rifflewader - Posted - 02/19/2026:  14:10:34

Hey folks! I’ve searched far and wide and cannot find a Clawhammer instructor near me. The closest is an hour away in Durham,NC. I know some offer remote lessons.
So a few questions. Are there any down this way? If not those of you that have some remote instruction was it beneficial and worth it?
I’m a beginner with about 70 hours in practice just working on the “bum ditty” I do strum and work on cords as well but I feel like I need the basics. I’m 55 and this is my first serious instrument I’m playing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

pinenut - Posted - 02/19/2026:  14:15:29

Starting music as an adult (over 26yr) is challenging (understatement).  Be patient with yourself.

Integrating practice/play time into my daily life has proven to be the single most important behavior; first thing every morning and last thing every evening, in-between time is a bonus. 

I have used most of the clawhammer books.  These are my three 'best' teachers:

 - Clawhammer Style Banjo:, Ken Perlman  https://www.amazon.com/Clawhammer-Style-Banjo-Complete-Beginning/dp/1574241540

 - Frailing the 5-String Banjo, Barbara Kohler  https://www.amazon.com/Mel-Bay-Frailing-5-String-Banjo/dp/0786663219

 - The Banjo Player's Songbook, Tim Jumper  https://www.amazon.com/Songbook

Used books save cash and the supplemental CD's aren't critical. 

Careful YouTube selections on repeat are my go-to examples.

Edited by - pinenut on 02/19/2026 14:30:00

pinenut - Posted - 02/19/2026:  14:47:01

source:  banjohangout.org/topic/407368

quote:

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Originally posted by slc

quote:

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Originally posted by Mickhammer

Work on double-thumbing, not bum-ditty. Double-thumbing is where the drive resides. Get used to double thumbing on all the strings.

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Totally agree. Too many start with bum-ditty, and lock into it like it's a Rule to be followed and never broken. 

If ever I write a banjo book, I wouldn't even teach bum-ditty at the beginning. I'd teach hitting notes, thumbing, double thumbing, later brushes. Only teach bum-ditty as ONE rhythm option, and later after the core strike/brush/thumb skills are down.

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This is good conceptual advice that is worth considering.  Many 'old-time style' banjo tunes are presented as a melody with decoration that follows the words and are often fretted with one or two fingers.  Keep it simple.

Chords are more of a music comprehension and jam survival skill.

Edited by - pinenut on 02/19/2026 14:56:07

Chris Herring - Posted - 02/19/2026:  15:56:46

Hi. I’m near you in Bailey, NC and my Dad actually lives in Clayton. However I play Scruggs style.
If you have Facebook look up WayWard Strings. One of the facilitators, Susan, teaches Wernick style jamming and teaches individual lessons on bass, guitar & mandolin. She is in Wendell Falls. She also plays claw hammer banjo and may teach that as well. It’s with asking. In fact just last week she had a claw hammer workshop for beginners led by Jodi Harbin.
If you do not have Facebook they also have a web page.

Owen - Posted - 02/19/2026:  16:40:30

.... only an hour's drive?   We all should be so lucky.  

rifflewader - Posted - 02/21/2026:  07:26:23

quote:

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Originally posted by pinenut

 

Starting music as an adult (over 26yr) is challenging (understatement).  Be patient with yourself.

Integrating practice/play time into my daily life has proven to be the single most important behavior; first thing every morning and last thing every evening, in-between time is a bonus. 

 

I have used most of the clawhammer books.  These are my three 'best' teachers:

 - Clawhammer Style Banjo:, Ken Perlman  https://www.amazon.com/Clawhammer-Style-Banjo-Complete-Beginning/dp/1574241540

 - Frailing the 5-String Banjo, Barbara Kohler  https://www.amazon.com/Mel-Bay-Frailing-5-String-Banjo/dp/0786663219

 - The Banjo Player's Songbook, Tim Jumper  https://www.amazon.com/Songbook

 

Used books save cash and the supplemental CD's aren't critical. 

Careful YouTube selections on repeat are my go-to examples.

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Thanks Pinenut!! I'll give these a look.

rifflewader - Posted - 02/21/2026:  07:27:07

quote:

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Originally posted by Owen

.... only an hour's drive?   We all should be so lucky.  

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Owen!!!! So sorry you got a haul!! Stay warm up there!!

rifflewader - Posted - 02/21/2026:  07:29:15

quote:

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Originally posted by Chris Herring

Hi. I’m near you in Bailey, NC and my Dad actually lives in Clayton. However I play Scruggs style.

If you have Facebook look up WayWard Strings. One of the facilitators, Susan, teaches Wernick style jamming and teaches individual lessons on bass, guitar & mandolin. She is in Wendell Falls. She also plays claw hammer banjo and may teach that as well. It’s with asking. In fact just last week she had a claw hammer workshop for beginners led by Jodi Harbin.

If you do not have Facebook they also have a web page.

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Chris, I just missed the workshop. Man! I'll check her out. It looks like they do lessons in Raleigh at Harry's Guitars. Great place with lots of happenings up there. Appreciate the direction