If you're wondering, NO it does not matter that this video is 15 years old, it is still one of the BEST descriptions of how this technique is done. No one really ever mentions how you can "rest/stop" on the string below the first string you strike. This is a game-changer for folks who think they have to "avoid" the other strings and end up "plucking away" from the banjo head instead of "towards" it. Thank you for this video! Glad it dropped into my feed in 2022!
I’ve recently bought my first banjo and am new to string instruments, I’ve searched dozens of videos and find your teaching method one of the best ! Thank you
I am a five string picker who has had trouble geting the knack of frailing, and this is the first video I've found that has really helped. (This includes videos that I bought at music stores.) Great job.
i am an instrument builder, and build me a banjo, years ago (i mostly build guitars and mandolins). I intended to learn this style, but never could figure it out. your video is very clear. time for some repetition, and muscle memory. i hope i can stick with it this time. i want to play old time music (i play full time pop, jazz and blues in bars and restaurants - this is for me). and i recon i will have to build a frailin' banjo now. the one that i built before has a resonator. thanks!
hi richard,just bought my first banjo...back to lesson 1 again ...thanks for the clawhammer uke lessons..they have me well prepared for the banjo..i was playing it in 5 minutes and i have never even held one before..not too bad for a 54 year old i think..lol..
Follow through on the bumm or single note strlke. I have been playing for a year and that is the best advice yet. Just practised and that took out nanoseconds of hesataion. Good job 👍 thanks.
Thanks so much for the clear explanation and the practice bit... it's great to have it start off slow and speed up like that. I'll be watching and practicing along for a while!
Thank you for an excellent lesson. I am a guitar player, new to clawhammer banjo. I was finding the right hand movement hard to get right but your lesson put me on exactly the right track. I sound better already. Well done!
58 years old and I've been frailing for 3 weeks now. I've been using my middle finger but not so happy with the sound. I read and as you said, you can use your index also. Bingo! There's the sound I've been looking for. I thought maybe it was taboo to not use the proper finger strike but I'm finding it more fun and even a little easier. Glad you confirmed this and I found out in 3 weeks instead of 3 years. Just gotta train that index on where the strings are. Thanks!
Noticed that most clawhammer teachers demonstrate in slightly different ways making us feel, which way?? This is the one that seems to me to be the best. So thank you.
great clear demo. i've been playing clawhammer for a couple of years and sent your video to my buddy in Colorado who just started getting in the banjo.
I have been looking for how to videos online for 2 hours FINALLY I FOUND 'YOU'~ all the other instructors either totally left our the rh instruction or did a p_ss-poor job of explaining. You truly have a gift and I thank you for it=)
I bought a 5 string banjo about eight years ago, but quickly gave up with clawhammer and soon tired of Scruggs style, and so moved onto guitar. I had a book and tried learning clawhammer from there, but hated having my hand so rigid. If I saw this video then (unlikely given I was still using dial-up), and realised I didn't have to keep my hand locked, I'm certain I would be playing banjo now. Looks like I will have to buy a banjo again! Thanks for the video.
Instead of bringing your hand down as one you moved your fingers like opening your hands on the strings. Thanks for getting back with me I’m really wanting to learn how to play the banjo, my dad played the banjo years ago but didn’t have the patiences to teach me. I’m retired now with nothing to do with my spare time so I want to learn the banjo, and I just want to get it right. Thank you for being concerned I’ll try to find it on the video and let you know
Your way of explaining is really good... I will be watching hoards of your claw hammer banjo 🪕🪕 And guitar videos.. Going to praise the Lord God & play for dieing folks in care facilities and other Christians at small bible studies and possibly at church on Sunday and Wednesday nights.. And do busking on the side walks around town...A 76 yr old friend of mine plays in front of two different super markets,, playing & singing with hundreds of songs with amps & mic 🎤 music stand, lights and such and a chair, with plenty of power for 8 hrs and powers as well his phone heating pad and his 🪑 chair... Some days he is actually playing for his church and all those funds goes to the food bank for free food give away to the community in our town.. this fellow is literally a one man band and also plays at his church and clubs restaurants, doughnut shops, private parties 🎉 And he is 76 yrs old.. He plays, electric guitar, Acoustic guitar, cazoo, Harmonica,s,,, flutes, steel pedal guitar,, banjo.. When at the supermarket, The folks just love him.. He has actually thousands of songs in 15 book binders in his collection of music. Every kind of music... He used to tour the world 🌎 when he was a young guy. He started playing Harmonica at 7 yrs old and guitar at 12 yrs old.. My old friend is no teacher, he has no skills for that.. He gets mad at me...LOL LOL 😆 Have a great day.... Praise God..
