Clifton Hicks - Gospel Plow - Pretty Polly - John Henry - Clawhammer Banjo

Banjo Heritage 👉 / cliftonhicks
00:01 "Hold On" (Gospel Plow, Keep Your Hand on the Plow) ~ gDGCD
03:38 "Pretty Polly ~ gDGCD
10:39 "John Henry ~ gCGCC
Keep your eye on the prize
Keep your eye on the prize,
Keep your hands on the plow
HOLD ON
Traditional banjo performance by Clifton Hicks,
Filmed by Jayce Hill & Robyn Latham (2018)
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[@blackbutteforge]

Clifton is one of the best traditional banjo players in the modern world. Bluegrass versions of Pretty Polly do not deliver the emotion, or sence of History the way Clifton can. You feel like your baring witness and hearing the soundtrack.

[@Suq_Madiq]

my dude out here playing banjo in a garbage shack sippin on guinness out a popeyes chicken coozy. The vybe has been checked.

[@TheeMikeForce]

At the bottom of a ramp sitting…gaining strength and breath. I made it easier before but I was tired and thought to take five. THIS vid is my comrade on this journey. 😊

[@AnthonyGarcia-df3rk]

❤❤❤❤❤ I love playing the banjo without tabs!

[@J-Sleepy]

Hey Clif, I've never commented on your videos or participated in the community, but I've been meaning to write you a note of appreciation. To keep it short for my sake and yours, you're single handedly responsible for starting my banjo obsession. No one's taught me more about this tradition and how to play more than you and I preach your gospel to anyone who will listen (my friends and family don't really get it lol). I've followed you well over a year (maybe closer to two?) and cling onto just about every upload. This channel and your patreon are incredible resources--you're a national treasure in the mold of Pete Seeger and Alan Lomax to me! I'm sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people like me from around the world who may have never left a comment, but love everything you do. I listen to everything from punk rock to hip hop, but you topped my spotify this year. Much love from Seattle. Your reach is felt all over. This upload was a real treat.

[@franciscomagalhaes5812]

I came across the skeleton videos during quarentine. A couple of weeks ago I bought my first banjo, and it's all thanks to Clif.

[@J-Sleepy]

@@franciscomagalhaes5812 That's what's up man. Learning banjo has been so fun and rewarding and worth every penny.

[@Honeyapplepear]

The interest to learn banjo steadily increases the more I watch your videos. Sounds great!

[@tbanes6048]

Very nice Clifton. I appreciate the work you’ve put into resurrecting these old songs for us to enjoy.

[@blueridgepatterson7227]

Glad that Clifton still plays Gospel Plow, maybe a lesson will come out one day

[@Popcorn_Kernel]

Open third, hammer third Fret 3rd String, hammer Second fret 2nd String. Repeat then corus is double pull offs on the 4th and 3rd strings while strumming. Second line Is the same but longer draw on the second string. Hope this helps if not look up Clifton Hicks Gospel Plow I think he has a close up

[@milemarker_oscar_mike]

Nobody breathes new interest and excitement into an old song like you do....

[@Weymann63]

Nice hearing you singing with metal strings. The sustain carries the songs well.

[@paulstarr6316]

A lot of stuff passes for music these days but for sure this man has nailed it.Could listen to this music all day.Much respect from England.

[@robertpaulson2842]

I live on the other side of the world, and I wear Old Leather Stocking shirts. This guy is magic.

[@bigpoppasquat6330]

Greetings from SW Virginia. Thanks for the concert while I cook brisket for a potluck music jam tonight.

[@robertjeffrey5560]

Nice treat on a Friday, thanks Mr. Hicks!

[@ericbergmueller2981]

I like your arrangement of John Henry. It’s different enough while still being familiar.

[@ziggyholiday]

Frekin fire!

[@gayleberserker]

Loving the authenticity

[@Mo11y666]

That open lick is as hot as a tailfin on a Thunderbird

[@pnz6ausfj779]

Never actually heard pretty Polly sung by anyone else other than Boggs so hearing and being to understand it fully , MAN it’s dark

[@carsicktim3900]

Playin banjo in the barn and drinking Guinness....what could be better? love it, like it and subscribe it!

[@jrcrawford4]

Love the arrangement of John Henry. Keep on keeping things alive, man!

[@SIMUL4CR4]

Over 1000 likes to 0 dislikes... Best ratio I've ever seen on KZbin, and well deserved. Thank you for the lessons and the tunes, sir. You do truly important work.

[@davidjerezgomez]

One of my favorite videos by Clifton Hicks. Thank you, man.

[@russellsmith3567]

Heard a slightly different version of this about going to church, Matthew Luke & John / all them prophets dead & gone / Keep your hand on the plow..... This version is banging, I love your stuff. Greetings from the UK (England)

[@russellsmith3567]

Oh God Pretty Polly 😍😍 I downloaded a version only a few hours ago by some people called the coin girls which is fire. I guess I love this music because of the history of the Appalachian people came from Ireland, Scotland & Cornwall originally.

