The Drop Thumb Illusion 2 | The Blueprints of Clawhammer Banjo by Tom Collins

In our last installment of The Blueprints of Clawhammer Banjo (for now!), let's talk about drop thumb. I also include two different exercises designed to help you perfect your drop thumb.
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[@DanDDirges]

Good easy to understand video lesson. Doc Watson also stated that he uses hammer ons, pull offs and slides where drop thumbs would normally go. I agree. I`m not saying dont learn drop thumb but you really dont need it either.

[@RyanHarlin]

Okay that pic of "little tommy" must be your next shirt design.

[@timothyotis1274]

A tip: you can watch movies at kaldrostream. Been using them for watching loads of movies lately.

[@ezequielgordon9053]

@Timothy Otis Yup, I have been watching on kaldrostream for since november myself :D

[@banjobill311]

The original video was a turning point in my playing, so thank you!

[@ericlafrogne5698]

I want to clean up my drop thumb technique and I am having to unlearn some bad habits. The main problem I have is that my thumb sometimes stops the 1st string from ringing when I put it on the 2nd string ready to pluck. Really diificult to avoid! Your video is great and I will follow your tips. Thank you Tom.

[@brojhn]

Thank you

[@harlekin8116]

yess

[@d.l.loonabide9981]

Perhaps a lot of us get accustomed to hearing the thumb play a high pitch. The thumb is playing the second sixteenth note in the double thumb rhythm. When dropping, the notes played by the thumb are often lower pitches. This creates the interesting syncopations that the banjo is known for. Usually the lower the pitch, the more the syncopations stand out. If you thumb the lowest notes, do so very deliberately or it can sound like a late downbeat.

[@robertjohnson5795]

This lesson is really helpful and it makes a neat little tune all by itself.
I notice you've got new strings (without the chenille). I want to put a new set on my Tupelo.
The original set seemed a little light to me.
Can I ask what set you're using?
Thanks!

[@mario7frankielee]

is there a separate video on how at(2:21) your shirt color changes?

[@KLeeHill]

😂

[@timothymatz9386]

Hey! How do I contact you for Skype lessons? Thanks for great content.

[@FretlessFury]

Hi Timothy....you can contact me via email: fivemiles (at) gmail (dot) com . I do have a bit of a waiting list, but feel free to reach out.