If you’re a banjo player, chances are you’ve been questioned the question “Are you a clawhammer or bluegrass person?” a lot more periods than it is possible to count. And when you’re new to the banjo community, you might be asking yourself what the difference even is. In this particular post, we’ll break down the two styles of banjo playing, that may be clawhammer vs bluegrass and help you pick which one particular fits your needs.

Clawhammer Vs. Bluegrass: What’s the real difference?

The main difference between clawhammer and bluegrass banjo taking part in is incorporated in the correct-palm approach. Clawhammer gamers make use of an up-choosing action (hence the label “clawhammer”) whilst bluegrass players use a lower-picking motion. This will give the 2 styles of banjo playing an extremely distinct sound and truly feel.

If you’re still seeking to decide which type fits your needs, here’s a breakdown of several of the advantages and disadvantages of each and every:

Clawhammer Professionals to consider:

●Provides for far more creativity and dynamics in your playing

●Is often regarded as simpler to learn than bluegrass banjo

●Gives your music a far more “old-timey” feel

Downsides:

●Can be challenging to try out fast tunes

● Not as commonly observed in present day audio as bluegrass banjo

Great things about Bluegrass:

●Quicker to engage in fast music

●More often heard in present day audio

●Might be adjusted to many people distinct styles

The drawbacks to think about

●Is generally more complicated to understand than clawhammer banjo

●Some individuals locate down-choosing being more difficult in the arm than up-deciding on

●Your audio might absence a number of the dynamics that may be accomplished with clawhammer banjo actively playing

● Might not have that “old-timey” noise that a lot of people are looking for

Verdict:

Eventually, only you can determine whether you wish to find out clawhammer or bluegrass banjo enjoying. If you’re in the beginning stages, we recommend attempting the two styles and seeing which one feels natural to you personally. Or, even better, why not discover equally? In fact, there’s practically nothing halting from as a clawhammer/bluegrass hybrid player!