Written By: Patrick David Sawyer
When I first picked up the banjo, the resources for learning clawhammer were sparse. YouTube was still in its infancy, online lessons were practically nonexistent, and if you wanted to learn, you either needed to find a local player willing to teach you or track down the handful of instructional books available.
Fast forward to today, we are living in the golden age of clawhammer banjo instruction. Whether you’re a beginner looking to strum your first frailing pattern or an advanced player trying to refine your technique, there’s a wealth of online courses, video tutorials, and written resources at your fingertips.
Online Clawhammer Banjo Instruction
With the explosion of digital learning, there are now more structured online courses than ever before. Here are some of the best options available:
- Clawhammer Banjo with Allison de Groot (ArtistWorks) – A comprehensive course with over 100 multi-angle video lessons. You even get personalized feedback from Allison de Groot herself, a master of old-time banjo. (artistworks.com)
- Breakthrough Banjo Course (clawhammerbanjo.net) – Developed by Dr. Josh Turknett, this course follows the Brainjo Method, focusing on adult learners and providing a step-by-step learning path. (clawhammerbanjo.net)
- Clawhammer Banjo Lessons with Evie Ladin (Peghead Nation) – A great resource for beginners and intermediate players, offering video lessons, tablature, and play-along tracks. (pegheadnation.com)
- Free Beginner Clawhammer Banjo Lessons (Ozark Banjo Co.) – Lukas Pool provides free lessons on foundational skills, along with a subscription option for more advanced material. (ozarkbanjo.com)
- Live Online Lessons (Lessonface) – If you prefer one-on-one instruction, Lessonface connects you with experienced clawhammer banjo teachers for personalized online lessons. (lessonface.com)
Beyond these structured courses, YouTube has become a treasure trove of banjo tutorials. Unlike when I started, you can now find thousands of free lessons covering everything from basic techniques to complex tunes. Channels like Jim Pankey and Tom Collins (Banjo Blitz) offer incredible free content for learners at any stage.
The Best Written Clawhammer Banjo Books
While online instruction has taken off, written materials remain a valuable tool for learning clawhammer banjo. Some of the best books include:
- “Clawhammer Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus” by Wayne Erbsen (Buy here) – A fantastic beginner-friendly book with simple explanations, helpful diagrams, and fun tunes.
- “Pete Seeger’s How to Play the 5-String Banjo” (Buy here) – One of the most influential banjo books ever written, this classic remains an essential resource for any banjo player.
- “The Art of the Mountain Banjo” by Art Rosenbaum (Buy here) – A beautifully crafted book that provides historical insights along with technical instruction and transcriptions of traditional tunes.
- “Clawhammer Banjo Primer” by Brad Laird (Buy here) – Another solid beginner’s book with exercises and clear explanations.
- “Ken Perlman’s Clawhammer Banjo” (Buy here) – One of the most in-depth books on advanced clawhammer techniques, great for taking your playing to the next level.
The Best Way to Learn
While these resources are incredibly valuable, the best way to truly learn clawhammer banjo is to listen a lot and get out there and play with other musicians. Old-time music is a communal tradition, and immersing yourself in jams, festivals, and local picking circles will accelerate your progress more than any book or video ever could. Listening to recordings of great players will also help develop your ear and sense of rhythm.
The Banjo Renaissance
It’s amazing to reflect on how much things have changed. When I started, I would have given anything for the resources available today. The wealth of instruction now means that anyone, anywhere in the world, can learn clawhammer banjo from some of the best players and teachers out there. Whether you prefer structured courses, self-guided video lessons, or the tried-and-true method of learning from a book, there’s something for everyone.
We truly are in a golden age of clawhammer banjo learning. Of course, there are many more resources out there beyond what I’ve listed here. These recommendations are based on my experience being heavily involved in the banjo community, but I encourage you to explore and find what works best for you! If you’ve been thinking about picking up the banjo, there has never been a better time to start!
