Clawhammer Banjo for the Complete Beginner

[@jamesrogers5277]

Love to know how the term ‘clawhammer’ is problematic… the term ‘problematic’ is itself problematic these days!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

“Clawhammer” was not used to describe Southern banjo playing of any kind before the 1960s, when it was forced on us by ignorant, northeastern academics who hate Southerners and our culture.

[@jacquestroh1266]

I am 81 and just had a pacemaker in Dec. 23. I liked the sounds of the 5 string banjo, so I got one for kicks and to slow me down a bit. My hands are messed up from the years. I have decided the only way for me ls the two finger style. After two months on trying different ways your video today has helped alot. THANK YOU!!

[@meadandmilk]

How is your banjo journey going 2 months in? I'm 30 now and played when I was a teen but stuck with guitar ever since, but now I am getting a real urge to play banjo again!

[@antoniotabboterrorist5992]

Clifton, I finally got my 5 string a week ago, and this tutorial IS AWSOME, I knew if I stuck with you I'd find my flow, it was yourself who 6 months ago convinced me I wasn't to old , Clifton THANKYOU so much ,, I owe it ALL to you, blessings,

[@jaamesanderson4253]

I have ADHD and this is the first person I can actually understand.....Great Teacher !!!!

[@Cryin_Lion]

I'm not sure what led me to this video as I've never been interested in banjo music, much less playing the banjo, BUT I know a good teacher when I see one and you sir are exceptional! I was engaged, interested, fascinated, and wanting to learn to play all from this video. Primo!

[@bartgravendaal4960]

This is the clearest explanation I've ever seen/heard. The thumb stays home! That's where I always lost it. Now I get it. All of a sudden. Good stuff. Thanks!

[@thenarrowpathoftruth9443]

Clifton, I'm 60 and have my first banjo lined up to buy tomorrow. I have seen a lot of teachers in general over my years. Clifton, you are a good teacher. Dave

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Glad to hear it. You might consider taking my introductory course at www.BanjoHeritage.com

[@KenDodd1317]

I have a 5 string sitting gathering dust as I could never get the tuning sorted. Now that you’ve given it to me I’ll definitely try this style of playing. I do prefer it to the picking style. Thanks for posting this brilliant introduction.

[@48ford8n]

I've been playing 'old timey" for 30 years and I still watched your entire video and enjoyed your explanation of the basic strum.

[@tmo7734]

Clifton, your precision, clear explanation, and helpful repetition offers folks like me the very best chance of learning the claw hammer technique. Thank you so much. Best wishes from the San Francisco Bay Area. - Tim

[@lorrinf]

As a beginner that was probably the best explanation I’ve seen yet. I’ll be back boss!

[@mikeyjoenorthwoodsboy5049]

FACTS! I swear to the gods I have a hard time following anyone on KZbin. I’m a decent acoustic blues rhythm player so the Banjo is completely new to me. I don’t want to start with bad habits! Good job bro. I subscribed

[@nomchompsky2883]

STOP hypnotizing me with your eyes! lol... enjoyed that. who knew it could start so simple. i pick a banjo and have NEVER even tried clawhammer, until today.

[@chelseathomas2279]

I have wanted to learn to play banjo for several years, and Ive finally convinced myself I'm going to give it a go. This video was super helpful just for me as someone who hasnt yet taken the plunge to buying a banjo and starting, but to understand what I would need to do to get to playing.

[@rattlesnakeblake]

So good. I've been playing banjo for about 20 yrs. Self taught. I went from guitar to banjo and just figured some stuff out. I've been using finger picks for a long time. Always was discouraged from this style of picking because it didn't make sense to me. Thank you for the east to follow instructions for this style. I really enjoyed the video.

[@bevanbartlett3872]

you are a diamond in the rough sir! been looking for a good online banjo teacher but youtube is so awash in bluegrass pickers i was losing hope that id find someone so engaged with the traditional ways. if you find yourself in Vancouver, BC any time you have a gig and a friend!

[@beanstalk7685]

I get my first banjo tomorrow. This video has me so amped up to start practicing. Made it very simple

[@benjaminkip9143]

I could watch your video's for hours. And actually, I do so... Kind greetings from the Netherlands

[@matthewreise6400]

Wow. Just started clawhammer lessons, but this is the best demonstration and explanation of the basic technique that I've seen. I'm ok when someone explains the "how", but it's 100% better if they include the "why". Thanks for this.

