Clawhammer Banjo for the Complete Beginner

Подписаться 78 тыс.

Просмотров 222 тыс.

50% 1

Banjo Heritage 👉 / cliftonhicks
In this video Clifton Hicks teaches the traditional, down-picked banjo technique known today as "clawhammer." If you have no experience playing the banjo, this video is for you.
When I was 13, I learned to play the banjo from two men: Ernie Williams of Alabama, and George Gibson of Kentucky. Williams learned from an older man in Sand Mountain, Alabama, who called this the "rapping" style. Gibson learned from his father, and several friends and neighbors, most of whom did not use terminology to describe their banjo playing styles. However, some terms that have historically been used in Kentucky include "drop-thumb," "hoe-down," and "overhand."
Merch
www.BanjoHeritage.org/
SubscribeStar
www.subscribestar.com/clifton...
Bandcamp
cliftonhicks.bandcamp.com
PayPal
paypal.me/cliftonhicksbanjo
Venmo
venmo.com/cliftonhicksbanjo
Spotify
open.spotify.com/artist/7fQxc...
iTunes
/ clifton-hicks
Patreon
/ cliftonhicks
#CliftonHicks #banjoheritage #banjo #clawhammerbanjo #oldtimebanjo #oldtimemusic #tradmusic #folkmusic #acousticmusic #traditionalbanjo #bluegrass #banjo

Видеоклипы

Опубликовано:

27 май 2018

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 327

@overcash6270 17 дней назад

What's problematic about the term clawhammer? I couldn't find anything relevant with a few searches

@CliftonHicksbanjo 17 дней назад

The term _clawhamner_ was never traditionally used to describe banjo playing. Folklorists from New York introduced the term around 1965.

@OlDirtyLucas-en5jv 10 дней назад

Confusion between “clawhammer picking” and a “clawhammer” moonshine still maybe? Lol

@jacquestroh1266 3 месяца назад

I am 81 and just had a pacemaker in Dec. 23. I liked the sounds of the 5 string banjo, so I got one for kicks and to slow me down a bit. My hands are messed up from the years. I have decided the only way for me ls the two finger style. After two months on trying different ways your video today has helped alot. THANK YOU!!

@JimWisecrack94 Месяц назад

How is your banjo journey going 2 months in? I'm 30 now and played when I was a teen but stuck with guitar ever since, but now I am getting a real urge to play banjo again!

@commentingisdangerous7530 2 месяца назад

man i can't tell you how helpful that was. as a complete noob, now i really have something to practice!

@antoniotabboterrorist5992 2 года назад

Clifton, I finally got my 5 string a week ago, and this tutorial IS AWSOME, I knew if I stuck with you I'd find my flow, it was yourself who 6 months ago convinced me I wasn't to old , Clifton THANKYOU so much ,, I owe it ALL to you, blessings,

@Cryin_Lion 3 года назад

I'm not sure what led me to this video as I've never been interested in banjo music, much less playing the banjo, BUT I know a good teacher when I see one and you sir are exceptional! I was engaged, interested, fascinated, and wanting to learn to play all from this video. Primo!

@bartgravendaal4960 4 года назад

This is the clearest explanation I've ever seen/heard. The thumb stays home! That's where I always lost it. Now I get it. All of a sudden. Good stuff. Thanks!

@48ford8n 5 лет назад

I've been playing 'old timey" for 30 years and I still watched your entire video and enjoyed your explanation of the basic strum.

@lorrinf 3 года назад

As a beginner that was probably the best explanation I’ve seen yet. I’ll be back boss!

@mikeyjoenorthwoodsboy5049 3 года назад

FACTS! I swear to the gods I have a hard time following anyone on RU-vid. I’m a decent acoustic blues rhythm player so the Banjo is completely new to me. I don’t want to start with bad habits! Good job bro. I subscribed

@colmdoran9026 9 месяцев назад

I have a 5 string sitting gathering dust as I could never get the tuning sorted. Now that you’ve given it to me I’ll definitely try this style of playing. I do prefer it to the picking style. Thanks for posting this brilliant introduction.

@jaamesanderson4253 Год назад

I have ADHD and this is the first person I can actually understand.....Great Teacher !!!!

