Banjo Clawhammer beginner

[trentbanjo]

Hi everyone, I've been learning clawhammer banjo now for about 3 - 4 months on a Andy Perkins banjo and now starting to play a few tunes so really starting to enjoy, is there anybody out there in the Notts / Derby / Leicester area who plays clawhammer, It's good to watch DVD's , youtube etc, but it would be nice to meet up with like minded clawhammer players to compare banjo playing techniques and banjo setup, I opted for a vellum head and forever seem to be adjusting its tension, I am trying to get the sound most people want (not sure how to describe but I think it is the pluck sound)

[scanbran]

Hi there, and welcome! It's great to see another clawhammer player on

Andy Perkins is a great banjo guy, and I'm playing with one of his vellum heads too. I don't adjust the tension too often, and all it generally needs is a tweak to tighten every so often.

Unfortunately, I'm not in your area, but hopefully there are others here who may be closer by to meet up.

From your description I'd guess it is either a 'plunk' sounds you are going for (a soft, dull thud compared to a bluegrass twang) or another technique called the 'cluck', which is altogether more advanced and specialised.

Good luck with your banjo playing, and if you feel inclined, post a few sound clips or vids of you playing the thing

[ned]

Welcome to the gang mate, hope you find someone local soon.
Enjoy your playing!
Pete