Cripple Creek - Clawhammer Banjo

From the fiddling of Hobart Smith, available on Instrumental Music of the Southern Appalachians (Tradition Records).
Banjo tuning: gDGBD. There are lots of recordings of this tune, but Hobart Smith's drive and syncopation are phenomenal. This video is an excerpt from my Mel Bay clawhammer instructional DVD, "Unfortunate Puppy and Other Fine Tunes: Lessons in Intermediate & Advanced Clawhammer Banjo" (Mel Bay 22208DVD).

The DVD teaches ten classic fiddle tunes arranged for clawhammer banjo, as well as tools and techniques to help you create your own arrangements. 133 minutes, or over two hours of lessons.

"Hunter Robertson presents each tune in four different stages to help you learn it easily. First, Hunter plays the tune at full speed (which is what this excerpt is of). Next, he breaks it down, with verbal instruction. The tune is then slowed to half speed so that you can easily follow the right and left hand finger positions, which are shown with a split screen throughout. Finally, the tune is played at a medium tempo for you to practice along with."

For more information on the DVD and to see examples of the instruction, follow the link here:

[GeoffTaucer]

this is definitely among the best arrangements/performances of Cripple Creek out there

[TomBerghan]

In the year 2015 Hunter is one of the very best of the Old Time banjo players active on the scene today. Hunter is the real deal - on both sides of the Atlantic.

[brentonadams]

I meant to get a copy of your DVD, but it slipped my mind over the holidays. Thanks for reminding me.

[ukekeysandbees]

Cool drop thumb there Hunter!  Nice one!