There’s been some conversation about the pros and cons of adding drop thumb to your bag of tricks. I thought I’d add to the conversation and discuss why it has been good for me.
Dude, every time I watch your videos it inspires me to try harder to master my Deering Goodtime. Your videos are truly helpful and refreshing to so many budding banjo’ists….if that is a word?… Keep it up and I will never give up….sincerely a European fan, and an old one at that! Over 50! 👍
Hey from the UK. I'm finding that your vids have taught me more in the short time l've been watching them then any of the pro teacher vids. I guess learning from a learner works for me. Please keep em coming and l'll try to keep up. Thank you
Steve I love your down to earth instruction. It’s REALLY helpful pushing through those plateaus. Your calming and laid back attitude says “You got this, hang in there.” Thank you! Sincerely, aspiring frailer :-)
Steve Harrison, training is everything and you my friend have been fantastic with sharing. I'm actually getting very comfortable with moving up the neck of my banjo. Finally being able to recognize the chords I really want and not lose my rhythm. Thank you. Oh and by the way, fantastic video!
Karen Stinson that’s awesome. Rhythm is more important than any fancy drop-thumb, so never lose sight of that. That drop-thumb is really just one tool in the belt. As you play up the neck, you’ll start to recognize chord and note patterns that helps you play songs in different keys.
Hi Steve, I for one, like the drop thumb technique you demonstrate, and I've been practicing since seeing your videos. You have a great gift, you make us guys feel like we can do this, I'm a qualified teacher, believe me you are doing a wonderful job of inspiring a lot of budding banjo players
Thanks for continuing I put out your videos. Your laidback style helps me to not get too uptight about my own progress, or lack of it. I really enjoy your humble nature and your style, and I’m slowly working on my own. Please keep up the good work!
I will no longer listen to the arguments pro or con about DT ever again thanks to your presentation. I'm so new to banjo, I can easily get swept up in the arguments of this or that, good or bad. I see there is a time and place for DT or just double thumbing on another string. I will continue to spice up and season my learning process with all that is available to me and that includes, DT. Thanks for your humble opinion. Glad to hear you have another job so you can enjoy your banjo with out teaching, honestly, social media can take all the joy out of sharing. I wish they would eliminate the the thumbs up and down so the trolls would have to go back into their holes.
I just stumbled across your vids. Thanks for putting them out there. Now I understand drop thumb! I've never heard anyone warning against drop thumb....but there are lots of things I've never heard 🤣
The biggest problem I've had with dropthumb is when to do it, but if the point is to create the same rhythm as a hammer on, I can do that. I want to try it now, but my family is asleep. Great video.
You do a great job with these lesson videos! Doc Watson once stated he never drop thumbed because he could achieve the same thing with hammer ons, slides etc. - Seems like you can achieve 8th notes with your striking finger instead of drop thumb but I heard you say once that that breaks up the rhythm. Clawhammer plus index lead (just for 8th notes) works. Two finger thumb lead is an easy way to get those 8th notes but that`s a whole other style of playing. Drop thumb is great but hard to learn. I enjoy your music and thoughts on banjo!
Dan D. Dirges some of those thumb lead players are amazing. I’m pretty much hooked on clawhammer, so I’m always looking to get the most out of it. That said, I think I’m going to experiment with left hand dynamics more to balance it out. Drop-thumb should really just be one tool in the belt. It can be disruptive to rhythm, so it takes more practice than the other types of dynamics. But once you get good at it, you still want to use it sparingly.
@@StevePlaysBanjo The drop thumb bumpa ditty has its own great unique sound. Another style that is dying out is the index lead where the index finger brushes up on a single string, then the middle and ring fingers brush down on all or some of the strings, then the thumb plays the fifth string. Its a very old style way of playing. Pete Seeger is known for it. Derroll Adams played exclusively that way. Its an easy way to get eighth notes and sounds a lot like clawhammer. If you combine the two you get the advantages of each. Just thinking out loud.
