Playing the Banjo
Emphasize the major parts of the melody and use rhythm and thumb to imply the complete melody.
I used TablEdit to create these tab examples. Download a free viewer.
The Basic Clawhammer Strum
You can use either the index or middle finger for picking, depending on which is more comfortable and accurate for you.
In the tab below,
I = index finger (or middle if you prefer)
B = Brush (with index or middle finger)
T = Thumb
The bottom line is the 5th string. The top line is the 1st string. Numbers indicate frets.
Bum Dit-ty
- Emphasize the melody note (‘bum’)
- Let the high g string sound out (“-ty”)
Bum Ditty TEF file Bum-Ditty mp3
Getting the Melody
In general, it is very difficult to play the entire melody of a tune note for note in clawhammer style. You can get more notes with a combination of left and right hand techniques, including
Left hand
Hammer-ons
Pull-offs
Slides
Right hand
Drop Thumb
