Written By: Patrick David Sawyer
When I first picked up the banjo, the resources for learning clawhammer were sparse. YouTube was still in its infancy, online lessons were practically nonexistent, and if you wanted to learn, you either needed to find a local player willing to teach you or track down the handful of instructional books available.
Fast forward to today, and we are living in the golden age of clawhammer banjo instruction. Whether you’re a complete beginner learning your first frailing pattern or an advanced player refining technique, there’s now a wealth of online courses, video tutorials, and written resources available at your fingertips.
(Photo to the left is Lucas Pool of Ozark Banjo Co. giving online instruction.)
Online Clawhammer Banjo Instruction
With the explosion of digital learning, structured online courses have become more robust than ever. Here are some of the standouts:
Clawhammer Banjo with Allison de Groot (ArtistWorks)
A comprehensive course featuring over 100 multi-angle video lessons plus the rare opportunity to receive personalized feedback directly from Allison—one of the finest players in the old-time world.
👉 https://artistworks.com/banjo-lessons-allison-de-groot
Breakthrough Banjo Course (clawhammerbanjo.net)
Dr. Josh Turknett’s Brainjo Method focuses on how adults learn best, offering a thoughtful step-by-step path to banjo mastery.
👉 https://clawhammerbanjo.net
Clawhammer Banjo with Evie Ladin (Peghead Nation)
A great option for beginners and intermediate players, with clear lessons, downloadable tab, and play-along tracks.
👉 https://pegheadnation.com/banjo-lessons/clawhammer-banjo/
Free Beginner Clawhammer Lessons (Ozark Banjo Co.)
Lukas Pool offers excellent free foundational lessons plus paid options for deeper study.
👉 https://ozarkbanjo.com/lessons
Live 1-on-1 Lessons (Lessonface)
For those who prefer personalized instruction, Lessonface connects you with experienced clawhammer teachers for private online lessons.
👉 https://www.lessonface.com/music/banjo/clawhammer
Joseph Decosimo – Old-Time Banjo Teaching
Joseph offers beautifully curated online lessons rooted in regional style, bowing-driven rhythm, and repertoire from the Cumberland Plateau. A fantastic choice for players interested in old-time traditions and cultural context.
👉 https://www.josephdecosimo.com/teaching
Adam Hurt – Clawhammer Banjo Instruction
Adam Hurt is one of the most influential players of our time, and his teaching is as elegant as his playing. He offers private lessons and workshops focused on tone, touch, and refined technique.
👉 https://adamhurt.com/instruction.html
And of course, YouTube has become a goldmine of approachable, high-quality content. Channels like Jim Pankey, Tom Collins (Banjo Blitz), and many others provide thousands of free lessons covering everything from foundational technique to complex tunes.
The Best Written Clawhammer Banjo Books
While online instruction is booming, written material remains essential—especially for those who like structured, methodical learning. Some of the most trusted books include:
Clawhammer Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus – Wayne Erbsen
A beloved beginner-friendly guide with simple explanations and fun songs.
Pete Seeger’s “How to Play the 5-String Banjo”
An iconic work that shaped generations of players.
The Art of the Mountain Banjo – Art Rosenbaum
A gorgeous combination of history, technique, and traditional repertoire.
Clawhammer Banjo Primer – Brad Laird
Straightforward, clear, and great for beginners.
Ken Perlman’s Clawhammer Banjo
One of the most in-depth resources for advanced technique and melodic playing.
The Best Way to Learn
Instructional materials are wonderful, but the best way to learn clawhammer banjo is still to listen deeply and play with other musicians. Old-time music is communal by nature, and nothing accelerates growth like attending jams, festivals, and local picking circles. Listening to classic and modern players builds your rhythm, phrasing, and understanding in a way no book or video ever could.
The Banjo Renaissance
It’s incredible to reflect on how far things have come. When I first started, I would have given anything for the kind of resources that exist today. Now, anyone—anywhere—can learn clawhammer banjo from some of the best players in the world.
Books, videos, structured courses, one-on-one lessons, festival workshops—the options are endless. My list here barely scratches the surface. These recommendations are simply based on my own experience and involvement in the banjo community. I encourage you to keep exploring and find the teachers and materials that resonate with you.
We truly are in a golden age of clawhammer banjo learning. If you’ve been thinking about picking up the instrument, there’s never been a better time to start!
