Clawhammer Banjo - Three Different Right Hand Approaches

Описание: There are three different approaches to striking a string with your nail. I'd like to discuss each and give my personal opinions on why I recommend them or not. Keep in mind that this is a hotly debated issue among clawhammer players and these are just my own recommendations derived from closely observing my students for the last 25 years.

1. Some players light "tag" (but don't play) the fifth string each time a nail strikes a string. I don't recommend this as "tagging" the fifth string quickly becomes a habit (muscle memory) and requires a conscious decision to NOT tag the fifth when the thumb is needed on another string. This becomes even more apparent when students reach that point where they begin experimenting around with arranging their own versions of tunes/songs.

2. There are other banjoists who support the finger by placing the thumb against it as it strikes a string. This is sometimes referred to as "bracing" or "backing" with the thumb. I don't recommend this either and for the same reason I don't like "tagging"; it becomes a habit and requires a conscious decision on your part to disengage the thumb from the finger when the thumb is needed elsewhere.

3. The last technique is achieved by not involving the thumb at all when striking a string and is the one I recommend. It is usually referred to as "floating". You simply let your thumb hang in it's normal position when at rest. Don't worry about any incidental contact with the striking finger as this is normal, just don't apply any pressure with the thumb (bracing).

Don't assume you can identify which technique accomplished banjoists are using as you watch them play. It's easy to confuse "floating" with "bracing" as many great players tend to keep their thumb close to, but not touching, their striking finger.

If you have questions, post them in the Progressive Clawhammer forum on my website: http://www.banjoutah.com