Four Styles of Play Explained

A _very_ brief introduction to 2-finger, 3-finger, "up-picking" ("Seeger Style"), and clawhammer to help folks who want to learn banjo, but don't have a clue about these common styles.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• clawhammer
• banjo
• frailing
• clawhammerbanjo
• instruction

[rollmop7]

is it wrong to be bias and say clawhammer is the best style? lol

[zeppmusic]

@rollmop7 No! It would be wrong to say one of the other styles is, though. :-)

[d2majzoub]

Thanks Donald. I was looking at a GoldTtone (OB) but that seemed strictly geared to bluegrass. Gold Tone makes banjos for clawhammer, too; and I like the sound they produce. That means two banjos, though; and I can't afford that right now. I'll be sure to check out suggestions. I've heard of the Whyte Laydie, but not the Tu-Ba-Phone style you mentioned. I'll have to so a search on that one. Do those have resonators? On my old Kay, I can take off the resonater to go folksy.

[zeppmusic]

@d2majzoub Both the WL configuration and the TBP have been used for open backs and resonator style bluegrass banjos: Richelieu's Lyte Ladie series uses a WL tone ring, and Vega used the TBP ring in their Earl Scruggs model back in the '60s. The TBP tends to be a bit louder and brighter, while the WL is a bit plunkier. Unfortunately, I cannot say one is better than the other. They are different. :-)

[justaman6972]

any opinion on Deering banjers? Thinkin bout getting one ,but as it seems, I'd have to sell my house to afford it. Price doesn't mean quality sound so I value your opinion. Thanks.

[zeppmusic]

@justaman6972 Deering makes excellent instruments ranging from reasonably priced (e.g., the Goodtime I used in this video) to the ridiculously expensive. At some point with any builder, your extra money is purely for cosmetic reasons (fancier wood, inlay, engraving, etc.) and won't improve the sound a jot.

Gold Tone and Recording King brand banjos are made in China and offer some very affordable pricing. Please contact me privately for my candid opinions.

[jsnbeat]

@rollmop7 it would be ignorant to say clawhammer is the best style - up picking can bridge three finger, two finger, and clawhammer styles seemlessly ... most people who say clawhammer is king, can only play clawhammer - which though IS awesome, IS also limiting.

[Hikikomori013]

@zeppmusic All playing styles are equally good, as long as you're playing the banjo.

Preferably in a two finger thumb lead style.

Not that I'm biased, or anything.

Great demonstration.

[kleiboff]

Nice video !

Ken

[justaman6972]

@zeppmusic not to worry ,you are not alone aparently ha ! Doesnt really matter i will just enjoy playing this manufactureless beauty. Cheers Mr. Zepp and thanks for the reply.