You should seek out Clinton Hicks' RUclips video about the guitar George Gibson gave him to play in banjo tunings. He and Molly Tuttle also use modal tunings, which I think are different from each other. I've only just acquired my first banjo, so I've been using Open G on guitar to prepare for the 'culture change'. On the way I discovered 'Taro Patch tuning' on ukelele, tenor banjos and tenor guitars. 4 fingers = 4 strings!
Phoebe on guitar! 😃👍👍👍 Yes Molly Tuttle is simply AMAZING... I think you should get a smaller guitar! I prefer nylon-string guitars, because you can play everything on them and I really like flamenco, but if you want a great steel-string guitar that's not too big and really comfortable to play, check out the Martin 000 Junior! 😎 I don't regret my purchase.
And all this time I sillily thought that the banjo-string that you hit with your thumb in your clawhammer playing was making a low-pitched sound. If only I'd thought about what the _short length_ of that string implied!
You deserve a better guitar. ❤ I know how this goes. Soon, You’ll be playing fiddle, mandolin, bass, every traditional stringed instrument, and when You run out of strings, You’ll pick up whistles, flutes and a concertina. That’s what happens. Been there. Enjoy! ❤️🪕❤️
Oh, wow. I just turned my "slide" guitar (usually open D) to Open G bc I saw Molly Tuttle "I've Always Been a Rambler" from her Kitchen Counter series. I'm still a banjo picker but it's time. I need to claw hammer.
Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits is a master of the clawhammer guitar style - would definitely recommend checking his work out. Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is very similar as well.
Please keep us updated, I would go as far as saying you dont need that top String for now, get comfortable with just chords and melodies with the botttom four! Cheers!
I have never learned to play the guitar properly-but I have long done something like what you were doing with your thumb. Thanks to you, I now know it's not just a me thing, but an actual Thing.
Phoebe, I play three-finger banjo, and have been learning some John Denver tunes. Of course, John played guitar, so to more closely align with his music, I took an acoustic guitar I have, removed the 5th and 6th strings, added a new fifth string sized to a first string, then tuned the whole thing to open G banjo tuning. Now I can play using banjo fingerings but get a beautiful guitar sound. I hope you have fun with your new banjo/guitar!
Molly uses G model tuning for Clawhammer (DGDGCD) which is the same as the Sawmill/Mountain minor banjo tuning. You definitely need a 5th string and as others have suggested, need to check out Steve Baughman who has probably taken Clawhammer guitar further than anyone else,
Hi Phoebe, your talent grows all the time, and now on guitar, please keep on with the banjo. Molly tuttle is among the very best, try Billy Strings too.
That's awesome! I was playing my Ukulele this weekend and thinking about your videos. I was wondering if Clawhammer Ukuele was a thing since it has the high G string on top to bounce off as a drone lol. Clawhammer guitar sounds great, I hope you do more videos with it!
Maybe use open D, so you get a more matching bass note. Or remove the sixth string altogether for open G (like Keith Richards) so you use the fifth string as your drone. You have the talent to play guitar, for sure. Then on to a 12-string!
I've always had a clawhammer strum on guitar, but clawhammer strumming for me is dragging fingernails down but dragging the thumbnail up, and this is how it was shown on a guitar PBS show years after I'd already been playing this way. I haven't seen any Molly Tuttle videos yet, so I don't know exactly what her style is. Anyway, after I acquired a banjo, and went to the music shop to look for books (this was way before RUclips even existed), I had never heard of this "clawhammer", but when I examined the clawhammer books, I knew it was the technique for me. I just had to adjust to plucking with the thumb instead of strumming with it.
Heck yes! I love playing Clawhammer guitar! I use open D too, and it’s similar to minstrel tuning! You can do it with ukuleles too. Just take the A string down to G to make gceg!
😀This will blow your mind. There's also Clawhammer Ukelele!!! A few videos online demonstrating clawhammer ukelele, but I forgot who was (ir)resopnsible for those.
Clawhammer guitar? I know a few guitar players that might be interested. Unfortunately I only play piano. But the idea makes me think. What about fretless guitar? What about clawhanner fiddle? Phoebe reshaping music one video at a time. Thanks for making me smile and making me think.
Dr. Phoebe, thanks for sharing this! I need to get brave enough to try alternate tunings with my guitar. I tend to be a standard tuning flat pick guy. The only alternate tunings I have used are drop D and double drop D. BTW, there is also claw hammer ukulele, which I have been wanting to check out. God's blessings and much love to you, Doc! ❤❤❤❤❤
Interesting experiment, but I finally would say: "nope, it doesn't do it...". The bass E string (the thickest one) ruins most, while the missing A string is... just missing indeed. As for the rest of strings, they are made for a guitar, not for a banjo, so they too are reluctant to sound like banjo... Your banjo is terrific, usually speaking, so in my humble opinion I would suggest you keep on the banjo ! Sorry if I sound a bit stabbing on you, but remember WE ALL LOVE YOU !! (...and your banjo !)
