Our next installment in the "playing and singing" Core Repertoires series is a song that was first brought to life in the chain gangs and labor camps of the post-war South.
It was originally titled “Take This Hammer,” and was part of a collection of “hammer songs.” Since then, it has spread well beyond those confines, becoming a beloved folk song and banjo player staple.
In the last edition of this series, we played in the 2 finger "thumb lead" style (click here to view that lesson). This time, we'll bring in an extra finger.
Below is a video tutorial for how to play and sing this one, beginning with a simple approach, and ending with a "walk-through" of the arrangement included in the tab-download (click here to download the tab).
(RELATED: If you enjoy this tutorial, there are many more inside of the Breakthrough Banjo course. Click here to learn more.)
Singing & Playing Tutorial for "NINE POUND HAMMER"
For more on how to learn to fingerpick in any style, and why you'd want to,
Dr. Josh Turknett is the creator of the Brainjo Method, the first system for learning banjo that incorporates the science of learning and neuroplasticity and specifically targets the adult learner.
Josh Turknett has made 37 recent additions to Banjo Hangout
Occupation: neuroplastician
Gender: Male Age: 44
My Instruments: Cedar Mountain L4, Cedar Mountain J200. Dan Pennington tubaphone, Mike Ramsey white laydie, homebuilt special, bob thornburg gourd, Terry Bell Boucher minstrel banjo, deering goodtime special
Favorite Bands/Musicians: Mike Seeger, Mac Benford, Tommy Jarrell, Kyle Creed, Fred Cockerham, Hobart Smith, Mississippi John Hurt, Paul Brown, Doc Watson, Norman Blake, Earl Scruggs, Tom Adams, Will Keys, Camp Creek Boys..
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Created 11/18/2003
Last Visit 8/16/2019
Lover of all things banjo. One half of the Georgia Jays (thegeorgiajays.com).
Founder of Brainjo, the first music instruction method targeted at the adult learner and based on the science of learning and neuroplasticity (more at aboutbrainjo.com).
