The Blackest Crow clawhammer banjo demo and lesson

Instruction follows a demo; if you're already familiar with the tune, you can skip ahead.
Key of G, G tuning gDGBD
Don't forget that you can click on the "settings" icon (the little gear) for any video to slow it down for learning purposes (or speed it up for comedy purposes!
(Please note: While I’ll be leaving my old instructional videos up on TH-cam, I’m very much hoping you might be willing to subscribe to me on Patreon, which is where you can access all my new instructional videos and other banjo-related content. Please check out my Patreon page here: / hilarieburhans Thank you!)
Chords I'm playing:
D D G G G G Em Em
D D G G G G Em Em
G G G G C G Em Em
D D G G G G Em Em
(alternatively, the second D in each line except the third line could be a C. Your call.)

[@humblepie8638]

"Let's break it down and learn the thing." You're awesome.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Great lesson, great version.

[@HilarieBurhans]

Thanks!

[@gregmccracken386]

Just requested this on your Patreon channel -- then found this! What luck!

[@HilarieBurhans]

Great! I’m headed home from a no-internet signal festival so glad you found it on your own!

[@digitaldemocracyai-rob]

Meridith Moon does an amazing version

[@Onbluewater]

Thank you for your work and preservation of the traditions.

[@custerranch]

Thank you, thank you!! This is probably my most favorite fiddle song, and now I can learn it on my new banjo! Excellent lesson! Your chords are much nicer than the simple bar chords I've been goofing on.

[@jaredwiebe8403]

Oh perfect! I'm currently learning this tune just from recordings, and your my favourite tube teacher. So thank you kindly, this will be a huge help

[@derekalcorn2772]

Hilarie would be so proud

[@weldongray1872]

I love your banjo playing. I am a luthier I have made some Banjo’s and learning to play watching you. One small crit It would be nice to see your face at least once or twice. You’re doing a lot of good.

[@1970banjoman]

Thank you so much for this, and all you do to help teach others to play these beautiful tunes. Sitting here with banjo in hand.

[@erich1394]

This is absolutely haunting. Thanks again!

[@slaabsbug]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You’re the best!!

[@gittaradau8790]

Love this, thank you Hilary.

[@keithcary5103]

Thanks! Beautifully played and presented.

[@coils1945]

This is very beautiful, thank you. I will try and learn this one next

[@ethanotto5062]

3:30 (just leaving a bookmark for myself. Also, awesome cover!)

[@michaelharrison2948]

It's true... You Are the Best ! Thanks you so much.

[@joannehack7588]

🌟

[@jonathanpruegert3007]

Can you do Undone in Sorrow by Ola Belle Reed? I can't find a lesson on it anywhere.

[@bloodniece]

great playin and nice banjo

[@robertdriscoll84]

This is so nice, thank you for posting. If I can ask one question, are you using the diddy diddy throughout the song and just playing it very gently? I see you are dropping your thumb but as far as I can see, it is only on the 'bum' parts of the stum pattern which I have been finding easier to use my middle finger on. I can't get it to sound as pretty as you do haha

[@Rogue_Strummer]

smooth ~ !

[@a.e.metzgar5117]

3:31

[@joannehack7588]

💟

[@howardrendle6002]

Hi ,are you using the thumb on any strings other than the 5th ,thanks

[@rayhomewood8831]

Is it ok to play some bits as bum-dee-Dee rather than bum-diddy-diddy/