Phoebe- take that guitar in to Guitar Center(or some local Guitar shop) and have their guitar tech put some new strings(Elixir nanoweb- medium- 12's)- have them do a set-up(neck adjustment, fret polish, fretboard conditioned, etc)- maybe swap the plastic bridge pins for some ebony pins- it'll be like having a new guitar- don't stop playing that guitar- you're a natural...
I think Roscoe Holcomb played his guitar in a kind of clawhammer style. If I recall correctly he tuned his 6 string way up. My cat sometimes tries to play clawhammer.
What a superb idea! And you've obviously taken to it quite well already, even if the guitar is a little deep for your reach :) You should get that G string replaced soon, it will make your life in G tuning easier. Once you've started fretting the top string(s) for bass, we might let you into the guitarists' secret guitar gatherings, where you'll learn to appreciate effects pedals and whammy bars.
LOL. As someone who is trying to go the other direction (messed around with guitar more or less 40 years, with decades in between never touching one) and trying banjo for the first time this year, I feel for you. Face palming when I see vandalized A string to turn it into a 5 string banjo haha.
I played banjo for years, then started playing guitar in open G . Now just use your banjo chord shapes up one string from the bottom, You can play in open C ,D , or E ,C .
Of course. The string you are missing would be tuned to G and your bass string the would be tuned to low D. You can also tune to same open D as a banjo uses. You may have to learn to control which bass string your thumb lands on. I have a Baritone Guitar that ends up being tuned two frets low so tunes to open F and open C
Everybody gangsta 'til Phoebe finds out about Clawhammer guitar
😄
'Guitars scare me because they have more strings than I have fingers' Still laughing after hearing that - Phoebe, you just made my day! 🙂
Molly Tuttle is the best, I’m glad you chose her as your mentor.
You should seek out Clinton Hicks' RUclips video about the guitar George Gibson gave him to play in banjo tunings. He and Molly Tuttle also use modal tunings, which I think are different from each other.
I've only just acquired my first banjo, so I've been using Open G on guitar to prepare for the 'culture change'. On the way I discovered 'Taro Patch tuning' on ukelele, tenor banjos and tenor guitars. 4 fingers = 4 strings!
Phoebe on guitar! 😃👍👍👍 Yes Molly Tuttle is simply AMAZING...
I think you should get a smaller guitar! I prefer nylon-string guitars, because you can play everything on them and I really like flamenco, but if you want a great steel-string guitar that's not too big and really comfortable to play, check out the Martin 000 Junior! 😎 I don't regret my purchase.
I didn't quite understand the appeal at first, but then you played the riff starting at 3:04, and that made me go 'wow, that sound so cool'
And all this time I sillily thought that the banjo-string that you hit with your thumb in your clawhammer playing was making a low-pitched sound. If only I'd thought about what the _short length_ of that string implied!
Very cool! Molly is amazing, The River Knows is very sad but a great example of clawhammer guitar.
You deserve a better guitar. ❤ I know how this goes. Soon, You’ll be playing fiddle, mandolin, bass, every traditional stringed instrument, and when You run out of strings, You’ll pick up whistles, flutes and a concertina. That’s what happens. Been there. Enjoy! ❤️🪕❤️
Mollie is a gem as is Sarah Jarosz who plays the octave mandolin which is an amazing instrument...
Blessing and Shalom in Him
Oh, wow. I just turned my "slide" guitar (usually open D) to Open G bc I saw Molly Tuttle "I've Always Been a Rambler" from her Kitchen Counter series.
I'm still a banjo picker but it's time. I need to claw hammer.
Goodness, (I should leave it there) but "more strings than I have fingers", hillarious.
This is great! That must be double drop D. "D, B, G, D, no A, low D."
Something minor key like Pretty Polly, or Hollis Brown might be a fun start.
When I saw the title of this video, I was going to comment, watch Molly Tuttle videos. I guess that you already know that. Keep up the good work.
OMG I love Molly Tuttle!!! I watch her clawhammer the guitar and think of you everytime!!!! I WAS BEYOND EXCITED the second a saw the title!!!! YES!!!
Try shimming the bridge saddle on the base side to raise your lowest string or strings. That should stop the buzzing. Have fun!
Glad you found Molly. See her live if you get a chance.
This is pretty great! I like it. It's a bit like the droning in bagpipes or a hurdy-gurdy.
