Easy C | Simple Chord Alternatives for Clawhammer Banjo

One of the biggest stumbling blocks I encounter in beginning and intermediate banjo players is an inability to quickly get into three finger chord shapes. Instead of trying to tackle these "expensive" chords all in one go, I've developed exercises to create stepping stones into these hard chords.
Two finger chord shapes are my bread and butter, and often yield more interesting chord voicing than the more expensive varieties. Give them a try in your next tune!
Tablature for this lesson is available for Patrons at: / tomcollins

[@kendylhoudyshell1399]

Great lesson!!!
Thanks for all the tips.

[@banjo_rich]

Thanks for this! I was practicing a tune earlier today that incorporates lots of the C chord and I was just about ready to throw my banjo about in frustration. Every time the chord approached, I'd mess up. I don't know why. It's not a particularly hard shape but as a beginner I just find it awkward hitting the strings cleanly and accurately. I'm really looking forward to trying out these practice ideas tomorrow.

[@jethrobodine4638]

thanks so much for these exercises. C chord is my enemy for sure. it's the middle finger stretching over and then pulling the ring finger under, i can feel it pull in my wrist lol i think i need my tendons stretched! LOL

[@petrliska5073]

I use my thumb to either mute or to sound the low string.Try it.

[@uncommonsensewithpastormar2913]

Those who don’t find the standard C in G tuning difficult are probably guitar players like myself. The C shape is relatively simple compared to most guitar chords.

[@d.l.loonabide9981]

I was a little surprised that this is considered difficult

[@uncommonsensewithpastormar2913]

Yea, I was surprised too. How about chords like “F” that use four fingers? I like using the thumb on the top “D” string on the “C” chord.

[@zachbrautigam3179]

Is clawhammer playable with missing fingers on the right hand? always wanted to play banjo and have been playing guitar for many years but im missing 3 fingers on my right hand

[@TomCollinsBanjo]

Hey Zack, great question! Yes!!! In fact, for those with hand injuries/missing digits clawhammer banjo can be a wonderful oasis. You need two digits on your striking hand for clawhammer: a finger for the downstroke (index or middle is preferable, but a ring finger or even pinky can work just fine!) and a thumb for the upstroke. That it! I hope this helps you, and I hope that you plunge into the world of clawhammer no matter how many fingers you have. It's a wonderful place to be!

[@ChessDiagnostic]

Just go slow and get it right everytime. Good things take time and time with a metronome is essential to even out the transitions.

[@deadmanswife3625]

I'm scared to cheat.
I'll never progress to the big expensive C chord if I do.
🤔😊

[@snafujag100]

C!…how about F🤬✌️

[@zebracloak]

Yeah I was gonna say. I never struggle with C or D7, but F and full D (with a fretted fourth string) give me problems occasionally.

[@deadmanswife3625]

First