I just got a banjo and was determined to play clawhammer, but after 1 day of playing around with that, I knew it wasn't the style I should start on. Thank you for showing me this nice alternative!
Hi Erin, there’s a great claw hammer that was on RUclips but has moved to Patreon. His name is Patrick Costello and i learned claw hammer from his videos a little over two years ago. I highly recommend it!
Man, Clifton I have listened and listened to your clawhammer brush and have tried to figure how you get the sound you get. It's taken me going to the complete beginner lesson here and I think I see it. When you brush, do you (kinda) upbrush as you come off your 5th string? Not a full on upbrush, but just a tiny bit? There is a different element to your clawhammer compared to everyone else's, even when you slow way down its still there. I love the way that sounds, and want to try and emulate it.
So... maybe I should be doing this. I have started practicing 3-finger picking, but... not only do I like the sound of open-back, plunky banjos without any sound ring (at least nothing substantial) but I don't value ultra-speed. I like moderated speed, spooky/dark, minor messing around a lot with picking. I don't suppose I should feel like I'm going to "learn wrong" and make 3-finger harder, later or anything. Seems like to be well-rounded is a good goal. Thanks!
I played guitar for many years and whenever I did finger-picking I would always just use two fingers-- and I thought I was doing it wrong.now I'm looking to start banjo and I think this is going to be my style. Thanks
Thanks for this. I've (sort of) played this style for years. I got frustrated trying to learn clawhammer, and it kind of morphed into a two-finger up picking style, trying to replicate the "bum ditty". I didn't know it was a legit old-time style, and I've learned a lot from your videos. As guitar is my main instrument - mostly finger picking - this is much more intuitive for me than clawhammer. Thanks!
Thank you so much for this explanation. I just recently picked up the banjo and immediately started playing it in this manner. I thought it was incorrect after reading about Scruggs and Clawhammer. Kinda figured those were the only “right” ways. This video makes me feel like I’m on the right track. Thank you
Yeah, it's become pretty common revisionist history that clawhammer was the only way anyone ever played the banjo. In reality, loads of these people were self-taught living in rural Appalachia and as a result came up with all kinds of different, interesting ways to pick. Very neat stuff
Been playing guitar all my life so when I got given a banjo I thought it would be easy. How wrong I was but the tips and hints you give in your lesson have put me on the right track. I'm starting to get it now and just have to forget about guitar playing when I got the banjo out.
I have an easier time with clawhammer than this as well. I'm glad someone else posted this cause I was starting to feel dumb. But I will master this. I must.
I developed a style similar to the two-finger but is more of a Frankenstein of two-finger, three-finger, pinch, and claw hammer. I first learned to play the banjo from Tony Trishka's book, How to Play the Five String Banjo...for the Complete Ignoramous. I figured if there ever was a book written specifically for me, this was it. In it, he taught straight clawhammer. But, somehow, I misunderstood what he was saying so when he told to pull down on the string with the index or middle finger, I would pluck upward like two and three finger. It has a unique sound and the rhythm is slightly different than any of the styles. It has more ring than clawhammer, and more variety and chordal rhythm that two or three finger.
I can't say this enough:"PRACTICE = MUSCLE MEMORY". And it works with rolls. I've played guitar for a scary amount of years, rock to classical, and took up the Banjo 2 years ago. I put it down for a year. Other day I picked it up, and after a few clumsy moments, it was like I was possesed. The things I'd learned two years before just came out of me - Cumberland Gap, Criple Creek etc. My fingers once I started the patterns rememered them better than I did, I'm not joking.
As a long-time guitar Travis picker (John Hurt, John Prine) this definitely looks like the approach I'm going to use. About to order a fretless Carver minstrel banjo kit!
Most of the old timers used both an up-picking (2 finger) and a down-picking (overhand) style. In some areas, like east Tennessee and central NC, the vast majority were fingerpickers with few who played overhand. I find that 2 finger works best in a loud band, while overhand is best for a solo banjoist accompanying dancers. Do you remember anything about your grandfather's style or repertoire?
@@CliftonHicksbanjo unfortunately, no. He passed when I was 5. However my father said he only played with his thumb and index and he typically used a thumb pick and steel finger pick. My father has heard some of your 2-finger picking and said it sounds very similar to the way he played.
Damn. I’ve been playing (three finger) banjo for about 9 months now and never knew that I was supposed to be playing with this rhythm. I always thought there was something off about my sound but couldn’t quite figure it out.
..enjoyed..2 and 3 finger picked for a long time, non-scruggs, never thought of likening it to clawhammer sequence/timing...have to give it a try...old dog..new trick..
I've been clawhammering for several years and really want to learn two finger banjo. The problem I've had is almost embarrassing. While the thumb needs to come to rest on the fifth string, I somehow lose track of that and miss out or fumble on the ditty (when it occurs). Bad habits die hard! Thank you for your clear and informative videos, Clifton. You are a godsend.
I'm good at guitar (7-String electric) and recently got ahold of my Grandpa's fancy banjo and have been plucking at it. I feel like a toddler trying to conceive of what's in front of me xD It throws me off a bit, but trying to understand the picking. Tunings are usually just open tunings of some sort - though never played open tunings before, I do have a general understanding of tunings and notes etc more than the finger picking xD I grandpa made an album back many decades ago, and one tune he liked to play around us was his version of "Wildwood Flower." He played the 3 finger lead style, but I'd love to see your version as well.
mind blown.. haha,, I did not realize there were 2 different styles of playing and I think this may be A LOT easier for me.as I seem to want to do this even when I am trying to play overhand style,,, Thank you so much for all of your videos!