Smudge looks to say," you need a better guitar to hammer on", instead of doing your homework ..
Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits is a master of the clawhammer guitar style - would definitely recommend checking his work out. Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is very similar as well.
I love you're enthusiasm and spontaneity
I love to see such a cool girl so excited about guitar!!!(:
I do the same with uke and play old waltzes
Please keep us updated, I would go as far as saying you dont need that top String for now, get comfortable with just chords and melodies with the botttom four! Cheers!
That's amazing, Phoebe! I play guitar, but I didn't think that it's possible to play a guitar like that, in banjo-style :)
I have never learned to play the guitar properly-but I have long done something like what you were doing with your thumb. Thanks to you, I now know it's not just a me thing, but an actual Thing.
Phoebe, I play three-finger banjo, and have been learning some John Denver tunes. Of course, John played guitar, so to more closely align with his music, I took an acoustic guitar I have, removed the 5th and 6th strings, added a new fifth string sized to a first string, then tuned the whole thing to open G banjo tuning. Now I can play using banjo fingerings but get a beautiful guitar sound. I hope you have fun with your new banjo/guitar!
Go Phoebe! I hope some day you meet Molly and she gives you a lesson.
Molly uses G model tuning for Clawhammer (DGDGCD) which is the same as the Sawmill/Mountain minor banjo tuning. You definitely need a 5th string and as others have suggested, need to check out Steve Baughman who has probably taken Clawhammer guitar further than anyone else,
I can hear the potential and your enthusiasm! I’m anticipating more tunes already!
I like the sound are you going be doin guitar videos now I’d love to hear more
I really like Molly Tuttle
Great video
Phoebie you are so awesome to watch. A breath of fresh air in a weary world. We love you here in Indiana!!!
Hi Phoebe, your talent grows all the time, and now on guitar, please keep on with the banjo. Molly tuttle is among the very best, try Billy Strings too.
That's awesome! I was playing my Ukulele this weekend and thinking about your videos. I was wondering if Clawhammer Ukuele was a thing since it has the high G string on top to bounce off as a drone lol. Clawhammer guitar sounds great, I hope you do more videos with it!
You sound better than I with an out of tune unfamiliar instrument that's missing an important string.
And All Is Right With the World :-)
Wow Phoebe there is another avenue of music for you to discover. What you played sounded great. There are smaller bodied guitars available too.
my dad was a banjo/guitar player
he loved doing "Dueling Banjoes" on guitar
So cool! Also thank you for the Smudge close-up, I really needed that
Thanks!
Thank YOU!!
You are getting some percussion from that bass string! Love the innovation!
Maybe use open D, so you get a more matching bass note. Or remove the sixth string altogether for open G (like Keith Richards) so you use the fifth string as your drone. You have the talent to play guitar, for sure. Then on to a 12-string!
If you hook your thumb over the top of the fretboard, you can finger notes with it on that low string.
Cool find. I’d like to hear you play more of this. The darker melody is a nice switch up once in a while.
Well... The only thing I can think about right now is clawhammer bass...
I've always had a clawhammer strum on guitar, but clawhammer strumming for me is dragging fingernails down but dragging the thumbnail up, and this is how it was shown on a guitar PBS show years after I'd already been playing this way. I haven't seen any Molly Tuttle videos yet, so I don't know exactly what her style is. Anyway, after I acquired a banjo, and went to the music shop to look for books (this was way before RUclips even existed), I had never heard of this "clawhammer", but when I examined the clawhammer books, I knew it was the technique for me. I just had to adjust to plucking with the thumb instead of strumming with it.
The blue of that shirt really goes with the colors of your hair, face, and hat.
Clawhammer ukulele is absolutely a thing. It works well.
Awesome! I’ve played guitar since I was 15 and there is always more to learn. You’re doing great. Thanks for sharing.👍
keep making magic
edit *this is magic* thank you
I gotta check this out
I thought I couldn't relate to you more, but then you picked up an instrument I can actually play!
I’ve played a little claw hammer guitar before, when needed. It’s fun👍
PUPPER (But also you're such a good musician 🧡)
There's a guy called Clawhammer Chris - you might find him entertaining / instructive. His Halloween video was a doozy. 🎸
That is so cool, Phoebe! I'm gonna have to try that! Wow, its different seeing you play guitar!😂👍🎸
Dog's like "Well, yeah! Duh"
Get into Bob Dylan tunes. Heheh . Martin London UK
Please call Smudge a good puppy for me. They deserve it.
That's awesome! I'm actually learning guitar on my own.
Practice makes better & better, Phoebe. And a good quality gee-tar helps....'n Christmas is coming.
Be Well.
You are the zaniest human being I have ever witnessed!