@tmo7734 8 месяцев назад

Clifton, your precision, clear explanation, and helpful repetition offers folks like me the very best chance of learning the claw hammer technique. Thank you so much. Best wishes from the San Francisco Bay Area. - Tim

@beanstalk7685 9 месяцев назад

I get my first banjo tomorrow. This video has me so amped up to start practicing. Made it very simple

@nomchompsky2883 7 месяцев назад

STOP hypnotizing me with your eyes! lol... enjoyed that. who knew it could start so simple. i pick a banjo and have NEVER even tried clawhammer, until today.

@arkansasblackbear7591 6 месяцев назад

My son is buying his first banjo tomorrow. I just got back into learning guitar but I have no clue as to how to help him on banjo. We listen to a lot of bluegrass and folk music and he decided to give it a go. I wanted to say thanks for your channel and this beginners video on this method. Your style of instruction is simple, understandable, and is like listening to a friend. I subscribed so we can go through your videos together. Thanks for what you do for the community at large, it isn't easy to spend time making videos to teach others. El bless you.

@bevanbartlett3872 4 года назад

you are a diamond in the rough sir! been looking for a good online banjo teacher but youtube is so awash in bluegrass pickers i was losing hope that id find someone so engaged with the traditional ways. if you find yourself in Vancouver, BC any time you have a gig and a friend!

@ccaper 2 года назад

Clifton, I had been thinking about trying banjo for almost a year, a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon your videos and became obsessed over night. A week ago today, thanks to you, I finally pulled the string (pun intended) and ordered a banjo, my first attempt at a stringed instrument. While waiting for it to arrive, I watched this vid, and your thumb lead vid countless times. At first I thought, overhand looks easy, thumb lead looks harder. My banjo arrived last Thursday; I'd under estimated the difficulty of overhand. But 10 hours later (and more countless watches of your vid), I'm strumming a bum ditty rhythm, and it feels so good. Thank you. The way you explain things, it just makes sense.

@MassHysteriaHD 2 года назад

Hell yeah! I'm not a banjo player either. I play drums and regular acoustic/electric guitar. I'm ordering a banjo now though. I want to learn all these old songs. (And the Rittenhouse ballad)

@chickbaxter 2 года назад

Thank you.

@hope4ourfallen 4 года назад

i was having one heck of a time getting the strum pattern down. I mentally knew what to do but my hand just would not cooperate to save my life...3 MONTHS of trying like all hell for like 5-10 minutes at least 12- 15 times a day😂 But NOW !!! 😊👌good 2 go. I can safely say, a huge motivator to not just lop my hand off and burn it with the banjo was hearing how amazing it all sounded when you played. It is like watching magic happen. You hear all these notes but you never see what the hell is happening to make em, Kinda like the 3 card monte of music. you know whats going on but it takes a DAMN Good eye to spot it happening, I can't Thank YOU enough for being a motivator to stay at it, It is truly my main outlet now😊😊😊

@chelseathomas2279 5 месяцев назад

I have wanted to learn to play banjo for several years, and Ive finally convinced myself I'm going to give it a go. This video was super helpful just for me as someone who hasnt yet taken the plunge to buying a banjo and starting, but to understand what I would need to do to get to playing.

@limbrat5448 3 года назад

One of better 101 Claw hammer flicks.

@glenrobinson9963 3 года назад

You're the man Clifton! Imma go get a banjo this week. I've wanted to for ages. Imma take the plunge.

@ronaldaherron4001 3 года назад

I just bought a banjo today because of your videos and I would like more of your beginner videos. I love your style...

@Bigger_boot 3 года назад

Ive been tryin to learn for almost a year now and your twelve minute video got me farther the 2 hours worth of others. Thanks.

@ChudActual 3 года назад

Make time and keep going at it man, just takes time.

@littlesilver2205 3 года назад

I said the same ,why some people teaching make it so difficult.

@boogeymanblues99 4 года назад

"You're thumb goes home".. Lol I love your videos man.. I just started playing banjo (long time guitar player) and these videos of yours have helped immensely. You are a great teacher my friend, thank you :)

@patrickfoster4586 5 лет назад

I'm a guitarist, a heavy Hendrix and rock, electric blues, Chicago, country blues, delta blues, country, bluegrass, reggae, rock and more rock influenced player. I've been watching your vids since learning about you through Little Nora, who blew me away with her talent, and I am seriously considering taking up the banjo. I've got significant time on a mandolin as well but I think I may have held a banjo once. Lights were going off all through this vid. It never occurred to me that the banjo is essentially a drum and is played in a percussive fashion rather than finger picking as on a guitar. I can fingerpick on guitar but use a pick most of the time. Anyway, sorry for the novel but this video was most helpful: subbed and watching. Thanks, keep up the great work!