Steve is 100% capo is fine for quick chord key change playing and he's correct stretches strings and sometimes sound bit out of tune so drop thumb is the best option unless you want take 2/3 different tunes banjos along with you great video Steve 😁👍👌👏👏👏👏🏴🥃🇺🇸
Hi. Do you have a banjo stand that you can recommend? I have a good time 2 that I’ve recently removed the resonator. Working on my frailing but I feel like I’ll pick it up more often if it’s not put away in the case all of the time. Thanks again for the excellent videos!!
getout116 that’s actually great advice! I personally leave my banjo leaning against my fireplace or on my couch within arms reach. The idea is that if it’s within line of sight, you’ll pick it up more often. That said, you could use any old guitar stand if you’re worried about scratches. Personally, I look at my scratches and spilled beer stains as badges of honor. 😄
What you call "drop thumb" to me is something I do with the 5 string that comes from a lot of years being a finger picking 6 stringer. I try to learn styles, but I get lost in the counting and what other people are referring to when they talk about beats and counts and so forth. Thanks!
Darren Toth yeah, I think clawhammer has some similarities with the Carter strum on the guitar. I suppose one of the challenges with this kind of video is that it comes at the end of a conversation that’s been going on for years. I should take a stab at the fundamentals again...
@@StevePlaysBanjo So I recently took lessons from a guy here in Eugene who tried explaining that in said particular style, that the count should go "one-two-and-one-two-and..." rather than one e an a two e...or one and two and one and two...I think the thumb wants to be the "and" every time...
That sounds a lot like what I was referring to as “basic frailing strum.” I love it, because you can get so much mileage from an accessible foundational technique. The drop-thumb, for me, is a deviation from that technique. I’ve posted some videos about it in the past, but I think I’d like to revisit it...
hey Steve, new to clawhammer here as it sounds like you are playing all steel strings but looks like they're nylon/nylgut. What strings are you using? You have a great sound .
Dude, every time I watch your videos it inspires me to try harder to master my Deering Goodtime. Your videos are truly helpful and refreshing to so many budding banjo’ists….if that is a word?… Keep it up and I will never give up….sincerely a European fan, and an old one at that! Over 50! 👍
Hey from the UK. I'm finding that your vids have taught me more in the short time l've been watching them then any of the pro teacher vids. I guess learning from a learner works for me. Please keep em coming and l'll try to keep up.
Thank you
Steve I love your down to earth instruction. It’s REALLY helpful pushing through those plateaus. Your calming and laid back attitude says “You got this, hang in there.” Thank you! Sincerely, aspiring frailer :-)
Steve, im so glad i discovered your videos, great explanations for beginners such as me. Thank you!
Steve Harrison, training is everything and you my friend have been fantastic with sharing. I'm actually getting very comfortable with moving up the neck
of my banjo. Finally being able to recognize the chords I really want and not lose my rhythm. Thank you. Oh and by the way, fantastic video!
Karen Stinson that’s awesome. Rhythm is more important than any fancy drop-thumb, so never lose sight of that. That drop-thumb is really just one tool in the belt. As you play up the neck, you’ll start to recognize chord and note patterns that helps you play songs in different keys.
Best explanation of this ever. Thank you..
Hi Steve, I for one, like the drop thumb technique you demonstrate, and I've been practicing since seeing your videos. You have a great gift, you make us guys feel like we can do this, I'm a qualified teacher, believe me you are doing a wonderful job of inspiring a lot of budding banjo players
Appreciate your videos, Steve! Do please keep it up. Started the banjo a month ago, and really dig your vibe.
a trick : watch series at flixzone. I've been using it for watching a lot of movies during the lockdown.
@Keagan Malachi Yup, been watching on flixzone for years myself =)
Very good insight on this technique . Well explained. Thanks Steve.
Thanks for continuing I put out your videos. Your laidback style helps me to not get too uptight about my own progress, or lack of it. I really enjoy your humble nature and your style, and I’m slowly working on my own. Please keep up the good work!
Mark Woodworth thanks for the encouragement! I like to think playing banjo is supposed to be fun and relaxing above all.
It would be called work if it weren’t fun; that’s why we PLAY banjo...
You are Great Steve, love your teaching.
Man… I just started and I hope I can ever play half as good as you do! Love that drop thumb.
I will no longer listen to the arguments pro or con about DT ever again thanks to your presentation. I'm so new to banjo, I can easily get swept up in the arguments of this or that, good or bad. I see there is a time and place for DT or just double thumbing on another string. I will continue to spice up and season my learning process with all that is available to me and that includes, DT. Thanks for your humble opinion. Glad to hear you have another job so you can enjoy your banjo with out teaching, honestly, social media can take all the joy out of sharing. I wish they would eliminate the the thumbs up and down so the trolls would have to go back into their holes.
