Learn to play clawhammer-style banjo

it’s the ultimate in pre-electronic trance groove!

The banjo (‘specially played downpicking or whatever you want to call it) is an awkward, cranky, misfit of an instrument and surprise, surprise…it gets played by people matching that description! Great for hermits and old antisocialites with nothing better to do. Yeehaw!

Okay, I got the DVDs from Amazon yesterday. Got home from work a bit late, though, so I didn’t do much beside look at the tab sheets that came with them a bit. Will probably watch the first one when I get home tonight…

I checked the Amazon tracking function, and the DVDs shipped from Fernley, Nevada. Hopefully, that means that they’ll be here some time around the middle of next week.

My “Learn to Play Clawhammer Banjo” DVD set has shipped from Amazon. Hooray! It should be here in 5 to 9 days, according to them.

You need to literally get the rhythm down and everything else comes. Plunk, kerplunk, plunk. I think I did that for about 3 or four hours over the course of a week and then the muscle memory never leaves. The left hand has a few tricks but if you’ve had some experience with a guitar you’ll have no problem. This is a garage instrument—you need to practice in isolation or people will go mad. Good for those that enjoy being alone. Seriously.

Okay, I ordered a 2-DVD clawhammer instruction set from Amazon. I used the super-saver shipping though, so it may not get here for 5 to 9 days. I’ll find out how it is then…

I’ve been reading a lot lately about the difference between standard three finger bluegrass style banjo (“Scruggs” style) and old-time clawhammer style. I don’t really care too much about the regular bluegrass, but I’m kind of intrigued by the old time stuff. I looked for a DVD or book at Guitar Center and Barnes & Noble yesterday, but didn’t find anything. Surprisingly, I didn’t buy anything at all at either of those stores. I’m going to check on Amazon a bit later and see if I can find a decent instructional DVD for a reasonable price…