I can't for the life of me figure out what pattern you are playing in the tune at the very beginning and it seems like other people have the same issue. The simpl two-finger bum diddy explanation makes total sense, but there is something else you are doing that I cannot figure out. Someone please help!
It's neat to find another way of doing this. I've been doing two finger for over a decade and have always done (thumb melody note - 5th string drone - index on the first string) in the same bum ditty rhythm. That's just what came naturally to me when I tried to figure it out. I think of the first string as a kind of secondary drone. Might be written in Art Rosenbaum's book this way too. Your videos are what the banjo world needs, Clifton. Thanks for these.
Thank you Clifton for the excellent explanation. I have been wanting to incorporate this style in with the clawhammer style to accentuate the melody and it does not just lock one into a continual repetition of a variety of rolls. Those just get me confused too easily and I loose my place.
I gather you primarily play by ear, which I don't have enough background to do. But there is an enormous number of clawhammer tabs available. My question is, is there a way to convert clawhammer tab to your two finger style?
Excellent lesson video! Even I can understand it! Nothing captures that lonesome mountain somber sounding old time sound quite like this here two finger style.
I'm just beginning playing the banjo and your lessons are such a great help. From what I can tell from the bum-ditty lesson and two finger lesson is that the 5th string is ALWAYS played after each note or strum...3-5, 1-5, 3-5, 1-5, strum-5, 1-5 strum-5, 1-5, and so forth. Is this correct? Thanks so much.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo just rewatched beginning banjo... Bump Ditty is actually brush-5, 1-5, brush-5, 3-5, brush-5, 1-5, brush-5, 3-5 and so on. Is that right?
But yes, i see now that with two finger, it can go 1-5, 1-5, 1-4, 1-5...so yes, 5 doesn't strictly need to be played after each note or brush. Thanks for all of this CH. I'm going to stick with the bump Ditty and two figure videos until proficient then move on to songs. TTYL. Thanks
@@CliftonHicksbanjo hey Mr Hicks,, Do you use any finger picks and play blue grass style using thumb, & two fingers ? Just wondering is all.. No particular reason . Looking for more lessons.
Great job, im trying to adapt melodies like dixieland or oh susanna for this style, this is very helpful, There are a lot of notes to fit in but im making progress.
I only wish you could demonstrate a bit slower. I love your style it is just to quick for me to see what strings you are hitting. I know you explain it but my brain shorts out trying to match up when you pluck em off as quick. 😞 You are amazing and explained great. Just food for thought since some of us truly love what your showing but are not quite quick enough to see it all in our head just yet. ☺
Thanks to you just started noodling around with 2Finger. Love it. I already play some clawhammer and wear a metal pick on the nail side of my middle finger. I am most comfortable with having only 2 fingers on the banjo head with my middle finger just kind of dangling in the air. Seems just fine to me, but was wondering if you see any downsides.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thanks Clifton. I really appreciate you responding, and I need a clarification. I do Clawhammer but want to sprinkle in 2 finger in some songs. Like I said, I wear a pick on the nail side of my middle finger. When you suggest picking with my middle finger when doing 2 finger (with a downward thumb stroke and an upward index finger stroke) what action are you suggesting for my middle finger. Are you suggesting a downstroke or an upstroke? I can easily do a downstroke while wearing my metal pick, but an upstroke with my middle finger would be a problem because of the pick I wear.
Man I appreciate so deeply the wealth of information you provide. I'm really strapped providing for my family right now but I WILL find a way to support on patreon. Thank you.
I appreciate your videos. I have watched this video 4 times and still not sure what you are doing with fingers due to lack of closeup, would be great if you could revisit this with better camera positions or make a tab for the thumb lead bum ditty.
Please excuse my total lack of knowledge here but you said 5 strings but I only see 4 tuning pegs? Is the "top bass string" which would be an "E" on a normal tuned guitar a "double string" like you see on those 12 string guitars that Blind Willie McTell used to play? I'm really thinking of starting the Banjo next year hence why I'm on this video, plus I love your playing style, you are equal to Hedy West & Doc Boggs in my opinion.
Love this two finger style. I have trouble keeping rhythm with my foot in that I find it hard on the second stroke, for example, picking up with my finger while my foot is supposed to be tapping down. Is this timing correct? Do you explain foot tap timing in any of your videos? Love it anyway, cheers. Ray B
Thank you for sharing this, your videos are very, very helpful, I might be overtly exuberant and if so I am sorry, but you keep hitting the notes (pun not intended) with these videos, you start it off with one of my favorite tunes and then boom, I'm glued to the screen: I know you get this question a lot and I apologize, but what tuning is it you're playing in? Is it open C? I come from a musically starved family, so I literally have no ear for tuning etc, but slowly getting there.
Happy to be a Patreon but not able to log on without a lot of looking at stupid pictures and still having an email sent to me. The Patreon system can lock me out of looking at the video but not letting me log on without a five step process. Thanks Clifton. You are a treasure 🎶🏗〰
I use several styles of banjo playing, depending on the song. My go to is what I like to call three finger, index lead. My thumb plays the fifth string, my middle plays the first and my middle handles the second, third and fourth. The first and fifth are drones. Usually I play with a n index, middle, thumb, middle, or index, middle, thumb.
