Just before I go completely crazy, I thought I'd ask for help!
I'm a fairly experienced bluegrass picker, with twenty years of banjo playing under my belt. I've also been strumming guitar for about fifty years. I consider myself fairly adaptable, and receive plenty of compliments regarding my timing and feel for rhythm.
I would love to play clawhammer style, and have tried repeatedly to get the hang of the basic bum-ditty pattern. Somehow I just can't seem to get it. My problem is trying to train my hand to strike down twice in a row, I continually try to up-stroke after each down-stroke, ending up with a 'swing' rhythm!
I've checked out various youtube clips, and I understand the basic principle of the style, so is it just a case of repeated practice....or am I too set in my ways to get past this? I'm wondering if there's some secret trick that will help me jump this hurdle.....all advice appreciated!
I'm a fairly experienced bluegrass picker, with twenty years of banjo playing under my belt. I've also been strumming guitar for about fifty years. I consider myself fairly adaptable, and receive plenty of compliments regarding my timing and feel for rhythm.
I would love to play clawhammer style, and have tried repeatedly to get the hang of the basic bum-ditty pattern. Somehow I just can't seem to get it. My problem is trying to train my hand to strike down twice in a row, I continually try to up-stroke after each down-stroke, ending up with a 'swing' rhythm!
I've checked out various youtube clips, and I understand the basic principle of the style, so is it just a case of repeated practice....or am I too set in my ways to get past this? I'm wondering if there's some secret trick that will help me jump this hurdle.....all advice appreciated!