great video, thanks. I just started too. I find this tech trickier than bluegrass, but I like it. I'm finding it hard to not hit the skin and getting thumb position right so it rests properly, you bringing the thumb down a little bit to compensate? (I have small stubby fingers, is why i find fretwork hard lol fat fingers in the way, but chang angle of attack helps) learning banjo because I their REALLY cool and as an aid to learning guitar (psst dont tell anyone i think the banjo is cooler lol)
Great instructions. One of the best I've seen. But I'm having a problem hitting the 2nd-4th strings and getting a clear sound. Usually more like a thud since my finger is hitting the next string yet getting in the way of the struck string. I suppose having long fingernails would help.
Hi, I have just ordered a 5 string banjo (never Played one before). I played the Diatonic harmonica with the guitar. Can I do the same with the banjo. Once I have learned how to play it.
I just started today and don't want any bad habits but I found that on the "bum" i can move quite quickly if i up pick it with my index finger. is there a downside to this method??
@bloodties1 -- It's a different style. I think what you're doing is probably what Pete Seeger calls up-picking and it's his main style of playing. I think he has a video at Homespun, and if that style suits you better you might want to find the video and check it out.
On the Dit- part, do you strum all the strings, and do you use only your middle/ index? I just started learnin clawhammer today, Ive been playin bluegrass for near 4 years.
Has anybody come across any good Bum Ditty (clawhammer (NOT Travis picking)) videos for guitar with some chord progressions ? I found one but his since had his account killed by RUclips I haven't been able to find any more, I'm just after some material to help build on the technique on an acoustic guitar ! Thanks Karl.
Ok it’s in the mechanics part at seven minutes in I’m not trying to be a but I just want to get it right. Doing that a little is that just making it convertible for you like if you miss a string once in awhile it won’t hurt thank you very much
I watched that part 7 minutes in. Not sure why it's confusing to you. I thought I explained exactly what I was doing there. No mention of "raking" as you called it.
I'm not sure what you're talking about. I don't think I've ever used the term "rake the strings," so could you tell me the location on the video of what you're saying?
If you're wondering, NO it does not matter that this video is 15 years old, it is still one of the BEST descriptions of how this technique is done. No one really ever mentions how you can "rest/stop" on the string below the first string you strike. This is a game-changer for folks who think they have to "avoid" the other strings and end up "plucking away" from the banjo head instead of "towards" it. Thank you for this video! Glad it dropped into my feed in 2022!
Thanks HNX... I appreciate the kind words!
I’ve recently bought my first banjo and am new to string instruments, I’ve searched dozens of videos and find your teaching method one of the best ! Thank you
First time I have seen a very clear concise explanation of this. Thanx!!
I am a five string picker who has had trouble geting the knack of frailing, and this is the first video I've found that has really helped. (This includes videos that I bought at music stores.) Great job.
One of the best explanations of this style yet. Good job.
i am an instrument builder, and build me a banjo, years ago (i mostly build guitars and mandolins). I intended to learn this style, but never could figure it out. your video is very clear. time for some repetition, and muscle memory. i hope i can stick with it this time. i want to play old time music (i play full time pop, jazz and blues in bars and restaurants - this is for me). and i recon i will have to build a frailin' banjo now. the one that i built before has a resonator.
thanks!
hi richard,just bought my first banjo...back to lesson 1 again ...thanks for the clawhammer uke lessons..they have me well prepared for the banjo..i was playing it in 5 minutes and i have never even held one before..not too bad for a 54 year old i think..lol..
Thank you for this wonderful lesson. You are spreading a lot of joy by sharing your teaching talent.
Super lesson! If I'd seen this a couple of weeks ago, I'd have saved a couple hundred dollars for the banjo camp. Thanks for the help.
Follow through on the bumm or single note strlke. I have been playing for a year and that is the best advice yet.
Just practised and that took out nanoseconds of hesataion. Good job 👍 thanks.
Thanks so much for the clear explanation and the practice bit... it's great to have it start off slow and speed up like that. I'll be watching and practicing along for a while!
