The Definitive Guide to the Galax Lick | Clawhammer Banjo | with Tom Collins

[@RabiaElizabeth]

Very much appreciate the precision of the instruction and visuals combined with the "you can do this!" vibe.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Thank you sooo much, Amy! So glad you enjoyed. This one took a lot of time to put together!

[@senorcallegold]

I like the satisfying sound & feel of the pop-pop-pop of my fingernail when playing those three articulated notes

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Me too!

[@isaaccarter9566]

This is the kind of banjo channel I've been looking for on youtube! Thank you sir!

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Woohoo!! Glad you found it, Isaac! Welcome!

[@STP19]

Very Useful Tom. Many Thanks. STP

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

My pleasure, STP! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Best, Tom

[@rufus9628]

Ok, i have to rebuild my galax licks !!!

[@andyk1106]

For some reason I read this as galaxy lick and was super stoked to learn it. Then I heard you pronounce it and realized my mistake. Still excited to learn it, I’ll probably always call it a galaxy lick in my head though. Absolutely gorgeous banjo by the way.

[@marcnerenberg1]

Superb lesson Tom! Your analysis is so detailed and clear - I never really understood the mechanics of the Galax lick before.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Thank you, Marc! It's a twisty, curvy, mobius strip of a banjo move, and it eluded me for the longest time. Cheers! Tom

[@karlstine2065]

Can’t wait to build a banjo. Practicing on my uke.

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Nice, Karl! A uke can be a great mini-intro to clawhammer because you have that high string on the bass side.

[@jkingwhistler]

Fantastic, really helped.

[@ivanbower6814]

Paul Rudd unlocks the Galax Lick for us all - Thank You Good Sir!!!

[@folkrap12]

How many banjo's do you have? Would you be interested in doing a video showing and discussing your banjo's?

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hey Turtulestew! That's a fine idea. I'll see what I can do!

[@llamasamara]

+1 to this idea!

[@banjoman123]

Great video! So which beats can a Galax lick start on?

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Now that's a fine question, Alex! I have two answers: 1. Traditionally, the Galax Lick usually starts on the 2nd or 4th beat of a 4/4 measure. The latter version is super cool because it functions as a pickup to the next measure, so you get a big, bell-like 5th string on the 1 of a measure. Very hip and very old timey at the same time. 2. Theoretically, you can start this darn thing on any downbeat you please, as long as your arpeggio occupies a quarter note of time. This is cool because some enterprising, brave banjo-explorer should try starting it on the 1. Oooohhh, I can hear it! Unusual, and cooooool....just keep the groove tight, and you can make the rules. Cheers to you! Tom

[@karineg7500]

bonjour je regarde avec grand interet votre chaine youtube et je pense acheter vos cours patreon 1er niveau (the hero) mais avant j'ai des petites questions: -vos videos sont ellles traduites en français ( je ne parle pas anglais) vous mettez des tablatures telechargeables correspondantes au cours merci pour votre reponse et pour le partage ici en france pas de cours en français sur le clawhammer que je trouve magnifique je debute le banjo depuis 1 mois mais j'adore ce style merci encore

[@glenmc517]

Anyone know what type of banjo this is

[@sachawilliams7731]

I've been playing with my index finger. Is that ok?

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Totally fine, Sacha! Many world-class players use index. Best! Tom

[@sachawilliams7731]

@@TomCollinsBanjo That's great 😃

[@snafujag100]

Thanks for this. I have been playing it incorrectly for years😂

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hahaha! I was too until I made some of these discoveries. The puzzle of clawhammer is rich and deep. I wonder what else awaits us?!