Cross Rhythms for Clawhammer Banjo

This is an introduction to cross rhythms for clawhammer banjo.
If you'd like full access to tablature for this video, plus tons of other exclusive banjo content, please visit: / tomcollins
Access to our Discord server is automatically activated when you join our Patreon community. I hope to see you there!

[@bodurango]

Wow Tom. Thanks. Really helpful for me . . . and it sounds awesome. I am 74 years old and have been trying to improve my banjo playing for decades. Your instructions are among the best I've run across on the web. Glad that technology now permits such convenient access to such valuable information.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Thank you so much for that comment! Yes, it's wonderful to be able to connect with people all over the world. Wishing you much joy as you explore the banjo!

[@lecameleo]

Unique video in the banjo world ! Thanks for crossing the influences and pedagogies

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

My pleasure, Leo! Thanks for the comment.

[@cavolpert]

Lovely

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

thanks!

[@blacksheepbanjos]

Love it. Gonna try this as soon as I get home!

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

You'll do this pattern justice, Adam!

[@blacksheepbanjos]

@@TomCollinsBanjo Thanks Tom! I worked on it this morning, and can now do the pattern and keep proper time with the stomp under it - very satisfying. Looking forward to where we go with it - I tried applying it elsewhere in my music and became lost immediately, lol. Building blocks.

[@MariaCalfaDePaul]

Tom i have been playing clawhammwr banjo for about 7 months and I started your Patreon a few months back and really enjoying it. This is a very helpful vidoe. Quick question. Is it okay if I count out loud this : 1 and 2 3 1 and 2 3 1 and 2 and 3 and ? I can try the words but I was using the counting. If it’s incorrect I want ti adjust it or go to what you said. Thanks so much. And ps I don’t see the discord link you mention (im on it but foe the video you had mentioned it is in the link below ) thanks again

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hi Maria! Glad Banjo Quest has been helpful to you. As for counting....the only "wrong" way to count would be to count out-of-time! At least, that's the way I think about it. You can use whatever counting scheme works for you, as long as it helps you play the cross rhythm well. I personally would try to keep it as simple as possible. As for the BQ Discord: it's only open to subscribers, and if you become a Patron you get immediate access to the server. One link keeps it clean and simple. Thanks so much for your comment! If you need more advice on counting, hop onto the Discord server and we can chat.

[@rkmikesell]

Tom not sure if you use it in this video but what metronome app do you use?

[@mdritch]

What do you know about 5/8 (jig) time?

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

I always thought jigs were in 6/8 (with "slip jigs" played in 9/8). Regardless...5/8, or any time signature for that matter, can be played with clawhammer style banjo. You'd have to move the "1" from downstroke to upstroke every cycle for 5/8, which would create a super interesting sound! Definitely worth trying!