@@Womble1252 ruclips.net/video/NZPYWl90Up8/видео.html heres a link. i apologize every time i record myself i end up messing up some how. i hope you like it. i recomend using headphones as i dont have great recording equiptment.
The best I can offer at the moment is the $2 membership at patreon.com/cliftonhicks where you'll be able to see close-up videos and lessons that are not posted publicly.
So the "-tty" in "ditty" is played on the fifth string by the thumb followed immediately by the "bum" played on some other string - here the third string - also by the thumb. This would appear to be the hard spot - moving to another strung with the thumb one 8th-note later. Or am I missing something?
A complex question. Would it be ok to pick two finger banjo with three fingers ? Or would this be detrimental in the long term? As I already pick three finger "Style" (for a few years), but I am only just learning over hand. Would I be better off learning two finger from scratch or are their aspects of 3 finger that would be useful to apply to two finger? Most of the great three finger pickers like Snuffy Jenkins, Earl Scruggs etc seem to have originally been two finger pickers. The only advantage I could see with three fingers would be a speed one. (I am not a huge fan of Scruggs style and started picking three finger because of listening to Doc Boggs and not Earl Scruggs).
Sounds like you're doing just fine. Whether you use two, three, or more fingers doesn't really matter. Find a method that's comfortable for you and run with it.
I have played banjo 5years, coming from guitar.The first year I played 2 finger / up picking, it took up to 3 years to polish clawhammer technique. Comment on 2 finger style is you have to go up the 2nd string to avoid losing picking pattern.To add slides etc I go to the 1st inversion G 3rd feet or 5th feet C for both styles( to ornament a melody)
I lost my 5th string during the corona, couldn't get one, still don't have one so I started using thumb lead and using my index or middle finger in the 1st and 2nd. But I don't use a thumb pick and I still go down with my index and middle ( I alternate) I don't know if it's a certain style or not it's just what I do and its more comfortable I found out than boom dittty or your blue grass old time hybrid
If you're really hard up use fishing line, should work fine especially for a thumb string. It sounds like you have developed your own three-finger picking style? Cool, keep at it! 👍👍
@@CliftonHicksbanjo well it's not really three finger-picking Style, I just sometimes use my middle finger and sometimes use my index finger so I'm still using two fingers. I can't get a string because my music store is closed and I don't shop online. But I'm going to check today I ordered a tailpiece a bridge and a couple sets of strings before this Corona thing happened. But thanks for the tip on the fishing line I might try that!
as much as I want to learn this from you, your tuning is REALLY off putting. What is this tuning because im in standard tuning and you don't sound like me. Might be a good idea to consider your audience, brother.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo when you're in a recording studio and jamming with other instruments and level matching it becomes an issue. When multi tracking overdubs it is an issue...and when a student is sitting in front of you learning the instrument then this is also an issue. You haven't taken this into consideration and I don't care what traditional ethos you follow. You rely on digital media for your RUclips channel! A digital tuner is ESSENTIAL for new students to learn to recognise standard tunings. Once they understand this then they can fit h their tuners if they want to. You're essentially giving lessons to newcomers to the instrument - without informing them of tuning information. Your lesson is very cool. Your tuning is an issue from a student pov.
When playing two finger style, is it better to use an open back or resonator banjo? I'm in the market for a new banjo and can't decide. I play 3 finger bluegrass from time to time but if an open back is better for two finger I might just go for open back.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo Isn’t there also a difference in tone? Wouldn’t open back be more mellow vs the crisper resonator, or is that simply due to the style with which the banjo is played?
There are a lot of different factors involved. For example, my 1888 Luscomb banjo (open back) with nylon strings is louder and crisper-sounding than some resonator banjos with steel strings.
I primarily play clawhammer but sometimes in songs I’m learning there are sections that seem made for a quick transition to two finger style. For instance, two eighth note strokes going from the second to the first string. My intuition tells me to drop the thumb and and pick with the index here, but when playing through the song in context I often fumble these parts because of the thumb having to ditty the fifth then drop to stroke the note as the lead. Is this just a matter of practice, me interpreting tablature wrong, or something else? How or would you suggest using this hybrid style? Thanks for your time and help 😊
Beepa, I'm not sure what exactly you're doing but if you are consistently fumbling something it's probably best to switch up your picking to something that's more natural for you. Throughout my entire career as a banjoist I have always strove for the "less is more" approach and, if you watch my hands, you'll note that everything I do is the easiest, simplest way I could come up with. I encourage you to move away from tablature and any other forms of restriction or regulation when it comes to music and just play your songs the easiest, simplest and most fluid way you can.
hey if its easier for me to hit the first four strings with my thumb and index finger for the last one can i do it like that as opposed to what is standard. is that considered bad form or wrong. it just feels more natural for my thumb to hit the first four strings
can you also play a 3251 two finger roll in old time and mix it with the boom chicka roll and pinches or does the 3251 roll mess the timing up or the spaces in the measures? that is what confuses me
Harry, I was not familiar with the "3,2,5,1 roll" and had to look it up. All I could find was examples demonstrating three finger Scruggs picking. I must admit that the terminology around "rolls" has never concerned me. It sounds like what you are describing is possible but not something I generally do. My advice is always to play things the simplest way possible with the least movements--if this is hanging you up somehow I'd suggest finding a simpler technique that will keep your picking easier.
