Clawhammer Questions & Answers

My opinion page addressing inquiries concerning clawhammer technique.


  • What first attracted you to the clawhammer style of banjo?

  • I've just bought a banjo and stumbled upon your website. I'm not sure which style, bluegrass or clawhammer, to learn. Any suggestions that might help me make the correct choice?

  • I've noticed that you have a lot of songs on your site that aren't traditional. Is it important to mimic traditional players or do you believe in pushing the boundaries of clawhammer banjo?

  • Why is Double C Tuning so popular?

  • Is it true that clawhammer is easier to learn than the bluegrass style?

  • It is my understanding that the difference between Frailing and Clawhammer is the use of drop-thumbing; frailers don't drop-thumb. Do you make distinctions between the different styles?

  • I have a tendency to "flick" out with my index finger as I hit a string. I've been told that this is not a good habit to get into. Can you give me any guidance on right hand technique?

  • Which finger of the right hand, index or middle, should I use when striking the strings?

  • Any advice on keeping my natural fingernails from breaking?

  • My nails aren't strong enough and I'm considering using acrylic nails. Have you had any experience using salon nails and if so, how well did they work?

  • I play with my thumb fairly straight but have been told that I should cock (bend) it so that the tip of my thumb plays the string instead of the pad. I find this uncomfortable. What do you think?

  • Do you have any suggestions to help with my left hand technique?

  • The only way I can get all the notes in a "barre" to sound out is to place my middle finger over the index and squeeze the neck. Any ideas on how to improve my technique?

  • Do you recommend pull-offs or push-offs?

  • Do you have any advice an how to clean up my pull-offs and hammer-ons?

  • Do you ever "cluck" while playing? Is there such a thing as over-clucking?

  • You don't put letters showing when to play hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides under your tabs. Why not?

  • I'm finding that there are measures where my fingers just aren't long enough to make some of the left hand stretches needed to play your tabs. Do you have any suggestions for me?

  • Your tabs are written with the note above the lines of the stave as oppose to "superimposed" over the line. All of the tab writing software I've seen uses the latter approach. Why are you different.

  • I've noticed that you write your tablature with the eighth notes in pairs as opposed to groups of four. Is there a reason for this?

  • I'm overwhelmed with the number of tunings that clawhammer banjo players seem to use. Which tunings do you tend to use the most?

  • Any advice on how to back-up songs in tunings other than "G" using chords?

  • I really like the idea of having a long neck banjo. Are there any problems that are associated specifically with long neck banjos?

  • Most clawhammer players seem to feel that jigs are ill-suited to the banjo. What's your opinion?

  • I read that some players use Scotch Tape over their fingernail to prevent it from wearing out. Do you use anything other than your natural nail when playing?

  • When I play in waltz time (3/4 time) everything sounds like a German drinking song; boom-chucka-chucka boom-chucka-chucka. What can I do to get away from this harsh sound?

  • What is the difference between 4/4, 2/4 and "Cut" time? I need help understanding how these meters work!

  • Is there an easy way for me to arrange a harmony part without having to learn music theory?

  • Where can I find more information on the African American origins of the banjo?

  • I've been learning clawhammer and want to start playing with other musicians, but all the jams in our area seem to be "bluegrass" jams. Any advice on fitting in?

  • I've been told that clawhammer banjo players can't play fast enough to join in on bluegrass jams. Is this true?

  • You seem to play a lot of "cowboy" songs. Was the banjo used in the old west?

  • What is the Circle Of Fifths?

  • Do I have to learn "music theory" in order to advance on the banjo?

  • When I listen back to a recording of my playing it seems sloppy. Can you give me some suggestions that might help me clean up my technique?

  • I'm confused with the theory behind chord construction and would appreciate an explanation from another banjo player. Can you simplify it for me?

  • My pre-teen daughter wants to start playing the banjo, but she can't reach the end of the fingerboard. I could buy a "travel" banjo but don't want to fork out the money for a new instrument. Do you have any suggestion for young students?

  • Do you find the melodic style superior to more traditional approaches to the banjo?

  • You've published an incredible number of tabs and I was wondering: how do you feel about those who argue that learning from tablature prevents you from developing the ability to play by ear?


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