The Deering Clawhammer Method (Part 2)

I purchased and learned to play an inexpensive banjo when I was a teenager. That was 65 years ago, more or less. There was no youtube, no cd’s, videos or anything like that, and my teacher was a printed booklet that was written by Pete Seeger, called How To Play The 5-String Banjo. He taught a method that was similar to clawhammer, except the first notes were plucked instead of struck, and I still play that way today when my old fingers allow me to play at all. To my ears it sounds just like clawhammer when the hammers, pulls and slides are added. But then my ears are old too, so maybe I’m missing something here. I did buy myself a Deering recently and the little embellishments (not “legatos” as you called them in the video) do sound better on my new instrument, just as you stated. Any thoughts or comments about the “Seeger Method”?Thanks for your good work.

Frailing is another name for clawhammer style

Hi Barry,

Thanks for the lesson, I’m having a hard time with following the notes visually so is there any way that you can put the notes in tab form so It would be easier for me to follow and learn ?

Can I order a Parlor with a scoop and ties on the 5th, 7th & 9 fret and stain dark with blond bow ties ?

Thank
Gene

Wonderful teaching lessons ! And the best thing in my opinion is your smile and your communicative joy in playing ! I am 66 years old but I love banjo sound and clawhammer sound, so I am trying to learn playing it… I played a little guitar but banjo is so fun !

Thank you!