Death and the Lady - Clawhammer Banjo Lesson

[@brokenfaceben]

Can we get an overhand version of this one too at some point? Its a great song and id love to be able to play it but i cant wrap my head around the two finger style!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Overhand is demonstrated at 01:28 and overhand tablature is available here: www.patreon.com/posts/45683913

[@brokenfaceben]

Excellent, thanks for the reply Mr. Hicks, i should of watched the whole video before commenting!

[@claudetruesdale8199]

Clifton, From the deepest crevice of my heart, Thank you. I grew up in a house brimming over with musicians and their many stringed instruments. I used to love hearing my dad play the banjo on our front porch. I've tried, without much sustainable drive, to pick up the banjo a few times over the years, but I couldn't find anyone who's teaching styles were compatible with my learning style. Until now! Your videos have sincerely enriched my life and the way I spend my time. You are giving folks a resource to learn, but furthermore to tap into their own creative energy and their own style of self-expression by presenting traditional techniques in an easily understood, low pressure environment. I truly appreciate the effort and time you have put into this. Know that you are aiding someone's personal growth in doing what you do.

[@ItsMykro]

Absolutely love this. I'm addicted to your channel.

[@Michael-my6jo]

So happy I stumbled upon your channels. Very addictive. Amazing playing and the voice of an Appalachian Angel. Thank you yet again.

[@landonshanerthebanjokid5906]

Thanks Mr.Hicks

[@raymondwalker8458]

Beautiful love it

[@johnstorace1967]

This song is still stuck in my head. I watched the Waterson version and have to say I much prefer your arrangement. Every time I hear it on my playlist I'm reaching for a guitar.

[@dialedinduenorth707]

I appreciate the unique sound it produces as you bend those banjo strings. That is a fine sounding instrument. 👍

[@achilles_wiggen]

You inspired me to get my first banjo :)

[@RA-ym5uf]

I love your playing, Clifton. My uncle gave me an old banjo a few years ago that a friend of his had hanging in his garage; I did a little research on it and it was a real cheap banjo made somewhere around the 1880's. I started getting into it but it was too much of a pain in the butt to try to tune (it has wooden tension pegs) and so I gave up. But a few months ago I found your channel and then was inspired, so I went out and picked up a GoldTone for a few hundred bucks. I've been playing the guitar for a long time, but the banjo is something else and I'm really enjoying it. Anyways, thanks for your music and the teachings.

[@hossv1147]

Heard this song you preformed about a month ago. Always wanted to play the banjo, as I've played the guitar for several years. Finally picked up a banjo today and have already nailed my first song after a couple of hours, thanks to you bud. Your performance of this song kinda gave me that extra push I needed/wanted. Thanks bud. Don't leave that "bones" dude behind. 😁😉🤙

[@SGT_Fon]

Just found your videos, was wondering if you could offer up recommendations for a beginner banjo. You teach like I learn buy showing people at the most basic level which is awsom!

[@vinsamson8061]

Superb lesson Clifton. 🤘I’ve just picked up a Dallas fretless banjo yesterday and tuned it to this tuning purely for these “Old Leatherstocking” tunes and it sounds beautiful. I’d never have figured these tunes out if it wasn’t for your superb videos. Vin in Lincoln England🪕

[@ianryan7826]

A great help for those learning the banjo!

[@thomasrice3592]

I bought a banjo to learn this song. Thank You for the inspiration :-)

[@matthogan-jones117]

Wonderful lesson. I met Martin Cathy several years ago in a local folk club. He's an amazing guitarist, very chatty and has so many anecdotes from his decades on the folk scene.

[@coldbeer2011]

Yes!!!

[@lilywojciechowski1220]

I just got my first banjo and your channel is leading me through. You’re truly something special Clifton.

[@johnschneider4160]

Great details in your instruction-style, Clifton. Thank you!

[@samuelhager1140]

How can I play on guitar

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Tune to DADGAD and it's easy.

[@samuelhager1140]

Thanks for responding man that's awesome

[@samuelhager1140]

Hope you come to Louisville to play sometime

[@samuelhager1140]

How can I send the version I came up

[@vinsamson8061]

Fantastic video lesson as usual Thanks Clifton. I love this tune and will be getting a grip of it at the weekend for sure! Thanks for keeping us all motivated 👌🎶

[@gilleyink]

Thank you, I love this song.

[@severinneukom]

Great style! Great playing!

[@user-bu3rp3zh9h]

Hey clifton! I am having trouble seeing exactly what youre doing with your right hand? Could you give me the order of strings youre playing on this for that patern, everything im trying doesnt sound correct!

[@paulborg9239]

Really lovely...

[@ohms497]

Very cool maaan! Cool

[@wyattcollins957]

Very cool song. Just tuned my guitar to EGCFGC and am having fun playing this and adding to the melody on the low strings

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Cool. I don't play much guitar, but when I do I typically tune to DADGAD, which is where I would play this song.

[@GrantCustomBanjos]

Howdy Clifton! Would you be interested in playing at Fontana Village Resort?

[@jimsonweed1204]

Is there a name for the key this song would be in if played out of the tuning given in the description (not relative tuning)? I'm interested in trying to figure it out on mtn dulcimer wondering what tuning would be best. Standard is DAD. Beautiful version, thank you for the lessons

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

G minor, I'm pretty sure.

[@espenunnvik6602]

This is brilliant, thank you! What strings are you using?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks, Espen. I am using Aquila Nylgut 5B strings.

[@boscorner]

Did you come up with the "cold red clay" part as an homage to georgia/the southeast or is there anorher person who added that lyric before ? I was looking into the history and old versions of the lyrics and saw "earthen clay" but as a georgia resident Im curious if you changed it to red for that reason

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Yes, I did.

[@boscorner]

​@@CliftonHicksbanjohell yeah. As I reply to this right now, that cold red clay is on my boots and hands. Haha

[@ezachleewright2309]

How do people wear clothes made of clay, anyways?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

He's Death. @@ezachleewright2309

[@intentionalhyperbole]

What the hell cliff, did you play in the polk county high school marching band? It really does surprise me how damn nerdy y'all are up in those hills.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I graduated early from Citizens High School in Jacksonville, Florida, then joined the army at 17 and was gone. Never had any interest in the marching band, although I was on a school rifle marksmanship team.

[@intentionalhyperbole]

Sorry, I had you mistaken for one of the Melungeon Hicks of Polk County, Tn. Not sure why had that idea. @@CliftonHicksbanjo

[@intentionalhyperbole]

I will tell you this, Clifton, if you were from Polk County, Tennessee, then that would be something to be proud of.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I have lived in Polk Co. for ten years.

[@scottedelen5325]

Really great. Thanks. Hey Clif. Do you think this is how Mr. Rector would have played it?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I suspect he used a 4-string gourd banjo that was lacking the heavy bass string, but otherwise my intention with the Old Leatherstocking songs is present them in an archaic manner, the way they might have been pre-1800. I stuck with the 1888 Luscomb because it's my loudest banjo, and the easiest to play.

[@scottedelen5325]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo This is an unexpected and really great reply! Thanks for the in depth information concerning Old Leatherstocking. This adds a whole new dimension to the value and intrigue associated with him. I will add that one of my favorite recordings of yours is Cackling Hen on your four string gourd banjo. I wonder if Old Leatherstocking might use something like that someday.

[@ezachleewright2309]

What key is this in? (I use 5 string banjo)

[@SirloinBeefBurger]

My string snapped trying to find "E" I'm such a fucking noob