@CliftonHicksbanjo 4 года назад

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

@harvdog5669 Год назад

@@CliftonHicksbanjo I have been watching & listening Alot to you & one other older guy. Need to buy a banjo. Maybe an R-35. I will look up the name of the company. Need to get one soon. Can you do that abit slower with a real close up shots with camera of both hands. Thanks

@kevinmcgovney119 2 года назад

At 9 months or so of practice and I’m getting a lot better. Love the claw hammer style! Looking forward to getting 10 years in. Thanks for the lesson!

@revrendtimtom 3 года назад

Fantastic run through of the playing the banjo!

@ivyallenfiddle Год назад

I love the respect and mindfulness you show throughout this video! Truly shows your appreciation for not just the music, but the people and culture behind the music.

@Mystik-Kitty 11 месяцев назад

Only watched 5 min of this video and your conversational style is SO addictive! SO FRIENDLY!! 😻😻😻 Just set up my new banjo and will watch more of your videos!

@nateschmidt396 4 года назад

Love this guys teaching. Easy to follow

@diggerman6495 Месяц назад

Thanks

@matthewreise6400 5 месяцев назад

Wow. Just started clawhammer lessons, but this is the best demonstration and explanation of the basic technique that I've seen. I'm ok when someone explains the "how", but it's 100% better if they include the "why". Thanks for this.

@bgabriel6532 3 года назад

Love the Abraham Lincoln Brigade hat! Its a great story that deserves to be more well known. Thanks for all the banjo tutorials man. Was learning bluegrass/3 finger style but came across you on youtube and fell in love with your style. Keep up the amazing work man!

@rawbones4117 7 месяцев назад

Any idea where I could get that hat?

@rockers2rockers616 Год назад

Excellent explanation of the 'clawhammer' technique. I can't wait to get my hands on that 'broomstick' to thump out some rhythms. Thanks

@dexterj5615 4 года назад

The broomstick position is actually really useful for more complex shapes if you use the thumb

@tleek 4 года назад

I’m a guitar player and just ordered a banjo. Your channels awesome! Love the lessons and the history!

@jeremyreagan9085 6 лет назад

You are a wonderful teacher Mr. Hicks keep em coming!

@shurbret9923 3 года назад

Best explanation out there. No kidding.

@djoctobeat5204 Месяц назад

Very very helpful!! Got tired of just messing around aimlessly and decided to start watching tutorials and learning and this was great!

@verme33 3 месяца назад

tank you

@charliebenedetti7394 3 года назад

Hey, Cliff, you're a darn good teacher , not rushing, not making it complicated, and breaking it all down slowly where I can see, and know, what you're doing. Thanx a heap.

@ranthropologist 2 года назад

I've wanted to learn the banjo for about ten years now, and I dunno what's stopped me, but I think this video has convinced me I can learn it. Thanks, man

@stallionstudios 10 месяцев назад

Its a racist instrument.

@Smokkedandslammed 9 месяцев назад

If playing Banjo makes me a "racist" then I guess I'm a racist? That's such a smooth brain comment 🤣 Calling everything racist has lost its meaning, try and cry harder. 🤣

@benjaminkip9143 Год назад

I could watch your video's for hours. And actually, I do so... Kind greetings from the Netherlands

@jakewarzyniak5470 Год назад

Love your videos and tunes. My wife just got me a lefty Gold Tone to learn on. I've been a drummer for over 20 years and used to play all over the Midwest. I can't wait to learn the banjo. Keep up the awesome channel! Thanks for all your info. I also could tell you weren't on G and it sounds great! Nice deep key.

@redgunnit 3 года назад

Hey, just commenting to mention that the thumbnail for this vid is like the sixth image to come up on google when you look up clawhammer banjo.

@nicford1486 5 лет назад

I’ve seen a lot of over hand banjo tutorials but this is honestly the best one so far. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’ve been trying to make the transition from three finger Scruggs to overhand for a while now

@jonathanmann5227 Год назад

Amazing technique. Revolutionary banjo player. Thanks.

