The Thumb Stroke Explained: Blueprints of Clawhammer Banjo

I often like to work in reverse when teaching the mechanics of basic clawhammer banjo: we start with the thumb stroke, and us correct thumb positioning to show us the way to excellent downstroke form. In this video I should you how to derive excellent technique from your thumb positioning.
If you enjoy these videos, and would like access to a metric ton of exclusive banjo content, please join my Banjo Quest campaign over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/tomcollins

[@jakebryan1988]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Im a week into learning clawhammer banjo and as a finger style guitarist, I’m so used to the natural feeling of plucking with my thumb that I didn’t realize I was even doing it. Thank you! Time to practice.

[@FretlessFury]

Glad it was useful, Jake! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@janicemarticorena2482]

Thanks! Explained perfectly as usual

[@FretlessFury]

Thank you so much, Janice!

[@joelestrin5703]

I will try and try. Thank you.

[@neilsewell2007]

Thanks Tom 👍

[@FretlessFury]

You got it, Neil!

[@user-ji8rb5jt4y]

Thank you! Always great content!

[@richardfrailing2529]

Hi Tom, I appreciate how articulate and patient you are with explaining the mechanics of clawhammer-special note for the use of the word "monolithic" referring to the hand. So, I'm a beginning banjo player but am a pretty confident fingerstyle electric guitarist (though it's my own weird version) and I played with pretty long nails. You've probably received this question before, but I am trying to find a happy medium between having some nail length to allow me the fast, fluid arpeggios on electric, while also allowing me to learn clawhammer. Contrary to the coincidence of my last name, I can't play clawhammer at all, but usually stick with two or three finger banjo, which sounds best to me with the tiniest bit of nail, but mostly finger-pads. Would you recommend cutting the nails off completely to get the mechanics of clawhammer.
Sorry for the complete lack of concision with this question, haha, but I appreciate it!

[@FretlessFury]

Hey Richard! Thanks for the comment. Longer nails should help with the down picking stroke of clawhammer. My striking nail is quite long, and I find that if I break it, I lose volume and clarity. Your striking finger leads the charge in the strike, so multiple long nails should be fine. Let me know how you do!

[@RoyGBiv1776]

My 5th string does not have much space between the the bridge for my thumb to be bisected. And if I try this back near the skin where there is space. I am tapping the head too much Any suggestions?
Thank you!!