Welcome to the club, I play banjo, guitar and mandolin, just wait til you figure out about that one!!
Heck yes! I love playing Clawhammer guitar! I use open D too, and it’s similar to minstrel tuning! You can do it with ukuleles too. Just take the A string down to G to make gceg!
Molly Tuttle is great, check out Steve Baughman.
😀This will blow your mind. There's also Clawhammer Ukelele!!! A few videos online demonstrating clawhammer ukelele, but I forgot who was (ir)resopnsible for those.
I do it sometimes, but it seems so weird to to me have the bass string being the drone.
Awesome! Instant guitarist!
Clawhammer guitar? I know a few guitar players that might be interested. Unfortunately I only play piano. But the idea makes me think. What about fretless guitar? What about clawhanner fiddle?
Phoebe reshaping music one video at a time. Thanks for making me smile and making me think.
Nice
Might be because it’s late, tired after drumming practice, and hallucinating as a result… but Johnny Cash came to mind.
Love some clawhammer guitar. Glad I can live vicariously through you, cause my guitar is collecting dust.
You makes me smile so much, again. 🐣
I love that sound!
I didn't recognize you there! Is that a guitar? I've got a few of those!
Dr. Phoebe, thanks for sharing this! I need to get brave enough to try alternate tunings with my guitar. I tend to be a standard tuning flat pick guy. The only alternate tunings I have used are drop D and double drop D. BTW, there is also claw hammer ukulele, which I have been wanting to check out. God's blessings and much love to you, Doc! ❤❤❤❤❤
I look forward to you playing more guitar like that.
Interesting experiment, but I finally would say: "nope, it doesn't do it...".
The bass E string (the thickest one) ruins most, while the missing A string is... just missing indeed.
As for the rest of strings, they are made for a guitar, not for a banjo, so they too are reluctant to sound like banjo...
Your banjo is terrific, usually speaking, so in my humble opinion I would suggest you keep on the banjo !
Sorry if I sound a bit stabbing on you, but remember WE ALL LOVE YOU !! (...and your banjo !)
Cool!
Go for it Phoebe!
I’ve been curious about this but there haven’t been many RUclips videos on it, until now!
I had to read the title 3 times and then I realized you needed a comma after the word wait. 😀
Phoebe- take that guitar in to Guitar Center(or some local Guitar shop) and have their guitar tech put some new strings(Elixir nanoweb- medium- 12's)- have them do a set-up(neck adjustment, fret polish, fretboard conditioned, etc)- maybe swap the plastic bridge pins for some ebony pins- it'll be like having a new guitar- don't stop playing that guitar- you're a natural...
You are so beautiful,I hope you never leave us❤
I think Roscoe Holcomb played his guitar in a kind of clawhammer style. If I recall correctly he tuned his 6 string way up. My cat sometimes tries to play clawhammer.
Awesome ❤
Awwww yeah!
I think it's cool you didn't fret too much about the missing string or the perfect tuning for a 1st impressions.
Keep on Rocking 🎉
What a superb idea! And you've obviously taken to it quite well already, even if the guitar is a little deep for your reach :)
You should get that G string replaced soon, it will make your life in G tuning easier. Once you've started fretting the top string(s) for bass, we might let you into the guitarists' secret guitar gatherings, where you'll learn to appreciate effects pedals and whammy bars.
LOL. As someone who is trying to go the other direction (messed around with guitar more or less 40 years, with decades in between never touching one) and trying banjo for the first time this year, I feel for you. Face palming when I see vandalized A string to turn it into a 5 string banjo haha.
That's pretty cool.Hope you do another video after you get a set of strings for that or maybe a different guitar and have a chance to be perfect it
I played banjo for years, then started playing guitar in open G . Now just use your banjo chord shapes up one string from the bottom, You can play in open C ,D , or E ,C .
Cheap out-of-tune guitar with a missing string...and Phoebe STILL makes it sound amazing.
Of course. The string you are missing would be tuned to G and your bass string the would be tuned to low D. You can also tune to same open D as a banjo uses. You may have to learn to control which bass string your thumb lands on. I have a Baritone Guitar that ends up being tuned two frets low so tunes to open F and open C
you should always tune your guitar...it will sound better. it a good habit to get in to
Awesome Phoebe; Check out Justin Johnson. put that 5'th string back on .tune it to a G for the drone.and the lowest string E to a D Thanx Again !!!
I imagine it mostly just takes practice and time to “perfect”- I always wondered why more people didn’t plat that way.
The multiverses must have collided, Phoebe playing a guitar?
I've never tried it but I think Roscoe Holcomb played guitar in a claw hammer style part of the time. Frail on!
Wait till you see how many keys are on a piano.