[@ccaper]

Clifton, I had been thinking about trying banjo for almost a year, a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon your videos and became obsessed over night. A week ago today, thanks to you, I finally pulled the string (pun intended) and ordered a banjo, my first attempt at a stringed instrument. While waiting for it to arrive, I watched this vid, and your thumb lead vid countless times. At first I thought, overhand looks easy, thumb lead looks harder. My banjo arrived last Thursday; I'd under estimated the difficulty of overhand. But 10 hours later (and more countless watches of your vid), I'm strumming a bum ditty rhythm, and it feels so good. Thank you. The way you explain things, it just makes sense.

[@MassHysteriaHD]

Hell yeah! I'm not a banjo player either. I play drums and regular acoustic/electric guitar. I'm ordering a banjo now though. I want to learn all these old songs. (And the Rittenhouse ballad)

[@glenrobinson9963]

You're the man Clifton! Imma go get a banjo this week. I've wanted to for ages. Imma take the plunge.

[@ronaldaherron4001]

I just bought a banjo today because of your videos and I would like more of your beginner videos. I love your style...

[@alexisjones9267]

You are such a great natural banjo teacher!! Thank you! I just started with closed back scruggs style but I cant wait to start clawhammer as I like the sound and feel better. I will for sure be supplementing with your videos. Woohoo!

[@johnmoyer5515]

Guitar player here always wanted be able to pick old timey banjo sounds love the haunting melodies

[@commentingisdangerous7530]

man i can't tell you how helpful that was. as a complete noob, now i really have something to practice!

[@Oldpaint0216]

Long time string player, fingerstyle, but new to overhand/clawhammer and it's not coming fast to me. This was very helpful. Thanks.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Something about the old overhand style (also known as dropthumb, hoedown, rapping, &c.) is very counter-intuitive for some people. It was very difficult for me to pick up at first, hence I developed my two-finger style until I found an old guy who showed me how to overhand.

[@diggerman6495]

Thanks

[@patrickfoster4586]

I'm a guitarist, a heavy Hendrix and rock, electric blues, Chicago, country blues, delta blues, country, bluegrass, reggae, rock and more rock influenced player. I've been watching your vids since learning about you through Little Nora, who blew me away with her talent, and I am seriously considering taking up the banjo. I've got significant time on a mandolin as well but I think I may have held a banjo once. Lights were going off all through this vid. It never occurred to me that the banjo is essentially a drum and is played in a percussive fashion rather than finger picking as on a guitar. I can fingerpick on guitar but use a pick most of the time. Anyway, sorry for the novel but this video was most helpful: subbed and watching. Thanks, keep up the great work!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@harvdog5669]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo I have been watching & listening Alot to you & one other older guy. Need to buy a banjo. Maybe an R-35. I will look up the name of the company. Need to get one soon. Can you do that abit slower with a real close up shots with camera of both hands. Thanks

[@jedinaiit2345]

Scruggs style is pretty dang cool too tho just sayin

[@bgabriel6532]

Love the Abraham Lincoln Brigade hat! Its a great story that deserves to be more well known. Thanks for all the banjo tutorials man. Was learning bluegrass/3 finger style but came across you on youtube and fell in love with your style. Keep up the amazing work man!

[@rawbones4117]

Any idea where I could get that hat?

[@ivyallenfiddle]

I love the respect and mindfulness you show throughout this video! Truly shows your appreciation for not just the music, but the people and culture behind the music.

[@kevinmcgovney119]

At 9 months or so of practice and I’m getting a lot better. Love the claw hammer style! Looking forward to getting 10 years in. Thanks for the lesson!

[@hope4ourfallen]

i was having one heck of a time getting the strum pattern down. I mentally knew what to do but my hand just would not cooperate to save my life...3 MONTHS of trying like all hell for like 5-10 minutes at least 12- 15 times a day😂 But NOW !!! 😊👌good 2 go. I can safely say, a huge motivator to not just lop my hand off and burn it with the banjo was hearing how amazing it all sounded when you played. It is like watching magic happen. You hear all these notes but you never see what the hell is happening to make em, Kinda like the 3 card monte of music. you know whats going on but it takes a DAMN Good eye to spot it happening, I can't Thank YOU enough for being a motivator to stay at it, It is truly my main outlet now😊😊😊

[@Mystik-Kitty]

Only watched 5 min of this video and your conversational style is SO addictive! SO FRIENDLY!! 😻😻😻 Just set up my new banjo and will watch more of your videos!

[@jonathanmann5227]

Amazing technique. Revolutionary banjo player. Thanks.

