorn!

I just love your version of this tune. It seems quite different from Mike Iverson`s and Krassen`s version. Do you have the tab for this "sparkling, ringing and crisp" version?

I would really appreciate your help!

Greetings from Norway

Inge Iversen

[FrostyMorn]

Hello Inge, thanks for the kind words. I developed this version over time, just by listening to other musicians, fiddlers and banjo players. I have no tab and, truth be told, may play it a bit differently next time!

[paulfeetz]

Learned Kitchen Girl at an Old Town School of Folk Music Friday night jam on the fiddle. Wanted to figger it out on the banjo. This video helps a lot. Very crisp. Yeah, the major to minor switch is cool in this tune.

[katygfmu]

Perfect!

[megaplayah]

you choose very good songs to play with in clawhammer. you really have a good taste of music.

[megaplayah]

Like the way he looked at the camera in the beginning. Erotic. With a touch of animal wildernes. OUTSTANDING!

[turkamine]

OUTSTANDING!!

[Luthval]

Great, thanks

[thorneswift]

I need to kick my own ass for trading my S.S. Stewart Banjo for a Mandolin!

[torrytott]

Amazing!!!!I love it- the mix of major and minor tonality mixed with b7 is awesome

[oldtimey18]

clean and crisp playing. Looks like a whyte

Laydie #7. Sounds great!

[olebluemando]

Hey, great tone man! Is that a Vega your playin'? It looks like one.

[bogcottage]

love your stuff Frosty. Why do you play your strum so far up the neck ? Is it quieter?

[FrostyMorn]

Thanks for listening, bog. I'm happy to know you like the music. Clawhammer banjo players will often pick over the neck rather than over the head. It's a different sound - a more mellow tone, I suppose.

[bogcottage]

Hi frosty. I am about to pick out a banjo. What used one might you recommend for your style of playing?- I will most likely not use a pick. Thanks for the great music. I'm listening to Falls of Richmond just now.

[ebotusbanjar]

Wonderful!!!

[mudskippercory]

Dude,

This is just awesome. :)

[kleiboff]

Great Banjo ! Thanks..

[kidshare]

Dude can pick it. Kudos!

[ndaener]

Frosty, you continue to amaze me! That is just terrific. I really admire your musicianship. Thanks for posting this (and all your other videos).

Neil

[utbanker]

Nice sound... Gibson?

[GreasyD]

Never get tired of watching this one!! Beautifull!! Well done!

[ukesivousplait]

as good as it gets...thanks for sharing your gift...

[nyartist2001]

love the rhythm.. do you have a tab for it?

[batum44]

if you get a reply please let me know? Maybe hes playing it close to his chest(PUN?)

[batum44]

Really really nice! Dont suppose you have tabbed it?

[pg1157140]

you did great man i loved it your in my favorites

[trevorm1]

Never heard this one. It's great.

Thanks.

[kenberner]

Is your bridge a "Moon" or other make, and is it arched at the top? Thanks for the fine playing!

[FrostyMorn]

Thanks. It is a heavy Moon bridge, yes.

[jmaryk]

Beautiful! Is that an 11 13/16" or a 10 15/16" pot?

[kleiboff]

Great frailing ! I love this sound,

[ChrisEdwards2004]

Superb! Thanks for this little gem.

[FrostyMorn]

I start with gDGBD then put the capo on the 2nd fret to get gEAC#E. Then retune the 5th string up a full step to get aEAC#E. So it's more like open A tuning.

[pit032]

Really liked it..is that a heavy moon bridge on that? tone sounds deep and nice

[FrostyMorn]

Yes, heavy Moon bridge on an old Remo frosted head. I'm happy with the tone.

[DragonWorshipper]

really great tune

[zkafel]

awesome. love the clawhammer style

[YankeePicker]

I keep comin back to listen to this, it's just awesome, thanks!

[YankeePicker]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[ssduke]

Really lovely. Thanks for sharing.

[vagevogel]

I love your pickin'.. Thanks for posting!

Greetings from Amsterdam

[locustvalleystring]

Nice job..

[AussieSteveBoyle]

Love your work. There's been some serious time behind the gut bucket there, methinks!

[Juneappal]

That's the way the B part of Kitchen Girl should be played! Very subtle and acoustically pleasing.

[OzClawhammer]

Clean...simple ...Majic..

[kylefer]

ohownage

[finkster101]

so cool and the melody rocks.

[mjtracy]

Some of the nicest right hand I've seen. Good song.

[nmarilag]

Really nice. Great clawhammer technique

[sparkyfiddle]

Wonderful playing. One of my favourite tunes. Thanks

[Banjer]

Very nice

[hilotom]

very playing and the banjo sound is excellant!!