Basic Clawhammer Banjo Technique

ByJody

Today I want to cover your basic clawhammer banjo technique. Some people call this the Bum-Ditty technique. This is because if you say this word, it tells you the correct rhythm of the right-hand stroke. In TAB form, it looks as follows:

banjo tab showing the clawhammer bum ditty pattern

Bum-Ditty has the rhythm 1….2 AND

Clawhammer Technique

  • Hit the 3rd string with the backside of your index finger (preferably with your nail)
  • Stroke the 1st, 2nd (sometimes 3rd as well) with this same finger
  • Hit the 5th string with your thumb

Finer Points of Clawhammer Technique

  • Don’t flick your index finger out; keep it stiff and use the weight of your arm/hand to hit the string. The knuckle of your finger shouldn’t be flexing.
  • As you strike down with your index finger, practice having your thumb come to rest on the fifth string, even when it’s not going to play it. This gets you into the habit of having your thumb ready to play.
  • Thumb-My thumb looks like it does for my three-finger style picking. However, some clawhammer banjo players bend their thumb at the first joint. This makes it to where less of the pad and flesh contacts this string. Perhaps one of the reasons for doing this is for a more balanced sound? I always found it awkward, so I stick with the normal thumb position.
  • Try to make each stroke the same volume at first. This will give you a smooth sound as opposed to one that sounds out of balance.
  • Make sure you are perfectly in time. Say the word bum-dit-ty if you need to. I would even practice tapping my foot while doing this motion so you can FEEL the rhythm in your body.
  • Start by doing it with open strings. Then move to switching between a G and C chord.

Need an online clawhammer banjo teacher? I teach anywhere in the world via ZOOM. Contact me and I’ll help you out ASAP.

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banjo string package is gold and yellow

After you’ve mastered the basic bum ditty, you might be ready to move on to the drop thumb technique.

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Professional musician and educator of 27 years. I've played Banjo and Acoustic Guitar on the stages of Carnegie Hall, The Grand Ole Opry, and The Ryman Auditorium. 4X winner of the Georgia State banjo and flatpick guitar competitions. My banjo playing was featured in the "A Waltons Thanksgiving" movie.

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