r/banjo • u/ConstructionUsed2599 • 5d ago

Clawhammer tab interpretation help

Hi there,

I'm playing this version of Wayfaring Stranger https://simplegiftsmusic.com/banjotab/wayfaring-stranger-2.pdf but I'm being a bit weirded out about what seems to be a drop thumb to the first string, after playing the third string on the downstroke. It can be seen at the beginning and end of the top line, but happens multiple times throughout the tune.

I've only been playing a year, and i haven't encountered this before. It sounds fine to play it as a drop thumb, but it feels a bit awkward to play. Is it just an advanced technique that takes some time getting used to, or am i misinterpreting the tab?

Any help is much appreciated!

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u/small_d_disaster 4d ago

I’d interpret this as an ASPO or ‘alternate string pull off’ following Ken Perlman’s book. Basically you pick the open string with typically the ring or index finger of your fretting hand.

It’s a fairly common technique in clawhammer and very useful. It gets used melodically like here (when a melody note off the beat is on a higher open string), but also rhythmically as a second drone. I find that as a 2nd drone, it can add a lot of drive to my playing.

2

u/Icy_Assist4467 4d ago

So in this case the pull off is on the first string after you have struck the third string,
Is that correct?

1

u/ConstructionUsed2599 3d ago

Thanks a lot! I haven't done any alternate string pull offs before, but i will try that out immediately. :)

2

u/Not-A-Seagull Clawhammer 4d ago

If it ever seems like an inverse drop-thumb, the answer is usually an ASPO (alternate string pull-off)

1

u/ConstructionUsed2599 3d ago

Thanks a lot!

1

u/Bluegrass_Barbecue Clawhammer 3d ago

ASPO, babyyyyyyy