Just shared this tutorial with my friend. She's learning how to play banjo. I had to brag on you, uncle! :)
This is great. My wife just bought me a banjo for Christmas, and I have no training whatsoever. This little video helps a lot.
Thank you for an excellent lesson. I am a guitar player, new to clawhammer banjo. I was finding the right hand movement hard to get right but your lesson put me on exactly the right track. I sound better already. Well done!
Brilliant video,got my Banjo yesterday and will be sat watching and practising this for months.
THANK YOU.
Every banjo teacher exudes some warmth
58 years old and I've been frailing for 3 weeks now. I've been using my middle finger but not so happy with the sound. I read and as you said, you can use your index also. Bingo! There's the sound I've been looking for. I thought maybe it was taboo to not use the proper finger strike but I'm finding it more fun and even a little easier. Glad you confirmed this and I found out in 3 weeks instead of 3 years. Just gotta train that index on where the strings are. Thanks!
Terrific video! Simple explanation, and your kind words are inspiring! Thank you
Noticed that most clawhammer teachers demonstrate in slightly different ways making us feel, which way?? This is the one that seems to me to be the best.
So thank you.
I just got my first banjo and this was immensely helpful. Thank you.
Thank you Richard. Excellently explained for this old guitar player learning the banjo.
great clear demo. i've been playing clawhammer for a couple of years and sent your video to my buddy in Colorado who just started getting in the banjo.
Thanks for this. I'm learning how to adapt this technique to the guitar and this has been most helpful.
Thanks so much. Very clear and focussed instruction. Great to get started correctly.
I have been looking for how to videos online for 2 hours FINALLY I FOUND 'YOU'~ all the other instructors either totally left our the rh instruction or did a p_ss-poor job of explaining. You truly have a gift and I thank you for it=)
Thanks Richard, you make it look easy...i am really inspired to have another go at this technique, sounds better than picking...
I bought a 5 string banjo about eight years ago, but quickly gave up with clawhammer and soon tired of Scruggs style, and so moved onto guitar. I had a book and tried learning clawhammer from there, but hated having my hand so rigid. If I saw this video then (unlikely given I was still using dial-up), and realised I didn't have to keep my hand locked, I'm certain I would be playing banjo now. Looks like I will have to buy a banjo again! Thanks for the video.
@brummeister1 ... Yes, use your index finger if it's more comfortable (I'm pretty sure I said that in this video).
Thanks for your online lesson...
Very, very clear !!
Regards from Spain, FJGI
Very nice! Thanks so much, I'm a 3 wk. beginner on banjo after playing guitar for 42 yrs.
Great video. Clawhammer made easy! Thanks for making the video available.
Instead of bringing your hand down as one you moved your fingers like opening your hands on the strings. Thanks for getting back with me I’m really wanting to learn how to play the banjo, my dad played the banjo years ago but didn’t have the patiences to teach me. I’m retired now with nothing to do with my spare time so I want to learn the banjo, and I just want to get it right. Thank you for being concerned I’ll try to find it on the video and let you know
Thanks alot you cleared up alot of issues with my learning how to play !
You have a wonderfull way to explain thing, Richard.
Your way of explaining is really good... I will be watching hoards of your claw hammer banjo 🪕🪕
And guitar videos..
Going to praise the Lord God & play for dieing folks in care facilities and other Christians at small bible studies and possibly at church on Sunday and Wednesday nights.. And do busking on the side walks around town...A 76 yr old friend of mine plays in front of two different super markets,, playing & singing with hundreds of songs with amps & mic 🎤 music stand, lights and such and a chair, with plenty of power for 8 hrs and powers as well his phone heating pad and his 🪑 chair...
Some days he is actually playing for his church and all those funds goes to the food bank for free food give away to the community in our town.. this fellow is literally a one man band and also plays at his church and clubs restaurants, doughnut shops, private parties 🎉
And he is 76 yrs old..
He plays, electric guitar, Acoustic guitar, cazoo, Harmonica,s,,, flutes, steel pedal guitar,, banjo..
When at the supermarket,
The folks just love him..
He has actually thousands of songs in 15 book binders in his collection of music.
Every kind of music...
He used to tour the world 🌎 when he was a young guy. He started playing Harmonica at 7 yrs old and guitar at 12 yrs old.. My old friend is no teacher, he has no skills for that.. He gets mad at me...LOL LOL 😆
Have a great day....
Praise God..
thanks. best youtube explanation of this style.
