Sourwood Mountain - Clawhammer Banjo Lesson

Get the Tab 👉 / cliftonhicks
gDGBD relative ≈ fCFAC actual. I learned Sourwood Mountain from George Gibson of Knott County, Kentucky. George played it using a relatively heavy overhand style, and my version is very similar. As I attempt to explain in the video, I learned this as a free-wheeling banjo song, not as an "old time" fiddle tune with repetitive A and B parts.
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[@ScottHz]

Ah, the downtuning made me think they were gut/nylon strings (but they DO look really thick - are they nylon?). Been subscribed for a while, but just realized my notifications were not on!

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Yes, nylon strings.

[@ScottHz]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo thanks! Just did an annual Patreon!

[@ScottHz]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo ...seeking out some nylgut for my old Kay 5-string ;)

[@joshz8803]

A little late but: Aquila makes some darn good Nylgut strings!

[@frozemoments39]

I’ve turned the local sheriff onto you my friend. He’s an old banjo picker. Mike Hensley. Unicoi, Tennessee.(Erwin)

[@commentingisdangerous7530]

this looks like a good entry level piece.

[@JS-xs5hq]

Thanks Clifton, that's a perfect tune for a beginner.....brilliant. Much appreciated.

[@gregmccutchan.]

Banjo music, cicadas, and birds singing. Sounds like heaven.

[@carolinerowland826]

I physically love you! Your music and accent makes me wanna move to the States and chill on a porch. Much love, from the UK

[@Ubotit_Unaymit]

Come on over!

[@jeffalbillar7625]

I'm a City boy. I live smack dab in the middle of approximately 18 million people. I grew up loving the banjo and bluegrass. I am thankful to you for the stuff you upload. Coming to you from the nitty gritty city of Buena Park, CA. Have a good day to everyone reading this.

[@chrisbailey905]

Fellow Orange County banjo picker here 🙌🏻

[@pickinanddiggin9128]

Love this tune. Thanks for sharing!

[@Tactical_Tourist]

Glad I found your channel by pure chance. Been listening to your Old Leatherstocking album and man, it's such pure, honest, and raw music. Well done sir, you are a master of your craft.

[@coils1945]

Thank you brother!!! Been a subscriber for bout a month now and Im lovin your lessons!!

[@toadeepants]

Thank you for a great lesson, Clifton!! Now if I could sing….. lol!

[@PermacultureAppalachia]

👍👍

[@BolognaRingRanch]

I might just be able to pull this one off. Well, maybe. Thanks for posting this.

[@robynlatham6451]

whew , hot stuff

[@doctorboat7112]

was gunna ask 4 this...you beat me too it!!!!

[@milemarker_oscar_mike]

For some reason it's very challenging for me to sing well while playing....At gatherings I always sing solo.....so low no one can hear me.

[@gabmatth]

awesome! im a super beginner but im gonna give it a try (:

[@gabmatth]

update! so far I got everything but that little bass string part but I'm happy with it

[@gabmatth]

second update: didn't pick up the banjo for several weeks and was moved to try this again today. finally figured out the part I wasn't getting (: (trying to learn more by ear/instruction instead of just tabs because I'm a sheet music person and want to improve my listening)

[@Sp00nDuck]

I've been playing banjo on and off for a few years on a really beat up cheap banjo. I was hoping you'd have recommendations for a decent banjo ideally purchasable in the UK. Love what you do

[@petarfabinger4394]

Hi Clifton, You have inspired me greatly on the banjo and I've learnt a ton of your songs as they are truly amazing! Is there a way you can post a tab or video on how to play 'German War' two-finger version, this will be greatly appreciated, thanks and keep the great playing up!

[@joseph2832]

All tabs are on Patreon, just a dollar a month.

[@lindyhudson9100]

You should hear Keith Whitley play it on the flat top

[@MrDazzlerdarren]

Has Clifton ever done a full cover of 500 Miles by Hedy West? Am very close to persuading myself to buy a banjo because of this channel, love the content.

[@MotormikeyD]

Do! It's so much fun.

[@fullenglishbreakfast3289]

I think ya fooking brill. Do you ever come to the UK

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Have not since 2004, but I would...

[@darkbrisco]

Have you ever heard Psycho by Harley Poe? If there were ever a song that felt like it needed a banjo, it's that one.

[@KatieWilliams-zs4ll]

How do you tune to that I just started and I’m trying to play this for my guitar class and I wanted to play this song

[@eatplantslove8657]

Love that tailpiece. What is the make?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I think those tailpieces were shipped on Lyon & Healy banjos out of Chicago.

[@antifaforever]

🤟🖖

[@dmcrisp]

Do you play with a band too or are you like me with no options for bluegrass in your town. I’m a couple hours from you in highlands nc and nobody plays up here. I’m right smack in the middle of Appalachia and ironically bluegrass is dead.

[@dmcrisp]

Ill take that as a no

[@khazmodan]

Newbie here, was wondering how do you do the strum so it sounds so muffled? Every time I do the overhand playing my strums sound loud... I tried to play it less like a guitar and tried to make my hand come on strings vertically but it ain't did nothing... Any suggestions?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Keep trying. Experiment with different tailpiece, bridge, head, strings, get an antique banjos, etc.