[@boogeymanblues99]

"You're thumb goes home".. Lol I love your videos man.. I just started playing banjo (long time guitar player) and these videos of yours have helped immensely. You are a great teacher my friend, thank you :)

[@tleek]

I’m a guitar player and just ordered a banjo. Your channels awesome! Love the lessons and the history!

[@jakewarzyniak5470]

Love your videos and tunes. My wife just got me a lefty Gold Tone to learn on. I've been a drummer for over 20 years and used to play all over the Midwest. I can't wait to learn the banjo. Keep up the awesome channel! Thanks for all your info. I also could tell you weren't on G and it sounds great! Nice deep key.

[@nateschmidt396]

Love this guys teaching. Easy to follow

[@ranthropologist]

I've wanted to learn the banjo for about ten years now, and I dunno what's stopped me, but I think this video has convinced me I can learn it. Thanks, man

[@stallionstudios]

Its a racist instrument.

[@Smokkedandslammed]

If playing Banjo makes me a "racist" then I guess I'm a racist? That's such a smooth brain comment 🤣 Calling everything racist has lost its meaning, try and cry harder. 🤣

[@rockers2rockers616]

Excellent explanation of the 'clawhammer' technique. I can't wait to get my hands on that 'broomstick' to thump out some rhythms. Thanks

[@revrendtimtom]

Fantastic run through of the playing the banjo!

[@nicford1486]

I’ve seen a lot of over hand banjo tutorials but this is honestly the best one so far. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’ve been trying to make the transition from three finger Scruggs to overhand for a while now

[@djoctobeat5204]

Very very helpful!! Got tired of just messing around aimlessly and decided to start watching tutorials and learning and this was great!

[@watsjd1]

Excellent teaching. A young banjo player would be wise to take lessons from you.

[@charliebenedetti7394]

Hey, Cliff, you're a darn good teacher , not rushing, not making it complicated, and breaking it all down slowly where I can see, and know, what you're doing. Thanx a heap.

[@limbrat5448]

One of better 101 Claw hammer flicks.

[@shurbret9923]

Best explanation out there. No kidding.

[@screamingswifts]

Been looking at a lot of your videos lately-and I don't even have a banjo. Well, I will try to get one, and when I do, I'm going back for this video for starters :) Thanks from Sweden!

[@steerpike50]

Great lesson , i have just started from guitar , very helpful

[@rfw9889]

Thanks for this! Especially good to hear the explanation of the plane one hits the strings at - none of the instruction books make this clear so it was very helpful to have that clarified. Best wishes! Russell, UK.

[@jeremyreagan9085]

You are a wonderful teacher Mr. Hicks keep em coming!

[@antoniotabboterrorist5992]

Mr hicks, I have always wanted to learn banjo, I'm a drummer of 30 years with very rudimentary knowledge of basic guitar cords, if even that, but Iearn very fast by watching and I found this beginner lesson so valuable, and I haven't even bought my banjo yet but practiced with a broom handle, and he'll if I didn't get it, tour teaching technique is perfect for me, I hope I haven't left this too late to learn and have the joy of singing and playing the great songs out there, I'm 49, is that to late?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I've seen people learn well past 49. Welcome aboard.

[@antoniotabboterrorist5992]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo thanks Mr hicks I'm in, and thanks for your reply and confidence booster, I'll be using your channel to learn, many blessings

[@stevetrumbull4990]

I've started and stopped banjo and other stringed instruments so many times out of frustration that I had recently decided to completely give up and get rid of everything. I've admired your playing and will give it another shot with your lesson. Hopefully they continue.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Steve, that is music to my ears. You can find a bunch of my other "lesson" type stuff here and at patreon.com/cliftonhicks I promise you, sir, that I will not be shutting up any time soon. Please let me know if there's anything in particular you'd like to see me tackle; most of my material is for intermediate to advanced banjoists but I understand that "the basics" are vitally important as well. Thanks for your encouragement!

[@8THKY]

Don't quit. I promise, if you push through the frustration, you find endless joy on the other side. It could help to find a banjo instructor as well who can work with you. Don't give up!

[@withelisa]

Hey Steve, did you pick up the banjo again since this comment?

[@delithnutkins6017]

That is the most concise way I’ve heard anyone tell me how to play claw hammer banjo. I get it now !!!Thank you so much

[@TimmyYT6543]

Dude! Killer tips. Thank you. I’m teaching myself atm. I Play bass and guitar but have always wanted to learn so here we go.

