Bluegrass Banjo vs Clawhammer Banjo - What's the Difference?

FREE Lessons on BOTH STYLES!

Bluegrass Banjo:

Clawhammer Banjo:

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[doireallyhavetoask]

I was taught Scruggs style over a decade ago. I had to sell all my instruments, including my two gorgeous banjos, during a hard time. My husband got me one for Christmas this year! I’m teaching myself open back clawhammer style, and I feel so connected to music again!
Banjos are such versatile instruments. Whichever style you play or invent, be grateful for the music 💕 it’s such a gift

[richardbaldwin]

I am 75. Got a banjo June 2023. I rather play without finger picks. Trying to learn claw hammer

[ckostyn]

The Clawhammer seems warmer, I like it!

[Gelathius]

As my right have only have two fingers (kinda like a claw 😂), it is clawhammer for me haha. I got a chance to meet Michael Martin Murphey's banjo player and told me to check it out.

[Flightless_Robyn]

I’ve been playing clawhammer for a few months and I absolutely fell in love with it. I prefer it over scruffs both playing wise and listening, but both are beautiful!

[davidd]

I've heard that Mother Maybelle Carter started on banjo and adapted that style to guitar. Many would call her the most influential guitarist in country music.

[sharoncorbin]

Like both. Just depends which sound you’re looking for

[starleaf]

Clawhammer, definitely. More mellow and relaxed sounding.

[edwardpate]

Both are great but I love the clawhammer style.

[benjaminreevie]

I have my grandfathers old banjo, I always wondered why there was no resonator on the back, I guess that explains it

[jeffrogers]

Thanks! I was wondering about the difference.

[viennapalace]

For the music I love, definitely clawhammer but the question is, why not learn both?
Thanks for an enlightening video.

[WGGplant]

I just can't help but love the bright ringing of bluegrass. It just feels more alive to me. It sounds like how pop rocks feel.

I do like both, but the Clawhammer tone can be achieved by so many different instruments and is used in so many different styles. I think the nice plunky sound that banjos make shines through more on a bluegrass banjo. It feels like it's own thing.

[nathanminert]

Why does the design of the banjo have a effect on which technique you use? Couldn't you use either technique with either type of banjo?

[itsamysticlife]

I love both, but with the old timey sound that is being lost with the homogenizing of blue grass and country.
Thanks for sharing the differences and your skill.

[gt-j]

I remember starting out with Clawhammer, it simply didn’t work out for me and I gave up for a while until I recently went at it with Bluegrass or “Scruggs” style and it immediately clicked

[myallforjc]

I always wondered what the difference was. Can you still play claw hammer style on a blue grass banjo?

[johnhart]

I need a good clawhamer teach er. For irish jigs an reels. A teacher that can sing an play

[Ascottishsamurai]

As someone who can play both styles, which do you enjoy more and why?

[bryanlentz]

Clawhammer because it’s not as limited