Drop-thumbing is the art of using the thumb (T) on the long strings of the banjo (as opposed to using it on the 5th string). In double-thumbing, T moves alternately between one of the long-strings and the drone-string. In this clinic, you'll learn foolproof methods for mastering drop-and double-thumbing, and learn to perform both of these techniques on every string and in every possible string combination. You'll also learn fretting-hand adaptations that make passages calling for drop- and double-thumbing come out more smoothly.

Here's a little more explanation. The most basic clawhammer picking pattern is "downstroke + thumb"- a pair of eighth notes consisting of a "downstroke" (plucked on one or more of the long strings by the back of the middle or index fingernail), followed by a note on the 5th string plucked by T. In drop-thumbing, after the downstroke T plucks one of the long strings instead of the 5th string. In double-thumbing, the "downstroke + thumb" patterns is maintained, but T alternates between plucking one of the long strings and plucking the 5th string.

Level: Intermediate-ish

Prerequisite: roughly six months playing experience; you should already be relatively comfortable with the basic clawhammer motion