Intro to Clawhammer Banjo

An introduction to the clawhammer banjo style taught on ezFolk. Free tablature is available on ezFolk for this method.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• clawhammer
• banjo
• clawhammerbanjo
• frailing
• 5-string
• lesson
• tutorial
• learn
• ezfolk
• Richard
• Hefner

[bigspartans17]

Okay that's great, thanks! One last thing; do you "bum" with your index or middle finger? I can't tell from the video, and I've heard you can use both, but I'm not sure which one, if any, would be better.

[ezfolk777]

I use my middle finger but a lot of people find they get better control and more volume with the index finger. Try both and see what works best for you.

[bigspartans17]

I want to learn clawhammer first and exclusively, but would it be a bad idea to learn both clawhammer and bluegrass styles at the same time? People tell me not to, but I love all types of music and I'd like to cover all facets of the banjo. Thanks

[ezfolk777]

I learned both at the same time myself. It's fine. You will possibly gravitate more towards one or the other over time depending on which style suits you best but it's good to be able to play both (clawhammer and bluegrass) if you'd like to. The left hand works virtually the same way for both styles (for chords and single notes) so the biggest difference is in the style of picking.

[ezfolk777]

Jackson... Be sure to watch my video called "The Bum Ditty for Clawhammer Banjo," which contains a much better detailed description of the mechanics including how to use your thumb to pluck the strings.

[actiregulators]

Hi what tune is being played in this ?

[ezfolk777]

The tune at the very beginning is a small portion of "Keep on the Sunny Side," then into the video the song that is used is "Good Ol' Mountain Dew."

[Smikfouc]

this man looks like hes staring into your soul....

[CARLOMARTI149]

Im studying both.

Did about 2 months of bluegrass to learn

FMB, dueling banjos and a few other

easy scruggs style - most folks like to hear em.

Most of the songs I like though are old timey

clawhammer - shady grove , barlow knife

AMERICAN basically.

Openback banjos with wood tone rings are the best for that old backwood mountain sound.

Bluegrass with that tin can sound is just not my thingy, played too fast and sounds hillbilly for my tastes

[DroogMonkey]

beautiful fretboard



[gilmur]

genio!



[mandojimmy]

Hi. Just wanted to compliment you on the simplicity and well thought out way of doing your video.

Excellent

Jimmy powells

UK

[TheDrunkenHer0]

DONOVAN BITCHES!

[christian0oo]

hey, just wondering what setup are you playing with in this video? your banjo looks and sounds BEAUTIFUL 

[BrunoEspo]

i play clawhammer thanx to this video...thak you for posting this...it changed my life

[Justin21280]

@CARLOMARTI149 have you ever played a 'tenor banjo? it is a four string banjo that was used with a mandolin due to the higher tone.

[Justin21280]

ezfolk777 should be highly recognized for his historic recognition. I am curious of his rolling capabilities.

[MCv720]

what's the difference between clawhammer and bluegrass banjo?