Great lesson, the first time i realised it correctly.
really helpful!!!! nice and slow so you don't get totally lost and confused.
can you make more videos? i love the way you teach
Doesn't get much simpler than this, thanks!
i agree good job u dummied it down for us i just have the worst habit of wantin to pluck where im so used to scruggs style thanks alot man!!
Yeah he seems like a lovely old bloke, and a very good teacher.
great video, thanks. I just started too. I find this tech trickier than bluegrass, but I like it. I'm finding it hard to not hit the skin and getting thumb position right so it rests properly, you bringing the thumb down a little bit to compensate? (I have small stubby fingers, is why i find fretwork hard lol fat fingers in the way, but chang angle of attack helps) learning banjo because I their REALLY cool and as an aid to learning guitar (psst dont tell anyone i think the banjo is cooler lol)
@zimmy81 The banjo is in G tuning.
definately a good teacher
Wicked cool thanks ill be checking out your lessons. Very good.
Outstanding! I'll give it a sincere shot!
Great instructions. One of the best I've seen. But I'm having a problem hitting the 2nd-4th strings and getting a clear sound. Usually more like a thud since my finger is hitting the next string yet getting in the way of the struck string. I suppose having long fingernails would help.
Nice old video. Great instruction. He just makes it look so effortless. Why is it so hard for me?
Excellent Video, Thank You So Much. I am Just Learning and Your Method was very well done and extremely helpful Godspeed, DanO'
Hi, I have just ordered a 5 string banjo (never Played one before). I played the Diatonic harmonica with the guitar. Can I do the same with the banjo. Once I have learned how to play it.
Of course... just as long as you use the correct key of harmonica (like with the guitar).
thanks for the lesson, its very good, i tuned my banjo to yours but what key are we in?
Very helpful. Thank you.
Thank you very much.
I thank you very much for the instructions.
Maybe it's gonna help me with learnib=ng this style of banjo picking.
I guess the basics are bum ditty for the five string and do wacka for the four string right?
thanks for the video, I have been practicing the banjo style for about 2 weeks now and i have a question. wondering which style you prefered?
I just started today and don't want any bad habits but I found that on the "bum" i can move quite quickly if i up pick it with my index finger. is there a downside to this method??
@bloodties1 -- It's a different style. I think what you're doing is probably what Pete Seeger calls up-picking and it's his main style of playing. I think he has a video at Homespun, and if that style suits you better you might want to find the video and check it out.
You tell us not to take but you did
On the Dit- part, do you strum all the strings, and do you use only your middle/ index? I just started learnin clawhammer today, Ive been playin bluegrass for near 4 years.
Has anybody come across any good Bum Ditty (clawhammer (NOT Travis picking)) videos for guitar with some chord progressions ? I found one but his since had his account killed by RUclips I haven't been able to find any more, I'm just after some material to help build on the technique on an acoustic guitar ! Thanks Karl.
I just have to ask, what kind of banjo is that and where can I see one? Oh, thanks for the great lesson.
This Video Is Great !!!!
Damn ive been flickin the claw, the carter flick, this is gonna be harder to quit than cigarettes
mrdtrotter - look for Steve Baughman who has a couple of videos on RUclips and also a book/cd on frailing for guitar
yay
Ok it’s in the mechanics part at seven minutes in I’m not trying to be a but I just want to get it right. Doing that a little is that just making it convertible for you like if you miss a string once in awhile it won’t hurt thank you very much
I watched that part 7 minutes in. Not sure why it's confusing to you. I thought I explained exactly what I was doing there. No mention of "raking" as you called it.
💗💗💗
Hi Richard, What is the brand of the banjo you are playing here ? Thank you.
The banjo I played in this video is a handmade banjo from Michael Fox, who mostly makes the Dulcijo.
OMG THATS A LOT OF VEIWS👍🏻
I just became # 1,000 !!
What do you think about learning banjo after a couple years of mandolin
Sounds good to me. Music is music, and what you learn on one instrument transfers over to others.
You tell us not to rake the strings but you are doing it
I'm not sure what you're talking about. I don't think I've ever used the term "rake the strings," so could you tell me the location on the video of what you're saying?
5:05 yeah
easy very nice
love you bby thank you.
Simple 😆🤣😂
Thank you, George Bush
This video is more than 15 years old... these days I look more like George Bush's grandpa.
Wicked cool thanks ill be checking out your lessons. Very good.