Thank you! An unbelievably simple explanation.
Great stuff man! Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic teacher!
I just stumbled across your vids. Thanks for putting them out there. Now I understand drop thumb!
I've never heard anyone warning against drop thumb....but there are lots of things I've never heard 🤣
Totally agree that showing some one how to do something greatly improved ones understanding of what they are doing.
Your spot on Steve
The biggest problem I've had with dropthumb is when to do it, but if the point is to create the same rhythm as a hammer on, I can do that. I want to try it now, but my family is asleep. Great video.
Great video. My banjo is a long neck and I think using chord patterns and double thumb will really help me get the most out of it.
The nice thing about those long necks is that you can actually get a lot of mileage out of using capos, too. That said, it’s nice to have options. 👍
You do a great job with these lesson videos! Doc Watson once stated he never drop thumbed because he could achieve the same thing with hammer ons, slides etc. - Seems like you can achieve 8th notes with your striking finger instead of drop thumb but I heard you say once that that breaks up the rhythm. Clawhammer plus index lead (just for 8th notes) works. Two finger thumb lead is an easy way to get those 8th notes but that`s a whole other style of playing. Drop thumb is great but hard to learn. I enjoy your music and thoughts on banjo!
Dan D. Dirges some of those thumb lead players are amazing. I’m pretty much hooked on clawhammer, so I’m always looking to get the most out of it. That said, I think I’m going to experiment with left hand dynamics more to balance it out. Drop-thumb should really just be one tool in the belt. It can be disruptive to rhythm, so it takes more practice than the other types of dynamics. But once you get good at it, you still want to use it sparingly.
@@StevePlaysBanjo The drop thumb bumpa ditty has its own great unique sound. Another style that is dying out is the index lead where the index finger brushes up on a single string, then the middle and ring fingers brush down on all or some of the strings, then the thumb plays the fifth string. Its a very old style way of playing. Pete Seeger is known for it. Derroll Adams played exclusively that way. Its an easy way to get eighth notes and sounds a lot like clawhammer. If you combine the two you get the advantages of each. Just thinking out loud.
Good job.
Steve is 100% capo is fine for quick chord key change playing and he's correct stretches strings and sometimes sound bit out of tune so drop thumb is the best option unless you want take 2/3 different tunes banjos along with you great video Steve 😁👍👌👏👏👏👏🏴🥃🇺🇸
I love that minor progression
you are ao real and so cool.
Hi. Do you have a banjo stand that you can recommend? I have a good time 2 that I’ve recently removed the resonator. Working on my frailing but I feel like I’ll pick it up more often if it’s not put away in the case all of the time. Thanks again for the excellent videos!!
getout116 that’s actually great advice! I personally leave my banjo leaning against my fireplace or on my couch within arms reach. The idea is that if it’s within line of sight, you’ll pick it up more often. That said, you could use any old guitar stand if you’re worried about scratches. Personally, I look at my scratches and spilled beer stains as badges of honor. 😄
What you call "drop thumb" to me is something I do with the 5 string that comes from a lot of years being a finger picking 6 stringer. I try to learn styles, but I get lost in the counting and what other people are referring to when they talk about beats and counts and so forth. Thanks!
Darren Toth yeah, I think clawhammer has some similarities with the Carter strum on the guitar.
I suppose one of the challenges with this kind of video is that it comes at the end of a conversation that’s been going on for years. I should take a stab at the fundamentals again...
@@StevePlaysBanjo So I recently took lessons from a guy here in Eugene who tried explaining that in said particular style, that the count should go "one-two-and-one-two-and..." rather than one e an a two e...or one and two and one and two...I think the thumb wants to be the "and" every time...
That sounds a lot like what I was referring to as “basic frailing strum.” I love it, because you can get so much mileage from an accessible foundational technique. The drop-thumb, for me, is a deviation from that technique. I’ve posted some videos about it in the past, but I think I’d like to revisit it...
hey Steve, new to clawhammer here as it sounds like you are playing all steel strings but looks like they're nylon/nylgut. What strings are you using? You have a great sound .
(Sorry it took so long to reply!) these are steel strings but a bit thicker gauge to give it that deeper tone. I buy my strings direct from Pisgah
more like this video please.
gordon england thanks! Anything in particular you’d like me to cover?
anything. I love your tutorials.
Is that a Brooks Masten banjo?
Subbed at 'whatever'.