Clawhammer Your Way to Cool: Get Ready to Learn Banjo in Berwyn!

Always secretly loved the bright, plucky sound of the banjo? Maybe you're drawn to the rootsy vibe of bluegrass and old-time music, or perhaps you're just looking for a unique and rewarding musical challenge. 

Whatever your reason, the Friendly School of Folk Music in Berwyn is the perfect place to start your banjo journey! We know learning a new instrument as an adult can feel a bit intimidating, but the banjo is surprisingly approachable, and the rewards – both musical and social – are immense. This guide will get you prepped and excited for your first banjo lesson.

Get Ready to Learn Banjo: Your First Steps to Five-String Fun!

1. Choose Your Banjo Style (and Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help!)

The banjo world can seem a little confusing at first, with different styles and types of instruments. Here's a quick overview:

• Five-String Banjo: The most common type, used in bluegrass and old-time music. It has a distinctive drone string (the short 5th string).

• Clawhammer (or Frailing): A rhythmic, percussive playing style often used in old-time music. You strike the strings with the back of your fingernail and use your thumb to catch the drone string.

• Bluegrass (Scruggs Style): A faster, more melodic style using fingerpicks.

• Open-Back Banjo: A lighter, quieter banjo often preferred for clawhammer playing.

• Resonator Banjo: A louder banjo with a resonator (a metal plate) on the back, typically used in bluegrass.

Don't get bogged down in the details! At FSFM, our instructors can help you choose the right style and instrument for your interests and musical goals. We typically recommend starting with a five-string, open-back banjo for beginners interested in clawhammer, or a resonator banjo for those leaning towards bluegrass.

2. Gear Up (Without Breaking the Bank!)

You don't need top-of-the-line equipment to start. Here's what you'll need:

• Banjo: As mentioned above, choose a style that suits your interests. Renting is a great option for beginners!

• Picks: For bluegrass style, you'll need fingerpicks (metal or plastic) and a thumb pick. For clawhammer, you generally don't use picks.

• Tuner: A clip-on electronic tuner is essential.

• Strap: A comfortable strap is important for supporting the banjo.

• Case: Protect your instrument during transport.

• Optional: A capo (for changing keys) and a metronome (for practicing rhythm).

Local Tip: Friendly School offers banjo rentals. We can also offer expert advice.

3. Get Familiar with Banjo Anatomy and Tuning

Knowing the basic parts of the banjo and how to tune it will make your first lesson much smoother.

• Head: The stretched membrane (usually plastic) that vibrates to produce sound.

• Neck: The long wooden part with the fretboard.

• Fretboard: The surface where you press the strings to change notes.

• Frets: The metal strips on the fretboard.

• Tuning Pegs: Used to adjust the tension of the strings.

• Fifth String Peg: Located partway up the neck, used to tune the short drone string.

The most common tuning for the five-string banjo is Open G tuning (gDGBD). From the thickest string to the thinnest (5th string):

  5th string: g (small 'g' - the highest pitched string, even though it is shorter)   4th string: D*   3rd string: G*   2nd string: B*   1st string: d (small 'd')

Your instructor will guide you through the tuning process, but familiarizing yourself with the tuning beforehand is helpful. There are many online resources and tuner apps that can assist you.

4. Practice Basic Hand Positioning (Clawhammer and Bluegrass)

Even without a banjo, you can start developing good habits:

• Clawhammer:

• Form a "C" shape with your hand.

• Your thumb rests on the 5th string.

• Your index or middle finger will strike down on the other strings.

• Practice the "bum-ditty" rhythm (downstroke-downstroke-thumb).

• Bluegrass (Scruggs Style):

• Practice placing your thumb, index, and middle fingers on imaginary strings.

• Work on developing independent finger movement.

• Familiarize yourself with basic roll patterns (forward roll, backward roll).

5. Listen to Banjo Music (and Embrace the Berwyn Vibe!)

Immerse yourself in the sounds of the banjo! This will help you develop your ear, get inspired, and connect with the music you'll be learning.

• Explore Banjo Masters: Listen to artists like Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck, Rhiannon Giddens, Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin!), and Alison Brown.

• Find Local Banjo Music: Check out local venues and events in Berwyn that feature folk, bluegrass, or old-time music. [Link to Berwyn events calendar or local venue website].

• Create a Banjo Playlist: Make a playlist of songs you love and want to learn.

Ready to unleash your inner banjo picker? The Friendly School of Folk Music in Berwyn offers beginner-friendly banjo lessons for adults of all levels.