[@JohnyG29]

@@russellsmith3567 and lots of other places.

[@JDiaz21]

Goodjob Mr. Hicks 🤠🏞️

[@barbarajacobs5549]

I somehow found, and loved the music, of Dock Boggs many years ago… being classical violin trained now for 6 years play bluegrass and OT fiddle. Learning banjo open back and loving it. Thank you Clifton for sharing yourself and your music. I want to learn the 2-finger style you play . 🪕🎻

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I offer a course on two-finger picking at BanjoHeritage.com

[@robertpaulson2842]

I am a heavy metal guy, but I love folk and bluegrass. I like classical music too, but it lacks soul. Take your violin to mandolin, you will find it an easy transition

[@barbarajacobs5549]

IMO, in playing classical music you discover and experience and even communicate the Soul of that genre. But i also play mando very beginner type. Thanks for your suggestion.

[@lachlannmullin]

Always loved this performance, very percussive!

[@robertpaulson2842]

I know it's banjo, but it's still rock'n'roll to me

[@Tony_Seed]

Fantastic

[@michaelmcknight8419]

Thank you!!

[@DavidBain-mh1oz]

Aahhhhhhh, back again for another listen!

[@rosstaytie3712]

Two of my favourites here , thanks Mr Hicks.

[@timothyroberts8611]

Had a 1930s banjo that sounded like this. God I miss that thing. Clifton hicks well done

[@StephenHardy8791]

Guinness in background. Excellent

[@greygoat1946]

Excellent!!!

[@BalotelliFan713]

Love it all. Thank you guys!

[@jimholmes341]

Great as always my friend, Merry Christmas

[@rileykass1563]

3:09 2nd song starts 10:01 3rd song starts Great set of music!

[@ChrisOgle210]

Hold on sounds amazing.

[@georgewashington3393]

Got an ol barn like that right outback a straight line north from Georgia in Jefferson County NY on the Canadian border. I'm still waiting on my big winter storm..............🙄🤣keep on picking them ol tunes brotha🍻

[@georgewashington3393]

You ever make it up this way, I'll put the Pabst away and bust out the Guinness and johnny walker.

[@geraldhill7547]

Love it 👍

[@Hklbrries]

Love this! Also: quite a little midden you’ve got growing in the background. Future archaeologists will also love you. 😅😘

[@CharlieDavis-ww4zf]

This is the essence of music. Wow!

[@BrokeHatchetRanch]

Just wow man, special treat waking up to this. My pooch loves it too.

[@KatiTheButcher]

My cat bros seem to enjoy as well.

[@PAINFOOL13]

NICE. Merry Christmas Mr. Hicks 🎄🌟👍🏻

[@tomthomas1295]

Merry Christmas Mr hicks, keep up the amazing work 👏

[@MaxG-jk8ty]

I have a strong urge to loot that shack for treasure. I'd bet something of value needs rescued or repurposed in that mess. Lovely tunes as always.

[@BlindPigAndTheAcorn]

So good. Thanks for sharing it!

[@5150show]

So inspirational. Merry Christmas from New Zealand

[@brysonthomas1137]

That barn needs picked in again

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Beautiful!

[@deltabilly1]

Anyone ever told you your voice reminds them of Spider John Koerner?

[@swamperdog4558]

Clifton Hicks in his element!

[@5crote]

Absolutely love your stuff Clifton, I’m in uk, how can I get a cd?👍

[@JohnyG29]

Bandcamp.

[@sailawayteam]

Pure Gold.

[@cindylewis13]

Thank you clifton hicks

[@lauraintheskywithdiamonds9185]

Yup the Guinness 🇮🇪

[@danwebb4418]

Yup the Potcheen...or fire water..

[@unperson5713]

Thank you for sharing.

[@dominoautonomy4750]

Always intrigued 😍

[@allenbuck5589]

Great thanks

[@robertpaulson2842]

beautiful music

[@BobWarnerBarn]

Great ! .............

[@dannymcdermott4189]

I just saw a sasquatch peeking through the hole in the wall.

[@bearshield7138]

sweet job

[@billynomates920]

yeah!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Banjo Heritage online course & forums banjoheritage.com Patreon exclusive tabs, photos, forums patreon.com/CliftonHicks SubscribeStar (same as Patreon) www.subscribestar.com/cliftonhicks Banjo Heritage apparel & merch www.BanjoHeritage.org Bandcamp streaming music & downloads cliftonhicks.bandcamp.com Spotify streaming music open.spotify.com/artist/7fQxc3ZY6LTVWkfxvsEPUV iTunes streaming music music.apple.com/us/artist/clifton-hicks/1437321931 PayPal donations paypal.me/cliftonhicksbanjo Venmo donations venmo.com/cliftonhicksbanjo KZbin members only kzbin.info/door/0fRKB_T-2yrNajqoz9VWAgjoin

[@fuchsiasaville]

👍 very good well played .like your voice tone. I try and sing low as my high voice stinks. Wish I was as talented as you are. Nice compilation of songs.

