Lesson: The uke strum, part 1

Introduces a basic strum that turns a 5-string banjo into an instant banjo uke. Aimed at intermediate clawhammer players who have some familiarity with playing chords in D (see my video on that for an introduction).

You'll hear an Illinois version of "Fly Around, My Pretty Little Miss" played by Garry Harrison, Genevieve Harrison, Jo Burgess, and Cathy Moore. For many more Illinois tunes, see http://www.dearoldillinois.com.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• clawhammer
• banjo
• lesson
• strumming
• strum

[IrishTim40]

Just got my first banjo for Xmas and am tinkering with it in different ways. I've played acoustice guitar for years and also play some balalaika, but I'm struggling with the rolling/finger picking on the 5-string. I'm certainly not giving up but am also looking for other ways to enjoy my banjo. I will try this style for sure. I do have a tuning question tho... Can you tune the 5th (G) up to an A w/out breaking it? And can you tune the 2nd (B) up to a C w/out breaking it, then capo up to D?

[BanjoMeetsWorld]

Yes, you can tune the 5th string up to A and the 2nd up to C. Have fun!

[bschlotz]

I just bought my first banjo, but I've been playing uke for years, this is a great bridging video. thanks!

[Labrabob]

What a great idea! There is no end to the ideas and possibilities. I gotta learn them chords.

[coldheartedsquirrel]

thank you very much for this lesson

[tanglefingers]

i kinda mess around doing something like this in a couple of tunes we do already. I have a tiny wedge of felt i put under the 5th string just below the capo spike to mute it , but i guess i realy should learn to mute it with my thumb so i can change back and forth.

[Bisbonian]

Wow, Cathy, that is so fun. Gotta try it, thanks!