Learning clawhammer banjo can feel frustrating, especially when mastering the basic frailing strum. Many beginners make the mistake of thinking they’re not improving when, in reality, progress happens in small, consistent steps. In this guide, we’ll break down why the frailing strum feels so difficult at first, how to push through the learning curve, and how to stay motivated despite modern-day distractions.

People need to know this before starting Clawhammer banjo!

A little story on how and why I decided to learn the banjo and my journey from complete beginner to banjo teacher