b. Basic Strum

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CloverJo says "Teach someone a banjo tune and they play one song, teach someone the clawhammer right hand rhythm and technique and they can play for a lifetime!" The banjo is a percussive rhythm instrument. It is the right hand that makes the music. Master the rhythm and right hand techniques and the world of tunes will be yours. Left hand will follow as you progress. You cannot progress until you master the right hand. Let's get started.

DISCUSSION

Like horse feet on a gallop . . . that is what comes to mind to me. Note below in the text explanation the gallop in the rhythm. Speed is not the answer, it is the space and timing that matter. The FASTER you try to do this the LESS it comes to the music. The emphasis on the first beat.

Getting the dynamic and the little extended quiet space ( * ) to make your playing breath and have life is critical. This is the hard part. Keep the right hand in a consistent "C" shape, loose wrist, and not a tightened hand. This takes practice. The hand and thumb should be a steady shape and not flailing all about and using muscles to "pick". The attack is downward towards the head, not side to side. See excerpts below from the old banjo tutors.

The gallop:

* and a PLOP * and a PLOP * and a PLOP * and a PLOP

Demonstrating the timing and working in the right hand clawhammer down stroke:

SAY========> PLOP * and a PLOP * and a xxxxREPEAT

TIMING=====> 1-------& ------- 2 ------- & ------- 1-------& ------- 2 ------- & xxxxREPEAT

LEFT HAND==> I [t] I(B) T I [t] I(B) T xxxxREPEAT

Where I=index, b=brush, T=thumb, [t]=silent but consistent thumb to fifth string motion in right hand

Dynamic volume rhythmic emphasis on down beat or 1 or the PLOP
Remember to always have thumb go to fifth string on every stroke after index downstroke
This is important to learn this skill early so advanced strokes and drop thumbs come naturally

STROKE STYLE (CLAWHAMMER)
Style of banjo-playing associated with early and minstrel banjo, related to modern clawhammer style. The fingers curl, with the index finger sticking out a bit, and the nail of the index finger strikes the strings while the thumb plucks the short fifth string, functioning as a drone. This style of playing is very rhythmic and best suited to duple meter; the characteristic rhythm (long short short) is often called something like "bum-diddy."
SOURCE: HAMILTON COLLEGE LIBRARY ONLINE COLLECTION - 19TH CENTURY BANJO BOOKS

Excerpt from Geo. C. Dobson's Simplified Method and Thorough School for the Banjo, Two Books in One

by George C. Dobson (1879? EDITION) page 9.

LEARNING THE BASIC STRUM MATERIALS

Three files attached below will allow you to listen, see, and practice the basic strum. Give it a try...

Note:

.tef files require you to download the FREE TEF VIEW program to utlize them - GET IT ALL!
.mid can be downloaded and played on your computer - LISTEN!
.jpg can be printed out and are tabs in a simple form - PRINT!

You can click on this tab and it will open in another window and thence you can print it there too.