Yes. I do encourage beginners to pick with their index if they can, as I am convinced it allows for more variation in your style down the road. Ultimately it's up to you.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo hello Clifton, always listening to another banjo teacher and watching them for several weeks going over and over and over his first second third video on lessons one two and three, seem to be doing really well no problem there. But I was looking at your video one and two, and I noticed for me, which maybe for a lot of other people they're having a little bit of issue too with this, and that is, when you speak there's words coming out on my screen and it's covering your hand and the strings were your picking, and so you really can't see anything with words covering everything up all you have is you speaking and me listening but I can't see what's going on, and it would help if it was more close up in detail so that people could actually see a little closer and better and clearer and more upfront and personal so to speak, anyway I'm trying to work my way through that and the only thing I can think of is just keep watching and listening over and over and over again maybe I can get past that, and maybe they'll just be another video or something else along the way or another position or you'll move and in front of the camera differently and I'll be able to see your fingers or something of that nature, not sure how it's all supposed to work out. If I can figure out how to shut these words off that are coming on my screen as you talk I'm going to shut them things off. I'm new to this computerized phone thing, I'm real old school and I hate this phone. You're doing a great job keep up the good work I'll keep watching see what I can get out of it all right thank you
Coming from fingerpicking for years on guitar finger picking on banjo feels better but not sure if I should take the time to learn to use the metal picks. Is it ok to use bare fingers on banjo?
I feel more comfortable anchoring with my pinky exclusively. Is this poor form? I really don't want to learn bad habits early on. Should I train myself to anchor with three fingers for this style?
Wait.. cant you only drop the thimb one.. down to the second string. Since it is normally the top three. So a drop would be down one more to the second
Drop-thumb just means dropping the thumb to a string below the thumb string. It makes more sense when discussing clawhammer style, but also works for two-finger style. When the trigger finger plucks the 1st or 2nd string to produce a leading note, and the thumb plucks the 2nd, 3rd or 4th string immediately afterward, that's a drop-thumb.
One question - why do you rest the three fingers on the head? For stability, or does it make it sound better? Is it the end of the world if I don't do that? Cheers!
Great video. I don't know why but you sound like you're in a different tuning than I am. I've checked my tuning three times now and it just doesn't sound like you in this vid. I'm in standard five string tuning Maybe it's just the audio. Or just me. I don't know.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thanks, I think about this style more than clawhammer now, hope to create music sooner than with the more difficult clawhammerstyle.
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Do you have a TOTAL beginner lesson... i know nothing of bum diddly etc
Try this: ruclips.net/video/HwoPcG6dQjA/видео.html
I just got a banjo and was determined to play clawhammer, but after 1 day of playing around with that, I knew it wasn't the style I should start on. Thank you for showing me this nice alternative!
Hi Erin, there’s a great claw hammer that was on RUclips but has moved to Patreon. His name is Patrick Costello and i learned claw hammer from his videos a little over two years ago. I highly recommend it!
What is the name of the tuning you are in? Is it Fcfac?
@@SusanPenaMusic yes. it's the same as open G, but all strings a whole-tone down
Man, Clifton I have listened and listened to your clawhammer brush and have tried to figure how you get the sound you get. It's taken me going to the complete beginner lesson here and I think I see it. When you brush, do you (kinda) upbrush as you come off your 5th string? Not a full on upbrush, but just a tiny bit? There is a different element to your clawhammer compared to everyone else's, even when you slow way down its still there. I love the way that sounds, and want to try and emulate it.
As a mainly blues guitarist this comes more naturally now I’ve just picked up the banjo .
So... maybe I should be doing this. I have started practicing 3-finger picking, but... not only do I like the sound of open-back, plunky banjos without any sound ring (at least nothing substantial) but I don't value ultra-speed. I like moderated speed, spooky/dark, minor messing around a lot with picking. I don't suppose I should feel like I'm going to "learn wrong" and make 3-finger harder, later or anything. Seems like to be well-rounded is a good goal. Thanks!
Same here, though I enjoy 3-finger, I'm starting to gravitate toward this
I am going to look into this style. You make it look like something I could learn, more videos on two finger, please. Thank you
I learned more about clawhammer than videos intended to teach clawhammer...not to mention thumb lead. thanks very much!!!
Amazing the variation of sound that can come out of an instrument with just one chord structure
I played guitar for many years and whenever I did finger-picking I would always just use two fingers-- and I thought I was doing it wrong.now I'm looking to start banjo and I think this is going to be my style. Thanks
Thanks for this. I've (sort of) played this style for years. I got frustrated trying to learn clawhammer, and it kind of morphed into a two-finger up picking style, trying to replicate the "bum ditty". I didn't know it was a legit old-time style, and I've learned a lot from your videos. As guitar is my main instrument - mostly finger picking - this is much more intuitive for me than clawhammer. Thanks!
I have been playing clawhammer for 30 years and never saw this explained in this way. Very clear- thank you!
Thank you so much for this explanation. I just recently picked up the banjo and immediately started playing it in this manner. I thought it was incorrect after reading about Scruggs and Clawhammer. Kinda figured those were the only “right” ways. This video makes me feel like I’m on the right track. Thank you
Yeah, it's become pretty common revisionist history that clawhammer was the only way anyone ever played the banjo. In reality, loads of these people were self-taught living in rural Appalachia and as a result came up with all kinds of different, interesting ways to pick. Very neat stuff
Been playing guitar all my life so when I got given a banjo I thought it would be easy. How wrong I was but the tips and hints you give in your lesson have put me on the right track. I'm starting to get it now and just have to forget about guitar playing when I got the banjo out.
