Clawhammer

Clawhammer bum-ditty

Doc Watson 1994

Frailing Banjo Right-Hand Technique

Clawhammer is a distinctive banjo playing style and technique that is a prominent feature in various forms of American folk music, including old-time music, bluegrass, and folk music. It is characterized by its rhythmic down-picking motion, where the player's fingernail strikes the strings in a downward motion, followed by a plucking of the shorter drone string with the thumb, creating a unique and rhythmic sound that is both melodic and percussive.

History

The origins of the clawhammer style are deeply rooted in the musical traditions brought to the United States by African and European immigrants. It evolved in the Appalachian region, where a melting pot of cultures and musical traditions fused to create the distinctive sound of American old-time music. The clawhammer technique is one of the oldest banjo playing styles, predating the more modern Scruggs style that is commonly associated with bluegrass music.

Technique

The clawhammer technique involves holding the hand in a loose claw-like shape and striking the strings in a downward motion with the back of the fingernail of the index or middle finger, followed by a plucking of the fifth string (the drone string) with the thumb. This action is often summarized with the phrase "bum-ditty," where "bum" represents the downward strike, and "ditty" represents the thumb plucking the drone string. The technique allows for a wide range of rhythms and melodies to be played simultaneously, making it a versatile and expressive style.

Tuning

Clawhammer banjo players often use a variety of tunings to achieve different musical effects. Some of the most common tunings include open G (gDGBD), double C (gCGCD), and sawmill or mountain modal (gDGCD). These tunings allow for the creation of rich and resonant sounds that are characteristic of old-time and folk music.

Repertoire

The clawhammer banjo repertoire is vast and varied, encompassing traditional folk songs, dance tunes, ballads, and more. Many clawhammer players also incorporate songs and tunes from other musical traditions, showcasing the adaptability and broad appeal of the style.

Influence

The clawhammer style has had a significant influence on American music, contributing to the development of folk, country, and bluegrass music. It has also seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many contemporary musicians incorporating clawhammer techniques into their music, thus ensuring its continued relevance and vitality in the modern musical landscape.

See Also

• Banjo
• Old-time music
• Bluegrass music
• Folk music
• Scruggs style