[@Qigate]

Yeah, not too bad .... actually, it is wonderful, Clifton.

[@isaacj.elliott2137]

I may be wearing your exact outfit right now 😂

[@Coleman.1957]

dam that good

[@bryandovbergman5654]

Really nice 👍

[@dominoautonomy4750]

Pretty polly

[@td4dotnet]

Great video as usual brother, what the heck microphone was that recorded with or is that just your magic on that Banjo? Sounds great!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks for writing. That was just the stock internal mic on a Sony a5000 camera. I edited the video with Adobe Premiere to bring the volume up.

[@zachb8012]

Damn, man it is cool to see you play gospel plow. Also why are you sitting in a bunch of garbage?

[@JacobvsRex]

Gonna have to clean that room for mama gets on you

[@anthonywyndham1996]

No plastic bags for rubbish. I get it? Wait till you get a ute load.? Great tunes always

[@anthonywyndham1996]

No it's the recycle resource centre

[@cavolpert]

What happened to the video of George Gibson playing wild bill jones on his porch? Anyone? I loved that version

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Ask him.

[@deadbeatradio7831]

You said you live in north georgia if I had to guess it be either towns county or Clayton!

[@jamesperdue2296]

Your sound is gotten me interesting and startede playing banjo but what is a good sounding cheaper banjo ? Thanks and keep jamming

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I recommend the Gold Tone AC1 banjo.

[@jamesperdue2296]

Thanks buddy appreciate the answer and thanks for the music

[@TheeMikeForce]

Y’all got a Reefer Patch growing?

[@KatiTheButcher]

The crows during Polly added a nice ambiance. Im struggling to learn stringed instruments, any advice? How long have you known the banjo?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I got my first banjo at the age of 13; I'm now 37. Most important thing is to take your time.

[@barbarajacobs5549]

Clifton, what’s your tuning for Pretty Polly , please?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

That's gDGCD dropped two or three frets.

[@barbarajacobs5549]

Thank you. It’s a beautiful and mysterious sound.

[@morris3861]

Can anyone help me out, what style of singing is this (particularly 4:33).

[@maineguitarists]

He is singing the way early Americans in the 19th century sang with his Southern accent which I'm not sure has been given any certain title. I will say this, his voice goes very well with his banjo playing! MT

[@maineguitarists]

Listen to Dock Boggs if you like this haunting type singing.

[@maineguitarists]

I meant to add, sometimes you get really good acoustics from the strangest dwellings. Cathedrals always sound great but sometimes old shacks where locals sip moonshine are really good places to record also. MT

[@squirrelorama]

I've always heard this type of music and singing style referred to as "Old Time". Very expansive across traditional folk tunes and multiple playing styles/instruments. As opposed to Bluegrass, which is a much more recent and specific type of music.

[@robertpaulson2842]

Clifton Hicks seems like a nice guy, just keep that Old Leather Stocking away...that's a horror movie that hasn't been made yet

[@jazzfeline5970]

Lmao 😂

[@jazzfeline5970]

I'm imagining old leatherstocking following some terrified girl around with his banjo at 3am. He made a trip to Atlanta and has been smoking crack rocks ever since.

[@robertpaulson2842]

@@jazzfeline5970 this guy gets it

[@drakeshelburn]

Girl, you live like this?

[@davidb7825]

Tidy that place up bro

[@copperfloyd9281]

Never heard of a squat?

[@squirrelorama]

Are you kidding?? That ol junk is the best acoustic material around. Wooden shed + a bunch of random sound-reflective small surfaces pointing any which way = fantastic tone.

[@danielmiller8739]

Great! But why is he playing in a shed full of garbage??

[@richardbenedict5286]

Because it's gritty, raw and authentic like the music eh...garbage in a shed is an untamed sense of control...you can almost see Roscoe Holcomb peeking through that missing wall plank

[@maineguitarists]

@@richardbenedict5286 Right on! All of his backgrounds are authentic places one would see in the South. It's not all about the forests, mountains, rivers and streams with birds singing. There are plenty of old shacks and places where history was made. What sort of things happened there? Let your imagination wander whilst you listen to Mr. Hicks mournful voice waft through the timbers of the old shack, a rattler hiding somewhere close, a mouse peeking out behind a campbells soup can. MT

[@copperfloyd9281]

It's called a squat

[@squirrelorama]

Because its as good a place as any to escape the brutal Southern sun, and it probably gives pretty decent acoustics, made of wood and small enough to resonate a touch, serving as a natural subtle amplifier. Would be my guesses.

[@CDONETWOTHREE]

Bro, that sound hits me in the soul. Also, wish my voice sounded like that. 10/10 will listen again and again

[@CBiscuit420]

I see you have many options for payment. You wouldn't happen to have a cash app account I could send to would you?

[@CBiscuit420]

Or a p.o. box

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

@@CBiscuit420 PO Box 994 Copperhill TN 37317 Thanks for writing.

[@CBiscuit420]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo 👍

[@bovineexcrement8635]

Fantastic