Man! I found "over hand" much easier to learn than I expected but this completely eludes me so far ;)
I have an easier time with clawhammer than this as well. I'm glad someone else posted this cause I was starting to feel dumb. But I will master this. I must.
I developed a style similar to the two-finger but is more of a Frankenstein of two-finger, three-finger, pinch, and claw hammer. I first learned to play the banjo from Tony Trishka's book, How to Play the Five String Banjo...for the Complete Ignoramous.
I figured if there ever was a book written specifically for me, this was it.
In it, he taught straight clawhammer. But, somehow, I misunderstood what he was saying so when he told to pull down on the string with the index or middle finger, I would pluck upward like two and three finger.
It has a unique sound and the rhythm is slightly different than any of the styles. It has more ring than clawhammer, and more variety and chordal rhythm that two or three finger.
I can't say this enough:"PRACTICE = MUSCLE MEMORY". And it works with rolls.
I've played guitar for a scary amount of years, rock to classical, and took up the Banjo 2 years ago.
I put it down for a year. Other day I picked it up, and after a few clumsy moments, it was like I was possesed. The things I'd learned two years before just came out of me - Cumberland Gap, Criple Creek etc.
My fingers once I started the patterns rememered them better than I did, I'm not joking.
As a long-time guitar Travis picker (John Hurt, John Prine) this definitely looks like the approach I'm going to use. About to order a fretless Carver minstrel banjo kit!
I was playing Scotty Moore style guitar before the banjo. 2-Finger is the best way to go, if Merle Travis style was your way.
2FTL has such an iconic sound that lets each note ring. So many catchy tunes in this syle. This is how my papaw learned in east KY.
Most of the old timers used both an up-picking (2 finger) and a down-picking (overhand) style.
In some areas, like east Tennessee and central NC, the vast majority were fingerpickers with few who played overhand.
I find that 2 finger works best in a loud band, while overhand is best for a solo banjoist accompanying dancers.
Do you remember anything about your grandfather's style or repertoire?
@@CliftonHicksbanjo unfortunately, no. He passed when I was 5. However my father said he only played with his thumb and index and he typically used a thumb pick and steel finger pick. My father has heard some of your 2-finger picking and said it sounds very similar to the way he played.
Sounds about right! I tried fingerpicks off and on for a few years.
Thanks for the tips.Love the way that sounds.Hope I can put it together.Ill be tuning in for pointers 😀
Damn. I’ve been playing (three finger) banjo for about 9 months now and never knew that I was supposed to be playing with this rhythm. I always thought there was something off about my sound but couldn’t quite figure it out.
thank you for this i just got a banjo and i already dont sound bad becaus eof your videos.
..enjoyed..2 and 3 finger picked for a long time, non-scruggs, never thought of likening it to clawhammer sequence/timing...have to give it a try...old dog..new trick..
I've been clawhammering for several years and really want to learn two finger banjo. The problem I've had is almost embarrassing. While the thumb needs to come to rest on the fifth string, I somehow lose track of that and miss out or fumble on the ditty (when it occurs). Bad habits die hard!
Thank you for your clear and informative videos, Clifton. You are a godsend.
I'm good at guitar (7-String electric) and recently got ahold of my Grandpa's fancy banjo and have been plucking at it. I feel like a toddler trying to conceive of what's in front of me xD It throws me off a bit, but trying to understand the picking. Tunings are usually just open tunings of some sort - though never played open tunings before, I do have a general understanding of tunings and notes etc more than the finger picking xD
I grandpa made an album back many decades ago, and one tune he liked to play around us was his version of "Wildwood Flower." He played the 3 finger lead style, but I'd love to see your version as well.
mind blown.. haha,, I did not realize there were 2 different styles of playing and I think this may be A LOT easier for me.as I seem to want to do this even when I am trying to play overhand style,,,
Thank you so much for all of your videos!
I can't for the life of me figure out what pattern you are playing in the tune at the very beginning and it seems like other people have the same issue. The simpl two-finger bum diddy explanation makes total sense, but there is something else you are doing that I cannot figure out. Someone please help!
Thank you so much Clifton. You've opened my eyes. Love your style of playing.
It's neat to find another way of doing this. I've been doing two finger for over a decade and have always done (thumb melody note - 5th string drone - index on the first string) in the same bum ditty rhythm. That's just what came naturally to me when I tried to figure it out. I think of the first string as a kind of secondary drone. Might be written in Art Rosenbaum's book this way too.
Your videos are what the banjo world needs, Clifton. Thanks for these.
GlennFiddles h
Thanks Clifton. Another well-organized helpful video from you. Best wishes from the San Francisco Bay Area. - Tim
Thank you Clifton for the excellent explanation. I have been wanting to incorporate this style in with the clawhammer style to accentuate the melody and it does not just lock one into a continual repetition of a variety of rolls. Those just get me confused too easily and I loose my place.
I gather you primarily play by ear, which I don't have enough background to do. But there is an enormous number of clawhammer tabs available. My question is, is there a way to convert clawhammer tab to your two finger style?
Excellent lesson video! Even I can understand it! Nothing captures that lonesome mountain somber sounding old time sound quite like this here two finger style.
thanks man, you're helping alot. Getting a little better everyday, keep the awsome vids comin. Cheers from BC
Really helpful thank you
I'm just beginning playing the banjo and your lessons are such a great help. From what I can tell from the bum-ditty lesson and two finger lesson is that the 5th string is ALWAYS played after each note or strum...3-5, 1-5, 3-5, 1-5, strum-5, 1-5 strum-5, 1-5, and so forth. Is this correct? Thanks so much.
