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jsinjin - Posted - 09/09/2025: 06:39:11
My clawhammer sound is quite soft. I think part of it is that I’m timid and deliberate with hitting the strings. I play a whyte laydie tone ring banjo open back 11 inch instrument and I’ve noticed I have a lot of trouble with getting volume. I notice in YouTube videos that a lot of players get a much more crisp and volume tone. I guess there are many variables in volume from how hard you hit the strings to the strings themselves to the location you play from the bridge to the neck. I have also noticed that a lot of players sit the banjo out on their lap whereas I pull it directly against my abdomen. There never seems to be a “proper”‘or “correct” way to play clawhammer but I wondered what are some things to look at in increasing volume given what I shared:
-Location of banjo against abdomen
-Location of right hand playing on strings from bridge to scoop
-how hard I impact strings with middle finger
I’ve managed to play with pretty good tempo and memorized several songs but the volume can barely be heard over zoom (with original sound for musicians turned on) with my teacher and it’s hard to pick up with the mic on my phone.
I appreciate any suggestions for increasing volume.
JSJ
SatCotM - Posted - 09/09/2025: 16:34:50
Time, as Kam pointed out, is a big factor. More practice.
It sounds to me like you aren't striking the strings with follow-through. Even when playing softly, it should be a swift and smooth movement. Don't be afraid and overly cautious about hitting occasional wrong notes. Getting a serviceable sound is more important; you're going to be hitting a lot of incorrect notes early on and that's okay. Smooth strikes will get easier as you keep practicing and gain some confidence in your technique.
Position of the banjo and the positioning of the hand over the pot/neck are not issues here. The right hand technique is something to focus on.
pinenut - Posted - 09/09/2025: 17:16:53
quote:
Originally posted by SatCotM
Time
---off topic----
""The Thighs" LT NOBO 24 // Dreams of one day repeating the LT with a banjo along for the ride."
Shirley, you must be joking. A banjo along for the ride.!? It's heavy, bulky and fragile; I wanted a banjo so badly... 
AT NOBO 08 with an ukulele was okay, next trail will be a harmonica or fife... maybe.
Edited by - pinenut on 09/09/2025 17:28:42
jsinjin - Posted - 09/09/2025: 17:34:59
Thanks all! I had a lesson with my teacher and she fixed. A lot of things and it sounded great after her help.
I appreciate all of the suggestions.
She noticed several things from the very start that were incredibly simple.
Jsj
SatCotM - Posted - 09/09/2025: 18:47:27
quote:
Originally posted by pinenut
---off topic----
""The Thighs" LT NOBO 24 // Dreams of one day repeating the LT with a banjo along for the ride."
Shirley, you must be joking. A banjo along for the ride.!? It's heavy, bulky and fragile; I wanted a banjo so badly...
AT NOBO 08 with an ukulele was okay, next trail will be a harmonica or fife... maybe.
One of our trail buddies had a trumpet with him. Couldn't even get him to play the darned thing, he had it for practicing when nobody was around.
Knowing what to expect, I'd wager that a banjo wrapped in trash bags would be achievable. Ill-advised, perhaps, but when has that ever stopped anything?
jsinjin - Posted - 09/09/2025: 18:49:58
What’s NOBO stand for?
SatCotM - Posted - 09/09/2025: 18:56:58
quote:
Originally posted by jsinjin
What’s NOBO stand for?
We're way off topic in the boring sort of way. NOBO is North-bound, alternative to SOBO, or yo-yo among certain crazed individuals. Referring to the direction a thru-hiker is going on a trail - South to North or North to South.
