Miles Krassen wrote in his instruction manual "Clawhammer Banjo" regarding technique, that "Most of the basic techniques can be put to use by any average person after only a few weeks work". As he further notes though, it is the subtleties that take time.
Even so, for those who have been playing for awhile and have mastered the techniques to befound in the clawhammer arsenal, what sort of playing philosophy have you adopted? Many folks can play as intricately as they please, yet have adopted a particular style/sound which does not necessarily require the virtuosity they are capable of. This is a conscious artistic choice.
Allen Feldman once observed regarding the legendary Irish fiddler Johnny Doherty that "He was capable of the most complex technical intricacies on the fiddle, but held these in reserve and played with a deceptive simplicity and directness".
Any thoughts?