As a general rule, yes. But not strictly.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo just rewatched beginning banjo... Bump Ditty is actually brush-5, 1-5, brush-5, 3-5, brush-5, 1-5, brush-5, 3-5 and so on. Is that right?
But yes, i see now that with two finger, it can go 1-5, 1-5, 1-4, 1-5...so yes, 5 doesn't strictly need to be played after each note or brush. Thanks for all of this CH. I'm going to stick with the bump Ditty and two figure videos until proficient then move on to songs. TTYL. Thanks
@@CliftonHicksbanjo hey Mr Hicks,,
Do you use any finger picks and play blue grass style using thumb, & two fingers ?
Just wondering is all..
No particular reason .
Looking for more lessons.
Great video tutorial love it, Clifton its good to see your doing video tutorials.
Great job, im trying to adapt melodies like dixieland or oh susanna for this style, this is very helpful, There are a lot of notes to fit in but im making progress.
Here's how I play O Susanna: ruclips.net/video/tZtWajvf7Iw/видео.html
Awesome. Lights just went on.
Thanks brother
I only wish you could demonstrate a bit slower. I love your style it is just to quick for me to see what strings you are hitting. I know you explain it but my brain shorts out trying to match up when you pluck em off as quick. 😞
You are amazing and explained great. Just food for thought since some of us truly love what your showing but are not quite quick enough to see it all in our head just yet. ☺
Very clear and helpful - many thanks 😊
Thanks to you just started noodling around with 2Finger. Love it. I already play some clawhammer and wear a metal pick on the nail side of my middle finger. I am most comfortable with having only 2 fingers on the banjo head with my middle finger just kind of dangling in the air. Seems just fine to me, but was wondering if you see any downsides.
Whatever works. I would suggest, however, trying to pick that bottom string with your middle finger since it acts like it wants to participate.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thanks Clifton. I really appreciate you responding, and I need a clarification. I do Clawhammer but want to sprinkle in 2 finger in some songs. Like I said, I wear a pick on the nail side of my middle finger. When you suggest picking with my middle finger when doing 2 finger (with a downward thumb stroke and an upward index finger stroke) what action are you suggesting for my middle finger. Are you suggesting a downstroke or an upstroke? I can easily do a downstroke while wearing my metal pick, but an upstroke with my middle finger would be a problem because of the pick I wear.
@@bodurango Downstroke or upstroke with the spare finger.
Oh it helps us mere mortals -you're just a natural it seems.
Is this an actual recorded song? The first 10 seconds is a great melody. I want more.
thanks dude
My name is Aaron. I was wondering if you give two finger banjo lessons as a zoom meeting. I would be interested.
Brilliant.... Nuff said
What a godsend!
I wish all videos were so clear! 😊
man you are switching it up too fast and not just showing that very basic beginner picking enough.
This ain't no beginner banjo, This Clifton hicks boy!
Man I appreciate so deeply the wealth of information you provide. I'm really strapped providing for my family right now but I WILL find a way to support on patreon. Thank you.
I appreciate your videos. I have watched this video 4 times and still not sure what you are doing with fingers due to lack of closeup, would be great if you could revisit this with better camera positions or make a tab for the thumb lead bum ditty.
Please excuse my total lack of knowledge here but you said 5 strings but I only see 4 tuning pegs? Is the "top bass string" which would be an "E" on a normal tuned guitar a "double string" like you see on those 12 string guitars that Blind Willie McTell used to play?
I'm really thinking of starting the Banjo next year hence why I'm on this video, plus I love your playing style, you are equal to Hedy West & Doc Boggs in my opinion.
Old Time Nick Mullen
(Thanks for the help)
Love this two finger style. I have trouble keeping rhythm with my foot in that I find it hard on the second stroke, for example, picking up with my finger while my foot is supposed to be tapping down. Is this timing correct? Do you explain foot tap timing in any of your videos? Love it anyway, cheers. Ray B
great vid. thanks for sharing 👍
You have good videos, I appreciate it.
Thanks so much for this sir!!!!
Thank you for sharing this, your videos are very, very helpful, I might be overtly exuberant and if so I am sorry, but you keep hitting the notes (pun not intended) with these videos, you start it off with one of my favorite tunes and then boom, I'm glued to the screen:
I know you get this question a lot and I apologize, but what tuning is it you're playing in? Is it open C? I come from a musically starved family, so I literally have no ear for tuning etc, but slowly getting there.
gDGBD, relative. I am tuned much lower where all my Gs are actually Fs or even Es. Look out for a video response to your tuning question soon.
Happy to be a Patreon but not able to log on without a lot of looking at stupid pictures and still having an email sent to me. The Patreon system can lock me out of looking at the video but not letting me log on without a five step process. Thanks Clifton. You are a treasure 🎶🏗〰
Your videos are just great---thank very much!
thanks
Interesting how some people take to this style instantly and others take to overhand very naturally.
I just got a banjo for Xmas and I've got 2 finger down pretty good for just a week, but the times I tried clawhammer were abysmal lol. Wayyyy harder
I use several styles of banjo playing, depending on the song. My go to is what I like to call three finger, index lead. My thumb plays the fifth string, my middle plays the first and my middle handles the second, third and fourth. The first and fifth are drones. Usually I play with a n index, middle, thumb, middle, or index, middle, thumb.
Hi do you have videos up of your way of playing this way?
@@Womble1252 not yet, but when i do I'll put a link in a reply for you.
