I'm looking for some haunting clawhammer banjo songs to learn. I really like the darker, slower, rolling, bluesy side of clawhammer, as opposed to the more bright, upbeat traditional old-time sound.
I've already gone down the Dock Boggs rabbit hole, and while I really like his playing, it's not quite the sound I'm looking for. I'm looking for something more slow, spacious, and haunting rather than the more raw, driving bluesy sound of Boggs. A couple of good examples of the kind of sound I'm looking for (although not banjo) is Janel Drewis's version of "In the Pines." or The Last of Us Theme (scruggs-style) I love the slow, sparse, rolling quality of it.
I'd love some recommendations for songs or arangments with a similar feel. I'm mostly interested in finding songs that sound really good played in a darker, haunting clawhammer style.
Maybe Glory in the Meeting House at a slow tempo.
Any of these work for you?
Write some
Check out Paul Lion Sinclair , definitely and underrated fella (AKA the Black British Banjo Player). I could listen to his playing for hours
Edited by - pghmatt on 08/08/2026 18:25:10
Yes,
Larry please do write something for us...Jack
Also pretty polly played on a fretless might be the vibe you are in search of
Edited by - pghmatt on 08/08/2026 19:21:35
Check out “For to Lay this Body Down” by Brooks & Wood on YouTube.
Even the old timer music grows every time someone plays it
These songs came from somewhere, so in my view it’s valid to comment by composition. Down in the holler will still be there when you get back
"Ashokan Farewell":
youtube.com/shorts/Cx27J6mgbzk
"(Joe) Coleman's March" - the story behind this one is dark. This is played a bit on the fast side; slow it down to 3/4 speed:
youtube.com/watch?v=FBcfXQ7S1As
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