[@lendalmacon3277]

Excellent instructions

[@hotpoker4212]

Greetings from The Emerald Isle 🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮 love your teaching method, im a complet beginner,and find your videos,are very helpfull,

[@louise729]

This is awesome! I currently taking Clawhammer classes and this made so much more sense☺️. Will be watching more!

[@rustknale3818]

Great intro to banjo Clifton. Really appreciate the insights. Respect.

[@dexterj5615]

The broomstick position is actually really useful for more complex shapes if you use the thumb

[@ashe4794]

k this is super helpful stuff, stoked to dive into this channel. picked up a banjo awhile back and have been soooo bad about teaching myself but quarantine got me like ...

[@tedgrooms8466]

That makes me think maybe I can play this thing. Thanks

[@boxxidraws7690]

That makes so much sense now! Thanks for explaining why my notes don’t sound as strong as they could be! Tyvm man!

[@bradlafferty]

I learned more about using a musical instrument in this short tutorial than I ever did in a year of high school band! This makes me want to learn the banjo right now! Thanks! New sub, too at least watch your teaching style. Terrific.

[@chickbaxter]

Thank you.

[@goochman9572]

Thanks Clifton. Great explanation. I wish I had seen this a couple of years ago when I was learning this technique - this makes more sense to me. Love your work.

[@JamesJones-nt1fs]

Excellent tutorial

[@chickbaxter]

Ok, lololol, i think i got it by actually slowing down and watching what my right hand is doing.....it's actually; brush 5-1, brush 5-3, brush 5-1, brush 5-3 and so forth...is that correct? Haha, i need to get this down before anything else. Thanks

[@ericpfeiffer3463]

Good stuff Clifton, thanks. This is the kinda Banjo that really sounds right...

[@riverrockproductions]

Random, but the thumbnail KZbin gave this video reminds me of the famous Johnny Cash giving the finger photo. Haha! Love all your videos. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us, Mr. Hicks!

[@BakerBaker1-9]

Thank you so much Mr C.H. for sharing your talent and time . You rock! love this style .

[@RoamingFibonacci]

The 'Bump Diddy' Stroke Aged Very Well ;) :D thanks for this video mate from an English Country / Grass lover

[@fionnmcnessa]

Strum thumb strike I was been taught strike strum thumb No wonder I'm having trouble 😃 Thanks for the lesson ladeen Much appreciated

[@Dic_richards69]

I’ve only just started learning the banjo and I was trying some new things and this really helped

[@Gabatronia]

Hey Clifton! Fantastic lesson. I’ve been a long time guitar player/classically trained and always wanted to learn the banjo. I finally picked one up a few weeks ago and I’m gradually getting accustomed to various styles of play. The overhand approach will take some getting used to! I wonder whether you’d be interested in making up a tutorial for andy thorpe’s viral video of him playing to a fox on a mountain? It’s called “playing a banjo for a wild fox” and is what inspired me to finally pick myself up a banjo! Anyways, subscribed! Cheers!

[@DG5466]

I can do a couple of bluegrass rolls and have played guitar for too many years, but this demo of playing the banjo brilliant as (excuse the phrase as I agree with what you have said) clawhammer has always been tricky for me

[@redgunnit]

Hey, just commenting to mention that the thumbnail for this vid is like the sixth image to come up on google when you look up clawhammer banjo.

[@SherwoodSchwartz123]

Very helpful to me as a struggling beginner. Nuances I haven't picked up another beginner videos.

[@richardphilpott1225]

Hey Clifton, thanks for what you do. Just got a Deering Blackgrass. Ordered it before familiarizing myself with your work. I'm gonna give it my best shot regardless. Got hooked by the Chocolate Drops then discovered you. O Death is amazing! What a great video. I did the Patreon thingy and will continue to support your efforts the best as I can. You ever go bottle diggin?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I have never been bottle digging but I grew up sifting creeks for fossils, and I have worked as a gov't archaeologist since 2013. Thanks for your support--nothing wrong with a resonator banjo!

[@richardphilpott1225]

I saw you were engaged as an archeologist on the Trail of Tears but were shut down due to the bug. Seems like a very important project and I hope you can get back to it soon. Thanks for the morale boost on the resonator. I probably pulled the trigger too soon but I had little idea of the different approaches to style. I kinda fell for looks and figured it was American made and it was all good. It is a sweet piece to me and I'm thinking that's a step in the right direction. I'm with you on rules, I grew up on Zappa, Capt. Beefheart and King Crimson. As an official old bastard I feel the need to go back to the roots of what made this country. Thanks for being you.

