Clawhammer style

Clawhammer style is a traditional way of playing the banjo that mimics the motion of a hammer striking a nail. The right hand uses a relaxed grip, with the fingers and thumb working together: the thumb typically strikes the lower strings (like the fifth or fourth), while the fingers (usually the index or middle) pluck the higher strings. This technique produces a rhythmic, driving sound characteristic of old-time music. Clawhammer is often performed without a pick, relying on a natural, percussive motion that creates a distinctive, lively tone rooted in Appalachian folk traditions.