After the Basic Frailing Strum - The Left Hand

[@grahamy3400]

Steve...this the best video I have ever seen on the left hand...thanks from Australia.

[@gringoanon4550]

Thanks you have a nice way of teaching.

[@harleycleanslate]

dang dude I wish we were neighbors. Lots of quality porch time here...

[@johnmcconnell2636]

I'm just about to hit 82 years old and 2 months ago I began to learn clawhammer on a banjolele, my first music lessons ever. I have now ordered a 5 string Deering Americana and this video is very helpful indeed and I look forward to trying these exercises on my new banjo. Thank you for such a clear and uncomplicated demonstration, and a calm, "you can do this" voice.I'm located in beautiful BC Canada.

[@hughcowartsr.3212]

Hello John, congratulations on your new adventure. I purchased a Deering about eight months ago and had no idea of the difficulty. I played drums for fifty years in numerous bands and now play the guitar. The banjo is kicking my butt. I too am in my eighties. My advice to you is be patient and learn the basic techniques. I am focusing on clawhammer vs. three finger. Good luck OM .....Hugh

[@stephenriley8561]

What a great teacher, best I have found

[@jimmymcardle2466]

Brilliant best teacher I have found very inspiring thanks

[@richsw]

For some trying to get their head around the basics, this is amazingly useful. Thanks!

[@mikeclarke9281]

Wow, that's the first time I've really understood how all the different components of playing the banjo come together, and how to develop the individual skills. Thank you so much

[@JG-kn7ew]

Thanks!!! Its so cool to have you as a resource!

[@tradman12]

I must say a big thank you. This is so clear and helpful. Please keep the lessons coming. I am from an area where there is no clawhammer playing never mind lessons and depend a lot on KZbin. Delighted to come across your site. It is so good.

[@boballen29]

Thank you for the videos, Steve. They're exactly what I've been looking for to learn the different dynamics of clawhammer banjo. Well done.

[@jesuschavarria5574]

Your a good teacher Steave Learned alot from you. Thank you so much.

[@tonytotten408]

Brilliant Steve I'm a rockabilly bass player for over 35yrs and you are correct in everything you say as it's the same with slap if the string and pluck and doubles and triples on the string some of the instrument can bercusive as the slap bass has to be without va drummer ...your video s. Are spot on bass notes ie. As like the drone string the rhythm section is very important in a band of what you are trying to play as it holds the whole song /tune together well explained ? 👍👏👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸🥃

[@lynnrasner2691]

Great teaching. I am a beginner, and I have learned so much from you. Thank you!

[@twoowls5570]

This is so helpful, I hope you are giving lessons somewhere, you are a natural teacher! Thanks, regards Jimp

[@StevePlaysBanjo]

Two Owls thanks! Not a lot of local banjo players looking to learn clawhammer, but I get to jam with other musicians on occasion. :)

[@debwoller8899]

As always it all makes more sense listening and watching you. You have a very common sense approach with a calm easy going voice. Thanks again.

[@StevePlaysBanjo]

Deb Koenig Thanks! Banjo always makes me feel calm. :D

[@ronflowers9762]

​@@StevePlaysBanjo what kind of banjo do you play,it has good sound

[@tyronewilson364]

Thanks Steve, im really enjojing your teaching.your setting me on the right track.

[@VladGPhotography]

Learning so much from this, thanks for making the video, really helpful for a beginner!

[@SharieFry]

I am encouraged by watching this lesson. I have been learning Scruggs style for the last couple years, but something was missing. I didn't like that I couldn't find a decent strumming style to go with it. It sounded empty to me. So started checking out clawhammer. Yours is the best I've found. Many did not make the rhythm clear to me, which is the most important. You demonstrated it so well. It will take me awhile to get it down so it is natural, but now I know what I have to do. Thanks so much.

[@andreiskryabin9916]

Special thanks from Russia, Steve, where no video at Russian language 5-string banjo lessons. 👏

[@StevePlaysBanjo]

Андрей Скрябин hah, I’m sure there are an abundance of balalaika lessons, though. You could start posting how-to banjo videos in Russian and pass it on. Teaching is a great way to learn. 👍

[@andreiskryabin9916]

Steve Harrison hahaha, yes, it's true😀 If you don't mind I would take part of your lessons for translations in order to publish in the Russian- language KZbin.

[@juspickin]

spot on mate cheers

[@chuckjeffery944]

Very helpful Steve. Thank you.

[@daytoneman]

Thank you Steve, you are an amazing teacher!

[@StevePlaysBanjo]

Running Vicar thanks for the great question!

[@raindog951]

Watching this one video has got me a long way :-) Thanks!

[@wildwilly824]

Hi Steve all your videos are brilliant! Learning a lot Thankyou Q. How many different banjos you have? I’m learning on the goldtone open back

[@markvoisey3031]

Great lesson

[@slq3263]

Loving your lessons. I'm a complete beginner and can follow your lessons well. Thank you

[@jgotschall2373]

The best videos are here

[@johnnybx3254]

Yes! Peanut butter and Jelly for sure! Thanks

[@matthewguzda4075]

Hi Steve. Been playin me some banjo 2 months. Been a drummer my whole life. I know you say , and others say as well, to use middle fingernail. Is there a negative aspect to using pointer finger? Idk if my hands a bit messed up (I'm 60 and have 40 yrs in construction) from work or what but it seems mo comfortable with pointer.plus there's scruggs style and clawhammer. I like both. Is there an artistic war here like if someone hears you play clawhammer they'll say it like " oh I heard you play banjo but you play clawhammer huh? Well that must be nice for someone like you" . Or us it a brotherhood of love or something in between?thank you

[@stanborup673]

Howdy Steve, I'm coming from a 3 finger scruggs style. I had to quit about 20 years ago due to rheumatoid arthritis all over but it caused my right hand to get stuck in a claw hammer position so I am switching to claw hammer. My question is: Does the drop thumb motion replace hitting the fifth string with a lower string. Thanks again, Stan

[@questioneverything2488]

Suppose you miss out the brush?

[@danh-RedSwan]

Bless you 😉

[@jimbo9580]

Hi Steve, do you pad out the back off the banjo to reduce the volume ?

[@lynphillips2109]

You had me until you said, "Let's circle back.". Lol. Just kidding. I really appreciate your advice.

[@woodmum]

Great lesson steve!

[@StevePlaysBanjo]

woodmum thanks! Always good to revisit the fundamentals. Now if only I can learn to play guitar ;)

[@woodmum]

Steve Harrison too bad we arent neighbours.. we could help eachother 😀😀

[@donhayes9533]

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