@@nvdawahyaify awesome thanks, that is good of you 😊
@@Womble1252 ruclips.net/video/NZPYWl90Up8/видео.html heres a link. i apologize every time i record myself i end up messing up some how. i hope you like it. i recomend using headphones as i dont have great recording equiptment.
so informative, thank you for videos :)
Really helpful! Thank you, Clifton.
Do you have instructional dvds ? I like your sound and usually end up watching your videos more than others .
The best I can offer at the moment is the $2 membership at patreon.com/cliftonhicks where you'll be able to see close-up videos and lessons that are not posted publicly.
So the "-tty" in "ditty" is played on the fifth string by the thumb followed immediately by the "bum" played on some other string - here the third string - also by the thumb. This would appear to be the hard spot - moving to another strung with the thumb one 8th-note later. Or am I missing something?
Thank you for the lesson it's great. What type/maker of banjo are you playing? Do you specifically play open back banjos?
Thank you sir, great information, clearly explained! Jimp
Very very useful. Many thanks for sharing this.
So are you saying, for a beginner banjo player, start to learn the thumb lead two finger style, and then learn claw-hammer? Thanks.
Thanks for the video. Wondering what happens when playing in a group and have to
change keys on the fly. thanks for any help. (just Learning)
A complex question. Would it be ok to pick two finger banjo with three fingers ? Or would this be detrimental in the long term? As I already pick three finger "Style" (for a few years), but I am only just learning over hand. Would I be better off learning two finger from scratch or are their aspects of 3 finger that would be useful to apply to two finger? Most of the great three finger pickers like Snuffy Jenkins, Earl Scruggs etc seem to have originally been two finger pickers. The only advantage I could see with three fingers would be a speed one. (I am not a huge fan of Scruggs style and started picking three finger because of listening to Doc Boggs and not Earl Scruggs).
Sounds like you're doing just fine. Whether you use two, three, or more fingers doesn't really matter. Find a method that's comfortable for you and run with it.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thank you Clifton.
Great tutorial Clifton can I just ask what gauge strings you use
Those are medium steel strings.
Oh, I get it. Thanks!!!!
I have played banjo 5years, coming from guitar.The first year I played 2 finger / up picking, it took up to 3 years to polish clawhammer technique. Comment on 2 finger style is you have to go up the 2nd string to avoid losing picking pattern.To add slides etc I go to the 1st inversion G 3rd feet or 5th feet C for both styles( to ornament a melody)
can I use a resonator type banjo with clawhammer style?
Yes you can!
What if we dont know claw hammer. Coming from violin and dulcimer? Do u have a "so this is a banjo?" start point video?. Go Cavalry!
Karl, did you see this one? ruclips.net/video/HwoPcG6dQjA/видео.html
So when you start the chord to do the arpeggios, what strings do you play?
It looks like 5-3-1, but that doesn't sound right.
I lost my 5th string during the corona, couldn't get one, still don't have one so I started using thumb lead and using my index or middle finger in the 1st and 2nd. But I don't use a thumb pick and I still go down with my index and middle ( I alternate) I don't know if it's a certain style or not it's just what I do and its more comfortable I found out than boom dittty or your blue grass old time hybrid
If you're really hard up use fishing line, should work fine especially for a thumb string. It sounds like you have developed your own three-finger picking style? Cool, keep at it! 👍👍
@@CliftonHicksbanjo well it's not really three finger-picking Style, I just sometimes use my middle finger and sometimes use my index finger so I'm still using two fingers. I can't get a string because my music store is closed and I don't shop online. But I'm going to check today I ordered a tailpiece a bridge and a couple sets of strings before this Corona thing happened. But thanks for the tip on the fishing line I might try that!
as much as I want to learn this from you, your tuning is REALLY off putting. What is this tuning because im in standard tuning and you don't sound like me. Might be a good idea to consider your audience, brother.
My tuning is ~ fCFAC which is essentially the same as gDGBD. Traditional banjoists tune by ear; we do not rely on digital tuners.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo when you're in a recording studio and jamming with other instruments and level matching it becomes an issue. When multi tracking overdubs it is an issue...and when a student is sitting in front of you learning the instrument then this is also an issue. You haven't taken this into consideration and I don't care what traditional ethos you follow. You rely on digital media for your RUclips channel! A digital tuner is ESSENTIAL for new students to learn to recognise standard tunings. Once they understand this then they can fit h their tuners if they want to. You're essentially giving lessons to newcomers to the instrument - without informing them of tuning information. Your lesson is very cool. Your tuning is an issue from a student pov.
After successfully teaching _thousands_ of new banjoists without using one, I can say, with confidence, that digital tuners are non-essential.
does anyone have any videos to learn how to do this on guitar?
When playing two finger style, is it better to use an open back or resonator banjo? I'm in the market for a new banjo and can't decide. I play 3 finger bluegrass from time to time but if an open back is better for two finger I might just go for open back.
It doesn't matter. Resonator banjo is louder; openback is quieter. I like them both.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo Isn’t there also a difference in tone? Wouldn’t open back be more mellow vs the crisper resonator, or is that simply due to the style with which the banjo is played?
There are a lot of different factors involved. For example, my 1888 Luscomb banjo (open back) with nylon strings is louder and crisper-sounding than some resonator banjos with steel strings.
