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

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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

[@richardbaldwin6919]

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!

[@Kayla-fu8gs]

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!

[@sharoncorbin5466]

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

[@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.

[@torinmcconkey9061]

Don’t let that discourage you! Definitely prefer clawhammer myself, but have seen many great players that feel no need to keep their hand anchored. Even when I do play some Scruggs style I often find myself opting to leave my hand free, it is most important to do what is comfortable for you

[@starleaf214]

Clawhammer, definitely. More mellow and relaxed sounding.

[@jeffrogers210]

Thanks! I was wondering about the difference.

[@ReltubTheWiz]

Bluegrass! Thanks for the info! x

[@edwardpate6128]

Both are great but I love the clawhammer style.

[@benjaminreevie7601]

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

[@kathyskorek2565]

I love both. But im interested in clawhammer. My brother plays bluegrass and i learned as a child the tenor banjo. But my heart is into 5 string clawhammer. Ordered me a 5 string cant wait to learn❤

[@davidd7197]

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.

[@brettstewart2386]

I like them both.

[@sorian_delorean3348]

Very cool

[@viennapalace]

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

[@itsamysticlife3500]

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-j1035]

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

[@lovepeacesupport5548]

Same here clawhammer isn’t working for me for some reason immediately clicked with scruggs style though and do you any suggestions where can I learn to play online resources are limited unfortunately 😩

[@emmag9099]

​@lovepeacesupport5548 Eli Gilbert here on TH-cam has a free 30 day course on his channel :)

[@BRIAN_IVERSON_20]

opposite for me - bluegrass is still a struggle but clawhammer i picked up pretty quick

[@eileencannon2298]

Clawhammer for me all day long

[@johnhart6161]

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

[@nathanminert3119]

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?

[@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.

[@fionnmcnessa]

I can't make my mind up

[@myallforjc]

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

[@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife]

Well, yes, but it loses some of the feel and tone. But then again, Steve Martin does it and it sounds AMAZING!

[@supaF]

I thought to myself "Haha that's funny, there must be a banjo player with the same name as that actor/comedian."
Looked up Steve Martin Banjo.
Boy, was I excited.
Of course he plays it strangely, that fantastically silly man.

[@susbus4189]

Clawhammer

[@johnhart6161]

Clawhamer

[@bryanlentz7160]

Clawhammer because it’s not as limited