@rustknale3818 4 месяца назад

Great intro to banjo Clifton. Really appreciate the insights. Respect.

@goochman9572 3 года назад

Thanks Clifton. Great explanation. I wish I had seen this a couple of years ago when I was learning this technique - this makes more sense to me. Love your work.

@chickbaxter 2 года назад

Ok, lololol, i think i got it by actually slowing down and watching what my right hand is doing.....it's actually; brush 5-1, brush 5-3, brush 5-1, brush 5-3 and so forth...is that correct? Haha, i need to get this down before anything else. Thanks

@BakerBaker1-9 3 года назад

Thank you so much Mr C.H. for sharing your talent and time . You rock! love this style .

@rfw9889 Год назад

Thanks for this! Especially good to hear the explanation of the plane one hits the strings at - none of the instruction books make this clear so it was very helpful to have that clarified. Best wishes! Russell, UK.

@JamesJones-nt1fs 4 года назад

Excellent tutorial

@louise729 Год назад

This is awesome! I currently taking Clawhammer classes and this made so much more sense☺️. Will be watching more!

@Southwestwalker 4 года назад

Many thanks, practicing my banjo here in the UK and this is a massive help.

@tedgrooms8466 7 месяцев назад

That makes me think maybe I can play this thing. Thanks

@boxxidraws7690 3 года назад

That makes so much sense now! Thanks for explaining why my notes don’t sound as strong as they could be! Tyvm man!

@Dic_richards69 Год назад

I’ve only just started learning the banjo and I was trying some new things and this really helped

@tomzhang1986 6 лет назад

Thank you for the nice lesson, Clifton.

@mygmail9115 3 месяца назад

your my learning speed ......perfect

@williamrodmanlakes4403 6 месяцев назад

My dad left me a very old 5 string calfskin head banjo, no resonator type, open back; ( looks like yours but a smaller diameter head I think). I always wanted to learn the old time clawhammer style (not interested in the Earl Scruggs finger-picking for now). This video has inspired me to pull it out of the closet and get started! THANKS!

@delithnutkins6017 Год назад

That is the most concise way I’ve heard anyone tell me how to play claw hammer banjo. I get it now !!!Thank you so much

@namename7280 3 года назад

Great way of explaining it! Awesome stuff

@ashe4794 4 года назад

k this is super helpful stuff, stoked to dive into this channel. picked up a banjo awhile back and have been soooo bad about teaching myself but quarantine got me like ...

@lendalmacon3277 2 года назад

Excellent instructions

@SharkyVR5632 Год назад

Dude! Killer tips. Thank you. I’m teaching myself atm. I Play bass and guitar but have always wanted to learn so here we go.

@castofcharacterslive3269 4 года назад

Thank you Cathy, what an education. I've always love the "happiness" of the banjo, but had no idea why there so many different sounds.

@DavidD6969 9 месяцев назад

It's a very big help to me thanks

@ukekeysandbees 6 лет назад

Good lesson and info Clifton, you explain it really well.

@jeffkennedy6932 Год назад

Helpful thanks! More - yes.

@antoniotabboterrorist5992 3 года назад

Mr hicks, I have always wanted to learn banjo, I'm a drummer of 30 years with very rudimentary knowledge of basic guitar cords, if even that, but Iearn very fast by watching and I found this beginner lesson so valuable, and I haven't even bought my banjo yet but practiced with a broom handle, and he'll if I didn't get it, tour teaching technique is perfect for me, I hope I haven't left this too late to learn and have the joy of singing and playing the great songs out there, I'm 49, is that to late?

@CliftonHicksbanjo 3 года назад

I've seen people learn well past 49. Welcome aboard.

@antoniotabboterrorist5992 3 года назад

@@CliftonHicksbanjo thanks Mr hicks I'm in, and thanks for your reply and confidence booster, I'll be using your channel to learn, many blessings

@ericpfeiffer3463 5 лет назад

Good stuff Clifton, thanks. This is the kinda Banjo that really sounds right...

@perfectlyse9859 Месяц назад

As someone whos been playing the blue grass style with picks. This seems a bit harder lol but i cant wait to try

@CliftonHicksbanjo Месяц назад

It is a little easier to get started, but I think most will tell you the traditional styles are all easier once you get the first hurdle.