[@DavidD6969]

It's a very big help to me thanks

[@castofcharacterslive3269]

Thank you Cathy, what an education. I've always love the "happiness" of the banjo, but had no idea why there so many different sounds.

[@robertjohnson1246]

That was good, Thank you. Just start playing and have been doing thumb lead but kind of like the sound of the Overhand.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Please support my work 👇 Patreon: patreon.com/CliftonHicks SubscribeStar: www.subscribestar.com/cliftonhicks Merch: www.BanjoHeritage.org Bandcamp: cliftonhicks.bandcamp.com PayPal: paypal.me/cliftonhicksbanjo Venmo: venmo.com/cliftonhicksbanjo Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/7fQxc3ZY6LTVWkfxvsEPUV iTunes: music.apple.com/us/artist/clifton-hicks/1437321931

[@littlesilver2205]

Thought i would never be able to attempt this,until i seen this video very well taught .From the info i did on the banjo or rule goes for anything ,make sure you do it right the first time dont get into bad habits.You see Billy strings Bajo player and you say to your self i can only imagine how long it took him to be able to play like that,even his mandolin player is on a different level than most, they play like its part of them. Some people it comes easy, for others its a gift,for most it needs to be a passion and the love for it and the hard work.Like your other video the banjos there playing are completely different and technique with finger picks ,its like me reading Russian for the first time and saying what is this only. Thanks for the video , also doyou play the mandolin.

[@jeffrye9866]

I got my 5-string banjo last Christmas. I love your style of playing. Don't even know how to bridge my bridge LOL can you make a video on that

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Simple Banjo Set-Up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGqkq4Z6mquso8k

[@harvdog5669]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo I want to learn all the different ways to play. And people will always refer to claw hammer as a good name and way to play. I am saying, I don't think folks are going to change anytime soon.

[@harvdog5669]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo 20 yrs?? You play really good Mr.hicks.

[@DavidofSteele]

Just to say thanks, very helpful. Have liked and subscribed 👍

[@johnadriandodge]

Shalom howdy how. EXCELLENT video, and fantastic Jedi, strum bum bitty! Apologies if I did not spell the awesome melody correctly.

[@MrGlandeux]

Even with guitar, holding the neck like a broom to use the thumb is something we will do for certain style. Thumbpick tech in particular, make it easier for me.

[@jeffkennedy6932]

Helpful thanks! More - yes.

[@Christina_the_Astonishing]

It is a relief for me to learn that placing my thumb on the back of the neck is acceptable technique! I do have a bad habit of allowing my picking thumb to dance about! It certainly affects my accuracy! I'll work on it! Thanks, Clifton!

[@Creatingequilibrium]

Many thanks, practicing my banjo here in the UK and this is a massive help.

[@bastiaangoudkamp3644]

Getting my first banjo next week, actually the first instrument I ever owned. I'm doing some pre studying as I am as much of a complete beginner as one can be😂 And you being a great part of getting me into banjo music in the first place, Im now going to be watching all your tutorials haha . Greetings and Thank you from Arnhem, The Netherlands

[@verme33]

tank you

[@jakeglanville6835]

Brilliant Clifton Hicks! Thank you so much. Really helpful. So glad there are people like you around. I've been trying to get the hang of it for simply yonks and you've shown me how in minutes. Best wishes, Black Jake.

[@earodeafchild]

You have a fan in Germany!

[@perfectlyse9859]

As someone whos been playing the blue grass style with picks. This seems a bit harder lol but i cant wait to try

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

It is a little easier to get started, but I think most will tell you the traditional styles are all easier once you get the first hurdle.

[@benmogerman8230]

Clifton youre the man. So glad i discovered your channel. Have you considered writing a book? Would love to read more of your thoughts on life and banjo and music.

[@jakeglanville6835]

I just thought I'd add to my previous comment by saying what I thought was particularly useful was the bit about the thumb staying 'home' on the 5th string, also how the strings are struck quite differently from a guitar. Now I know why the old timers referred to this style of playing as 'rapping' a banjo. Thanks again good buddy.

[@brianm1908]

Nice lesson Clifton. I like your clawhammer style! Brian M

[@josephreinhart8712]

I went right from this to the Death by Banjo! song and your big etes gave you away. I was watching that saying...death has such honest eyes...I just saw those! Ok. Excuse me. Headed out to buy a banjo now!

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

excellent lesson. im getting it. thank you maestro