How to "Walk the Fingerboard" on a Banjo

[@7upjello119]

Your lessons have helped so much more than classes

[@Rachels123]

Well, i’ll have to thank you. Had this banjo for years, never could get it to sound like much, 1890’s plumbridge. British. Its got a 9 5/8 ‘s head with nylguts. Nickle silver rim , maple wood inside. Dropped the tunning down just like you have on this video sawmill . dropped down to F. Thats the ticket! Sure gave it a voice!

[@Derekmartin20]

I like that it has dark swampy night feel to it lol. Along with a square neck Dobro and just a bass drum you could make a sweet song out of that.

[@dwaingibbs93]

I have been trying this off and on for a long time and could never get the timing to sound right on it so would just give up on it. It was in time but it just sounded wrong. last night I was watching one of the songs you played and decided to give it another go and had an epiphany that the whole reason that I could not get the timing to sound right it's because when I was starting into it I would lead with a down stroke I started leading with the brush up first and it instantly clicked in my head. Maybe this will be useful for someone else it might be struggling with it

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Justin, that's great to hear! And you're absolutely right about starting on the Up brush! I never thought about that before. Thanks a lot. One of the great things about teaching is that the teacher learns as more, or more, than the "students."

[@dwaingibbs93]

Yes sir! Thank you for all the knowledge that you share

[@RUFUSKNAPP]

Helpful observation. Read this first and then tried it out - works! (For 2 in 10 fans, but I hear it now.)

[@TheMoses800]

Good lesson. Love that song.

[@OtterLakeFlutes]

Oh... my... gosh... thanks!!!! Such a powerful lesson I found here by accident. It even came with a bracing Wayne's World Extreme Fly Closeup at 2:35 hehe... little guy made me sway my head. But seriously, thanks. Subbed...

[@jethrobodine4638]

love that technique Clifton! cannot wait to try it out. love your Gospel plow videos! seems most people are playing Gospel plow in double C tuning?? appreciate all you do for us beginners.

[@starman2671]

STRINGBEAN USED TO DO THAT, THANKS FOR BREAKING IT DOWN.

[@hope4ourfallen]

Brother u are like watchin someone do 3 card montey. You pull off so much amazing stuff without your eyes being able to ever even grasp how ya did it. This was a PERFECT behind the scenes to some of your magic☺ this also really helps us get a better image of how ya do the cool fanning on cluck old hen. Thanks so much for all you share brother❤❤❤

[@halishahowell6020]

Thanks for the explanation,hard to master without breaking concentration,awesome effect...guess if you have the natural talent it's easy

[@Helmzer.an.the.homeless.hounds]

Appreciate you explaining that, hope to see you around bama one day

[@rcg5317]

Super clear and helpful. It seems to help me maintain a steady rhythm.

[@adamloomis8003]

I’m so glad i discovered this video! Thank you so much for sharing! One question, is this the style that was used by one David Grisman in the recording with Jerry Garcia ‘sweet sunny south’?

[@mondocain]

What a great technique. Your style is so your own. Thanks so much.

[@ricruso59]

Good grief!! I can't belive I'm just getting to this...🙄 great one again! This helped a ton,I don't know what my deal is,not like I've never picked up a stringed something! Thanks man!!!✌

[@elbbob]

Looks like lots of fun sounds fantastic can’t wait to try and learn it maybe I will master that style first I’ve been trying to learn 2 finger thumb lead for years well and off , I have the time now I’m retired Thank you

[@elbbob]

Clifton do you have any tab for that 2 finger thumb lead Thanks bob

[@devonayates6680]

Hi. Thanks for the awesome video. You're a very thoughtful instructor.

[@billystewart7251]

I use that technique a lot. I definitely got it from you. Some videos about four years ago. I mix a lot of styles. I probably never win a banjo contest!!!!

[@ukekeysandbees]

Sounds great and looks really cool too!

[@daveclarke05443]

im loving your channel brother im an ex war veteran new to banjo im playing a 4 sting tenor at the moment and ive managed to master a clawhammer technique dropping my thumb down but I d love to learn this oncwe I get a 5 string

[@tholmichael6032]

Great as always. Many thanks.

[@alan84ta]

Fantastic, thank you so much!

[@Banjo362]

I first heard that from Uncle Dave Macon, Cordel Kemp, and Leroy Troy.

[@roncerosky6258]

What tuning are you in here? Love your videos

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

somewhere around gDGCD

[@elbbob]

Just wondering what type of strings do you use

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I use Aquila Nylgut 5B on that banjo. These strings work well for lower tunings. If you tune up standard pitch mostly, I suggest La Bella No. 17 Nylon.

[@pollydoom5039]

Mr. Hicks could you please give me a list of easy songs to learn for beginners and artists. I’m just starting banjo moving from guitar. I’m not familiar with bluegrass/folk artists. Also I’d like to know who your influences were when you started.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Paul, here's a beginner banjo playlist I've put together: kzbin.info/aero/PL07R2cMG4rBzAtYkXsb6esopqMBqDgwpU The question of easier songs is tricky, because any banjo tune can be made as simple or as complex as you want. However, in the above playlist, there are a couple of very simple song lessons toward the end. Tunes like "Reuben," "Cluck Old Hen," and "Cumberland Gap" are often used as introductory pieces.

[@BoredBanjo]

Wow. This is amazing! You are so inspirational :)

[@e.whawkins7211]

Is there another lesson video for hold on?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I'm pretty sure I uploaded a lesson and a close-up of "Hold On" for the members at patreon.com/cliftonhicks If you can't afford to sign up, email me clifhicks(at)gmail(dot)com and I'll give you the links to those videos.

[@hendrikmahling2384]

I am tuned gDGCD and the tuning sounds different. What am I missing?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I always down-tune (look up that term if you're not familiar), so my actual tuning is ≈ fCFBbC, two "semitones" below gDGCD. The notation is all the same as if played in gDGCD, but the "pitch" is lowered. In the days before standard tunings, traditional musicians typically tuned their instruments a bit low.

[@hendrikmahling2384]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo I was tuning down just as your comment came in, thanks for clarifying. And thank you for all the content and the historical context you add in, you've been great to learn from and listen to.

[@PermacultureAppalachia]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@robertpaulson2842]

I tried to learn Robert Johnson, I gave up because it was too hard

[@jasonreid585]

Your fingers, long and narrow. I have some fat broken fingers. Should I stick with the mandolin?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I think if you can play the mandolin you can play the banjo.

[@robertpaulson2842]

I like to use a Jazz 3 plectrum, downstrokes 90% of the time. But I'm taliking guitar not banjo.

[@asontehunsthanshhl]

Has anyone ever told you look like nick mullen

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Never heard of him. Had to look him up. I can see some resemblance, although I vastly prefer when people say I look like James Franco! 🤣

[@alexcaufield4541]

So good, thank you very much!