Clawhammer Question & Answer
My opinion page addressing inquiries concerning clawhammer 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?
To begin with don't make the mistake of getting in the habit of placing the "middle finger over the index" to help "squeeze" the neck. You will eventually need that middle finger free (along with the ring and pinky) to play on other frets while holding the barre with your index.
Try the following technique I've used with my students:
Place the middle finger of your left hand on the sixth fret of the third string, apply pressure with the thumb to the back of the neck directly opposite the middle finger.
Keeping the pressure (and thumb alignment) on the middle finger, drop your index into the barre position on fifth fret. Notice that your index has now rolled slightly onto it's side.
Remove your middle finger making sure that the thumb and index stay in position.
Push with your thumb toward the pot (body) of the banjo and push with your index finger toward the peghead.
You should no longer be "squeezing" the neck, you should be using leverage (with your thumb as a fulcrum) to hold down the barre, and the other fingers of the left hand should be free to access additional notes as needed! This will feel uncomfortable at first but will become less so as you develop strength in the new muscles you're using in the left hand!
Stick with it and give this method a chance to work; good barre technique is essential if you want to develop the ability to play effectively up the neck.
Thanks... Mike