Finger pics for clawhammer style

[Andrew Sherry]

I am just starting down the road of e learning clawhammer style banjo having played guitar and ukulele for many years. I am interested in any guidance on which finger pics people use... or do I just have to be patient and grow my nail?

Thanks

[Mike Moss]

Hi Andrew,

this forum isn't about clawhammer style, it's about fingerstyle banjo ;-)

However, to answer your question, when I do play clawhammer style I don't use a pick or a nail, I just use the tip of my finger (I keep my nails very short). I find it makes it easier to get the "cluck" sound many clawhammer players are after.

[Joel Hooks]

Hi Andrew.  To avoid the elitism accusations that will soon surface, I would like to welcome you to this forum.

The interests of this group is the so called "classic" era of banjo playing.  The dominate method of playing, in that era, was to use the bare fingertips on gut (now mostly nylon) strings.  It was (is) also commonly associated with written notation.

Continuing into that era of banjo playing was the old "thimble style."  Many of the early "classic" banjoists were also thimble players.

While late era thimble playing is more than welcome here, folk era clawhammer banjo questions would best be answered on another forum, perhaps the appropriate section of the banjo hangout, where there are many specialists that could help you.

BTW, in respect of honesty, I am the maker of the only historical pattern banjo thimbles currently on the market.  Most of the people who buy them use them for clawhammer style playing on wire strings with great success.

[Andrew Sherry]

Thanks for the guidance... and forgive my mistake—I have much to learn!

[thereallyniceman]

Hi Andrew, and welcome from one Lancastrian to another. I am from Blackpool which used to be in Lancashire until the bureaucrats got their sticky fingers on it, but now is a Unitary Authority...whatever that is!!

Joel and Mike are correct that this site is aimed at players of the "Classic Style" Banjo, but it doesn't preclude other players from having a good look around... we may even cure you of Clawhammer and set you on the true course :-)

Have fun here and ask questions about our style if you wish to try it out.

As for elitism.. Naaaah, we are just a bunch of common banjo players here, even though some of us do wear bow-ties and dinner jackets !

Ian

[Jody Stecher]

For most players a long nail on the right hand for clawhammer would be a hindrance, not a help. Make contact with the string right across the middle of the nail, the part that covers the finger. "Cluck" is a not a desirable sonic effect for most players, but long nails will result in "click' and "clack".

[Andrew Sherry]

Many thanks.

[0t8v1wc16d5ys]

Jody is a fine exponent of the style you're talking about - persevere with it. You might find there are other old time/clawhammer players quite near you and making their acquaintance is the best way to learn style/technique. Much easier to see it done and hear it at the same time, plus they will teach you the well known tunes so you're able to play along in a session. Classic banjo is quite a different style and very specialised in a different kind of way (as are many of its players). Don't be put off by having stumbled into the wrong forum - I play five string finger style, but bluegrass, which has nothing to do with this lot at all - however, it is nice to chat with others in a banjo way, and many people play several styles quite successfully. The other thing about classic banjo is that it is mostly 'read', from music whereas a lot of clawhammer/old time tunes you can learn by ear. Learn the basic chord shapes and you will be off quite quickly. Classic is days of working a piece out from the notation and learning it, unless you're a good sight reader ...... Just some thoughts for you, and I hope you have success with your new love ....I also play a ukulele, but I don't think you're supposed to say that word on here.  : )   

Andrew Sherry said:

Many thanks.

[Trapdoor2]

<points and hisses> UKE! UNCLEAN! UNCLEAN!

 

;-)