Clawhammer Question & Answer

My opinion page addressing inquiries concerning clawhammer technique.

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

I believe that any form of music notation, including tablature, should strive to make the music easier to read and understand.

Clawhammer seems to "read" better when you group the notes in twos.

Three-finger (Scruggs) style "reads" easier in groups of four.

It all has to do with the right hand technique of each. The ideal in clawhammer involves moving the right hand into the strings on the first eighth note of each pair and away from the strings on the second. This is the basic movement that makes frailing so unique. Two note groupings show this more effectively than groups of four.


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Thanks... Mike



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