I primarily play clawhammer but sometimes in songs I’m learning there are sections that seem made for a quick transition to two finger style. For instance, two eighth note strokes going from the second to the first string. My intuition tells me to drop the thumb and and pick with the index here, but when playing through the song in context I often fumble these parts because of the thumb having to ditty the fifth then drop to stroke the note as the lead. Is this just a matter of practice, me interpreting tablature wrong, or something else? How or would you suggest using this hybrid style? Thanks for your time and help 😊
Beepa, I'm not sure what exactly you're doing but if you are consistently fumbling something it's probably best to switch up your picking to something that's more natural for you. Throughout my entire career as a banjoist I have always strove for the "less is more" approach and, if you watch my hands, you'll note that everything I do is the easiest, simplest way I could come up with. I encourage you to move away from tablature and any other forms of restriction or regulation when it comes to music and just play your songs the easiest, simplest and most fluid way you can.
Thanks for not being pretwntions like oth banjo youtubers
hey if its easier for me to hit the first four strings with my thumb and index finger for the last one can i do it like that as opposed to what is standard. is that considered bad form or wrong. it just feels more natural for my thumb to hit the first four strings
Do what comes natural to you.
So how do you play sheet music? Craig
can you also play a 3251 two finger roll in old time and mix it with the boom chicka roll and pinches or does the 3251 roll mess the timing up or the spaces in the measures? that is what confuses me
Harry, I was not familiar with the "3,2,5,1 roll" and had to look it up. All I could find was examples demonstrating three finger Scruggs picking. I must admit that the terminology around "rolls" has never concerned me. It sounds like what you are describing is possible but not something I generally do. My advice is always to play things the simplest way possible with the least movements--if this is hanging you up somehow I'd suggest finding a simpler technique that will keep your picking easier.
Hi Clifton,
When I try this, I'm more comfortable with the middle finger rather than index. Is this acceptable?
Yes. I do encourage beginners to pick with their index if they can, as I am convinced it allows for more variation in your style down the road. Ultimately it's up to you.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo thanks for your reply.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo hello Clifton, always listening to another banjo teacher and watching them for several weeks going over and over and over his first second third video on lessons one two and three, seem to be doing really well no problem there. But I was looking at your video one and two, and I noticed for me, which maybe for a lot of other people they're having a little bit of issue too with this, and that is, when you speak there's words coming out on my screen and it's covering your hand and the strings were your picking, and so you really can't see anything with words covering everything up all you have is you speaking and me listening but I can't see what's going on, and it would help if it was more close up in detail so that people could actually see a little closer and better and clearer and more upfront and personal so to speak, anyway I'm trying to work my way through that and the only thing I can think of is just keep watching and listening over and over and over again maybe I can get past that, and maybe they'll just be another video or something else along the way or another position or you'll move and in front of the camera differently and I'll be able to see your fingers or something of that nature, not sure how it's all supposed to work out. If I can figure out how to shut these words off that are coming on my screen as you talk I'm going to shut them things off. I'm new to this computerized phone thing, I'm real old school and I hate this phone. You're doing a great job keep up the good work I'll keep watching see what I can get out of it all right thank you
Banjo is open F: Strings are fCFAF
No way that #1 string is an F it would be loose as hell
Coming from fingerpicking for years on guitar finger picking on banjo feels better but not sure if I should take the time to learn to use the metal picks. Is it ok to use bare fingers on banjo?
YES! Many of us actually think bare fingers work and sound better. I haven't used picks seriously since I was a kid.
I'm with a few other commenters. You make it look easy, but I have no idea wtf is going on. Tabs and sheet music would do wonders here.
I feel more comfortable anchoring with my pinky exclusively. Is this poor form? I really don't want to learn bad habits early on. Should I train myself to anchor with three fingers for this style?
IT's up to you. Many old banjoists played with three or even four fingers, leaving only the pinky anchored.
you can do a lot whit two fingers... shoalin stile. I belive!
What tunibg is this in? I am not sure I'm matching this exactly.
gDGBD tuned one full step down from G to F.
closer up to you picking hand would help
Thanks a lot for uploading this! Can I adapt this two finger style for the 4 stringed banjo? Mine is tuned in fifth CGDA.
Wait.. cant you only drop the thimb one.. down to the second string.
Since it is normally the top three. So a drop would be down one more to the second
Drop-thumb just means dropping the thumb to a string below the thumb string. It makes more sense when discussing clawhammer style, but also works for two-finger style. When the trigger finger plucks the 1st or 2nd string to produce a leading note, and the thumb plucks the 2nd, 3rd or 4th string immediately afterward, that's a drop-thumb.
One question - why do you rest the three fingers on the head?
For stability, or does it make it sound better?
Is it the end of the world if I don't do that?
Cheers!
I do it for stability/accuracy. If you prefer not to, then by all means don't! Do what works for you.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thanks! I'm getting used to it now, so I'll stick at it. Coming to the banjo from guitar it just felt kind of odd.
Great video. I don't know why but you sound like you're in a different tuning than I am. I've checked my tuning three times now and it just doesn't sound like you in this vid. I'm in standard five string tuning Maybe it's just the audio. Or just me. I don't know.
he tunes his banjo lower to help his voice cause he can't sing high enough for normal tuning
What is your tuning on this lesson? I will go for this 2 finger style!
gDGBD relative.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo Thanks, I think about this style more than clawhammer now, hope to create music sooner than with the more difficult clawhammerstyle.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo Your video's are attractive!
gDGBD relative means not the same as gDGBD open G ? Your banjo sounds different then my open G tuned one.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo I understand the RELATIVE tuning now, I do that all the time. So in what tune is your fifth string on this first lesson?