INTRODUCTION

In this lesson, we’ll sharpen your timing and technique with 5 focused embellishment drills—each taken from a real clawhammer tune. These short, musical phrases target core fretting-hand skills like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, helping you add expression without losing the groove.

Each drill:

Comes from a traditional tune
Focuses on a specific fretting-hand embellishment
Builds your control, clarity, and creativity

These exercises are designed to help you decorate melodies musically, while staying locked into the rhythm that defines old-time banjo. Let’s dig in and make your playing more dynamic and expressive.

Embellishment Drills

INTRODUCTION

EXERCISE 1

EXERCISE 2

EXERCISE 3

EXERCISE 4

EXERCISE 5