Beginning Clawhammer Banjo Workshop with Tom Collins

[@writerrad]

I have played the banjo since 1999 and the guitar since 1960. I have taught at banjo camps and banjo weekends across the United States and Europe, and been published academically on the banjo and presented at the major gatherings of banjo history for the last 20 years. I have kept a video of this on my hard drive since it first appeared and try to watch it once a month, Tom's generosity in thinking all of this stuff out and presenting to the world is a good example of caring and giving which this world needs to have emulated.,

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Tony....to get a comment like this from one of my heroes in the banjoverse is a true treat and honor. Much love to you from Cape Ann! Send some Florida warmth our way, will ya?? It's cold up here!

[@Michael_Malice_Music]

I always wanted to give banjo a try, and I have never gotten around it. Now in the process of saving up for my first banjo and deepdiving into the internet to tie me over until I can actually start playing already, I have stumbled across your channel and I absolutely love your teaching style ! So calm and relaxed and focused on all the minute details that most of us who learned an instrument need to go back to and fix years later, is just making me that much more excited to learn from you and join this great community of Clawhammer Banjo Players. Much love from Germany -Michael-

[@Tbowie13]

I know this is an old thread, but for the folks worried about the nail thing and can't grow one. Lucas Poole (Owner/Luthier of The Ozark Banjo Co. in Mountain View AR) cuts a Ping Pong ball nail shaped and uses a tacky stuff to stick it to his nail while playing and then it can be taken off when your done. I think the tacky stuff is like poster goo stuff, used to stick pictures or papers on poster board. Hope this helps someone.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Thanks for this post! Yes, the ping pong ball trick has been around for ages and there are patterns online that folks can look up and try. Also, the banjo has been played historically by folks who worked with their hands for a living, and likely couldn't keep a longer nail, so it's possible to play clawhammer banjo with a very short nail! You just have to get used to it, and acclimate yourself to the different tone. Thanks for the comment! Tom

[@Tbowie13]

@FretlessFury I see. I'm new to this clawhammer deal, so all these little tricks are new to me. Thankfully, my nails are ridiculously strong, so I rarely have issues, even when I hung drywall and framed. Like you said you do, I just use the outside corner of my index finger nail, so it doesn't have to look too ridiculous to have a good striking surface. Thanks for all your content, I've really been enjoying your channel.

[@bills.4315]

I use a finger pick turned around, and bent to fit.

[@trialsbikeguy]

That "tacky stuff" your referring to is called Glue Dots...Can be found in thep craft section at Wallmart in a small box.

[@vyperv2199]

hi, I'm from Germany, 50 years old. Started banjo about 6 weeks ago. and for 5 days thanks to your videos with clawhammer. Thank you very much for having a change during this time, you are doing really great !!!! Greetings from Leverkusen, Sven  hi, I'm from Germany, 50 years old. Started banjo about 6 weeks ago. and for 5 days thanks to your videos with clawhammer. Thank you very much for having a change during this time, you are doing really great !!!! Greetings from Leverkusen, Sven ps: thx Google for trunslater :-)

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hello Vyper. Welcome to the wonderful world of banjo! So glad you enjoyed the video. I do lots of banjo content every week, so if you want to join an amazing clawhammer community you might want to check out: www.patreon.com/tomcollins

[@benaaron9529]

A tip : watch movies on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching a lot of movies during the lockdown.

[@frankedward4977]

@Ben Aaron Yup, been watching on flixzone} for years myself =)

[@ManionMaelog]

Just found this and twenty minutes in. I've been playing a few years but have never found a comfortable position to keep the instrument stable. This is really, really, helpful. Thanks for your generosity in sharing the workshop.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

My pleasure, Growl. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@ManionMaelog]

@@TomCollinsBanjo 'Growl'! I like it. :-) I've been looking at some of the free material and I fully get the idea of not focusing on learning 23152 tunes before you can actually consolidate some basics. For Patrons though, are there downloads of tunes at various levels?

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hey Gorwel, Ohhh HELL yeah! On Banjo Quest, I teach via tunes, so every month or two we start a new module, work on basics, and then learn a tune together. We also learn to modify that tune with variations, how to learn different versions and theory behind the music. It's the best dang banjo resource on the web....but I'm a little biased! Hope to see you over there! Tommy

[@ManionMaelog]

@@TomCollinsBanjo 👍

[@craigjohnson4871]

Thank you for this Tom... Just starting out on my banjo and clawhammer journey...! Advice here is of tremendous help

[@stephenbaker645]

Great stuff ! Thankyou Tom

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

My pleasure, Stephen!

[@gregporuban9803]

Could not join you live tonight, but please do more. Great stuff!

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

More to come!

[@jeaniwarish5024]

Just found this - so much great info - thank you! Looking forward to more!

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hallett0707]

Saw this on banjohangout. Thanks

[@somarmd]

That was great! Became a Patreon member tonight...:)

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

I saw that, Dave! So happy you joined. See you on BQ!

[@gerardweber3733]

Great live stream! What are your thoughts pros/cons of using your index finger for striking vs your middle finger as a beginner?

[@dirkbullet]

Good video mate

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Thanks 👍

[@kevdorr8845]

This was great, Tom. Are there follow-up sessions like this one?

[@rondesjardins2476]

Really enjoying your video. Just the explanation of the position of the banjo is a big help. Do you recommend using a pick or is it a personal choice? Thanks

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Depends on so much. I personally only use a pick if I have a severe nail break, or if I need to preserve my nail due to extended periods of play.

[@pamyaccarino1566]

Tom my nail is slippery

[@pamyaccarino1566]

New Jersey

[@janeenjordan8006]

😢another from AUS Qld

[@trialsbikeguy]

I see you aren't wearing a strap. Ive read multiple places thats its more advantageous to wear a strap when playing !!!

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

It really depends on the player, and how far along they are. I only use a strap when I’m standing. If a strap allows you to focus on playing, and makes you feel confident, use one!