Janie Rothfield Clawhammer Banjo Class Descriptions 

Beginner Clawhammer Banjo: The basis for clawhammer banjo is getting the basic “bum-ditty” right hand rhythm so that it is natural and intuitive!! We will work on the correct right-hand position, how the clawhammer rhythm fits simple tunes and melodies and how to use our ears to internalize the tune and beat!!  Soon you will add in hammer on’s, pull offs, slides and simple drop thumb to your playing!  We learn some basic chords and get you playing clawhammer banjo on such songs as You are my Sunshine and Buffalo Gals and other old-time favorites!  You will learn to play in several tunings (G and Double C), how to use a capo and tune the banjo!!

Novice Clawhammer Banjo: This class is a follow up to the beginner class and is for the clawhammer player who can play at a slow speed using the basic clawhammer techniques (bum ditty, hammer ons, pull offs and slides) in G tuning.  During the week we will add chords, drop thumb, some fun melodic “moves”, and double C and modal tunings to your bag of tricks as well as learn some fun tunes from the old time repertoire.  All tunes will be taught by ear and you will learn how to pick up a tune on the fly and without tab!   

Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo:  This class will focus on adding more skills, speed and musicality to your playing.  We will work on perfecting the subtle ways hammer on’s, pulloff’s, slides, drop thumb, ghost notes and other “moves” can make a simple tune come to life and help open up more melody (and speed) to your playing.  Attention will be made to incorporate melody, chords and fun rhythms to match the way a fiddler plays a tune.  We will also work on your listening/learn by ear skills, how to back up and play duets with a fiddler and of course, learn a host of wonderful old-time tunes and songs using G, Double C and modal tunings.  

Advanced Clawhammer Banjo:  This class will work at a fast pace to improve your rhythm, play more complicated melodies, musicality, develop more back up techniques, add speed and ramp up your ear training to pick up tunes on the fly.  We will play a variety of more advanced tunes and songs from the old-time repertoire and dig deep to take the tunes apart and put them together again to get your playing to the next level and expressing yourself with your music.

Instruments and Accessories

5 String Open back (if possible) Clawhammer Banjo Gold Tone has a nice moderately priced banjo that sounds and plays great (CC-OT Cripple Creek Banjo Package-contact me for a special price).

Banjo Capo I like Shubb Capo’s

Banjo Strap  I like woven or leather straps.

Instrument Stand for Banjo  If your instrument is out, you will play it more!

Banjo Clip on Tuner/Or tuner app

Notebook