@watsjd1 2 года назад

Excellent teaching. A young banjo player would be wise to take lessons from you.

@CliftonHicksbanjo Год назад

Please support my work 👇 Patreon: patreon.com/CliftonHicks SubscribeStar: www.subscribestar.com/cliftonhicks Merch: www.BanjoHeritage.org Bandcamp: cliftonhicks.bandcamp.com PayPal: paypal.me/cliftonhicksbanjo Venmo: venmo.com/cliftonhicksbanjo Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/7fQxc3ZY6LTVWkfxvsEPUV iTunes: music.apple.com/us/artist/clifton-hicks/1437321931

@julezz301 5 лет назад

This is really good and helpful! Thanks!!

@justinmorgan5382 5 лет назад

Awesome lesson!!

@callys238 4 года назад

Soooo helpful! Thank you!

@jesuschavarria5574 4 года назад

That help me a lot brother, thank you .

@bradlafferty 8 месяцев назад

I learned more about using a musical instrument in this short tutorial than I ever did in a year of high school band! This makes me want to learn the banjo right now! Thanks! New sub, too at least watch your teaching style. Terrific.

@allisonrogers3405 3 года назад

Extremely helpful! Thank you!

@ejarnold747 5 лет назад

Very helpful! Thank you!!

@TREEHUGGAH1 2 года назад

excellent lesson. im getting it. thank you maestro

@fionnmcnessa Год назад

Strum thumb strike I was been taught strike strum thumb No wonder I'm having trouble 😃 Thanks for the lesson ladeen Much appreciated

@SherwoodSchwartz123 3 года назад

Very helpful to me as a struggling beginner. Nuances I haven't picked up another beginner videos.

@nirjasallynorringtonstacey7482 5 лет назад

brilliant video thanks

@SteveWaltersY Год назад

VERY helpful, thanks!

@Southwestwalker 4 года назад

Gonna give this a try.

@ChristinaPetro 6 лет назад

It is a relief for me to learn that placing my thumb on the back of the neck is acceptable technique! I do have a bad habit of allowing my picking thumb to dance about! It certainly affects my accuracy! I'll work on it! Thanks, Clifton!

@joearhart 5 лет назад

Very helpful! Thanks

@hotpoker4212 7 месяцев назад

Greetings from The Emerald Isle 🇨🇮🇨🇮🇨🇮 love your teaching method, im a complet beginner,and find your videos,are very helpfull,

@robertjohnson1246 3 года назад

That was good, Thank you. Just start playing and have been doing thumb lead but kind of like the sound of the Overhand.

@invinciblecheng7844 Год назад

Nice. Thanks!

@stevetrumbull4990 6 лет назад

I've started and stopped banjo and other stringed instruments so many times out of frustration that I had recently decided to completely give up and get rid of everything. I've admired your playing and will give it another shot with your lesson. Hopefully they continue.

@CliftonHicksbanjo 6 лет назад

Steve, that is music to my ears. You can find a bunch of my other "lesson" type stuff here and at patreon.com/cliftonhicks I promise you, sir, that I will not be shutting up any time soon. Please let me know if there's anything in particular you'd like to see me tackle; most of my material is for intermediate to advanced banjoists but I understand that "the basics" are vitally important as well. Thanks for your encouragement!

@8THKY 6 лет назад

Don't quit. I promise, if you push through the frustration, you find endless joy on the other side. It could help to find a banjo instructor as well who can work with you. Don't give up!

@withelisa 5 лет назад

Hey Steve, did you pick up the banjo again since this comment?

@riverrockproductions 6 лет назад

Random, but the thumbnail RU-vid gave this video reminds me of the famous Johnny Cash giving the finger photo. Haha! Love all your videos. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us, Mr. Hicks!

@BlackBearSixTV 2 года назад

Nice lesson, Thanks!

@Gabatronia 2 года назад

Hey Clifton! Fantastic lesson. I’ve been a long time guitar player/classically trained and always wanted to learn the banjo. I finally picked one up a few weeks ago and I’m gradually getting accustomed to various styles of play. The overhand approach will take some getting used to! I wonder whether you’d be interested in making up a tutorial for andy thorpe’s viral video of him playing to a fox on a mountain? It’s called “playing a banjo for a wild fox” and is what inspired me to finally pick myself up a banjo! Anyways, subscribed! Cheers!