Clawhammer Question & Answer

My opinion page addressing inquiries concerning clawhammer technique.

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 advise on fitting in?

*A friendly warning: frailers have a bad rep amongst bluegrass pickers, so you may encounter some animosity when you first show up at a bluegrass jam!

Too many frailers approach a bluegrass jam as if it were an "old-timey" session. They tend to play over the solos when other individual instrumentalists are taking "breaks". Clawhammer pickers have also been known to be too loud while playing backup (bum-dittys).

We've also been accused of not fitting in stylistically with a bluegrass ensemble: Don't take the off beat "chops" from the mandolin players by playing "bum-dittys", that's their territory! Change your style of play (maybe emphasize the "on" beats instead of the "off" beats).

Insensitive playing can quickly make you an unwelcome guest at a bluegrass jam.

That being said...

  • If you are careful not to play over other jammer's solos or vocals.

  • If you listen carefully to the jam and try to match the "feel" of the song (no "bum-dittys" on soft ballads!).

  • If you remember this is a bluegrass jam and not an old-timey jam.

  • If you take the time to work up some bluegrass standards.

    • Then you should feel welcome and be able to contribute a great deal to bluegrass sessions!


    Mike's Portrait







    Thanks... Mike



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