Old Time Frailing for the Bluegrass Banjo Player - Lesson 1 #clawhammer
Jim Pankey
105,059 views
If you've been playing bluegrass banjo for a while and have some interest in old-time frailing (clawhammer) then this video is for you.
Have you been playing bluegrass banjo for years but could never quite wrap your head around clawhammer? You're not alone! In this first lesson of my new series, I'm showing you that you don't need a special open-back banjo to get started—your resonator banjo works just fine.
In this lesson, we cover:
The Hand Shape: How to form the "claw" and why I prefer using the middle finger for the downstroke.
The "Knocking" Motion: Why clawhammer is a downward strike toward the head of the banjo, rather than an upward picking motion.
The Thumb's Role: How to rest your thumb on the 5th string and let the motion of your hand do the work, rather than individual thumb picking.
The "Bum-Ditty" Rhythm: A step-by-step breakdown of the basic rhythmic building block of old-time banjo.
The Brush Stroke: How to incorporate a light brush across the strings to fill out your sound.
This lesson is all about the right hand. Don't worry about your left hand yet—if you play bluegrass, you already know your way around the neck. Just focus on that steady, rocking rhythm!
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction: Addressing the common "Bluegrass vs. Clawhammer" struggle
00:43 - Myth Busting: Do you need an open-back banjo?
01:35 - Right-Hand Setup: Forming the "Claw" shape
02:18 - The Basic Strike: The "knocking on the door" motion
03:42 - Landing the thumb on the 5th string
04:38 - Visualizing the rocking motion (Side View)
05:12 - The Bum-Ditty Breakdown: Learning the core rhythm
06:23 - The Brush Stroke: Adding texture to your rhythm
07:15 - Summary of the two basic motions
08:09 - Wrap up and what's coming in Lesson 2
20 Comments
i've been playing banjos for 60 years , many styles ,
this is one of the best instructional videos for learning clawhammer !
I didn’t get to hear him play much, but I can tell he must have been using this style based on the wear. Makes sense since he was born in 1902 in SW Virginia before Scruggs style. Thanks for all these lessons.
I’m a reading/ history teacher and I can tell you have been blessed with the natural gift of being a really great teacher (and banjo player!)
I am totally pleased so far..
Even Mr Pankey has one that he plays..
This is my first lesson on frailing/clawhammer style with my own banjo 🪕
This is my official start day on banjo lessons. This is day one. Oh one other thing folks, this banjo 🪕
Tuned up right out of the box.. I recommend this banjo for front porch playing, campfire playing, playing with friends & family... From brother Harvey ✝️🇺🇸🤠🪕🪕🪕
Old Time Frailing for the Bluegrass Banjo Player - Lesson 1 #clawhammer
Jim Pankey
105,059 views
If you've been playing bluegrass banjo for a while and have some interest in old-time frailing (clawhammer) then this video is for you.
Have you been playing bluegrass banjo for years but could never quite wrap your head around clawhammer? You're not alone! In this first lesson of my new series, I'm showing you that you don't need a special open-back banjo to get started—your resonator banjo works just fine.
In this lesson, we cover:
The Hand Shape: How to form the "claw" and why I prefer using the middle finger for the downstroke.
The "Knocking" Motion: Why clawhammer is a downward strike toward the head of the banjo, rather than an upward picking motion.
The Thumb's Role: How to rest your thumb on the 5th string and let the motion of your hand do the work, rather than individual thumb picking.
The "Bum-Ditty" Rhythm: A step-by-step breakdown of the basic rhythmic building block of old-time banjo.
The Brush Stroke: How to incorporate a light brush across the strings to fill out your sound.
This lesson is all about the right hand. Don't worry about your left hand yet—if you play bluegrass, you already know your way around the neck. Just focus on that steady, rocking rhythm!
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction: Addressing the common "Bluegrass vs. Clawhammer" struggle
00:43 - Myth Busting: Do you need an open-back banjo?
01:35 - Right-Hand Setup: Forming the "Claw" shape
02:18 - The Basic Strike: The "knocking on the door" motion
03:42 - Landing the thumb on the 5th string
04:38 - Visualizing the rocking motion (Side View)
05:12 - The Bum-Ditty Breakdown: Learning the core rhythm
06:23 - The Brush Stroke: Adding texture to your rhythm
07:15 - Summary of the two basic motions
08:09 - Wrap up and what's coming in Lesson 2