Clawhammer Banjo 1st Basic Stroke

[@banjercat]

Thank you Dan! I just purchased your book : Claw hammer banjo from scratch, along with an Ode 12" open back banjo, I have past musical experience but none with this instrument or style of playing. I am 63 YO and this will be a good option for my aging hands I believe!

[@clawdan]

Sounds great!

[@DolittleMccoy]

Hope you can help... I'm trying to learn claw hammer style banjo... I understand the basic stroke. But I'm having trouble understanding how to hit a fretted string with my finger and keep the bum ditty stroke going at the same time... It sounds like bum ditty with a faint sound of the fretted note mixed with it...... At minute 4:30 in your video when you start playing I can hear each distinct string being played along with the thumb note. Not a mixture of two or three strings along with the thumb... I've watched many how to videos but haven't had anyone to break that part down that well... Thanks.

[@clawdan]

Good Morning. I see two issues in your comments. First, and to me most importantly, it is NOT bum ditty is is Dit ty dit ty as the thumb makes contact and sounds EVERY stroke, not every other. Second the accuracy of what string (or how many) you strike on the down stroke is a matter of practice and drilling each one at time. I.E. first then fifth string, second then fifth string ant etc developing accuracy. It can take some time and the technique is simple but complex at the same time. Then,and perhaps more to your question, the cleanliness of sound of the fretted strings depends on LEFT hand (fretting hand) and not the stroking one. One or two web lessons in person might sort this out better and deal with you directly instead of broad comments directed towards generalities.

[@dmc949]

Great tutorial many thanks Dan. Dave.

[@Mihogan]

Just got your book, now waiting for the banjo to come back in stock! Going to practice this long and hard...

[@clawdan]

Thank you Alec! Let me know if you have any questions. Perhaps a lesson or two to get you started when the banjo arrives? Webcam works great.

[@Mihogan]

@@clawdan great to know, thanks for the offer! Do you have your pricing listed anywhere?

[@clawdan]

@@Mihogan clawdan.com/lessons/ . Prices currently start at $75 for your first lesson then $70 if you are taking weekly after that. Feel free to email me too.

[@Mihogan]

@@clawdan thanks Dan!

[@clawdan]

@@Mihogan Anytime!

[@ccbob]

Thanks for this. Really appreciate it.

[@robertjohnson1246]

Thank you Dan

[@perrybucsdad]

Dan, is this a sample video off the DVD that goes with Clawhammer Banjo from Scratch? I really liked this.

[@clawdan]

Similar but separate recording.